OT: Going back to Cali...
EAsports
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Actually not entirely true, as I've never actually been to Cali....
But I promised my girlfriend that we would go to LSU's bowl game, which by all indications, will be the Rose Bowl.
The Grandaddy of them all! Sweet!
I'll be in LA (not Louisiana... Los Angeles) for 5 nights.
What do I need to see, do, while I'm out there?
Thanks in advance!!!
But I promised my girlfriend that we would go to LSU's bowl game, which by all indications, will be the Rose Bowl.
The Grandaddy of them all! Sweet!
I'll be in LA (not Louisiana... Los Angeles) for 5 nights.
What do I need to see, do, while I'm out there?
Thanks in advance!!!
0
Comments
I live in West LA (Venice Beach area)
email me at blindflyer@yahoo.com and I can give you some tips....
Bottom line:
The city is HUGE --- but most of it is not worth seeing.
You'll definitely want to spend some time at Venice Beach (both the Canals & Boardwalk), Santa Monica (Third Street Promenade), and probably want to hit Hollywood Blvd for a few hours (Mann's Theatre).
It really depends what you like --- there are some GREAT dive bars if if you're into that sort of thing ... and some killer local music clubs .... but again, it depends on your tastes.
Ultimately, LA is a better town to live than it is to visit (tourists often leave disappointed, residents tend to never leave after they realize how much it has to offer underneath the shiny veneer).
Email me and we can chat.
-Tom
------- 1960 Topps Baseball PSA 8+
------- 1985 Topps Hockey PSA 9+
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Venice Beach, preferably on the weekend. End up on the Santa Monica promenade in the evening
Disneyland
Getty Museum, if not for the art then for the architecture, LA County Art museum
Malibu Coast, or Laguna Beach area.
Santa Barbara is 90 minutes north as well, and San Diego 90 minutes to 2 hours south.
Depending on your interests there are a lot of other places-art, sports, beach, mountains, hiking, skiing, you name it.
If you want to pm me I"m happy to give you more specifics or suggestions.
BTW, rent a car. It's not a public transport town, and things are very spread out.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
EDITED TO ADD:
5 nights is a nice chunk of time. You may want to consider a day trip to Santa Barbara (north of city) or Dana Point (Orange County). Both are about and hour or so away and a great getaway.
------- 1960 Topps Baseball PSA 8+
------- 1985 Topps Hockey PSA 9+
- I would stay on the west side (west LA near Century City has some affordable places like Courtyard, Holiday Inn Express, etc...). Very central located. Don't bother staying near the Rose Bowl... though Pasadena is totally nice;
- "Sleep" out on the street to watch the Rose Parade the next morning (I did it once and it was very fun - better than buying seats in bleachers);
- Drive the coast to Santa Barbara for sure;
- If Kids, go to Disneyland for sure (maybe even if no kids);
- Venice Beach and also 3rd Street Prom in SM;
- Rodeo Drive and shops of Beverly Hills;
- TONS of cool bars/dance clubs in Hollywood (the smaller the sign the better);
- Go to Dresden Room on Vermont (bar from the movie Swingers);
- If you are anywhere near my age you will want to drive out to the valley and take the 118 freeway. Why? Almost every episode of CHiP's was filmed there before freeway was finished.
- I like to drive Sunset from beach (Pacific Palisades) to Hollywood;
- Tour residential neighborhoods north of Sunset Blvd., in Beverly Hills and Bel Air (the small dumpy looking houses cost a couple mil);
- Maybe tour stars homes if you are in to that;
- You like greasy spoons? Go to Apple Pan on Pico Blvd just east of Westwood Blvd (make sure to get a slice of apple pie of course). Also, on Pico Blvd, a few more blocks east of there is Marty's hamburgers (order the Marty's Combo - burger and hot dog on the same bun) , if trendy, go to In-n-Out Burger and buy a t-shirt of course, Pink's Hot Dogs has become too popular with long lines but it's still a cool LA spot in Hollywood;
- The Grove Mall near Fairfax and Beverly (I think that's the cross-street) is popular. Shops on Melrose right near there. Plus, I think CBS still films some shows there so maybe you can go on Price is Right!?
- Go to UCLA, walk in to Pauley Pavilion and look at all 11 hoops national championship banners - go to a game if you can - easy to get tix outside - I am sure the same overweight guy is selling tix at end of walk way near main parking lot - been there 25 years so sure he still is;
- Go to a pro football game... oh no, I forgot.
Have fun and good luck in your bowl game.
Julen
RIP GURU
I'm also a pretty big fan of the original Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood. It's a pretty good slice of LA and has a killer open faced BBQ sandwich and a great beer selection.
-t
------- 1960 Topps Baseball PSA 8+
------- 1985 Topps Hockey PSA 9+
It's just my GF and I.
