I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

I've gone on their whale watching tour twice now, the first time in December and the last time was…read moreyesterday, May 29th. I was hoping I'd see just one whale but in December, we saw 5 humpbacks ! Yesterday I wasn't too confident because one of the staff said the tour prior, they saw absolutely no life. Not even birds. But we went out and we saw a Minke whale and 3 humpback whales! One even waved for us. It was great. The staff is very knowledgeable about the whales and other animal life and even the surrounding area. Will definitely be back.

Fantastic trip! Great staff on board. Comfortable inside cabin seating…read more We got to see a huge pod of dolphins and a whale with her calf!

Went to Vietnam for 9days. Excellent tour guide, 5stars…read morehotels. wonderful food. Trip arrangements were suit for the weather.

5 star service! 5 star food! 5 star sightseeing! 5 star hotels!…read more If you want to enjoy your trip without any worries, signet is your choice.

We had a great time with David. He was an excellent tour guide, very friendly and knowledgeable…read more Thank you for making our trip memorable.

We have never done a similar tour but as our friends from AZ were looking for a true Hollywood…read moreexperience, we chose this company for the good ratings and also a great Groupon deal.... we met at the location a bit early and were able to use the restroom before leaving for our tour. Our tour guide Dave was awesome - engaging, informative and also inquisitive as we were all an active part of the tour. What more to add? Yes, book the last tour of the day as the tour guide may not feel as stressed to get back to the Hollywood Blvd location on time and you may see some of the local celebrities, either driving their vehicles or briefly walking outside. Great company and ditto experience.

Had a blast weather was great TMZ was great. Really appreciated the history. Stopped at a drag…read moreshow, they passed out snacks on our buss.

Capone was fun His driver was great…read moreHas a fun time The abbey was nice to us too Would suggest to others .

I found Boat & Bottle when looking for a memorable experience to take my wife on for our first…read moreValentine's Day as a married couple, and I am very glad I did. Captain Sebastian was super friendly and a fantastic communicator, making sure we had all the information we needed to make it to the launch ramp on time (directions, parking, etc.). We got lucky and caught a SpaceX launch from the boat, which was surreal to see. We opted for the V-day package which included flowers, chocolates, and balloons and really added to the ambience. Overall it was a magical night, and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique date night.

I booked a boat and bottle for my sister's birthday. Captain Sebastian was kind, communicative, and…read morean all around amazing host! We will definitely be booking again!!

Great host, very interesting venues and stories. The perfect spot to walk around and see history…read morethat still exists.

We did the Kellog house tour and our tour guide was great. She was very knowledagable of the…read morehistory of not just the house, but the surrounding city/cities as well. The length of the tour was well worth the money, I also know that some stories are passed down through history or just lore. We enjoyed our experience and how everyone got into character/dressed as the era. My next goal is to do the Disney mansion tour. See you soon

This experience is incredible. The river isn't the cleanest but it is still beautiful. Amazing to…read moresee all the wildlife and plants thriving here. The Sepulveda Basin section is a really easy kayak. The guide was fun and full of information. He knew where to get some great photos. He will also film the participants in cool videos.

I recently came here with my aunt, at first kayaking wasn't something I was very open and…read moreinterested in doing. Coming here definitely changed my perspective on kayaking and when I tell you that I had one of the funnest times with LA River Expeditions, I mean it! From the moment I arrived, the friendly and knowledgeabl staff made me feel right at home. They provided such detailed instructions and safey guidelines. ( that were also super beginner friendly! ) The LA River itself was honestly such a surprising journey. i was immediately captivated by the stunning urban landscapes surrounding the river. The juxtaposition of nature and the cityscape created a unique and surreal atmosphere. It felt like we were exploring a hidden gem right in the heart of Los Angeles. The equipment provided by LA River Expeditions was topnotch. The sturdy rafts and safety gear gave me confidence throughout the journey. It was evident that they prioritize customer safety and comfort, ensuring a memorable and worryfree experience.The equipment was very well kept, sturdy, and overall super clean! Cleanliness is super important nowadays and seeing the quality and cleanliness of the rafts honestly made me feel super safe! Throughout the journey, the guides displayed a remarkable ability to balance professionalism with a friendly and personable approach. They were attentive, ensuring everyone stayed safe and engaged throughout the trip. One aspect that truly stood out was their ability to cater to different experience levels. Whether someone was a seasoned kayaker or a complete beginner like myself, the guides were patient and understanding, providing individualized attention and guidance when needed. I cannot recommend LA River Expeditions enough. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure junkie, or simply looking for a unique way to experience Los Angeles, this expedition is a mustdo! I highly recommend La River Expedition to anyone seeking a memorable adventure guided by a team of remarkable individuals who go above and beyond to ensure an outstanding experience for their guests. Trust me, you won't regret it. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you craving more.

Absolutely incredible humans that run this tour. Jose made our day, he was so accommodating and…read moreknowledgeable. I go on a lot of trips and take a lot of tours and this one was above and beyond! We did the ultimate LA tour and boy did it deliver

My family booked this tour because it was my parents first time in LA and it was one of the best…read moreand informative tours we have ever been on! It starts with the owner, Kenneth. I had some questions about booking time and our service dog and he personally called me, recommended the perfect start time and said he would love our dog to join us, he gets hospitality and customer service. We arrived at the starting point and were greeted by our host, Jeffrey. He is one of the nicest guys you can ever meet. He loaded us all in the luxury Mercedes van, stocked with waters/treats, and off we went. The tour is 5 hours, with a lunch stop at the famous Farmers Market. Time flies though! You'll go through the Hills for breathtaking views, visit Hollywood sign, get the tourist Hollywood experience (Chinese Theatre/Dolby Theatre/Walk of Fame), see movie studios, celebrity past/present homes, Rodeo Drive, and much more. The entire tour our guide, Jeff told us facts and stories about the different areas we visited. His knowledge and stories were worth the price of admission. This was the ultimate LA in a day tour. Highly recommend. Private tours are the way to go and this is the one you want.

Working with Alex and Michael is a great time. Not only are they extraordinary photographers with…read moreso much to teach from their extensive experience and storytelling skills, but they are truly fun to be around. They have so many nifty travel and photo tips to offer, it's really an invaluable experience you will never forget. Can't wait to work with them again!

From the owner: We specialize in photo expeditions for intrepid travelers to the beautiful and mysterious corners…read moreof Latin America. Even better, you travel with a world class photographer who shares their talent and expertise with you. Our goal is to offer a unique experience, including staying in local villages and immersing yourself in each region's culture. The image is the adventure!