Best known for offering deals on services, Groupon also makes a great way to find unique offerings in new cities! On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I utilized it to find fun activities not included in the tourist books. Below are a few of the unique offerings I found!
For $29, I got to spend a night sipping wine, and working on my artistic ability. While our painting was a bit more difficult than one might expect for a wine and paint night, it was still a fun experience that I would highly recommend.
Spending the day on the waves is never a bad idea! For $82, I got the opportunity to take a 90-minute surf lesson where I learned the basics of surfing, and even caught a couple waves. The price included the lesson, a wetsuit, and a surf board. The instructors were very attentive, ensuring that each person in the class had the opportunity to catch at least one wave.
This is the best $11 boat ride I have ever been on! Originally costing $38 per person, this deal allowed me to spend 2 and a half hours cruising in open water looking for whales. While we unfortunately did not see any dolphins, we did have the opportunity to see plenty of seals! The boat allows you to bring your own snacks and drinks aboard, and also has a snack bar on board. This is a great way to spend an afternoon, hanging out in the water!
Imagine sailing out of the Newport Beach Marina as the sun is setting, it is truly a breathtaking site. Luckily I got to experience it thanks to this deal! For $12, I got to eat complementary chips and salsa, while sipping the specialty drink, a Newport Bay margarita. This refreshing beverage is the perfect accompaniment to this delightful sunset cruise. As you cruise along the Newport Beach front you can see bonfires glistening from the coast line, and other boats sailing out to enjoy the sunset. This is truly a one of a kind experience, that can be enjoyed solo or for a romantic getaway.
Mission San Juan Capistrano Tour
Mission San Juan Capistrano is nicknamed the “Jewel of the California Missions”, and it certainly lives up to its name. Founded over 200 years ago and is a true monument to California’s diverse multi-cultural history, offering a mixing pot of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and European heritage. Mission San Juan Capistrano was originally built as a self-sufficient community by the Spanish Padres and Native Americans, while the Mission was created as a center for agriculture, industry, education and religion.
The $12 entry allowed the opportunity to relax in the scenic gardens of the mission, view one of a kind artifacts, and participate in hands on activities. During the tour, I even had the opportunity to weave a traditional Native American basket out of straw. This local landmark is open daily from 10am – 6pm PT and is a great cultural stop.
