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 2023 Travel, Trips, and Tours
As with everything in your lives these past months, the HBCOA travel program may look a little different from your previous excursions. Know that the health, well-being and enjoyment of our travel team and guests are our number one priority by having health and safety protocols and sanitation measures, which will continue to be observed as the state continues to progress to better health metrics. We will continue to follow CDC, state, and local guidelines and adjust our health and safety measures based on these guidelines and recent trends.
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 as it is dependent upon state health guidelines progressing to allow city recreation buildings to operate. The trips schedule and opening dates/times are subject to change without notice and are dependent upon state, county, and city health recommendations and guidelines.
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. All trips will require proof of vaccination at time of registration and during the trip until further notice. For any travel and trips related questions please contact the Resource Room at (714) 374-1572
We appreciate your patience and understanding as this program adapts to the new operation model.
Single-Day Excursions
Coronado Enchantment Guided Tour of the Hotel Del Coronado, New Hotel Del Coronado Museum & Village Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Today we escape to Coronado, across the bay from downtown San Diego. This historic resort city is nicknamed “The Crown City,” since Coronado is Spanish for “crowned one.”. We’ll enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own along Orange Avenue in the historic Coronado Village. In the afternoon we’ll visit the legendary Hotel Del Coronado, the National Historic Landmark and cultural icon. For 135 years, the hotel has captured the hearts and imaginations of all who have walked through its doors – and now the next chapter has begun with the completion of a $400 million renovation in 2022! The iconic resort’s rich heritage and architecture will come to life during an in-depth, docent-led walking tour. Stroll through the lush Garden Patio surrounded by spectacular Queen Anne Victorian architecture. Walk through exclusive areas not accessible to the public like the historic Power Plant and the hidden tunnel. Following the tour, enjoy time at leisure to soak in its timeless charm, idyllic oceanfront setting, unique shops and the new Hotel del Coronado Museum located in the completely restored and renovated Ice House. This masonry structure once served as the ice-making center for the entire island and now features permanent exhibits and rotating displays highlighting The Del’s heritage, including a courtyard with reclaimed bricks from the original 1910 Industrial Buildings.
Member Price: $119; Non-Member Price: $129
Depart: 8:30 a.m. / Return 6:30 p.m.
Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
With Auschwitz: Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. Exhibit
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Today we travel to Simi Valley and the state-of-the-art Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, featuring 18 galleries that pay tribute to America’s 40th president. Visit a full-scale replica of Reagan’s Oval Office, see a piece of the Berlin Wall, explore interactive exhibits, read letters written by President Reagan to Nancy, pay your respects at their final resting place and admire spectacular views of the Conejo Valley. The Air Force One Pavilion features a presidential limousine, a secret service vehicle, a Marine One helicopter, the world’s first operational stealth aircraft, the F-117 Nighthawk, and a walk-through of the Air Force One airplane that served seven U.S. Presidents. On view for a limited time is the traveling exhibition, Auschwitz: Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. that features an extraordinary collection of items from one of the darkest chapters in human history. Making its only stop on the West Coast, this exhibit features more than 700 objects that were direct witness to the horrors of the Holocaust and Auschwitz-Birkenau, Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camp. These items, assembled for the first time in history, were brought together from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum as well as more than 20 institutions and museums around the world with a clear goal – to honor the victims, understand how such a place came into existence and consider how its existence determines our present worldview. On display will be personal belongings from Auschwitz dwellers – both victims and perpetrators – such as suitcases, eyeglasses and shoes, along with other artifacts from the camp including concrete fence posts, fragments of a prisoner barrack, a desk and other possessions of the longest serving Auschwitz commandant, a gas mask used by the SS, and an original Model 2 freight train car used for the deportation of Jews to Auschwitz. Included with your admission is timed entry into the Auschwitz exhibit as well as an audio tour for both the Auschwitz exhibition and the museum’s permanent exhibits. Enjoy approximately 5 hours at leisure with lunch on your own at the museum café. The Auschwitz exhibition is recommended for ages 12 and over. Although the history of Auschwitz is challenging, this exhibition is designed not only with profound respect for the victims, but also for visitors. Care has been taken to ensure that there are no gratuitous depictions of violence. Every effort has been made to consider the emotional impact this story can have, so that visitors can safely explore this history, seek to understand it better, and to make meaning for themselves.
