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 33 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.
Single-Day Excursions
Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
with Dead Sea Scrolls and Christmas Around the World Exhibits
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Celebrate the holiday season at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum at the most special time of the year. This holiday season the museum showcases Christmas Around the World, a 5,000 square foot exhibit featuring a festive “forest” with 26 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees, representing the 26 countries that President Reagan visited while in office. Decorations encompass the bright and festive colors of the Caribbean, the crystals of the Nordic countries and the traditional decorations of England and Europe. Of particular note is the Vatican tree decorated entirely with white ornaments featuring a life-size white peacock that adorns the tree’s branches. The featured tree is an elegant reproduction of President and Mrs. Reagan’s White House Christmas tree complete with “Reagan Red” decorations and dozens of hand-blown glass ornaments. Also on view is Dead Sea Scrolls – The Exhibition, presented in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority to commemorate the most significant archaeological find of the last century, and the oldest surviving documents known to humankind. Celebrating 75 years since their discovery, this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition allows guests to step back in time through the history of the Dead Sea Scrolls – manuscripts composed, copied and hidden in caves 2,000 years ago, not to be rediscovered until 1947. The largest Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit ever mounted outside of Israel, the exhibition features 8 original scrolls and over 200 ancient artifacts spanning from the First Temple period through the inception of Christianity. This immersive exhibition also features a 3-ton stone from Jerusalem’s Western Wall, believed to have fallen during the siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., a science gallery dedicated to the technological advancements vital in understanding the scrolls, and the international premiere of The Magdala Stone – a limestone block carved with symbols of the Temple in Jerusalem, found in the town of Migdal, presumed to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. We’ll have approximately 5 hours at leisure to explore the two special exhibitions, the museum’s 18 permanent galleries (with an included audio tour) and enjoy lunch on your own at the museum café. The state-of-the-art museum features interactive exhibits that pay tribute to America’s 40th president along with a full-scale replica of Reagan’s Oval Office, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and The Reagans’ final resting place. The Air Force One Pavilion features a presidential limousine, a secret service vehicle, a Marine One helicopter, an F-117 Nighthawk, and an opportunity to walk-through the Air Force One airplane that served seven U.S. Presidents!
Member Price: $116; Non-Member Price: $126 • Depart: HBCL 9:00 a.m • Return: 6:00 p.m.
A Big Holiday in Little Italy
San Diego's Little Italy with Local Guide & Included Italian Lunch
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Come meet, mingle and experience warm holiday hospitality while on an “insider’s” tour of San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood at the merriest time of year. On this entertaining and informative tour hosted by a Little Italy historian guide, we’ll be transported back in time to the world of Italian immigrants and experience 100 years of colorful neighborhood history and discover its hidden landmarks and old-world holiday traditions. We’ll enjoy an included Italian coffee or tea and a delicious assortment of Italian holiday cookies at the historic Amici House, the modest Craftsman style house that was built in the 1880’s. A presentation given by an expert from Rome and the nearby Italian Cultural Center will focus on the origins of Italian Christmas traditions. We’ll visit Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, featuring a spectacular array of Renaissance-style artwork and a life-size nativity scene. Enjoy an included three-course lunch including family-style antipasto, gourmet wood-fired pizza and cannoli at Little Italy’s oldest restaurant. Enjoy time at leisure shopping for Italian goodies at a landmark Italian bakery and Little Italy’s oldest Italian grocery, both decorated for the holidays and brimming with culinary treats and imports from Italy. Visit a unique Catholic gift shop featuring inspirational Christmas gifts – many imported from Italy. As darkness falls, the neighborhood’s festive décor – including 18 blocks of holiday lights and two large Christmas trees – will shine bright! A holiday sing-along in Piazza della Famiglia and a driving tour featuring the 1905 Forward House on Bankers Hill (with more than 1 million holiday lights!) tops off a memorable day. This tour involves moderate walking.
Member Price: $159; Non-Member Price $169 • Depart: HBCL 9:30 a.m. • Return: 7:30 p.m.
136th Annual Rose Parade
Wednesday, January 1st 2025!
