Local Deals for Los Angeles Area

Witness "one of the most splendid land-and-sea wilderness areas on the planet" (Fodor's) during a sea life tour around Channel Islands National Park. For $39 per person (reg. $80), spot wildlife like dolphins, sea lion colonies, migratory sea birds, orcas and blue whales on these four-hour "SeaFari" trips. They set sail around Anacapa Island's rugged north shore and include a light meal.

One of Frommer's best beaches in California, Pismo Beach's "23-mile stretch of prime beachfront has been an annual destination for generations of California families." Subscribers can gain a unique perspective on this picturesque beach town (just 13 miles outside San Luis Obispo) with a self-guided Segway tour for $29 (reg. $60).

With this Travelzoo-exclusive class, be a winemaker for a day at Oak Mountain Winery in Temecula, rated 4 stars on Yelp and TripAdvisor. Subscribers can take part in this two-hour wine-blending workshop for $49 (a $110 value), complete with a tasting seminar, hands-on blending instruction and a bottle of a custom blend to take home. Save more and take this class with a friend for $95 (a $220 value).

Get bird's-eye views of Temecula Wine Country on a sunrise hot air balloon ride with D&D Ballooning. For $99 per person, regularly $250, Travelzoo subscribers can take a 60-minute ride, followed by a picnic-style breakfast and a glass of bubbly upon touchdown.

Spend the evening at the AAA 4-Diamond Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel taking in live music, chef's tastings and ocean views. For $49 per person, Travelzoo subscribers can attend the hotel's "Live from Loews" concert event on Friday, May 24, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This ticket, regularly $99, includes unlimited food and drink samples, as well as complimentary valet parking.

CBS Los Angeles named Jillian's at Universal CityWalk one of the Best Bowling Alleys in Los Angeles, praising its "rock 'n' roll" atmosphere. For $15, regularly $31, two can rack up strikes and spares at this modern alley, featured in Justin Bieber's "Baby" music video.

Hearthstone Vineyard & Winery won six medals at this year's San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, including two golds, and earns a 4.5-star rating from Yelp users. For $35 a couple, visit this Paso Robles destination for tasting flights of its medal-winning wines as well as food pairings, a vineyard tour and a bottle to take home.

Named best resort spa by Palm Springs Life, Spa Esmeralda offers a "host of pampering amenities," according to Gayot. For $139, regularly $235, treat yourself to a two-service spa day with amenity and pool access at this AAA 4-Diamond resort.

Celebrate the finer points of dance at Balanchine RED in honor of master choreographer George Balanchine. This performance by Los Angeles Ballet will take place Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, and tickets are now 40% off current prices.

Tony Award-winning musical "Parade" opens in Fullerton this May and Travelzoo subscribers can save up to 50% on tickets. The L.A. Times calls composer Jason Robert Brown's score "entrancing."

Called "fearlessly inventive" by the Los Angeles Times, "The Scottsboro Boys" will make its way to the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown Los Angeles this spring. Subscribers can purchase tickets to the show Entertainment Weekly called "stunning" and "the best new musical of the year" in 2010 for up to 50% off regular pricing for performances May 21 - June 2, 2013.

Get up-close views of the world's largest living animal -- the blue whale -- on a 2.5-hour whale-watching adventure with Newport Landing. CBS Local raves that "the staff can locate whales and dolphins easily along the coast." For $29, regularly $72, two people can set sail on this cruise, while sipping a complimentary drink. Travelzoo subscribers who have taken this tour give it a 92% positive rating -- one called it "the best whale-watching trip ever."

"Rising 27 stories above the California desert, the Morongo Resort channels the luxury resorts of Las Vegas with its full-service spa, nightclub, a 150,000-square-foot casino, and a state-of-the-art theatre hosting shows by top musical acts," says Travel + Leisure of this AAA 4-Diamond Indian casino resort in California.

"Locals cherish the Balboa Fun Zone as a little vignette from the past," states the OC Register. For $21 (regularly $43), two can take a 45-minute narrated cruise from Fun Zone Boat Company, followed by a ride on the Ferris wheel at Balboa Fun Zone and a meal at Azar's Gourmet Pizza.

The LA Times applauds Enzo & Angela for offering "casual Italian cooking without pretense," and Zagat praises the "remarkable roster" of dishes "all prepared from the heart." For $25, two people can choose anything from the menu up to $50 total, and begin their dinner with two insalata mista salads.

Andrea Bocelli, the famed Italian tenor with more than 70 million records sold, will make his way to Honda Center for a one-night performance on June 9. Subscribers can now save 40% on tickets, with prices starting at $116.

Take some time to explore Universal Studios Hollywood with this offer for general admission for $69 (reg. $80) and receive two additional days for free.

David Mamet's "American Buffalo," winner of the Obie Award and New York Drama Critics' Best Play Award, is currently being staged at the Geffen Playhouse. Called "refreshing" and "thrillingly laid out" by The Los Angeles Times, subscribers can save up to 70% on tickets to select performances, including a "Lounge Friday" and "Wine Down Sunday" that include complimentary pre-show beverages.

