LIFESTYLE
August 2024

Record high temperatures across the country have all of us looking for relief from the heat. While air conditioning and even a backyard pool are fantastic, sometimes we need to get out and seek adventure - whether on our own, as a couple, or as a family. From ever-popular water parks to off-the-beaten path experiences, here are some very cool places to explore in the four major regions we serve.

California

Central Valley

 

Lucca Winery, Ripon

Head to friendly, unpretentious Lucca Winery to taste award-winning, local varietals crafted by the Lucchesi family from Italy. Explore the beautiful grounds and stay to enjoy their summer concert series. Carole King and James Taylor will be performing on August 17th!

iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Sacramento

Enjoy the experience of skydiving without jumping out of a plane! This wind tunnel simulation features winds up to 175 miles per hour in a vertical wind tunnel, with a guide on hand at all times. Open to ages 3 and up, this is an exhilarating introduction to skydiving for novices.

 

Forestiere Underground Gardens, Fresno

Take a guided tour of the underground rooms, courtyards, and gardens hand-carved and cultivated by Italian immigrant and visionary Baldassare Forestiere. Spanning ten acres and sometimes reaching 25 feet deep, enjoy the cool microclimates of this fascinating, subterranean escape from the summer heat.

Coachella Valley

 

Palm Springs Art Museum

Browse the exhibits in the art museum, take a tour of the Architecture and Design Center, see a performance in the Annenberg Theater, or join their Family+Artist Studio for hand-on creativity. Kids under 18 are always free!

Palm Springs Surf Club

New in 2024, this amazing venue is great not just for surfers, but for anyone who wants to relax! With a lounge pool, winding lazy river, waterslides, live music and great dining options, there is fun for the whole family. Novice and intermediate surfers can take individual or group lessons, or hit the waves for a session!

Indian Wells IW Live

Originally the Western Hills Hotel (founded by Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball), the Indian Wells Resort Hotel features an "Old Hollywood” restaurant and lobby lounge featuring live music and delicious dining in a retro atmosphere reminiscent of the swanky vintage culture of the 1960’s.

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Bring your friends to "Hot Summer Nights" at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, featuring recreational swimming, waterslides, music by the pool, "Dive-In Movies", and an array of food trucks selling drinks and snacks.

 

Los Angeles County

 

Abalone Cove Park

Head to Rancho Palos Verdes for a less-crowded beach with bright blue water, stunning views, cool breezes, and tide pools teeming with sea creatures such as sea urchins, sea stars, crabs, mussels, and corals. Pack a picnic and bring your hiking shoes to explore the trails leading to different coves.

 

California Science Center

Visit a range of cool habitats in the Ecosystems exhibit, then journey into the mind of one of history's greatest thinkers through the special exhibition Leonardo DaVinci: Inventor. Artist. Dreamer. To round out the day, head to the state of the art IMAX theater to catch a screening of Cities of the Future, narrated by actor John Krasinski.

 

Hollywood Chills LA Summer 2024 Summit

Meet fellow creatives at this August 24th summit where over 25 special guests in film, music, and media will join in meaningful conversation and connection through roundtables, Q&A's, networking, and live performances.

 

 

Arizona

Maricopa County

 

Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort

Named one of the best waterparks in the country by the Travel Channel, this massive park features waterslides, a giant wave pool, an inner tubing river, and "Wildcat Springs" for the little ones to splash around in.

Arizona Science Center

With exhibitions designed for all ages, there's something for everyone at the Arizona Science Center. Climb on a replica of OceanXplorer, the world's most advanced research and filmmaking vessel. Enjoy interactive exhibits on flight, solar waves, and even ride the SkyCycle!

OdySEA Aquarium

The Southwest's largest aquarium takes you on a one-of-a-kind voyage through the oceans and rivers of the world, where you'll see thousands of sea creatures, including penguins, sea turtles, exotic fish, and even sharks.

 

Just a bit further out…

Yak & Sup Lake Tours

Just an hour east of Scottsdale, have an unforgettable summer adventure at Canyon Lake. Whether in a kayak or on a paddleboard, take a self-guided tour or have Arizona natives guide you through majestic canyon walls and show you the coolest features around the state's paddling lake.

Arcosanti

This incredible experiment blending architecture, ecology, art, and community is just an hour's drive north of Phoenix. Take a guided tour, hike the trails lined with hand-carved windchimes, enjoy a delicious meal in the cafe, or join one of their farm-to-table workshops. There's so much to do, you can even stay the night and explore again the next day.

 

Whether you spend the day tubing down a lazy river, strolling through an art museum, exploring tide pools with the kids, or joining a hands-on art class, there are so many creative ways to keep cool on these hot summer days. Remember to always stay hydrated on your adventures, and have fun exploring cool new places close to home!


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