I like to plan my stuff out in advance, so I'll start with these suggestions. I'm sure I'll have questions. The PMs and emails will come eventually.
Thanks,
Ethan
Only an idiot would have a message board signature.
Personally I hate it down there.
But I digress. If you have the time Disneyland is definitely a must see, and if the weather is nice you should certainly do the beach/Pacific Ocean thing. The coast is much more scenic as far as the landscape goes up my way in Northern California but the human scenery is without peer in SoCal (if you know what I mean).
Here are three things to see in Pasadena, the city where the Rose Bowl is held. Assuming you are staying there, or nearby.
1) If you are into thoroughbred horse racing don't miss a chance to visit SANTA ANITA RACE TRACK, still one of the most beautiful race tracks in the country, especially on a clear day. It's the top class racing on the West Coast, the horses are magnificent and the backdrop of the mountains (if you can see them) makes for just a phenomenal setting. Get a picture taken in front of the statue of Seabiscuit in garden area in front of the grandstand. Racing takes place Wednesday through Sunday first post 1pm.
2) Visit the NORTON SIMON museum. If you are into antiquities, art and the like - most collectors of things are, this is a really great private museum.
3) Take a tour of the JET PROPULSION LABORATORY. If you are into science or the space program at all, this is definitely a must-see as it's basically the Western NASA office and a lot of your tax dollars are at work there. Free tours by appointment given at various times on week days.
Santa Anita Web Page
Jet Propulsion Lab Web Page
Norton Simon Museum
<< <i> Also, on Pico Blvd, a few more blocks east of there is Marty's hamburgers (order the Marty's Combo - burger and hot dog on the same bun) >>
I live a few blocks from there and have never heard of this place.
IMO In and Out is tied with Krispy Kreme for the most overrated ball of mush that is marginably edible. Apple pan is good if you don't mind someone stand over you waiting for a seat. My choice is The Shack, best burger in the world. The dive at the beach in Playa Del Rey, or the nicer one in Santa Monica.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
<< <i>
Personally I hate it down there.
>>
Typical Nor Cal ...
It's funny ... us SoCal'ers LOVE The City and all things Bay Area (just got back from a great 4-day Thanksgiving Trip in San Francisco). Yet, we are hated by the north. I just don't get it ....
Traffic is rough and the city is enormous .... but, honestly, almost everything you'd care to see (with exception to Disneyland, which I honestly do not recommend) is in about a 5-mile square bordered by Pacific Ocean/Venice/Santa Monica/Hollywood/Beverly Hills. You'll want a car for sure as it is the only way to get around ---- but you'll be able to get around fine assuming most of your time is spent in the areas largely discussed in this thread already.
I do recommend a trip to Santa Barbara --- which is 90 minutes away --- but traffic is simply not that bad. I just got back from Raleigh, NC a few weeks ago --- and, honestly, traffic was about as painful there.
The key to enjoying LA is:
1) Know ahead of time what you're interested in and where you're going
2) Plan travel times in off-peak times of day (e.g. do not drive from Disneyland back to Pasadena at 5:00 PM on a Friday)
3) Realize that it's not like what you see on TV --- it's bigger, uglier, intimidating on the surface ... but honestly, once you get to know it, you'll fall in love!
-Tom
------- 1960 Topps Baseball PSA 8+
------- 1985 Topps Hockey PSA 9+
If you get bored of the sightseeing thing, Vegas is only a 3-4 hour drive.
City Walk/Universal City just off the 101;
further south on the 101 at Highland is the Hollywood Bowl;
further south up Highland to Hollywood Blvd. is a must-walk between La Brea and Vine (Graumanns Chinese, the old Egyptian, Musso & Franks, Walk of Fame, etc.);
further south on Highland to Sunset Blvd; turn right (west) to get to the Strip;
further south on Highland to Melrose, turn right (west) for the Melrose shopping district between La Brea and Fairfax;
further south on Highland to Wilshire, turn right (?) to get to the La Brea Tar Pits and the history museum;
continue on the 101 south to downtown: walking tour through downtown LA (Disney Concert Hall, China town, Olvera Street [where Los Angeles started];
continue south and you get to see beautiful South-Central....you might want to drive down Avalon or Central in a southerly direction, windows rolled up, doors locked, dark glasses on - just to see what the ghetto is REALLY like. Don't do it at night, early morning or weekends.
Orange County has Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Huntington Beach Pier; if you're into a beach trip, try driving north on Highway 1. Somebody mentioned Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills; if you want to see some awesome homes, go into the "flats" north of Rodeo and south of Sunset, or just take Sunset west to the ocean. You'll go through Pacific Palisades before hitting the ocean and then, just before Hwy 1 on the left is the Self Realization Park - pretty cool place for a quiet spiritual retreat in the midst of LA.
