Located at the entrance of the Green Pleasure Pier on Catalina Island, the visitor center was…read moremanned by two friendly guides during our day visit to the island. Since we were part of the 4,000 people coming onshore from the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas, it was quite busy inside (assuming for the whole day) but the ladies seemed to be handling it with no problem. There are self-serve pamphlets for all the various attractions on the island. My brother's particular question was around getting info for the jet ski tour from Long Beach to Catalina. The guide explained that those originate from Long Beach, and that the jet ski tour guides here in Avalon provide one hour tours around the island. That was enough info to point us in the right direction, and we continued on our way.

The worst visitor center I've ever entered in all my travels across the USA and even…read moreinternationally! This place should be embarrassed! Shortly after arriving on Catalina island, we discovered that we somehow didn't have a ticket back to the mainland. After trying to book a ticket back, and finding nothing but fully booked Catalina Express boats, I came to the visitor center assuming they would be able to help with methods of transportation off this island and back to the mainland. The answer I got from the woman working behind the counter was, "Here's a brochure. Scan the QR code. You can contact Catalina Express or take the helicopter, but I don't know their availability." What kind of answer is that?!?!?!?! Here, scan a QR code? Seriously?????? I even asked this lady about the airport and she couldn't even tell me when they close for the day. Couldn't even tell me if there were private planes or private jets that fly in and out of this airport. How can you be working at a visitor center and not be able to answer basic questions about the airport? I needed to get off this island! I was ready to pay $1,000 or more to get home at the end of the night. This lady was completely incompetent and offered zero help and clearly demonstrated she had zero knowledge. After leaving the visitor center, I had to call a family member on the mainland and have them help find me a ride off this island! Within 1 hour, I had a ticket on the 7:45 PM Catalina Express. So here I am sitting at home, back on the mainland writing this review.....no thanks to anyone on this island, especially nobody from the visitor center! ZERO stars!

What a wonderful first impression of the lovely city of Santa Barbara! We stumbled in here after…read moregetting off the Amtrak train, looking for recommendations for kid-friendly eats, and we left with a wonderful list of places we try. The staff here are super friendly, just people wanting to help other people. Shoutout to Ruairi, the awesome Irish, who really helped us lay out the food land during our visit. We visited most of the food spots that he recommended and had a wonderful foodie experience - we found our new favorite pizza spot! The store is clean, quaint, and a lovely visit. Will recommend tourists to pop in for a quick visit just to make sure you have all your t's crossed off :)

Loved the new Visitor Center. Opened daily, perfect location on State Street, close to the Funk…read moreZone and the Wharf. It is new, welcoming, the staff was nice, chatty, hospitable. They sell nice merchandise, for a souvenir or if you forgot to bring a hat or some sun screen. Lots of maps, brochures, nice local magazines. You can get tips and ideas from the folks working here, can ask for any info you need. They also have big, nice, clean restrooms with beautiful tiles. We needed a place to rest and apply some sun protective lotion and this place was perfect! They also have a sofa, pretty comfy if you need to relax, look at a map, etc. Great resource, helpful, nice addition to the area!

This review is long over due however, very necessary for me to write about Big Bear Lake Visitors…read moreCenter. Big Bear at large is close to my heart because its easy for me to get to from LA County proper. I ski at Big Bear (Or Snow Valley or Snow Summit) when the snow permits. It's an easy drive for me to and from LA. But lately, over the past 3 years, I've been so in love with Shadow and Jackie, the Bald Eagle celebrity natives. OK- here is my story: My travel buddy and I drive from LA and made a couple stops along the way (One was in Ontario for a party we attended) and the second was Snow Summit to check out the ski conditions. However, my main purpose was to visit and get a real live view of Shadow and Jackie, the bald eagles. The Big Bear Lake Visitors Center was the place to gather your information. They gave us the best times to look for Jackie and Shadow but more important, they have their volunteer rangers who set up long range telescopes over at Fawn's to view the magnificent birds. There is a board at the entrance which lists all activities around the area; for hikers, bikers, eagle viewers alike. Merch for sale Informative with respect to the native animals, birds and the li,e Ample parking Clean restrooms

We just popped in to see what was inside as we were visitors in big bear and were pleasantly…read morepleased with what we found! That was neat. They had a display on the eagle nest, as that is such a popular thing with people, that included a live feed. The folks behind the information desk were very friendly and helpful. We really enjoy the photo area, you can have your picture taken and put over three different backgrounds, with choice of emailing or having the picture printed out right there for you to take with you. Kind of nice to have a physical picture for a change as everyone seems to just provide digital these days. Great place for information for any visitor to big Bear!

Scenic location. Educational exterior exhibits from 3D renderings of the Channel Islands to an…read moreinteractive native plant garden and tide pools inside the center. Although small in space, this visitor center offers you the views from the tower, water play with the inside exhibits, and plenty of space to recharge (picnic tables outside and clean restrooms). We didn't have a lot of time so we bought a magnet and a few trinkets to memorialize our visit. We hope we can explore the island more seriously next time we visit.

Great visitor center with lots of knowledgeable staff onsite to answer questions…read more A really comprehensive gift shop and I picked up a book on the history of Channel Islands, a towel, a sunshirt, some postcards, and some earrings. Theres also a small outdoor garden to explore and also an overlook area at top of the building. Also, a ranger program was happening when I came here discussing the sea kelp that exist here. Bathrooms also available. Worth a stop in to learn more about the islands!