Member Price: $109; Non-Member Price: $119 • Depart: 9:00 a.m. Return: 6:00 p.m.
The Broad, Books & Bunker Hill
The Broad & The Last Bookstore With Grand Central Market & Angels Flight Railway & Included Ice Cream Treat
Thursday, June 29, 2023
This new downtown L.A. experience features four fun and unique destinations providing for a day full of eclectic art, exotic cuisine, an eccentric bookstore and an historic experience! 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. We continue to Grand Central Market, the legendary landmark that brings together the exotic cuisines and cultures of L.A. Enjoy lunch on your own, as well as an included ice cream treat, at this 106-year-old downtown landmark. We’ll take a ride on historic Angels Flight Railway, the world’s shortest railway. This L.A. Historic-Cultural Landmark since 1962 originally opened in 1901. It’s estimated the recently restored, 122-year-old funicular has given more than 100 million rides to the top of Bunker Hill on its hillside track! We’ll top off the day with a visit to The Last Bookstore, the largest new and used bookstore in California! This iconic, 22,000 square foot book emporium features a record store, comic bookstore, 5 art studios, an epic yarn shop, a famous book tunnel, a mammoth head, a variety of unexpected nooks of funkiness and tons of books…tons. Oh, and it’s all housed in a 100-year-old bank building, so there are vaults and perhaps even ghosts! In the rare event that Angels Flight is not operating, we will instead visit another iconic site.
Member Price: $99; Non-Member Price: $109 • Depart: 9:45 a.m. • Return: 5:30 p.m.
Tribute to The Beatles Private Concert Starring William Florian
With Included Lunch at Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
William Florian takes the stage at Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills today for this exclusive, upbeat musical tribute to one of the most beloved bands of our time, The Beatles. Former member of the Grammy-winning American folk music group, The New Christy Minstrels, William Florian looked up to and admired The Beatles and today he pays tribute to them as he did during his memorable tribute shows to John Denver in 2021 and Neil Diamond in 2022. He’ll weave together amusing stories, anecdotes, and humor as he honors the life, music and achievements of The Beatles, who altered the course of rock ‘n roll history when they burst onto the scene with "Love Me Do" in 1962. Their influence on youth and popular culture was immense, and their impact is still felt today. You’ll find yourself singing along with Florian as he performs The Beatles’ most celebrated songs such as “All You Need is Love,” “Eight Days a Week,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Michelle,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Hey Jude” and many more. Taking place one-day only, this private concert will be held at the award-winning Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills.
This dining legend is a place of grand style – where classic elegance and luxurious comfort meet. Prior to the matinee performance, we’ll enjoy an included early lunch (approximately 11:00 a.m.) with choice of entrée (roasted prime rib, fresh grilled salmon or mushroom ravioli (vegetarian), along with Lawry’s famous spinning bowl salad and dessert. Please provide an entrée selection for each guest at the time of booking.
Member Price: $196; Non-Member Price: $206 • Depart: 10:00 a.m. • Return: 3:30 p.m.