If it's food you seek, you can find some pretty good Mexican, Italian, continental and decent enough Chinese, although the Chinese isn't nearly as good as San Francisco or Montreal. Check out a Zagat guide and read carefully, or, if you have a food type preference, post it here and I'm sure you'll get tons of good suggestions. Personally, I like the hot dog cart on Wilshire in front of MOCA.
"All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Marty's is on the south side of Pico at Prosser next to the fire station. It's a block west of Rancho Park golf course. It's VERY small. It's just a stand. It's been there for at least 30 years. We are pretty sure it used to be (still is?) a bookie operation as well as selling killer burgers. The quality of meat is FAR superior to most any other fast food place. Same with the hot dogs and I don't even like hot dogs normally. I only eat hot dogs at Marty's, as part of the combo, and at Dodger Stadium (of course).
As to the comments above about Nor Cal v. So Cal. It is the biggest one way "rivalry" of all time. I spent 18 years in LA and now 20 years up north. I have fond memories of LA and I also love it up in nor cal but do laugh when people talk about disliking all things in LA and the big sports "rivalry." People in LA love "going to Frisco" for the weekend and have no dislike for the sports teams or anything else of Nor Cal. It's all positive vibes from south to north but people up here HATE So Cal. It's amusing. In reality the traffic in the Bay Area is MUCH worse than LA. I don't think people in Nor Cal should talk about traffic issues. I could go on for days but this is not a Nor Cal v. So Cal thread.
California is blessed with a ton of great things south and north... and lots of crazy people in both the south and the north!
A beach trip is in the works also, even if it's briefly. Maybe you guys can suggest somewhere where we can check out the beach on the way to another destination?
Of course we want to take a picture at the Hollywood sign, see the Walk of Fame, etc.
I'm extremely lucky that my girlfriend likes sports. She's going to see the Tigers play, not just going to LA.
When we went to Chicago around Labor Day, we shopped on Michigan Avenue, went to the top of the Sears Tower, went to the Museums.... but she was upset that we didn't get to go to the United Center and see the MJ statue.... What can I say. Lucky guy.
Now all that has to happen is LSU actually get invited to the Rose Bowl. If not, then that trip insurance I added to the flight (just in case I....ummm.... fall ill) will come in very handy.
Only an idiot would have a message board signature.
<< <i>
As to the comments above about Nor Cal v. So Cal. It is the biggest one way "rivalry" of all time. >>
LarryAllen.... your entire post was fantastic. I couldn't agree more ..... One may argue a Cananda vs U.S.A. as another huge one-way rivalry. Which again, I LOVE Canada (been to every province 'cept Sask. & Manitoba), but seem to get some neg vibes the other way.
But I digress....
EA --- you're going to love your trip!
Drop me a line when it gets closer with your itinerary and I can add some thoughts on logistics of it all.
-t
------- 1960 Topps Baseball PSA 8+
------- 1985 Topps Hockey PSA 9+
My next thing is to book a hotel.
I always use Priceline for hotels, so I have to pick a "general area" to stay in. I don't necessarily have to stay in Pasadena, just somewhere within reasonable driving distance.
Any suggestions?
Absolutely can't wait for this trip.
Only an idiot would have a message board signature.
LarryAllen- I know the place you're talking about, near John O' Groats and across from the Mex place we eat at all the time. I parked in front of it last week, never gave it a 2nd thought. I'll check it out next time.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
Back to hotels, westside FOR SURE.
The remodeled Hotel Angelino is very cool at the Sunset and the 405. I stayed there last time I was down in LA. Nice location in west LA (Brentwood) and has a VERY hip bar at the top. Rooms are small but you won't be hanging out in the room.
<< <i>John O' Groats is great for breakfast!
Back to hotels, westside FOR SURE.
The remodeled Hotel Angelino is very cool at the Sunset and the 405. I stayed there last time I was down in LA. Nice location in west LA (Brentwood) and has a VERY hip bar at the top. Rooms are small but you won't be hanging out in the room. >>
LarryAllen- he did say he was going with his girlfriend, not his wife
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
The Angelino is supposed to be great as well- at nite or on super crisp clear days (which tend to happen around new years) the view is spectacular. See if you can't get a south or southwest facing room.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
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How sure are you that LSU is going to be in the Rose Bowl.
The rumors I hear all point to Michigan Notre Dame rematch.
Just curious.
Peace
Doug
45% complete.
If you're into it, two of the best poker casinos around are nearby: Bicycle and Hollywood Park.
Other than that, leave LA county as quickly as possible, and go to Ventura or Orange
Is it weird that I lived in SoCal for 8 years and the first memories that pop into my head are of halibut and hardware stores?
Joe
<< <i>
Personally I hate it down there.
Typical Nor Cal ...