Join the Huntington Beach Council on Aging for the "Best Day Ever!" at the 136th Annual Rose Parade in the City of Pasadena. This is a great trip to bring the whole family! Enjoy grandstand seating on Colorado Boulevard with an unobstructed view of parade. The bus parks approximately one-half mile from the parade route. A boxed lunch and beverage will be included with the trip. All registrants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. We will depart from the Senior Center in Central Park at 18041 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Registration is open in the Travel & Resource Room Monday - Friday 8am - 3:30pm. For more information call 714.374.1572
Member Price: $159 • Non-Members Price: $169 • Depart: 6:30am, Return: 2:00pm
Download a pdf flyer, click here!
HUNTINGTON BEACH COUNCIL ON AGING / SENIOR CENTER IN CENTRAL PARK
(714) 374-1572 - 18041 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Office Hours - Tuesday 9am - 11am, Thursday & Friday 1pm - 5pm
SEATING
- Please let us know if you need special accommodations or if any mobility or assistive devices are utilized.
GRATUITIES
- Prices do not include a customary driver gratuity for a job well done. We believe that by the end of the tour you’ll agree that the driver has earned it.
DEPARTURE/ RETURN INFORMATION
Huntington Beach Central Library (HBCL): 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Return times are approximate.
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
For single day tours there is 30 day notification deadline to receive a refund, and no refund allowed for cancellation within 30 days of a tour unless your space can be re-sold. Please contact Good Times.
Travel, Trips & Tours Photo Gallery
A small group enjoyed a unique and educational experience with the benefit of Isabel, an expert step-on guide local to the Coachella Valley area. At the Coachella Valley Preserve, she shared information about how the Palm Oasis evolved and explained their survival through the artesian spring that runs beneath the surface of this arid desert, which was followed by a walking tour into the Oasis explaining the area and animals that inhabit the 1000 palms. A visit at Mecca Hills to the “backside” of the fault at Box Canyon the group hiked through a slot canyon and climb up to a ridge overlooking the canyon provided excellent views of San Andreas and a view of the North American and Pacific Plates along the San Andreas fault. An awesome adventure indeed!
Watts Up? Watts Towers, Marian Del Rey's Fisherman's Village Tour on Friday, November 8, 2024
This tour featured four unique destinations with international flair and flavor: 1) a docent-guided tour of Watts Towers, Los Angeles' world-famous monument to human ingenuity, 2) a visit at the Watts Towers Arts Center, 3) leisure time at the Marina Del Rey’s Fisherman’s Village, and 4) a sumptuous dinner with a live outstanding Mariachi performance at Casa Sanchez Mexican restaurant. This was an exciting, fun-filled, educational, and memorable day for all.
Big Bear Oktoberfest & Lake Cruise with Included German-Style Lunch, Sunday, October 20, 2024
A group of happy and excited seniors traveled to Big Bear. Upon arrival they savored the Oktoberfest meal consisting of bratwurst, rosemary chicken with all the trimmings, beer, and apple strudel. They also enjoyed the music, the booths and dancing. Then, the group boarded the Big Bear Queen for a 90- minute cruise around the lake.
Idyllwild Art Walk & Wine Tasting, October 12, 2024
Prior to visiting Idyllwild’s 26th Annual Art Walk and Wine Tasting event, a group of 29 seniors enjoyed a stop at Hadley’s Fruit Orchards to buy date shakes and shop for special gifts. The remainder of the day was spent at the Idyllwild event viewing award-winning wines from 18 different wineries and over 30 artists selling unique and spectacular artwork.
Solvang tour September 21, 2024
Guests were treated to a total Danish immersion experience at the 87th annual Solvang Danish Days, California’s premier Danish heritage festival, which featured old-world architectural styles and flower-lined streets to create a charming, walkable village, and a beautiful sculpture of Denmark’s favorite author, Hans Christian Andersen. The fun-loving and boisterous Danish Days Parade featured the Solvang Village Band atop the Carlsberg Beer Wagon, floats, equestrians, and Village Dancers.