A Pisa Italy L.A.’s Italian Treasures with Local Guide Curt
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Today we are joined by professional local guide, Curt, who is a history buff with an expertise on the evolution of Los Angeles and especially loved by our travelers for his charismatic personality and fun stories. Los Angeles is home to the nation’s fifth-largest Italian population, and the Italian presence in the American West pre-dates our nation’s founding and was instrumental in the development of L.A. as one of the world’s great cities. This tour highlights the Italian-inspired treasures around Los Angeles and emphasizes the incredible influence that Italian culture has had on the city’s architecture, fashion, art, food and cinema. In downtown L.A., we’ll visit the Italian American Museum located in the Italian Hall – the oldest remaining building from L.A.’s historic Little Italy. The museum features interactive cultural and historical displays focused on the struggles and triumphs of Italian immigrants and their descendants and highlights the significant contributions they've made to the city's vibrant culture. Enjoy an early lunch (approximately 11:00 a.m.) on your own at the San Antonio Winery’s cafeteria-style, Maddalena’s Restaurant – a true gem tucked away in a nondescript industrial area of Los Angeles. It has been serving delicious Italian food in a festive atmosphere for over 100 years! This afternoon we’ll visit St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church, a beloved landmark that has been serving Los Angeles’ Italian community since 1904. This stunning example of Italian Renaissance architecture boasts ornate stained-glass windows and intricately carved wooden doors. But there's more than just its physical beauty – our knowledgeable guide will share stories of the early Italian immigrants who helped build the church and shape the Italian American community in Los Angeles. At the peaceful Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, we’ll view reproductions of artwork of two of Italy’s greatest artists – Leonardo da Vinci’s stunning stained-glass masterpiece of The Last Supper, and Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures. In beautiful Old Pasadena, we’ll visit St. Andrew’s Church – one of the oldest Catholic churches in L.A. County and an architectural treasure that dates to 1886. The structure features elements dating back to the early days of Christianity in Rome, including a Romanesque bell tower that is visible for miles – it’s one of Pasadena’s most iconic landmarks. The church houses gorgeous murals like the ones that grace cathedrals in Rome, and features an historic 1908 Italian Hall which celebrates the Italian American experience. All visits subject to change.
Member Price: $119; Non-Member Price: $129 • Depart: 8:30 a.m. • Return: 5:30 p.m.
Pageant of the Masters At Laguna Beach’s Festival of Arts
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Enjoy an evening under the stars at this popular summer event acclaimed for its awe-inspiring theatrical celebration of tableaux vivants – “living pictures.” Celebrating its 90th year, Pageant of the Masters is the crown jewel of Laguna Beach’s Festival of Arts and arguably one of the most unique productions in the world. You’ll be both amazed and enchanted by this theatrical masterpiece that features “art that lives and breathes” with live models coated in layers of body paint climbing into life-sized paintings and sculptures on the stage to recreate famous works of art. The “living artwork” becomes fully alive with sophisticated lighting, stage illusions, a full professional orchestra, live original narration, and multiple stages within the Irvine Bowl, a 2,600- seat outdoor amphitheater. The 2023 production, entitled Art Colony: In the Company of Artists, acknowledges the deep connections of the Festival and Pageant to the early artists who settled in Laguna Beach and will also feature other memorable stories of artists assisting one another through cooperation and fellowship in vastly different eras and circumstances around the world. Enjoy time at leisure prior to the show browsing the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show. Eat prior to departure, bring a picnic, or purchase food available on-site. Binoculars are recommended and available for rent on-site to help see detail on stage. Main tier-level seating.
Price: $129; Non-Member Price: $139 • Depart: 6:00 p.m. • Return: 11:30 p.m.
Where the Turf Meets the Surf Thoroughbred Racing at Del Mar
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Escape to where the “turf meets the surf” and enjoy an exciting day of thoroughbred horse racing at the beautiful Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. We’ll motorcoach south along the coast to the track, which features a stunning location and views of the Pacific Ocean. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938! The summer season at Del Mar features the nation's top racehorses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun at this favorite summertime event! Your track experience includes admission, shaded clubhouse seating and a race program. We’ll arrive to the track early so you can enjoy lunch on your own before the first race. After the seventh race, we’ll head for home.
Price: $89; Non-Member Price: $99 • Depart: 11:15 a.m. • Return: 7:30 p.m.
