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TOURS OF LOS ANGELES AND VICINITY

You may want to visit a few nearby key tourist sites in Southern California.  Although there are hundreds of places to visit in our unique state, the following list has proven to be one of the most popular among collegiate everywhere.  Most of the recommended day trips on this listing are called staycations since they take only one vacation day to enjoy within the greater neighborhood of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Ventura Counties.  Only one amusement park, Knott's Berry Park, in the City of Buena Park, is listed since it is the closest to our campus (20 minutes) and America's oldest theme parks and because it has a free shopping area with one of the best chicken restaurants in town.  Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios are great places to go if you have around $120 a day to spend on yourself. 

Adobes, gardens and museums, however, cost very little.  They are just as important to visit as an amusement parks.  The average entrance fee for adobes, gardens and museums is only $15 (very cheap compared to other any other type of entertainment).  Even less if you bring your student body card for a discount. 

Keep these travel suggestions in mind:

1.  Always travel with friends!  

2. When possible take the Metro light rail lines: blue, Green, Gold and red.  Light rail only cost $6 per person one way with exchanges.  Do not travel on your own especially on the light rail transportation system. 

3. Purchase a few maps.  Buy a Thomas Brothers Map Book of Los Angeles and Orange County. 

4. Never carry large amounts of money with you. 

5. Buy a copy of the Sunday Los Angeles Times Newspaper.  Read the Calendar section and Travel section for special events and special hotel prices. 

6. Use the many links and maps provided through this web listing (click and read them).  The telephone numbers and web sights listed below give you the opportunity to make advanced reservations, to check on weather conditions or to find out about special events.  Many of these sights are closed on Mondays. 

7. The places listed are world famous.  You will want to take pictures for your photo book.

8. If you have a little money and want to be chauffeured in a big air conditioned bus try traveling with a professional guided tour company like: Good Times Travel (unique one day trips plus vacations) or Trieloff Tours (year around fabulous escorted sightseeing vacations).  You can travel for a day trip or week on your own or with friends with these two great travel agencies.  Click on their web sites to check out their busy year around calendar (a good way to plan a trip during winter, spring or summer vacations).

9. Camp sites cost up to $30 per person per day (not counting gifts, transportation, meals and entertainment).  Camp only in designated camp sites or you could pay a fine up to $500.  For information on camping check out the following web sights: Camp Grounds U.S.A. or Reserve USA.  If you are interested in camping in British Columbia (BC), Canada look at http://www.bc-camping.com

10. Call the nearest Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Office; ask for current weather conditions (day time and evening hours), available camp sites and other information before you leave for your trip.  Weather in California can vary dynamically year around from 20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 to 48 Celsius) between the beach, mountains and deserts. 

11. Try to avoid driving during Southern California weekday business traffic from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Los Angeles ranks the worst traffic in the nation (20 year record with no hope in sight).  Leave for your vacation before or after business traffic or you will add hours to your drive and have a bummer of a beginning.

12. When traveling always bring your books and read your assignments.  Take your pod and record what you see with your own description of the trip.

The following trip listing is broken down by distance from C.S.U. Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) campus located in the exotic City of Carson to the destination by one day, three day and four day trips.  These time variances are made to help you return to your scheduled class sessions (stay longer if you like).  Day-tripping on the weekend is fun, entertaining, informative, refreshing and inexpensive.  Bon voyage and have a safe and sane adventure!

ONE DAY TRIPS - UNDER TWO (2) HOURS DRIVE FROM CAMPUS LINKED TO WEB SITES


II. TWO TO THREE DAY TRIPS UP TO THREE (3) HOURS DRIVE FROM CA
THREE DAY TRIP - MORE THAN FOUR (4) HOURS FROM CAMPUS LINKED TO WEB SITES


FOUR TO FIVE DAY TRIP: MORE THAN FIVE HOURS (5) DRIVE FROM CAMPUS LINKED TO WEB SITES

 
 
HACIENDAS

CALENDAR OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - CSUDH CAMPUS CLOSED NO CLASSES

 
 
NAME NUMBER OF DAYS
1. LABOR DAY - September 4 DAYS
2. VETERAN'S DAY - November 4 Days
3. THANKSGIVING - November 4 DAYS
4. CHRISTMAS & WINTER SESSION - December & January 44 DAYS
5. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR - January 4 DAYS
6. PRESIDENT'S HOLIDAY - February 4 DAYS
7. CESAR E. CHAVEZ - March 4 DAYS
8. SPRING RECESS - March - April 9 DAYS
9. SUMMER RECESS SESSIONS - June - July -August 100  DAYS

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE FOR IMPORTANT EVENTS AND DATES.




