HBCOA 714.374.1524 • SENIOR CENTER IN CENTRAL PARK 714.536.5600 • HOAG HEALTH & WELLNESS PAVILION 714.374.1578 • TRANSPORTATION 714.374.1742
Travel, Trips, and Tours
HBCOA Travel Coordinator
Ellen HopeKearns, PhD
e.hopekearns@hbcoa.org
Special 2024 Travel, Trips, and Tours
The HBCOA offers exciting and enriching day trips to local So-Cal destinations and points of interest. The health, well-being, and enjoyment of the travel guests are our number one concern.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All tours are developed and operated by Good Times Travel (California Seller of Travel #2018390-40), a local, licensed and reputable tour operator that has been in business for 30 years
- Onboard the newer, deluxe, fully-equipped motorcoaches is a Senior Center representative, professional driver and bottled water
- Price includes transportation, sightseeing, admission and meals as indicated
To Book a Trip
The Travel and Resource Room at the Senior Center is open for in-person booking appointments. Call the Travel and Resource Room at (714) 374-1572 to ensure that the room is open and operating before coming in to book, and to check the availability of the trips.
Trip registration is available Monday- Friday in the Travel and Resource Room at the Senior Center in Central Park. Unless otherwise noted trips depart from the Huntington Beach Central Library Theater parking lot on Goldenwest and Talbert next to the Central Library.
Art Masters & Mariachis
L.A. Art Tour & The Broad with L.A. Guide Curt
With Included Dinner & Mariachis at Casa Sanchez
Friday, April 26, 2024
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the vibrant art and culture of Los Angeles accompanied by professional L.A. guide Curt. We’ll begin with a captivating exploration of the city's dynamic art scene, exploring multiple neighborhoods including the Civic Center, the Figueroa Corridor and the burgeoning Arts District. Formerly barren industrial areas have been transformed into thriving hubs of creativity, teeming with art studios, lofts, galleries and striking street art. Each installation features a unique history and provides deep insights into downtown L.A.'s ever-evolving artistic landscape. Get your best shot with the latest public art including breathtaking statues, sculptures and murals that pay tribute to iconic L.A. sports legends like Kobe Bryant, Mookie Betts, Wayne Gretzky and others. Enjoy time at leisure exploring The Broad, the $140 million contemporary art museum financed by billionaire philanthropists and art collectors Eli and Edythe Broad. This repository for some of the most expensive artwork on the planet – most of it from the Broads’ personal collection of over 2,000 pieces – is one of the most prominent holdings of contemporary art worldwide and includes pieces by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. With only 250 pieces on display at any one time, each visit here presents new opportunities to question, debate and appreciate. This evening we’ll arrive at Casa Sanchez, the upscale Mexican restaurant featuring unique family recipes that have been passed down through generations. After an included three-course dinner with choice of entrée, we’ll experience a live mariachi performance. Sit back and enjoy the soul-stirring melodies of a mariachi band featuring violinists adorned in silver-spangled trajes de charro (horsemen's uniforms) of black, white, orange, and green, a guitarist and a trumpeter – each contributing to create a mesmerizing musical symphony.
Member Price: $179; Non-Member Price: $189 • Depart: 1:00 p.m. • Return: 9:00 p.m.
A Whale-y Fun Day!