Birds, Buddhas, & Botanicals tour, September 5th
The group set out for Carpinteria on a warm day for a multi-stop journey. The first stop was at the beautiful Seaside Gardens, where they enjoyed 11 different locally designed gardens. Next, was the Sacred Space in Summerland, an 1800 year old sanctuary with a variety of small waterfalls, statues, and meditation spaces, a stop by the Santa Barbara bird sanctuary for a fun, interactive experience with several tropical birds, then capped off by delicious artisanal ice cream at Rori’s Ice Cream in Carpinteria.
Pageant of the Masters on August 27th
A group from the Senior Center traveled by bus to the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach on August 27th. The eager group was excited to see the “A La Mode: The Art of Fashion.” This production revisited some of history’s grandest spectacles and fashion trends through the magic of “living pictures”. Prior to the performance, the group was able to view all the wonderful art exhibits from jewelry to sculptures. Many looked forward to future Senior Center day trips.
Ivey Ranch Park, the California Surf Museum and Parlor Doughnuts Coffee Shop, August 15th
A small group of seniors had a rare opportunity to visit Ivey Ranch Park, a therapeutic equestrian center in Oceanside. The ranch provides therapeutic horseback riding and facilities for developmentally disabled children, adults, and Veterans with PTSD related issues. Guests were given ample time to meet, greet, pet, and groom horses, two of which were a former jumping champion and an award-winning racehorse. Later that day, the group visited the California Surf Museum, followed by devouring a craft donut at a famous coffee shop.
Anacapa Island Wildlife Cruise July 30th Channel Island National Park Visitors Center
This excursion sold out weeks before the tour’s July 30th departure. Upon arrival at their destination, the fifty-four guests made their way to the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center, followed by an enjoyable lunch in the village. Once on the boat, the group had an awesome sightseeing experience watching sea lions and a fantastic pod of dolphins!
July 3rd Fireworks Spectacular with Harry Connick, Jr.
A group of fifty-six seniors enjoyed an evening of musical performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Harry Connick, Jr., concluding with a spectacular fireworks display.
Lake Arrowhead Getaway, June 27th, 2024
Forty passengers had a great day shopping at specialty shops, enjoying tantalizing food, and witnessing spectacular views of Lake Arrowhead, the Alps of Southern California.
Getty Villa and Gladstones Restaurant, June 6th, 2024
Forty passengers had a great day shopping at specialty shops, enjoying tantalizing food, and witnessing spectacular views of Lake Arrowhead, the Alps of Southern California.
Nethercutt & North Woods, May 25th, 2024
The bus arrived at the North Woods Inn restaurant located in San Gabriel, CA, where guests were greeted with a large exterior cabin like façade leading into a warm woodsy interior containing features such as stained glass, oil paintings, period lamps, and, of course, a huge stuffed bear, followed by a leisurely lunch.
And later the group enjoyed the docent-led tour of the Nethercutt Collection/Museum established in 1956 by J.B. Nethercutt, the co-founder of Merle Norman Cosmetics. Guests were led through five floors containing various collections including rebuilt classic cars, which had won the annual prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance “Best of Show” awards, early 20th century hood ornaments, antique furniture, and rare musical instruments.
A Whale-y Fun Day on May 9th, 2024
The group travelled by bus to San Pedro and the 22nd St. Landing Seafood Grill & Bar and enjoyed a three-course lunch. After the meal, they continued to Long Beach Harbor and boarded a custom-built, state-of-the-art, high-speed catamaran for a three-hour whale watching cruise in the stunning stretch of water off the southern California coast. Much to their delight, they encountered about a dozen fin whales, the second largest whale, breaching the waters, spouting and diving, a pod of 50+ dolphins surrounding the boat, jumping and chasing alongside, several California sea lions, and a variety of sea birds.
Art Masters & Mariachis Tour on April 26th, 2024
Curt, a Los Angeles Guide, joined the bus in Huntington Beach and led the group on a tour through the Art and Culture area of Los Angeles (LA.). He provided interesting L.A facts and history as the bus traveled from there to the Broad Museum. There, the group learned about the Andy Warhol, Roy Liechtenstein, and other artist works that are on display at The Broad. The evening ended at the popular Casa Sanchez restaurant for dinner and Mariachi entertainment. It was an excellent show, and a few birthdays in the group were recognized.
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.
