Travel, Food, Technology and More!

My parents just arrived into LAX and we were looking for something small  to do before heading back to Long Beach.   We’ve always wanted to go to Griffith Park, however never got around to it. 

After arriving, we found that there wasn’t anything small about it.  In fact, I wish we had dedicated more time to it.  

Parking was a bit rough.  Since the Observatory is on the top of a mountain, there is only a limited number of spaces.  Luckily someone left and we grabbed their spot.

We still had enough time to catch the “Centered in the Universe” program ($7).  Their star projector is the most advanced in the world.  There was a bright blue sky outside, but inside the dome you were instantly transported to a dark evening.   The stars were so lifelike!  The show goes through the concepts of how the Universe was created; from past to the presently accepted theory.  

Take time to explore the grounds of the Observatory.  They offer the best view of the Hollywood sign and Downtown LA I’ve seen.   Inside, there are many free exhibits from items ranging from Tesla’s coil to the inner workings of a telescope.  

It wasn’t until after we left and read the brochure that we realized we missed a free show outlining the past, present and future of the Observatory in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater.   Next time we’ll be sure to allow more time to have lunch at the cafe and take in another show.     

Official Website:
http://www.griffithobs.org/

Contact Info:
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800

Observatory:
34° 7′6.73″N
118°18′1.31″W

Tonight my friends and I didn’t feel much like cooking, so we though we’d try this new place at the Pike called Kavikas.  It’s located right above the V2O dance club in Rainbow Harbor.   Self dubbed as “Fresh Fusion & California Cuisine”, I’d say it had a distinct Asian/Hawaiian flare.

They really did a great job on the design of the place – modern and very solid.   Inside there is a huge two-way fireplace separating the dining area from the bar.  This would be a great place to stop by for happy hour as there are multiple large monitors and plenty of bar seating. 

We started with the Nachos.  AMAZING.  They almost resembled the wrapping egg rolls come in.   For dinner it was a tough decision, but I ended up with the Wood Fired Grilled Prawns per our waiter’s recommendation.  The sauce was excellent and was just the right level of spicy.   We’d heard the fries were great, so I decided to get those as the side for everyone to share.  No complaints! 

Overall, my friends and I were very happy with the food and will definitely be back.   

Official Website:
http://www.kavikas.com/

Contact Info:
95 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 432-8700

Restaurant:
33°45′48.25″N
118°11′43.37″W

After a long morning of sightseeing, I needed to grab a quick bite for lunch.  This was the first time I’ve been to Old Tony’s for lunch, however dinner had been excellent in the past.  Located on the Redondo Beach Pier, Old Tony’s is a great spot for those in search of a scenic dining location.  Enjoy hearing the soothing waves break while enjoying your lunch/dinner.     

The decor is circa 1970’s, but the food is A+.  Don’t think I would change the decor – it is nostalgic and just wouldn’t be the same.   If you’re waiting for a table, take a look at the autographed celebrity photos from past distinguished visitors.  Also, the bar upstairs has breathtaking panoramic views.   This is a great place to watch the sunset.  

For lunch I decided to try their charbroiled halibut.  It was a good choice; however I would recommend getting it blackened.  Even though it was 90 degrees out, I still had my favorite salmon chowder.   For dinner, don’t pass up the twin lobster tails.  Don’t know how they prepare them, but they are by far tastiest lobster tails I’ve had.  Make sure to get the smaller tails, and not the one big tail. 

Service is excellent.  Not once did I feel like I was waiting for the waitress in all of the times I’ve been there – even on busy nights.  I would bet that it has always been that way since they opened in 1952. 

Official Website:
http://www.oldtonys.com/

Contact Info:
210 Fisherman’s Wharf
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 374-1442

Restaurant:
33°50′21.15″N
118°23′29.76″W

Nestled atop a seaside cliff, lies Point Fermin Park.  Along the cliff are several picnic tables with incredible views of the ocean/coastline/cliffside.  The park has plenty of shade trees, a playground, and a stage for local performances.

On the grounds is also a lighthouse dating back to 1874.   It was originally built from California redwoods.  In 1941 the light was extinguished for 30 years after the battle of Pearl Harbor in fears it may be used as a beacon for enemy planes/ships.

The lighthouse is open to the public by guided tour Tuesday thru Sunday from 1:00PM – 4:00PM (Closed Mondays and Holidays).

Official Website:
http://www.pointferminlighthouse.org/

Contact Info:
807 W. Paseo Del Mar
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 241-0684

Park Entrance:
33°42′24.57″N
118°17′36.63″W

Lighthouse:
33°42′19.47″N
118°17′37.20″W

I had off on Friday 9/4 and thought I would do some local sightseeing in preparation for my parents visit.  We’ve seen most of the major attractions in the LA area, so trying to find something new was a challenge.

Close by to where I live is a fairly new lighthouse named Lion’s Lighthouse for Sight (built in December of 2000).  It was partially funded by the local Lion’s club.  It is a symbol of their fundraising efforts for the visually impaired.  The harbor office is also located in the base of the structure.

The lighthouse is in an ideal location.  You can enjoy great views of downtown Long Beach, the Queen Mary, and Shoreline Village.   The bike/running path runs along the perimeter of the park.  Close by you can visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the recently completed Pike complex.  

Finding the park is a bit difficult, so I suggest punching in the coordinates to Google Earth to find the nearby parking lot (minimum $2 for 90 minutes).  Since the park is a bit hard to find, it is very peaceful and not as crowded as Shoreline Village.   

Lighthouse:
33°45′36.76″N
118°11′38.65″W