Whale Watching Cruise & Included Lunch at 22nd St. Landing Seafood Grill & Bar
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Celebrate this day with a memorable lunch and an exciting whale watching adventure. We’ll travel the short distance to San Pedro and the 22nd St. Landing Seafood Grill & Bar, an award-winning waterfront restaurant that offers spectacular views of the Cabrillo Marina. Our included, three-course lunch features a house salad, choice of entrée (salmon, chicken parmesan or pasta primavera) and dessert. We’ll continue to Long Beach Harbor this afternoon and board a custom-built, state-of-the-art, high-speed catamaran for a 2-3 hour whale watching cruise in the stunning, world-class stretch of water off the southern California coast. Your highly trained and knowledgeable captain will provide informative narration on the geologic landmarks and the wildlife we may encounter as we set out in search of majestic fin whales, massive blue whales, humpback whales and gray whales as the make their way along an epic 6,000-mile migration between their warm breeding and calving lagoons in Baja Mexico and their feeding grounds in the Arctic! This is one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet, and of the few migrations that we can see up-close. We’ll also be in search of pods of dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals and a variety of sea birds. The comfortable double-deck vessel which carries up to 250 guests features spacious open-air viewing decks, indoor and outdoor seating, snack bar and multiple restrooms. While this is the ideal time to spot whales, dolphins and other wildlife along the California coast, wildlife is unpredictable and sightings are never certain, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed! Suggested: flat, skid-resistant, closed toe and closed heel shoes with rubber soles, along with multiple clothing layers, as it is always cooler on the water than on land.
Member Price: $154; Non-Member Price: $164 • Depart: 11:30 a.m • Return: 6:30 p.m.
Nethercutt & North Woods
Nethercutt Collection & Museum
With Included Lunch at North Woods Inn
Saturday, May 25, 2024
This day full of nostalgic treasures begins with an included, three-course early lunch with choice of entrée at the nostalgic North Woods Inn. While known for their plentiful meals, yummy cheese bread, and “snow” on the roof, what sets North Woods apart is the uniqueness of its décor – warm and woodsy with stained glass, oil paintings and period lamps. This afternoon we continue to the Nethercutt Collection, showcasing rare collectibles and lavish luxuries ranging from mechanical musical instruments and antique furniture to the true heart of the collection: over 250 American and European automobiles dating from 1898 to 1997. This world-renowned “treasure house of beauty” is a result of J.B. Nethercutt’s lifetime of collecting and the means to do so as the owner of Merle Norman cosmetics. A docent-guided tour of the Nethercutt Collection will showcase treasures spanning four floors including an outstanding assortment of beautifully restored antique, classic automobiles – displayed in an opulent re-creation of an automotive grand salon of the 1920's and 1930's. The Music Room displays a world-class collection of automated mechanical instruments – ranging from tiny musical pocket watches to the mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. And perhaps the most amazing part: from the cars to the instruments, they all work! Enjoy time at leisure browsing the Nethercutt Museum featuring the world’s greatest antique, vintage, classic and special interest automobiles including many top winners of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Just imagine row after row of beautifully restored classic cars dating back to the earliest days of automotive greatness. Outside the museum is a steam locomotive and an historic, 1912 Pullman private train car – resplendent in its Royal maroon, gold leaf, gloss black and brushed stainless steel livery, it is a testament to the grand era of train travel. This tour involves moderate walking.
Member Price: $124; Non-Member Price $134 • Depart: 10:00 a.m.• Return: 6:00 p.m.
Getty & Gladstones
The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades
With Included Lunch at Malibu’s Gladstones
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Escape to Malibu and savor two of its most famous and legendary landmarks. First, enjoy an included brunch with a choice of entrée (lobster roll, fish & chips, cheeseburger or kale Caesar salad with New England clam chowder) that you’ll select on the day of departure, and dessert at the legendary Gladstones. This historic beachside icon features a relaxed ambiance and consistently receives an “Editor’s Pick” from Sunset Magazine. Founded in 1972, Gladstones restaurant has been a symbol of Los Angeles and the Southern California lifestyle for nearly half a century. Owned by former L.A. Mayor Richard J. Riordan, this classic establishment has stood the test of time, outlived trends, and set the bar for quality and warmth. This afternoon, we continue to the Getty Villa Museum, the gorgeous estate built by oil magnate J. Paul Getty to resemble a Roman country home in Herculaneum, Italy. Step into the ancient world at this one-of-a-kind destination perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Pacific Palisades and offering ancient Greek and Roman art, tranquil gardens, and ocean breezes. The Getty Villa is home to an incredible collection of antiquities from the ancient world – here you can explore 4,000 years of ancient art, from the Stone Age to the final days of the Roman Empire. On display for a limited time, Sculptured Portraits of Ancient Egypt featuring sculptures from a time of intense artistic revival and renewal in ancient Egypt, on loan from the British Museum. Enjoy approximately three hours at leisure to explore up to 1,200 works on display in the newly refurbished and reimagined galleries and stroll through the garden featuring a reflecting pool, colonnaded walkways, and views of the Pacific Ocean. While free docent-guided tours of the museum may be available, you can download the free GettyGuide app to your favorite device and bring your own headphones to enjoy a free audio-guided tour of the galleries, architecture and outdoor spaces.