Multi-Day Excursions
CHICAGO... AND BEYOND
Single-Hotel Stay, Indiana Amish Country, Milwaukee, Indiana Dunes Nat’l Park, Frank Lloyd Wright Sites
MAY 7, 2023 6-Day Tour
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Unpack once and enjoy a 5-night, single-hotel stay in an upscale, AAA Four Diamond, all-suites hotel in downtown Chicago’s Mag-ni"cent Mile neighborhood Join a local guide for extensive sightseeing in Chicago including !e Magni"cent Mile, the Loop, Millennium Park, Lakefront Park, Planetarium Point and historic South Side Narrated architecture cruise on the Chicago River and dinner cruise on Lake Michigan Guided, behind-the-scenes tour of Wrigley Field, historic home of the Chicago Cubs Admission to the Field Museum of Natural History and !e Art Institute of Chicago Tour Indiana Amish Country with a buggy ride, visit to an Amish farm and Amish lunch Visit Indiana Dunes National Park, one of America’s newest national parks Milwaukee city tour with visits to the Miller Brewery and the Harley-Davidson Museum
TOUR INCLUSIONS 5 Nights deluxe hotel accommodations Chicago, IL (5) – Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile 8 Meals – 2 dinners, 1 lunch, 5 breakfasts Services of a professional GTT tour director Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides Admissions per itinerary Transportation aboard a deluxe motorcoach Airport-hotel transfers (with purchase of group air) Luggage handling throughout the tour LAND TOUR PRICE Double Occupancy: $2,399 per person Single Occupancy (no roommate): Add $650 Roundtrip group airfare available from $545 p.p. Deposit: $250 per person
NEW ORLEANS... AND BEYOND
French Quarter Single-Hotel Stay, Mississippi River Jazz Cruise, Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana Bayou
MAY 21, 2023 6-Day Tour
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Unpack once and enjoy a 5-night, single-hotel stay in a stylish and upscale hotel in the heart of New Orleans’ bustling French Quarter Join a local guide for extensive sightseeing in New Orleans including the French Quarter, Jackson Square, the Garden District, an above-ground cemetery and so much more! Memorable meals at iconic locations like !e Court of Two Sisters, Café Du Monde, the New Orleans School of Cooking, Mulate’s – !e Original Cajun Restaurant, and a jazz cruise with lunch on the Mississippi River aboard the Steamboat Natchez Visits to New Orleans’ top attractions including the National WWII Museum, Mardi Gras World, !e Sazerac House and French Market Tour New Orleans’ Longue Vue House and Gardens, and follow the Mississippi River to Plantation Alley to tour Oak Alley Plantation Enjoy a narrated swamp cruise with a native, Cajun boat captain in the Louisiana bayou
TOUR INCLUSIONS 5 Nights deluxe hotel accommodations New Orleans, LA (5) – Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter 9 Meals – 2 dinners, 2 lunches, 5 breakfasts Services of a professional GTT tour director Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides Admissions per itinerary Transportation aboard a deluxe motorcoach Airport-hotel transfers (with purchase of group air) Luggage handling throughout the tour LAND TOUR PRICE Double Occupancy: $2,299 per person Single Occupancy (no roommate): Add $700 Roundtrip group airfare available from $695 p.p. Deposit: $250 per person
HEALTH & WELLNESS
• Required proof of full COVID-19 vaccination must be shown prior to boarding the motorcoach
• Wellness Pledge to be turned into group leader on day of departure
• Required face masks onboard the motorcoach (except when eating or drinking) and if required by the individual business or city/county in which the business exists
HUNTINGTON BEACH COUNCIL ON AGING / SENIOR CENTER IN CENTRAL PARK
(714) 374-1572 - 18041 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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
RESERVING SPACE
- The only way to reserve space is in person at the Senior Center in Central Park at the address above during office hours
- Payment may be made in person (cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover)
- Make checks payable to HBCOA
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. A suggested gratuity is $5-$8 per passenger
SEATING
- Seats on the motorcoach are assigned in the order payment is received
- Please let us know if you need special accommodations
DEPARTURE/ RETURN INFORMATION
- Huntington Beach Central Library (HBCL): 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648, except for multi-day tours which depart from Good TimesTravel in Fountain Valley
- Return times are approximate
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
- For single day tours 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. Please contact Good Times Travel for the multi-day tour cancellation policy.
Travel, Trips & Tours Photo Gallery
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.
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.
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.
On December 17, an excited group of seniors enjoyed Terrace-level seating at a matinee performance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It was a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season!
Seniors enjoyed an evening at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights on December 8. The group started with a docent - led tour of the exquisite Mission Inn. The Inn’s Christmas displays were spectacular, with both the Inn's inside and outside twinkling and colorful lights.
After exploring many sights at the Inn, they enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Spaghetti Factory.