I stopped in last Sunday for some bus information and schedules. The woman working (Peggy?) was so…read morefriendly and eager to share her knowledge about everything that Laguna Beach has to offer. I grew up a few miles up the coast and visit several times a year and will now stop in each time to see what's new and happening in Laguna. Thank you for your help and cheerful smile!

From the owner: Laguna Beach travel information, hotel bookings, restaurant recommendations and reservations,…read moreattraction and activity suggestions, area maps, and more.

My boyfriend and I discovered this quaint outdoor Santa Barbara Visitor's Center since it was down…read morenear the Saturday Fisherman Market area. It is located on the 4th floor and it claims to have one of the most stunning views of the city. Despite being a quick visit, I really enjoyed the conversation we had with the kind volunteer working here. We got a useful map of the city that came with coupons along its' edges. There were also a lot of brochures and information on the city activities for tourists. Super helpful. This is one of many visitor centers in the city. We were lucky to enjoy their balcony that was pier facing for a quick moment alone before other travelers came in. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Definitely a memorable part of our trip.

Just go to the 4th floor! Such a beautiful view with a…read moreprivate feel like balcony. Friendly staff and good info/knowledge about the area Recommend all around .

Great experience here today…read more The representative on duty was both knowledgeable and pleasant to talk with. She facilitated my pickup of a VEO helmet. Nice looking store that also sells nice Santa Monica branded gifts.

This place is awesome! They were able to answer a question for me that I couldn't find an answer to…read moreonline or asking anyone else. The employee was a young woman. Thank you so much!!

Neat little spot in the San Clemente Outlets mall!…read more This little center functions as both a "California Welcome Center" AND the customer service desk for the outlets. You can pick up free and informative brochures for all sorts of fun points of interests/travel spots throughout California. There's sections for Norcal, Socal, the Bay Area, Yosemite, Monterey, etc. There's also a small selection of California postcards, keychains, and other little trinkets for purchase as well. I didn't know this initially, but the friendly clerk shared with me the points program the outlet has to offer. You get 10 points for every $1 you spend at any of the outlet's stores. Once you reach a certain amount (I forgot how much since I rarely shop for myself) - you get access to their VIP Lounge upstairs. She was nice enough to let me take a peek - it was practically empty, but had a nice view of their center courtyard with all the Christmas decorations. It's a nice and quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the mall down below. Cleaner restrooms in their VIP lounge too. Legit, one of the nicest restrooms I've seen at a mall. I signed up for their free program, and picked up more than a number of brochures for future travel destination planning!

Located inside the San Clemente Outlets off Avenida Vista Hermosa, and the 5 freeway. CWC is a…read moregreat place to stop in and gather information about all the activities' California and Especially South OC has to offer. Since its off the freeway is a great location to stop and stretch your legs, visit the restrooms located across the Center, grab some food inside the Outlets, and walk around to do some shopping. Since its an outdoor Mall, you can bring your floof and have them walk around and enjoy the fresh air as well. They have information on recreational activities from hikes, to shopping, to tourist attractions LA, OC, to SD with coupons inside pamphlets . A hot tip, if you sign up for their rewards program, for each dollar that you spend while at the Outlets, you can provide your email and phone number inside the Welcome center and can add those to your account. Watch those points rack up and you can redeem for fun stuff. Keep an eye out for emails that give updates on special sales, discounts, promotions and events happening around the center or at the Outlet itself. 10/10

Great visitors center and store that's got plenty of Ventura merchandise…read more Being a local, I can't speak to the quality of the visitors center itself so I'll leave that to the tourists and visitors to give you a better review. What I can speak to is the customer service and shopping :) As a shop I love it and it's a stop worth checking out. Located just down one block from the main downtown stroll, it's super easy to find and to get to. They also have free two hour parking in front/across the street (for now). The store has great finds and Ventura merch. I popped in again today to get my St. paddy's day styled shirt (which I love). They have online ordering which is a breeze. You can definitely get your items shipped but being local I came in to pickup my order and it was packed/ready as the online note said it was so super easy in and out. Staff are always super nice and friendly, it's a great store and I hope you'll check them out.

They were so friendly and welcoming. Never thought to go into that center but they had really cute…read morevintage looking post cards. Nice pictures and trinkets reasonably priced. Also the staff was just so helpful in providing tips on places to go and check out.

I grew up in the Marina del Rey area, back when the traffic wasn't as kooky as it is today. Me and…read moremy bestie used to catch butterflies in the fields that is now Bill Rosendahl del Rey park, but in my day, it was known as Glen Alla park. We'd spend hours there...when we weren't at the beach. At night we would spend our time at the UA Marina theater, West World and Perry's Pizza. Seems like a lifetime ago. It was a terrific place to grow up, I'm grateful for the memories. These days you have much of the same, only more of it. Loads of restaurants, grocery stores, nifty shopping and lots and lots of traffic. People too, but that's not a surprise. And traffic lights, quite a few of them. When driving through I had to really pay attention because what was once an intersection with only a stop sign, now there's a signal slowing traffic down. I love visiting this terrific city, you will too!

I've been coming to Marina del Rey as long as I can remember. Some of the boats here like the…read morepicture I just took is astronomical. I really like riding my bicycle around here and the views are great. This is true Southern California at its best. Guess who's both this is?