Price: $139; Non-Member Price $149• Depart: 9:30 a.m. • Return: 6:30 p.m.
Lake Arrowhead Getaway
Narrated Lake Cruise & Lake Arrowhead Village
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Today we escape the heat and breathe in the fresh air in this breathtaking alpine wonderland (elevation 5,200’), known as the “Alps of Southern California.” Nestled in the majestic mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest, Lake Arrowhead is stunningly beautiful and offers a natural peacefulness that has lured people to these mountains for centuries. Enjoy time at leisure in the charming Lake Arrowhead Village for browsing and lunch on your own at the variety of eateries. Nestled amongst an evergreen forest along the Lake Arrowhead shoreline, the Village features an assortment of quaint specialty shops and outlet stores in the style of a Swiss chalet. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a narrated cruise on Lake Arrowhead aboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen, a Louisiana-style paddle-wheeler. The serenity of Lake Arrowhead's lush forests and sparkling water provide a splendid backdrop as we sit back and enjoy up-close views of lakeside homes and learn about the region’s colorful history. This tour involves driving on mountain roads.
Price: $119; Non-Member Price $129 • Depart: 9:00 a.m.• Return: 6:30 p.m.
Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Spectacular
Starring Harry Connick Jr. & the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Join us for one of southern California’s greatest July 4th traditions as fireworks illuminate the sky above the legendary Hollywood Bowl! This memorable evening under the stars will feature a thrilling headliner performance, patriotic music and a thrilling fireworks finale! The Los Angeles Philharmonic will perform a program of patriotic favorites such as John Philip Sousa’s rousing marches followed by a set by this year’s headliner, Harry Connick Jr. and his band! This versatile and multi-faceted entertainer that acts, composes and sings has sold over 30 million albums and achieved multi-platinum status while collecting three Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and a Tony nomination. Influenced by Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, Harry’s swinging piano skills and velvety baritone voice helped bring New Orleans jazz, traditional pop and romantic ballads back into the mainstream with such hits as “It Had to Be You,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” and “Just the Way You Are.” Our bench seats (with backs and included seat cushion) are ideally situated in the center of the Bowl in the M & N sections within Promenade 3. Buy dinner at the Bowl or bring a picnic dinner (all items including wine bottles and glasses are permitted, however containers, baskets and coolers are limited to 15" wide, 15" high and 22" long and must be stored beneath your bench seat). This tour involves moderate walking.
Price: $136; Non-Member Price $146 • Depart: 4:00 pm. • Return: 11:30 p.m.
HUNTINGTON BEACH COUNCIL ON AGING / SENIOR CENTER IN CENTRAL PARK
(714) 374-1572 - 18041 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
SEATING
- Please let us know if you need special accommodations or if any mobility or assistive devices are utilized.
DEPARTURE/ RETURN INFORMATION
Huntington Beach Central Library (HBCL): 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
- Return times are approximate
RESERVING SPACE
- The only way to reserve space is in person at the Senior Center in Central Park at the Travel and Resource Room
- Payment may be made in person (cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover)
- Make checks payable to HBCOA
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
- There is 30 day notifcation deadline to receive a refund, and no refund allowed for cancellation within 30 days of a tour unless your space can be re-sold.
Travel, Trips & Tours Photo Gallery
Descanso Gardens Norton Simon Museum tour on April 11, 2024
The Descanso Gardens tour included a delightful one-hour docent- led tour throughout their rose garden, redwood forest, and breathtaking Japanese garden. After the tour, the bus headed for the next stop the Norton Simon Museum, where they viewed the museum’s features of over 100 pieces by Edgar Degas and other works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Gaugin.