Tour guests were delighted and entertained with pre-brunch unique magic shows and explored various levels of the 1908 mansion. Guests also enjoyed a delicious, included brunch, followed by three wonderful magic acts in the Palace of Mystery.
Seniors enjoyed a visit to the Autry Museum of the American West, and Griffith Observatory tour, followed by and picnic lunch on October 28.
High Tea In A High Town: In the “Apple Pie Town” of Julian
On October 6, a group of seniors enjoyed excellent homemade backed goods at Dudley’s Bakery and High Tea during a day trip in the quaint town of Julian. High Tea was hosted by Julian Woman’s Club.
After Tea, the group spent some leisure time browsing around town, before boarding the bus back to Huntington Beach.
The Del & The Cays of Coronado: The New Hotel Del Coronado Museum & Gondola Cruise through Coronado Cays Thursday, September 8, 2022
A group of seniors enjoyed the ride over the bridge to Coronado Island was stunning with views of downtown San Diego and the bay. Upon arrival at Coronado Village, the group enjoyed leisure time to shop, stroll, and enjoy lunch. They then visited the Hotel Del Coronado. After the Del visit, the group was treated to a gondola ride on the canals of Coronado Cays.
Pageant of the Masters on Wednesday, August 24, 2022
A group of 56 seniors attended the August 24th Pageant of the Masters theatrical production “Wonderful World” of tableaux vivants- “living pictures.” The group was enthralled watching live models coated with body paint climb into life-sized paintings and sculptures recreating famous works of art- a must see for art enthusiasts.
Big Bear tour on Thursday, August 18, 2022
A group of seniors boarded the bus in Huntington Beach for a trip to Big Bear Lake. Upon arrival, they embarked on the Big Bear Queen paddlewheel boat for a fascinating narrated cruise on Big Bear Lake. After the cruise, the passengers enjoyed leisure time to browse around Big Bear Village for shopping and lunch.
Tribute to Neil Diamond Tour
A group of seniors shopped for fresh produce and specialty gifts at the Cal Poly Pomona Farm Stand and then enjoyed a Tribute to Neil Diamond concert at the Pomona Valley Mining Company performance by
William Florian, a former member of the Christy Minstrels. Florian weaved together amusing stories and humor as he honored the life, music, and achievements of Neil Diamond. A good time was had by all!
Catalina Island Getaway
Forty-two passengers took a short bus ride to San Pedro Harbor, where they boarded a high-speed catamaran for an approximately one-hour ride to Catalina Island. They arrived in the village of Avalon and enjoyed approximately six hours o of leisure time visiting quant shops and lovely eateries to enjoy lunch. Many passengers enjoyed special optional land and water tours including the Glass Bottom Boat Voyage, Bison Expedition, and the narrated bus tour through the streets of Avalon. The weather was perfect and a fun time was had by all.
California Science Center
A group of seniors set off to Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia exhibit at the California Science Center at Los Angeles.While touring the Science Center, the group experienced the fun of science, math and technology, combined with the special exhibition focused on the mystery of a lost empire of Angkor,
Huntington Library
Fifty-six seniors enjoyed a day at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens on May 19. The weather was perfect for viewing the magnificent themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Gardens, and Chinese Garden and Art Museum.
Sofi Stadium
A full bus of seniors boarded the bus in Huntington Beach headed for a Sofi Stadium tour. The first stop was at the Point in El Segundo, where we enjoyed leisure time for browsing and lunch at the Point, a beautiful open air mall with specialty shops and a variety of excellent restaurants. After lunch, we enjoyed a delicious ice cream treat at Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream. We then made our way to Sofi Stadium for a one-hour guided walking tour of the magnificent stadium and after a glorious tour, we happily arrived home at 6:30pm.
Mt. Wilson Obserbatory
A group of seniors visited Mt. Wilson Observatory on April 28. They enjoyed a docent-led two-hour guided walking tour of four observatories and learned about luminosity of stars, how one telescope floats in a bath of Mercury, and the Sun with its “sun spots”, among other astronomical information. The group then visited the historic Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain to have their famous root beer float.
