Something that every person from Southern California knows is that we're completely spoiled. California is the greatest place to live, and that's mainly because we have the best weather in the world. No one can fight us on this. Sure it does not rain or snow a lot and we're constantly in a drought, but hey you win some and you lose some.

California in the the winter is like everywhere else in the fall or towards the end of it. The temperature is a high of 70 degrees and depending on the day it can get as low as the 50s, and on very rare occasions it can get down to the 40s. The only thing is that during the winter, that is when California is supposed to get its rain.

So if we don't get snow or a lot of rain, what do us native Californians do in the winter for fun? Well, there's lots of things to do that are special to California and there are some normal winter activities we participate in.

Just because we live in California, that does not always mean we haven't seen snow. In fact, we have plenty of snow towns that are a couple of hours away. Lots of people will travel to these towns for a weekend getaway. See, us Southern Californians are smart. Instead of living in the snow, we travel to it. One of the most popular getaways in Southern California is a trip to Big Bear. Big Bear is a cute mountain town with several ski and snowboarding resorts. But for a further trip there are other ski resort towns up in Northern California like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain.

Plus if we really want to stay local but still see snow, plenty of theme parks will re-create that snow feeling. Disneyland will create snow for their holiday firework show and Knotts Berry Farm has holiday music and falling snow on Ghost Town’s Main Street. However, you won't find any snow at Universal Studios but you will see The Grinch and rest of the residents from Whoville.

The same goes with the outdoor seasonal ice rinks. Every major city has their fancy outdoor ice skating rink but what's so cool about California's outdoor ice skating rinks is that you get to skate under the sunshine with some gorgeous almost summer like weather. What could get better than that?

One of the best things to do in the winter in California is to go whale watching. During this time gray whales are migrating from Alaska and are heading south to Mexico. They migrate to Mexico in the early winter and return to Alaska in February and March. Lots of coastal cities offer boat tours for whale watching. They'll take you out so you can watch the whales swim by.

Since we're already on the topic of the ocean, why not take a trip down to beach? Sure it may be a little cool with the ocean breeze and the water will be freezing, but there's nothing like sitting on the beach with a blanket and a comfy sweatshirt. Plus you can always have a bonfire!

As you can see, California has it all. We don't get to miss out on winter, instead we have things that make winter even better. Have you ever seen a palm tree with Christmas lights on it? It's pretty cool. California has everything you want and need. I might be a little biased when I say this but California really is the best state. Now you tell me, what's winter time like where you're from?

Until tomorrow.

When you think of California, what's the first thing that pops into your mind? Beaches? Surfers? Mexican food? Amazing weather year round? All of these things are true, especially down in Southern California. But the city that does it best, well that's good old San Diego.

San Diego is a popular vacation spot in Southern California, and it is easy to see why! There is so much to do and see. Here are some of the best things that San Diego has to offer.

Gaslamp Quarter. An urban area with good restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, what else do you need? This neighborhood is the most lively area in downtown San Diego. Plus all the streets have actual gas lamps and they are pretty dang cute.

San Diego Convention Center. The convention center is the home of the world famous Comic Con! Plus if you're in the Gaslamp Quarter, you're nearby so why not take a peak at this famous convention center:

Balboa Park. This is not your normal park. It is an urban park filled with museums, walking paths, gardens, Spanish architecture, a giant fountain, and so much more. It's a great place to walk around and get some steps in all while enjoying a lovely view. This park offers some serenity in the urban environment.

Seaport Village. If you're interested in cute little quaint shops and restaurants, well then you'll fall in love with Seaport Village. This little village is the perfect place to walk around, and it even has a great view of the harbor!

San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is the best zoo in California, and maybe even the best in the United States. This zoo is one of the first zoos that pioneered the concept of the open air cageless exhibits, which are re-created like the animal's natural habitat. It is also one of the very few zoos that houses a giant panda! Almost every animal you can think of has a home in this zoo. The zoo is a better place to go to compared to Sea World, it has all the same fun and excitement, just without the animal cruelty.
Petco Park. If you're a sports fan, you've got to see the San Diego Padres play at Petco Park. The stadium is nice, and the Padres have become a better baseball team throughout the years. If you're in San Diego during baseball season, why not go out to an old ball game?

Cabrillo Tide Pools. For all the nature and marine life lovers out there, the Cabrillo Tide Pools are a must see. Enjoy exploring the shorelines while searching for marine life. Lots of crabs and other creatures live in the tide pools. What's cooler than seeing marine life in its natural habitat. Plus there's a cute lighthouse here too!

San Diego is one of the nicest cities in Southern California and it's perfect place for a family vacation or even romantic getaway. As Ron Burgundy said in the classic film Anchorman, "You stay classy, San Diego."

Until next time.

