FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
WF awards

Visit Torrance, California, for a Taste of Japan at the Cherry Blossom Festival

by Eugenia Lazaris

Mar 1, 2024

© Christine Chen

Destinations / North America

Torrance, one of Southern California’s hidden gems, gears up for a big event. Next month’s Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival will bring out the city’s natural beauty and Japanese heritage for an epic celebration of nature and culture that is perfect for family travelers.

 

cherry blossom festival

© Christine Chen

Cherry Blossom festivals, common throughout Japan in spring, are a way of welcoming spring and celebrating the beauty of nature and the rejuvenation of life. While these festivals are found in other parts of the world (Washington, D.C. is quite famous for its blossoms), finding one is a real treat, and Torrance’s annual festival is not only a great way to share in the celebration, but also an opportunity to discover the personality of the city.

 

Torrance’s strong connection to Japan goes far beyond its multitude of beautiful cherry trees. The city is home to a large Japanese population and has direct ties with Japan through its sister city, Kashiwa in the Chiba Prefecture. Throughout the city you can find plenty of Japanese influence, like great Japanese restaurants and even a drive-through ramen restaurant — it isn’t the self-proclaimed Ramen Capital of California for nothing!

 

Torrance

© Christine Chen

While the city celebrates its Japanese influence daily, this annual event began in 2012 as part of the city’s centennial celebration and has remained a staple each spring ever since. During the festival, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the city’s Huntington Park, visitors not only get to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom trees in all their glory, but also experience a celebration of Japanese culture through live performances, unique crafts and food from a variety of local vendors.

 

The festival is free to attend, and free parking and shuttle service will be available to get you to the festival grounds on the day of the event. Simply visit here for parking locations and instructions and prepare for a fun day of food, activities, entertainment and culture.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Parents
Apr 24, 2024

Treat Mom to Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta

Are you planning family travel to Atlanta for Mother’s Day this year? For those in the area on May 11 and 12, celebrate mom with a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta. Afternoon tea is a hallmark at the property and this year’s Mother’s Day version will honor Audrey Hepburn and her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring

Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.

Multigenerational
Apr 22, 2024

Travel Sustainably with BWH Hotels

BWH Hotels invites family travelers to experience sustainable practices across its global portfolio. The brand prioritizes sustainable and responsible tourism through its Because We Care program and various partnerships with eco-friendly brands.

Parents
Apr 22, 2024

4 Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day fast approaches, and all mothers and mother figures deserve something extra special this year. Treat the mom in your life, whether she’s an outdoor enthusiast or host extraordinaire, to these four great gifts.

United Continues Its Global Expansion

United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).

Multigenerational
Apr 19, 2024

Family-Friendly Offerings from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection

Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection includes the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world — many of them perfect for family travelers. And two current offers might entice your family even more.