LA - Any must dos/must avoids??

SimbaSimon

Some people can be really harsh on a place!

Although LA isn't what its piped up to be (i.e. don't go expecting what you see on tv!) its got plenty of culture and lots to do. Definately check out Universal Studios for the rides and behind the scenes stuff and if your into TV theres lots of other studios that you can visit the sets of. Anaheim isn't far away to do Disney and theres plenty of museums around LA.

We did the drive down to San Diego by the coast but unfortunately the weather wasn't brilliant when we went, but it was great to see it all.

photome

No one has mentioned Knotts berry farm, a theme park in Buena Park (near Anaheim) not as good as six flags but it is fun and is smaller so easy to get around, it has a fantastic fast wooden coaster.

You could also take in a baseball game in Anaheim where the Angels play they regurlarly get 44000 crowds, IMo the game is rubbish but a great experience.

Just to add I think 10 days is about 6 days to long to saty in LA

neilbond007

photome wrote: »

No one has mentioned Knotts berry farm, a theme park in Buena Park (near Anaheim) not as good as six flags but it is fun and is smaller so easy to get around, it has a fantastic fast wooden coaster.

You could also take in a baseball game in Anaheim where the Angels play they regurlarly get 44000 crowds, IMo the game is rubbish but a great experience.

Just to add I think 10 days is about 6 days to long to saty in LA

Good call on the baseball. I've seen both the Dodgers and the Angels. Stopped in a "Hilton suites" about 5 minute walk from the Angels stadium. Great hotel

ramellous1

Some other stuff we did was to visit The Grove shopping centre in Hollywood. A daft highlight for me was to walk up and down the Music Box Steps from the Laurel and Hardy film where they push the piano up and it keeps falling back down. My GF is a Halloween fan and just off Sunset Strip is the street where the outdoor shots of the street were made. We even went to Pasadena to see the Myers house.. You do need a car and just cruising around was good for a day.

Mouth11

Not sure about the baseball, Im already taking the missus to the Hatton fight so another sporting event is probably a no go. Its a shame cos i would like to see the lakers.
She has mentioned the Getty Museum, is it worth a look??

laughing_cow

trets77 wrote: »

......
heading up to Griffith Observatory is a good way to get a great view of the city . a Cruise down Sunset Boulevard is fun as is a drive up into the Hills , Mullholland Drive is a good drive .
.

Yes, I like Griifith Observatory - last time I was there we were very lucky with the weather - it was very clear and an amazing sunset.

I wasn't sure about LA the first time I went, but I've been back a few times to visit friends and it's grown on me. The weather is good, although admittedly smoggy at certain times, it's never too cold or too hot. I like the food - there's plenty of good restaurants and I like eating my way round the numerous Farmer's Markets. I like the shopping too -someone has already mentioned 3rd St in Santa Monica, and there's also Montana Avenue nearby or Abbott Kinney in Venice which has quirky/independent shops.
http://www.montanaave.com
http://www.abbotkinneyonline.com/

If you're interested in music the Hollywood Bowl is worth checking. Also, the record stores in Hollywood have free promo gigs. They often seem to have well known British bands who have yet to make it in the US - it's a good chance to see a famous band in a much smaller venue than you would in the UK. I think Amoeba is one of the record stores.

photome

One other thing no one has mentioned...You will be stuck in traffic every time you drive anywhere.

betterbargains4u

flea72 wrote: »

i would recommend 6 Flags Magic Mountain, if you like roller coasters. much better rides than Disney, and Universal

Flea

I would second this...definately worth a visit. Fantastic theme park...much better for adults than Disney.
Cannot believe no-one has even mentioned Venice beach and Muscle beach
Go at the weekend, when all of LA seem to be roller blading or cycling up and down the walkway. Lots of lovely beach area and lots and lots of street entertainment to watch. Its also a great place to sit and just people watch. Some very strange people in LA!! :rotfl:
A drive aroung Bel Air and Beverley Hills is worth the time, but don't get roped into one of the stars tour bus tours.
Buy yourself a map of the homes and do it for yourself. Much more fun.
I toured around California twice ( a month each time ) and went to LA twice...on my own with a young Daughter. I have to admit that some of the areas of LA are pretty seedy and scary. We didn't venture out much at night.
Just use your head...and be careful.

Mouth11

does anyone know of any good nightclubs/bars??

trets77

Mouth11 wrote: »

does anyone know of any good nightclubs/bars??

I don't do nightclubs , but watch the film Swingers where they say the best nightclubs in LA have to be almost hidden and not advertised.