Moored in San Pedro, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum lets you wander through one of the most magnificent and surprisingly personal pieces of U.S. naval history. Known as the “Battleship of Presidents,” the Iowa once carried FDR across the Atlantic and later served through WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. As you move through the ship’s narrow corridors and out onto the decks, you get a real sense of what life was like for the crew: giant gun turrets towering overhead, cramped bunks stacked in rows, and glimpses of the command centers that once buzzed with activity. Veteran volunteers are often on hand to share stories or point out easy-to-miss details.

East of Melbourne lie the Dandenong Ranges, a scenic area containing low mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, lush forests and cute little villages. Here you can ride an iconic steam train, cycle or hike through magical places such as Sherbrooke Forest, or just relax in a spa. This is a great place for all nature lovers who wish to escape the bustling city life.

Just opposite the Cathedral you can find the "Hospederia", a 16th century monastery founded by the Benedictines. It is possible to stay at the monastery, or simply enjoy the beautiful architecture, and if you happen to be visiting between Tuesday and Thursday, be sure to join one of the guided tours.

Disneyland, the original Disney theme park, remains a place where visitors can step straight into the worlds of their favorite characters, from Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck to Goofy and many more. Alongside its classic rides and nostalgic charm, the park now includes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an impressively detailed land that lets guests feel as if they’ve landed on another planet. One of its highlights is the Droid Depot, where you can assemble your own custom astromech droid from a selection of parts and personality chips.