Frommers.com says the AAA 4-Diamond Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa is designed to resemble a Moroccan palace surrounded by pools, waterfalls and lush gardens. With this Local Deal for $99, relax at the spa, a “boutique-like oasis,” with a 50-minute massage or facial, three specialty treatments and amenity access, regularly $205.

One of the top wineries to visit in the Santa Ynez Valley according to Wine Country Getaways, Rideau Vineyard is also a reader favorite -- 98% of Travelzoo subscribers who've visited with past offers enjoyed their experiences. For $35 (reg. $149), two can stop in for the following:

Our previous offer with ALG Aviation was a hit with subscribers. One-hundred percent of them rated their experience positive, with one recent reviewer raving, "everything about it was totally brilliant." For $99 per person (reg. $225), take to the skies for a 30-minute private flight lesson, which includes an additional hour of ground instruction.

Get up-close views of the world's largest living animal -- the blue whale -- on a 2.5-hour whale-watching adventure with Newport Landing. CBS Local raves that "the staff can locate whales and dolphins easily along the coast." For $29, regularly $72, two people can set sail on this cruise, while sipping a complimentary drink. Travelzoo subscribers who have taken this tour give it a 92% positive rating -- one called it "the best whale-watching trip ever."

Whisk down Mt. Baldy this winter with two hours of unlimited snow tube rides from The Lifts at Mt. Baldy. For $15 per person, Travelzoo subscribers can tube with family and friends with this all-inclusive package including lift tickets and tube rental, regularly $35.

The Temecula Insider calls Europa Village a "full-fledged European village experience in the heart of Southern California Wine Country." For $29 per person, Travelzoo subscribers get an exclusive wine-tasting and tour experience including 12 tastings and appetizers, regularly $108.

Since its opening in March 2010, Culina restaurant inside the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel has received high marks for its gourmet cuisine and opulent setting. Esquire magazine calls it one of the "Best New Restaurants" in the nation, while Angeleno magazine calls the food "fantastic" and "exquisite." For $89, Travelzoo subscribers get a first-hand experience of all this restaurant has to offer. This dinner for two, including two glasses of champagne, two grappa flights and a bottle of custom olive oil to take home, would regularly cost $250.

The Temecula Insider calls Europa Village a "full-fledged European village experience in the heart of Southern California Wine Country." For $29 per person, Travelzoo subscribers get an exclusive wine-tasting and tour experience including 12 tastings and appetizers, regularly $108.

The transition from April to May is a time of year when various species of whales are migrating in and out of SoCal's waters. During this season, you can spot humpbacks, fin whales, blue whales, gray whales and dolphins, and now for $29, two people can search for these marine giants on a 2.5-hour excursion. This Local Deal with Ocean Explorer Cruises also includes two drinks for a total value of $70.

For $32, Travelzoo subscribers can dive into an all-you-can-eat dinner for two at Redondo Beach's Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, where LA Times says "knowledgeable Brazilian staffers give this churrascaria-by-the-sea an authentic feel." Two people can indulge in unlimited Brazilian churrasco-style meats, vegetables, salads and side dishes, regularly $64.

With more than 200 varieties of teas, Chado Tea Room is "a temple for tea lovers," according to Frommer's. For $25, two can experience a three-course afternoon tea complete with homemade scones, tea sandwiches and desserts, regularly $50. This deal can be used at either the Pasadena or Hollywood locations; the Pasadena location was named Best Tea House by Pasadena Weekly.

Dine like royalty on a four-course feast and save more than 35% on tickets to the jousting and sword-fighting show at Medieval Times in Buena Park. Adult tickets are $39 (reg. $61.67 w/tax and fees) and child tickets (ages 3-12) are $29 (reg. $39.41 w/tax and fees) for Travelzoo subscribers. These deals can be redeemed for shows through May 5, 2013, excluding Saturdays.

It's currently the time of year when blue whales make their way into the waters off the coast of SoCal, and now Travelzoo subscribers can sail out on the open sea during a 2.5-hour whale-watching tour from Newport Landing. For $15 per person, get a boarding pass and drink to sip while gazing out at the rolling waves and wildlife. This experience regularly costs $36.

Unwind in Temecula's wine country with a package in a private, upscale villa for $199. Travelzoo negotiated this deal at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, normally $459, to include tempting extras like a mimosa breakfast for two, wine tasting and cheese pairings, a bottle of vino and a $20 spa credit (valid toward treatments of $75 or more).

Coral Tree Cafe's fresh, healthy fare captured the attention of The Huffington Post, which named it one of LA's best healthy restaurants, as well as locals and celebrities including Demi Moore and Sarah Michelle Gellar. For $15, order brunch at the Encino or Brentwood locations and enjoy any two entrees (up to $11.95) and any two drinks (up to $4.50 each), a meal that would regularly cost $32.

