Travel Log: California

Summer is almost over. Most schools are back in session. What to do?

Hit the beach.

NASCAR's final trip out west before the cold months set in presents the perfect opportunity to explore the local beach scene that Los Angeles offers. In the tour's previous escapade to Southern California, the highlight encompassed the prominent tourist attractions surrounding the Los Angeles area.

This time, the focus is on the sand and sea. But these West Coast beaches aren't like the Southeast and Gulf shores. Surfing is bigger. Shopping is better. Scenery is eclectic.

Also: February's edition of Travel Log: California

Rose Bowl Stadium -- Quite simply, it's America's football stadium. Host of the annual Tournament of Roses Football Game -- more commonly termed the Rose Bowl -- this stadium has a large block of college football history stained on its grass. Home to the UCLA Bruins, ironically the first football game held in the stadium was between Cal and USC in 1922. But on Monday night, while the nation rests, it will be home to the season-opener between host UCLA and the Tennessee Volunteers. This biased observer will be there clad in orange.
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DaBull88 -- Go to the California Pantry in downtown L.A., near the Staples Center. They have been there for over a 100 years and have great food, cheap prices, and have been open 24 hours a day since the day they opened and never closed their doors ever!

After that the only other thing to do in Cali is after the race go down to San Diego and go in to the Gas Lamp District and find Dick's Last Resort -- best fun ever. They have five restaurant / bars in North America and they are the rudest, most fun I have ever had. But you have to go in there with an open mind -- beware of flying napkins and bras! Do not talk on a cell phone in front of a server either.

If that's not in your cards to go south after the race then go north on the 15 to Las Vegas for night life and fun. Or take five minutes out of your life and head up to where I live, Big Bear. Grab a fishing pole and a six-pack and relax! Get away from the stop lights, gang fights and insane Kyle Busch fans! Head over to Chad's Place in the village and order a drink.

RONRU12 -- House of Blues the best in L.A., a must see. The Brown Derby for coffee and lunch. Any one of the many comedy clubs. For the weird beach, ask anyone where Santa Monica pier is located. Walk of Fame ...

16bifflerules -- Hollywood's Rock and Roll historical place! If you're into Rock and Roll history, from Jim Morrison (Doors) to Madonna, Godsmack, Eminem, or of course the all-too-famous Motley Crue, check out the Whiskey a Go Go on Sunset Strip! It is full of pics and history of all the bands that have showed up there to get noticed, and did!

P.S -- Fontana isn't boring. I like it, and have gone out there from Florida several times! Last time I was there James Belushi was jammin' on stage five feet in front of me. Also, Puddle of Mud played, as well as Crossfade! Arnold Schwarzenegger was grand marshal, etc. Good luck, and have fun.

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Thursday: Cloudy with a high of 94 degrees, low of 66
Friday: Mostly sunny with a high of 91 degrees, low of 65
Saturday: Partly sunny with a high of 94 degrees, low of 67
Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high of 94 degrees, low of 65
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• Directions and aerial map of Fontana, Calif.

The cutoff is near. But while the Chasers sweat it out, what can fans do in the Virginia area? Share your personal favorites here.