CALENDAR OF ETHNIC CELEBRATIONS IN LOS ANGELES & VICINITY WITH WEB LINK SITES

RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS THAT ARE ON THE LUNAR CALENDAR WILL CHANGE DATE EVERY YEAR CHECK WEBSITE FOR CORRECT DATE

AUGUST
1. ANNUAL BASQUE FESTIVAL (SPAIN) - EUSKOSARE
LOCATION: CHINO FAIRGROUNDS
SPONSOR: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ESKUALDIN CLUB
DATE: LAST SATURDAY IN AUGUST
FEATURING: FOLK DANCERS, GREAT FOOD (STEAK) , BUGLE CORPS, GAMES & DANCING
2. HUNGARIAN FESTIVAL
LOCATION: 833 WEST TORRANCE BLVD, TORRANCE (310) 463-3475
SPONSOR: ALPINE VILLAGE IN TORRANCE
FEATURING: FOLK MUSIC & DANCERS, ACROBATS, FOOD, GAMES & BAZAAR
3. AFRICAN MARKET PLACE
LOCATION: 701 STATE DRIVE, L.A. 90037 (Exposition Park next to USC & adjacent to the 110 Freeway)
FEATURING: CRAFTS, MUSIC, VILLAGE FOR CHILDREN, FOOD & TRAVEL INFORMATION
4. GRECIAN FESTIVAL BY THE SEA
LOCATION: 5761 EAST COLORADO STREET, LONG BEACH 90814 (561) 494-8929
FEATURING: GREEK DANCERS, FOOD, DRINKS & MUSIC

SEPTEMBER   
5. BELLFLOWER CLASSIC CAR SHOW (USA)
LOCATION:    CITY OF BELLFLOWER (15 MINUTES EAST OF CAMPUS OFF THE 91 FWY)
DATE:               SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 18th  - 4 to 8PM
FEATURING:   250 CARS OF ALL KINDS WITH MUSIC AND FOOD - EAT AT JOHNNY REB'S
6. HO'OLAUKA HAWAIIAN DANCE FESTIVAL
FEATURING: FOOD, BOUTIQUES, CULTURAL CRAFTS & CLOTHES
SPONSOR: HAWAIIAN INTER-CLUB COUNCIL OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
7. PHILIPPINE ARTS AND CULTURE FESTIVAL
LOCATION: POINT FERMIN PARK, SAN PEDRO
FEATURING: MUSIC & DANCE; LITERARY READINGS; CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES; ARTS AND CRAFTS; BOOK EXHIBITS & FOODS & REFRESHMENTS
8. GREEK FESTIVAL
LOCATION:    ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH GROUNDS, 778 SOUTH ROSEMEAD BLVD, PASADENA (NEAR 210 FWY)
DATE:              THIRD WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBER NOON TO 10 PM
FEATURING: CRAFTS, MUSIC & FOOD & FOLK DANCING
9. LOS ANGELES COUNTY POMONA FAIR (USA)
LOCATION: 1101 WEST McKINLEY AVE, POMONA
FEATURING: ANIMALS, FOOD, CRAFTS, CARNIVAL, DISPLAYS & MUSIC

