If you are like me, you are watching your travel budget carefully, asking where you can go that’s interesting but affordable. Here’s an idea, how about a SoCal vacation? There you will find theme parks, beaches, great weather and a lot more.
The beautiful state of Hawaii should also be on the list, if you find a good deal on airfare. It’s hard to beat the beautiful warm ocean water, but it does not offer as much overall variety as Southern California. You might want to read this article by the SoCal Vacation Guru, where California vacations and Hawaiian vacations are compared. In Southern California you don’t need to worry as much about underwater rocks; also, the humidity is generally lower and the sunshine less intimidating. You’ll find the ocean water to be warmer in the Aloha State, but the cooler California water might actually seem more inviting on a hot summer day.
Hawaii does have an advantage with such beautiful natural countryside and vegetation, enhanced by the local Polynesian culture. However, the California coastline, mountains and desert are quite beautiful as well, and the place is a melting pot of cultural diversity.
The beach is not the only attraction in Southern California. There are a half-dozen major theme parks to be visited. Don’t forget about the seven world-class theme parks waiting for your visit. For lovers of roller coasters, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain are definitely places to visit if possible. Both offer many coasters and other fun rides. You won’t find as many true thrill rides at Disneyland as at the other parks, although Space Mountain and the Matterhorn Bobsleds certainly qualify.
There aren’t many roller coasters to be found in Hawaii, unless you consider wintertime surfing to qualify in that category. It may be that California offers more ways to trim the budget, but sometimes there are great Hawaii vacation packages to be found on the internet or in the newspaper Travel section.