For $25, Travelzoo subscribers can embark on a wine-tasting experience in Solvang, in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley wine country. This Local Deal for two people includes five tastings each at four wineries, including award winners like Rideau Vineyard and Blackjack Ranch Vineyards and Winery, featured in the film "Sideways." Save nearly 75% on this package, regularly $92.

For $37, experience the thrill of skydiving while hovering only a few feet above the ground. iFLY Hollywood offers Travelzoo subscribers 55% off two flights in its indoor flying simulator. This Earn Your Wings package includes training from a certified flight instructor, use of all gear and a free DVD of the flight experience (a $25 value).

Whisk down Mt. Baldy with unlimited tube rides from Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts. For $16 per person, Travelzoo subscribers can spend two hours snow tubing with family and friends with this all-inclusive package including lift tickets and tube rental, regularly $35.

Vistas spreading from Catalina to the Mojave await diners at Top of the Notch Restaurant, named Best View with a Restaurant by LA Weekly. For $19 per person, regularly $40, Travelzoo subscribers can take a roundtrip chairlift ride from the base of Mt. Baldy to the restaurant, followed by an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.

Venture out into the open sea and cast a line into the depths of the Pacific with this Local Deal with The Freelance in Newport Beach. Travelzoo subscribers can choose from four deep sea fishing excursions that range in price from $20-$25 and cater to those without any fishing experience up to veterans. These half-day and twilight fishing trips hunt for fish like 40-pound yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, halibut, bass, bonito, dorado and barracuda.

For $35, Travelzoo subscribers can experience a half-day deep sea fishing excursion with Newport Landing Sportfishing. This trip, which lasts five to six hours, normally costs $72 and includes a fishing rod, tackle and a one-day fishing license. Alternatively, those with their own equipment and license can get this deal for $20, a savings of 50% off the regular price.

Embark on a half-day guided fishing trip from Marina del Rey for $25 per person with Marina del Rey Sportfishing, rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp. This deep sea fishing excursion comes with bait, rod and reel rental and tackle and is regularly $49.

Travelzoo subscribers save $121 on the regular price of a 2.5-hour Temecula wine country experience at Cougar Vineyard & Winery, rated 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp. For $29 per person, this deal includes a wine class, tastings of eight vintages and complimentary appetizers, regularly $150 ($60 an hour).

Set out into the Pacific for an exciting whale-watching excursion with Harbor Breeze Cruises of Long Beach. For $29, two people can spend 2.5 hours watching for gray whales, dolphins, sea lions and more, regularly $60.

Watch the sun set as you sail along the Newport Beach coastline on a 90-minute cruise with Cruise Newport Beach. This $25 Local Deal, regularly $50 per person, also includes unlimited drinks (specialty cocktails, beer, wine, coffee and tea) for the journey, as well as complimentary chips and salsa, and unbeatable views.

Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, located a block from the beach, serves an impressive list of fine wines, Champagne and innovative cocktails. Travelzoo subscribers can now order any four of these drinks for $25, regularly up to $144, only with this Local Deal.

This holiday season, The Queen Mary has gathered more than 2 million pounds of ice to fill a 13,000-square-foot igloo dubbed The Ice Kingdom. Travelzoo subscribers can experience this unique winter spectacle at the historic ship in Long Beach with admission for $19 per person any day of the week, regularly up to $24.95 on peak days.

Zagat says "elegance lives" at Checkers Downtown in the Hilton Checkers Hotel, and the restaurant was picked as one of the top 20 in Los Angeles by Gourmet magazine. With this Local Deal, get a three-course meal for two for $39, regularly $108.

Perched 7,800 feet above sea level, Top of the Notch Restaurant at Mt. Baldy affords diners panoramic views of the LA area, from Catalina Island to the Mojave Desert. Travelzoo subscribers receive lunch for two and two roundtrip chairlift tickets from the base of the mountain to the restaurant for $29, regularly $60.

Dine like royalty on a four-course feast and save more than 35% on tickets to the jousting and sword-fighting show at Medieval Times in Buena Park. Adult tickets are $39 (reg. $61.67 w/tax and fees) and child tickets (ages 3-12) are $29 (reg. $39.41 w/tax and fees) for Travelzoo subscribers. These deals can be redeemed for shows through May 5, 2013, excluding Saturdays.

It's currently the time of year when gray whales make their way into the waters off the coast of SoCal, and now Travelzoo subscribers can sail out on the open sea during a 2.5-hour whale-watching tour from Newport Landing. For $15 per person, get a boarding pass and drink to sip while gazing out at the rolling waves and wildlife. This experience regularly costs $36.

With this $35 Travelzoo Local Deal, spend a day at one of the first races of the winter and spring meet at Santa Anita Park. The deal includes admission to The Turf Club -- the racetrack's most luxurious experience with prime views of the finish line -- lunch inside, a program guide and valet parking. This package is regularly up to $72.25.