A certified instructor welcomes you into a Cessna aircraft and then lets you take the controls as the plane soars over Los Angeles

Women-only races challenge runners with 5K and half-marathon courses; retreat offers array of fitness presentations and classes

Tours run 8 a.m.–4 p.m., traveling to the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, home to blue, gray, and humpback whales

One-hour hot air balloon ride with views of desert, ocean, and mountain landscapes; pilots with at least 500 hours experience

Festival hosts fresh Greek food, flea market, folk-dance performances, and games and rides for kids

Instructor teaches proper form and aim after equipping pupils during lessons or parties at indoor range

Comedic trainer’s exotic birds paint pictures and read minds; magician performs quirky illusions as seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Water-park pass unlocks multitudes of aquatic amusements, such as near-vertical 35 ft. slides, inner-tube rides & million-gallon wave pool

Anniversary bash teams soulful British singer Joe Cocker with hitmakers Huey Lewis & The News for an evening of bluesy classic-rock hits

Pros ride bucking bulls and race horses around barrels; tots join in the fun with mutton-busting contests