And What NOT to do When it Rains...

When it's cold and rainy, like today, don't go here:

The Getty Museum and Getty Villa--The museum is stunning and a must-see, but part of its attraction is the incredible views of Los Angeles it provides. When it's raining and visibility is down, you'll lose part of the experience. At the Villa near Malibu, the ocean view is part of the attraction and it's best to wait till right after a storm passes to get a look at the collection there.

Magic Mountain--Yes, it's got some of the best roller coasters in the world, but it's no fun cheating death when you're being pelted by water...unless you're 13.

Catalina Island--A choppy boat trip coupled with cold wind and rain equal a miserable time at a location best seen in good weather.

Theme Park Time

If you're planning a long trip to Southern California (or at least a short one with crammed with theme park time) you may have already heard of the CityPass. This gives you a three-day Park Hopper ticket that's good for both Disneyland and California Adventure, as well as a one-day Universal Studios admission, and to get you going south, a one-day Sea World San Diego ticket and a one-day San Diego Zoo admission. The regular price for all these tickets would be $365 for adults and $305 for kids 3-9, and the regular discount through the CityPass site is $259 and $219. Not a bad deal, but looking for something better? Check out Costco, which is offering CityPasses for $227 and $192.

Military Discounts at Disneyland

Disneyland is offering a great discount to active and retired members of the military, as well as active reservists and those in the National Guard. Through June 12, you can receive a free three-day park-hopper ticket good for both Disneyland and California Adventure. You can also buy up to five companion tickets for the price of a one-day park-hopper ticket. ($84 to $94, a savings of about $50 to $60 per ticket). There are also deals on rooms at the Disneyland properties. See this page and call 714-956-6424 for more info. h/t to the Bargain Babe for this one.

Disney Drop

If you can show that you live in Southern California or Northern Baja California, Disneyland will sell you a two-day ticket good for both Disneyland and Cal Adventure for $69 for adults, $59 for kids. Good through June 3. Here are the details.

Passing Out

New year, new theme park passes.

Universal Studios continues to be a bargain ($73, no blackout days, 10% off food and souvieners)

Disneyland comes in at $134 for the cheapo pass (no weekends allowed)

Knott's charges $115 for adults and
for kids under 48 inches tall (what about adults in that range though?). The passes also don't get you into their Halloween nights.

Magic Mountain is the best deal: $60 for 2009. But you've got to bring your own motion sickness bags.