OCTOBER                                                                                                                                                                                                      
10. OCTOBER  FEST GERMAN
LOCATION: ALPINE VILLAGE 833 WEST TORRANCE BLVD., TORRANCE 90502 (310) 327-4384 (OFF 110 FWY)
FEATURING: GREAT GERMAN FOODS, MUSIC, CRAFTS, BEER & DANCING
11. LITHUANIAN FAIR  (818) 701-7977
LOCATION:   ST. CESIMIR'S CHURCH GROUNDS, 2718 ST. GEORGE STREET, L.A. (NEAR GRIFFITH PARK)
DATE:             FIRST WEEK IN OCTOBER 11 AM TO 5 PM
FEATURING: FOOD, MUSIC & ART
12. ROSH HASHANAH (JEWISH NEW YEAR) - LUNAR CALENDAR
LOCATION: JEWISH SYNAGOGUES IN L.A.
FEATURING: 10 SOLEMN DAYS OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AND INTROSPECTION
13. FALL SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL  
LOCATION:    FASHION INSTITUTE OF LOS ANGELES  
SPONSOR:      AMERICAN SCANDINAVIAN FOUNDATION OF L.A.  
FEATURING: CRAFTS, FOODS, MUSIC & DANCES  
   

14. HALLOWEEN OCTOBER (USA)
LOCATION: KNOTT'S SCARY FARM & QUEEN MARY
DATE: LAST DAY IN OCTOBER 31st
FEATURING:: COSTUMES, GAMES, REFRESHMENTS AND DANCING

NOVEMBER                                          

15. KIRKIN OF THE SCOTTISH TARTANS
LOCATION: ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ATLANTIC AVE AT SEVENTH STREET, LONG BEACH
DATE: LAST TWO SUNDAYS IN NOVEMBER
FEATURING: BLESSING OF THE SCOTTISH CLANS, PIPERS AND DANCERS

16. THANKSGIVING DAY (USA) - CAMPUS CLOSED
DATE: NOVEMBER 25th - AMERICA'S OLDEST NATIONAL HOLIDAY
FEATURING: CONSUME GREAT QUANTITIES OF TURKEY & PUMPKIN PIES
 
17. DEEPAVALI HINDU FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS (INDIA) - LUNAR CALENDAR
LOCATION:    RAMKABIR HINDU TEMPLE IN CARSON
FEATURING: CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE WITH GOOD TRIUMPHANT OVER EVIL

DECEMBER
18. TRADITIONAL MEXICAN CHRISTMAS PARTY "POSADA"
LOCATION: OLVERA STREET & RANCHO DOMINGUEZ & ANDRES ADOBE
SPONSOR: MEXICAN-AMERICAN STORE OWNERS - SPANISH & MEXICAN ADOBES
DATE FIRST THREE WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER
FEATURING: TOURS, DANCERS, MUSIC, FOOD AND PROCESSION
19. HANUKKAH FEAST OF DEDICATION (JEWISH) LUNAR CALENDAR
LOCATION: JEWISH SYNAGOGUES
FEATURING: TRADITIONAL MUSIC, FOODS AND GIFT GIVING

JANUARY
20. NEW YEAR'S ROSE PARADE IN PASADENA - CAMPUS CLOSED
LOCATION: COLORADO BLVD, PASADENA
DATE: JANUARY 1st
FEATURING: SPECTACULAR FLOATS COVERED BY FLOWERS, BANDS, HORSES, CULTURAL COSTUMES & HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES
21. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY (USA) - CAMPUS CLOSED
LOCATION: CHURCHES & SCHOOLS
DATE: 3rd MONDAY OF THE MONTH
FEATURING: SPEAKERS AND MUSIC

FEBRUARY
22. VALENTINE'S DAY (USA)
FEATURING: DINNER, DANCING & GIVING OF CHOCOLATES & FLOWERS TO YOUR SWEETHEART
DATE: FEBRUARY 14th
23. VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION (TET) - LUNAR CALENDAR
LOCATION: GARDEN GROVE PARK, WESTMINSTER BLVD (714) 898-3311
FEATURING: GALA PARADE, ALL MANNER OF THRILLING ENTERTAINMENT

24. CHINESE NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION - LUNAR CALENDAR
LOCATION: CHINATOWN IN LOS ANGELES
SPONSOR: CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (213) 617-0396
FEATURING: FIREWORKS, PAGEANTS, FOODS, LION AND DRAGON PARADE ON-CAMPUS
 
