San Diego
• Attack of the Zombies (and other creatures), in the form of Comic-Con International, returns for its 45th. year, July 24-27. It has become the #1 comic book and pop culture event in the USA. Sci-fi characters and monsters roam the streets of the city while movie stars, directors and producers show up to what has become an out-of-this-galaxy extravaganza. Go warp-speed to www.sandiego.org for information.
• Balboa Park’s San Diego Natural History Museum, www.sdnat.org, founded in 1874 is the second oldest scientific institution in California and the third oldest west of the Mississippi. Currently, award-winning photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen’s exhibit features photos from the jungles of India, the Serengeti plains and icebergs of Antarctica.
• There’s nothing better than a scenic cruise around San Diego Bay. Hornblower does it right with cocktail, brunch and dinner cruises. Dining, dancing and sightseeing on a luxury yacht while gliding by the Coronado Bay Bridge, Star of India, North Island Naval Station and the USS Midway makes for a great summer outing. Logon to www.hornblower.com for details.

Orange County
Disneyland Fun Facts
• Opening date: July 17, 1955
• Largest employer in Orange County with 26,000 “cast members” who speak over 30 languages
• Two firsts: the Matterhorn bobsled and the monorail led the way in technology for park rides
• 800+ species of plants from 40 different countries grow there
• Largest cumulative attendance than any other theme park in the world
• Go to www.disneyland.com for summer hours, prices, etc.

Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm sits on the site of a former farm where the Knott family sold berries, preserves, and pies from a roadside stand. Later, a tea room was added and fried chicken was the big draw. Today, five themed areas feature dozens of rides, shows and attractions, including the Timber Mountain Log Ride, the Old West Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy. For the brave, the Xcelerator launches riders 82 miles per hour in less than three seconds. For more, go to www.knotts.com.

Safe travels, don’t forget your sunscreen, hydrate and enjoy the journey…

Thanks to the various websites for information, photos, etc. Don’t forget to look for discounts.

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