Irish tour on March 16, 2024
Travelers celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at the Almonsor Court in Alhambra. They enjoyed the Colorful Songs Revue cast performance, a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage, and a program of Irish singing and stories about life and times in Ireland.
Warner Brothers Tour February 29, 2024
The Warner Brothers Studio tour experience was expansive and included many displays, a video history of the Studios, a tram backstage tour, costumes, and other interactive experiences. The group was delighted to enter an empty sound stage to learn about films/TV shows that were filmed there.
Donna, Diana & Diamond February 13th, 2024
On a chilly morning, guests boarded the bus to Palm Springs for a stop at Hadley Fruit Orchards, where they purchased some goodies and enjoyed a date shake. The bus then drove to the Palm Springs Camelot Theatre/Cultural Center for the musical tribute to Diana Ross, Donna Summers, and Neal Diamond. A good time was had by all!
Wheel of Fortune Live on January 25th, 2024
A group of excited seniors enjoyed lunch and shopping at the Original Farmers Market prior to going to the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, where they sat in the studio audience watching 3 episodes of the Wheel of Fortune being taped and the behind-the-scenes action that goes into taping a game show.
135th Rose Parade Tour on January 1, 2024.
Upon arrival at the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade grounds, fifty passengers were enthralled watching a spectacular fly-over by the Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber. Once seated, the constant stream of stunning displays did not disappoint as the “Celebrating a World of Music” focused parade began with inspiring music from the Marine Corps marching band followed shortly by an endless array of remarkable floats. A good time was had by all.
Griffith Obserbatory including Planetarium Show
On a rainy November day, a small group enjoyed the bus ride to Los Angeles and sights in LA. The first stop was at Philippe The Original where the group enjoyed a delicious French dipped sandwich, which was followed by many planetary activities at the renowned Griffith Observatory. Regardless of the rainy weather this was a great tour, including the Planetarium Show!
Farmers Market, Monastery of Angles and LA’s Art District
A small group boarded the bus headed for the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles. Curt, a professional LA tour guide, joined the group and shared plenty of anecdotes and back stories about each tasting in the heart of the Market. The guests also enjoyed more tastings at the hidden Monastery of Angels and in downtown Los Angeles, before the final stop at LA’s Art District. A delicious day indeed.
USC Campus, Dodger's Stadium and Philippe’s Restaurant
This tour began at the USC campus, where the step-on-guide, Curt Tucker joined the group. Curt talked about the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson and his history playing football for UCLA. The next stop was at Dodger Stadium for a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium. Curt shared the history of how the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to LA and the property for the stadium was acquired. The group enjoyed a tour of the renovated centerfield plaza, pavilions, and other restricted areas including the Vin Scully Press Box, a visit to the field where to sit in the Dodger dugout, and lunch at Philippe’s Restaurant.
Streets of Hollywood:East West Recording Studio, Mel's Diner and Grammy Museum
Twenty-two passengers welcomed Good Times’ professional tour guide Jasmin, a former actress before boarding the bus ride to Los Angeles. Riding through the streets of Hollywood, Jasmin shared stories about her Hollywood experiences. First stop was at the East West Recording Studios on Sunset Blvd where guests enjoyed a guided tour through various recording studios learning history and the famous music stars who had recorded there. Back on the bus Jasmin shared more stories and historical events in Hollywood’s history on route to a lunch stop at Mel’s Diner and a self-guided tour at the Grammy Museum.
Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial and the Birch Aquarium
The Salk and Sea tour began in San Diego with a visit to the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, then a visit to the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial featuring veterans plaques from the Revolutionary War up to the current War on Terror, followed by a final stop at the Birch Aquarium. This tour was a very interesting, enlightening, and learning opportunity.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Track and Clubhouse
Thirty-eight passengers set off for the iconic Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to enjoy an exciting day at the races. The group enjoyed a motorcoach ride south along the coast to the racetrack admiring views of the Pacific Ocean along the route. Upon arrival, guests made their way to the Clubhouse section and soon bets were placed and many winners emerged-experienced and beginners alike.