During the holidays it's fun to look at all the decorated houses. Sometimes houses are decorated simply and have the bare minimum done. But then there are the houses that put all of us lazy decorators to shame.

So when you're in Southern California, precisely Long Beach, the best houses to see decorated for the holidays are the ones on Naples Island.

Naples Island is a neighborhood in Long Beach that were built on three islands located in Alamitos Bay. The islands are divided by canals that open into the bay and on these islands are million dollar homes. And during the holidays, all these million dollar homes show off their holiday spirit. Some are decorated simply, but most of these houses are decorated to the extreme. You'll even find some playing music to go along with the decorations.

There seemed to be a theme when it came to the decorated houses this year. Every house has some sort of tropical aspect when it came down to decor. Whether it was Santa on the beach tikis with santa hats, or the additional light up palm trees. The holidays on the Naples Island were taken quite literally this season.

And if you noticed at all I've been saying holidays and holiday lights throughout this blog post. Well this is because Naples doesn't just have Christmas lights. There's even a house decked out for Hanukkah! And honestly, this house is decorated the best, but then again, that's just my opinion.

Lots of people come to view these holiday lights, and it's easy to see why. Naples is a nice calm place to walk around and just look at the lights with your family, friends or loved ones. Plus the lights are done extremely well and it seems like it's been done almost professionally.

If you don't feel like walking there are also boat and trolley tours that go throughout the neighborhood. If you want a romantic night with your love, take a gondola ride down the canals. Nothing screams romance like a nice gondola ride.

Seeing the holiday lights on Naples Island is one of my favorite winter traditions. Actually, I just love going to Naples Island throughout the year, it's a nice safe place to walk and relax and pick out which house will be your future home. Talk about house goals, am I right? Who wouldn't want to live in a million dollar home on a canal? Until tomorrow.

When a tourist thinks of Los Angeles, they think of movies and glamour. Anyone who lives about an hour or so away can only think about the traffic and its lack of cleanliness. But somehow this big city seems to attract lots of people each year. Despite my personal dislike for Los Angeles, I can admit there are some pretty cool things to see and do here.

Gaze at the stars at the Griffith Observatory. Although, most people come for an incredible view of Los Angeles, as well as the best view of the Hollywood sign. But what you may not know, is that inside the observatory there is a museum full of space exhibits, this also includes the pendulum as well as the telescope. The museum (and parking) is free however, you do have to pay for a planetarium show.

As much as I hate to say it, how can you say you've been to Los Angeles and never once seen Hollywood. Hollywood is the Times Square of Los Angeles, bright lights and filled with a bunch of tourists who don't know how to walk. Of course this will be the most annoying place to go to, but sometimes these things need to be done. The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the handprints/footprints at the Chinese Theatre are a must see for tourists. And across the street you'll have the historic El Capitan theatre. On this part of Hollywood Blvd, is theatre and premiere central. Who knows maybe when you're there you'll stumble upon a real Hollywood premiere.

If you want to appreciate art and culture in Los Angeles, then try The Getty Center. The museum itself is free but there is a parking fee. But from the parking lot, you do get to enjoy a fun little tram ride up to the museum! Paintings, gardens, amazing architecture and a spectacular view, The Getty has something to offer everyone.

Also if you're a really big museum lover there is Museum Row. Here you'll find other popular museums such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or as everyone else calls it LACMA, La Brea Tarpits and Museum, Hancock Park, and several other museums!

And what's a trip to LA without a visit to the most famous zip code? That's right, 90210, Beverly Hills. Take a look at the most fake city in the entire world, I say this because it's where all the plastic surgeons are. And why not take a stroll down Rodeo Drive and look at all the things you probably can't afford.

If you want more affordable shopping, check out The Grove, a cute outdoor mall. And right across from the mall, you'll find the Original Farmers Market.

However there are some tourist destinations in Los Angeles that I completely don't understand. Venice Beach, for one, it's dirty and disgusting. Shady people everywhere and a dirty beach. No thank you. If you must go to the beach head down south towards Manhattan Beach or even Orange County, there you'll find cleaner beaches where it is safe to swim and walk along.

The Santa Monica Pier is another one where I don't understand the hype. It's a very crowded amusement park on a pier, big deal. It's not very clean or well taken care of either. The pier is nice to look at from a distance, but I don't recommend going there. Unless you want to be disappointed in an overhyped landmark.

Also don't bother taking a tour of celebrity homes or buying a map of the star's homes. All you're going to see when you pull up to the house is a very large wall and gate.

Los Angeles, it's a big city filled with a bunch of things to do and see. Sometimes it can be a pain to get around. You'll need a car, and to be careful and have tons of patience because driving in LA is the worst. But the delicious Mexican food will make up for it. Until next time.