25. KOREAN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
LOCATION: SAN PEDRO KOREAN BELL
SPONSOR: KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER OF LOS ANGELES
FEATURING: RINGING OF THE BIG BELL & PROGRAM

MARCH 

26. HOLI DAY (INDIA)  
LOCATION:  LITTLE INDIA IN CERRITOS
DATE:  FIRST NEW MOON IN MARCH
FEATURING:  SPECIAL FOODS, DANCING, THROWING OF COLORFUL DYES & WATER BALLOONS
27. MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SWALLOW'S DAY CELEBRATION (USA)
LOCATION: BEAUTIFUL MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO (714) 248-2049
DATE: MIDDLE OF MARCH
FEATURING: BIGGEST SWALLOW IN THE WORLD, GREAT MEXICAN FOOD, LIVING HISTORY CHARACTERS, TV CELEBRATES, PETTING ZOO, MARIACHIS, FOLKORICO DANCERS, MUSEUMS, SPANISH DANCERS, AZTEC DANCERS, NATIVE AMERICAN DANCERS & CRAFTS
28. CESAR E. CHAVEZ DAY (CALIFORNIA) - CAMPUS CLOSED
LOCATION: UCLA & OLVERA STREET  
DATE: LAST WEEKEND IN MARCH
FEATURING: SPEAKERS, MARIACHIS, FOLKORICO DANCERS, AZTEC DANCERS, & MEXICAN FOODS
APRIL
29. PASSOVER (JEWISH FEAST OF REDEMPTION) - LUNAR CALENDAR
LOCATION: JEWISH SYNAGOGUES IN L.A.
FEATURING: SADER DINNER
SPONSOR: CSUDH HILLEL
30. THAILAND NEW YEAR SONG KRAN
LOCATION: BUDDHIST TEMPLES
FEATURING: FEASTING
31. UKRAINIAN PYSANKA FESTIVAL
LOCATION: UKRAINIAN ART CANTER , 4315 MELROSE AVE, (NEXT TO LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY COLLEGE), TEL. (213) 668-0172 
FEATURING: POLE PAINTING, PETRYKIVA EGGS, TRADITIONAL FOODS & ENTERTAINMENT
32. SCOTTISH TARTAN DAY
LOCATION: "TAM-O-SHANTER" SCOTTISH RESTAURANT (INN) 
DATE: APRIL 6th
FEATURING: THE WEARING OF THE KILT & EATING HAGGIS & DRINKING BELHAVEN BEER

33. EASTER WEEK
LOCATION: CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL 12141 LEWIS ST., GARDEN GROVE, (714) 544-5679
FEATURING: "THE GLORY OF EASTER" & PAGEANT CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE
34. SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL
LOCATION:  CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
FEATURING:  SPECIAL ARTS & CRAFTS, MUSIC & DANCERS
35. MELODY RANCH COWBOY FESTIVAL  
LOCATION:  MELODY RANCH IN NEWHALL
DATE:  LAST WEEKEND IN APRIL - 5 DAY EVENT
FEATURING:   western music, cowboy poetry, chuck wagon dinners, tours and storytelling

MAY
36. CINCO DE MAYO (MÉXICO)
LOCATION: OLVERA STREET & ON-CAMPUS
DATE: MAY 5th  
FEATURING: AZTEC AND FOLKLORICO DANCERS, FOOD AND SPEAKERS
37. VESAK (WESAK OR VISAKHA) FESTIVAL CELEBRATES LIFE OF BUDDHA
LOCATION: WAT THAI TEMPLE , NORTH HOLLYWOOD
SPONSOR: BUDDHA SANGHA COUNCIL OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
FEATURING: RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

38. SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER FAIR & GATHERING OF THE CLANS
LOCATION: ORANGE COUNTY FAIR & EVENTS CENTER - MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
SPONSOR: UNITED SCOTTISH SOCIETIES
DATE: LAST WEEKEND IN MAY
FEATURING: MUSIC, DANCING, ATHLETIC EVENTS, DOG SHOW & FOOD
39. ALOHA EXPO POLYNESIAN CELEBRATION
LOCATION: HERITAGE SQUARE IN SANTA FE SPRINGS 12100 MORA DRIVE 90670 (714) 675-0989
SPONSOR: ALOHA EXPO
FEATURING: DANCING, FOOD, ARTS AND CRAFTS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
40. HOLLAND FESTIVAL (NETHERLANDS & INDONESIAN)
LOCATION: GEMMRIG PARK 7390 E. CARSON IN LONG BEACH OFF OF CARSON ST. (Near the 605 FWY)
SPONSOR: DUTCH FESTIVAL OF LONG BEACH, MEMORIAL WEEKEND (310) 865-8681
FEATURING: INDONESIAN & HOLLAND FOODS, ARTS & CRAFTS, MUSIC AND DANCING
41. CSUDH COMMENCEMENT (THIRD WEEK IN MAY) - LAST WEEK OF SPRING SEMESTER & FINALS
LOCATION: ON-CAMPUS GALAXY SOCCER STADIUM
SPONSOR: CSUDH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
DATES: GRADUATES - THURSDAY EVENING, UNDERGRADUATES - FRIDAY MID DAY
FEATURING: GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR STUDENT

JUNE

JULY
42. 4TH OF JULY (USA)  - CAMPUS CLOSED
LOCATION: ON-CAMPUS GALAXY STADIUM
SPONSOR: CARSON CITY HALL
FEATURING: CIRCUS AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY
43. OBON FESTIVAL OF THE DRUM JAPANESE DAY OF THE DEAD - LUNAR CALENDAR
LOCATION:      1517 WEST 166TH ST. GARDENA BUDDHIST TEMPLE
SPONSOR:        BUDDHIST TEMPLE
DATE:                LAST WEEKEND IN JULY
FEATURING:   DANCING, DRUMS, FOODS & MUSIC

SEARCH ENGINES TO LOCATE ON-LINE CULTURAL EVENTS IN L.A.

http://www.allspecialevents.com/california.html

http://www.laokay.com/EventsFestivals.htm

http://www.at-la.com/@la-fest.htm

http://www.laalmanac.com/calendar/ca12.htm



GREAT INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS AROUND THE CAMPUS

TIDBIT
Unique to all cultures is the distinctive foods of each individual country.  Since the inhabitants of Los Angeles come from all over the world international students can purchase a wide range of groceries at specialized markets that offer their own indigenous foods.  For a real treat shop at the following nearby markets:
 
African
Dokins African Market
14056 Crenshaw Blvd.
Gardena 
(310) 532-6160
Dokinsafrik@aol.com
Arabic 
Shayan Halal Market
3801 Pacific Coast Hwy
Torrance 

(310) 373-5500
Chinese
99 Ranch Market
1340 West Artesia Blvd
Gardena

(310) 323-3399
 
German
Alpine Village Market
833 West Torrance Blvd
Torrance
(310) 327-2483

Holland 
                                Holland America Market                                   10343 East Artesia Blvd
Bellflower

Hais2000@aol.com
(562) 925-6914 FAX: (562) 925-4507

Indian
Al Watan Market 

13649 Inglewood Ave
(310) 978-1927

Indonesian & Malaysian
Shun Fat Supermarket 
421 North Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park

(626) 308-9880 FAX: (626) 308-9072
Italian
Giuliani's Delicatessen & Bakery
1138 West Gardena Blvd
Gardena

(310) 323-6990 FAX: (310) 323-5068
Japanese
Marukai
1740 West Artesia Blvd
Gardena 

(310) 660-6300 FAX (310) 660-6321
Korean
Plaza Market
928 South Western Ave
Los Angeles

(213) 385-1100
South American
Continental Gourmet
12921 South Prairie Ave
Hawthorne

(310) 676-5444
Spanish
La Espanola Deli & Meats
25020 Doble St
Harbor City

(310) 539-0455

 

Toro picture
CSUDH MASCOT IS THE BULL, ALSO KNOWN AS A TORO. 

2009

 


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