Pisa Italy Tour, St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church and the Forest Lawn Memorial Park
On July 20th, 46 guests were excited and engaged throughout the Pisa Italy tour with professional local guide Curt Tucker. This tour highlighted the Italian-inspired treasures around Los Angeles and emphasized the incredible influence that Italian culture has had on the city’s architecture, fashion, art, food, and cinema. Venues visited included St. Peter’s Italian Catholic Church, lunch at the San Antonio Winery’s Restaurant, the Italian American Museum, and St. Andrew’s Church. At Forest Lawn Memorial Park, guests were enthralled seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s stained-glass masterpiece The Last Supper, and Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures. This was a very unique excursion enjoyed by one and all.
Broad Museum, Angels Flight Railway and the Grand Central Market
Fifty-six seniors traveled to downtown Los Angeles for an adventure. They enjoyed browsing around the Broad Museum’s contemporary art collection, riding on the Angels Flight Railway, having lunch at the legendary Grand Central Market, and exploring the vast collections of books, records, and art at the eccentric Last Bookstore.
Reagan Library and Museum
On June 17, seniors were given five hours of leisure time at the Reagan Library and Museum to enjoy lunch, browse the permanent exhibits including the torn down Berlin Wall, the Air Force One Pavilion, and pay respects at the Reagan’s final resting place, among other library holdings. The group also had a unique opportunity to browse the traveling exhibit, “Auschwitz: Not Long Ago. Not far away”, making its only appearance on the West Coast.
Coronado Island and the Hotel Del Coronado
A group of seniors spent a lovely day including leisure time for lunch and shopping on Coronado Island. They visited the Coronado Museum of History and then enjoyed a guided tour at the legendary Hotel Del Coronado. On the bus ride home, the group was treated to the DVD movie “Some Like It Hot”, which included some scenes filmed at the Hotel Del.
A good time was had by all!
Foursquare Heritage Center, Angelus Temple, Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles Central Library and the LA City Hall
Los Angeles during “L.A.’s Roaring 20s” tour guests were regaled with plenty of intriguing stories April 20th. Tour Guide Curt expertly guided the tour bus driver through downtown Los Angeles, with visits to the Foursquare Heritage Center, Angelus Temple, and parsonage founded by renowned evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson.
Moving on to lunch at the historic Biltmore Hotel, guests marveled at its elaborate painted and carved ceilings. The next stop after passing iconic Los Angeles neighborhood landmarks were visits to the Los Angeles Central Library and City Hall. Ending with a flourish, the Roaring 20s time-travel escapade wrapped up with a stop at historic Philippe’s, known for its French Dip sandwich.
A perfect ending to a story-filled day.
Wildlife Learning Conservation Center, Reyes Winery and theLoaf Japanese Bakery & Cafe
On Friday, May 19 a group of seniors set out for an adventurous Mystery Tour. The Tour leaders kept the group guessing about three destinations included in this tour until the bus pulled up at each venue, including the Wildlife Learning and Conservation Center in Sylmar, Reyes Winery on Main in Santa Clarita, and the nearby Loaf Japanese Bakery & Cafe.This was an excursion full of surprises and mystery.
Paseo Nuevo's Shopping Center and International Orchid Show
During a raining and chilly day on March 10th, a group of 40 seniors boarded the bus in Huntington Beach headed to Santa Barbara. Despite the bad weather, guests enjoyed leisure time to shop at Paseo Nuevo’s outdoor shopping center and have lunch before viewing the world’s most exotic flowers at the 75th annual International Orchid Show.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House
On the cold and rainy February 24th morning, seniors boarded the bus in Huntington Beach bound to Los Angeles for a visit at the historic Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. During a tour of the facilty, guests gained important information from docents about the architectural details of the beautiful Hollyhock House.
Rose Parade 134th in Pasadena
On the chilly January 2nd morning, seniors sat in the grandstand watching in awe the majesty of the 134th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.