It's funny ... us SoCal'ers LOVE The City and all things Bay Area (just got back from a great 4-day Thanksgiving Trip in San Francisco). Yet, we are hated by the north. I just don't get it ....
>>
Tom - I never said anything about hating the people in SoCal, it's just that I can's stand the environment and hate driving and most especially driving in traffic and you just can't escape it down there. The other part is that my lungs literally hurt for two weeks after spending any more than 2-3 days down there. I am just not used to being able to see the air that I'm breathing.
As to the NorCal/SoCal rivalry, I for one realize it's a one way thing. I think it's envy, if you want to know the truth. It may have started with Giants/Dodgers as the Dodgers have a few World Series titles to their credit to the Giant's nada. Being an A's fan the Giants fans hate us too, the only thing the A's have against the Dodgers is that dreadful Kirk Gibson thing. The water things a big issue too as well as politics in general as the two halves of the state are quite different politically. SoCal is perceived to have the glitz and glamour, and maybe better and easier to score drugs, but frankly nobody I know is into that kind of thing.
But I think the truth of the matter is we just don't have the "babe density" you all have down there. THAT'S the real issue. We're downright jealous.
For what it's worth, I don't like San Francisco either.
You are at least a hockey fan ---- which gives you instant respect in my book.
GO PREDS!
-t
------- 1960 Topps Baseball PSA 8+
------- 1985 Topps Hockey PSA 9+
Traffic sucks, but I"ve been in horrible traffic in Portland, Seattle, Albuqueque, Tampa and Nashville in the last year, and all were worse than LA. These are problems that don't effect just LA.
As far as the glitz, in my experience the affected ones come here looking for that, and didn't grow up here.
Like it or not, LA, due to the entertainment industry and other factors, is a cultural center that influences the rest of the world. You'll have a great trip.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
Do you like sushi? If so, SoCal has some pretty excellent sushi joints. There's actually one right on Beach Blvd heading towards the ocean called Matsu which I've always loved and you can't go wrong with any of the Kabukis.
One thing I noticed about LA right after I got there was the highways. Yeah the traffic, but more specifically was how each highway is preceded by "the." Back home, you would go 290 East to 190 North, etc. In LA, you take "THE 405" or "THE 5." Once you drive them for a few days you'll understand why.
Arthur
The local news is reporting that LSU will go to the Rose Bowl.
As you can imagine, I am very excited, both about the game, and about the trip. I booked my hotel last night, and Priceline put me in Van Nuys.... which is OK, I guess.
I'll try to go back through the suggestions and make a list of stuff to see and do.
Arthur mentioned sushi. Is there any food that is traditionally LA/Californian? Obviously, being from Louisiana, when you come here, food is a little, ummm, different...
Also, any nice micro-breweries that can be recommended?
Only an idiot would have a message board signature.
Sushi, obviously. Tons of Thai places, mainly take out. I've never hit a really REALLY good Thai place but I'm sure they're there. Chin Chin's on Sunset has pretty good Chinese food.
I haven't, for the life of me, been able to find a decent Italian restaurant or anyplace that knew their arse from their elbow when it came to making a good sandwich. No good pizza either. I'd say hunt down a good Mexican joint and a good sushi joint and then just eat what you like. I'm sure the other guys here have plenty of suggestions.
Arthur
Sushi? Depends if you want mega expensive or a truly good mom and pop type place. Matsuhisa on LaCienega is one of the big ones, Hama Sushi a few steps from Venice Board walk is good, Sosubenni (I"m sure spelled wrong) on Sawtelle is also known as the Sushi Nazi. You don't order, you politely sit until he puts a few pieces in front of you, and you'd better not think of using soy sauce. I thought it was overrated.
The best sushi IMO is Sushi Karen in Culver City. It's about 4 miles from the beach.
Tons of good mexican- it just depends on what part of the city you're in. Avoid anything that looks too American- El Torrito being a prime example.
Typhoon, overlooking Santa Monica airport is a good place too- its a mix of Pacific Rim food- asian, but no specific country. They also have bugs for appetizers, if you want. The Scorpions are good, as are the fried crickets. I draw the line at chicken stuffed waterbugs though. Drinks are good and the restaurant overlooks the runway, with the ocean and mountains in the distance. The airport is pretty historical, lots of WW2 planes were built there at the factories that used to adjoin the airstrip, and then were flown straight off to war. Upstrairs from Typhoon is The Hump, another sushi bar. The theme is sort of Indiana Jones in asia, with good sushi. The Hump is what flyers called the Himalayas in the '30's.
Lots
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
A very good Mexican restaurant, though a bit touristy for my liking, is El Cholo. I think they have a couple locations now but you should only go to the original. I think it's on Western between Pico and Olympic. Not the best neighborhood but it is very good food, good margaritas, etc....
I don't know of any good brew pubs but I am sure they are there somewhere!? If you want to come up to Nor Cal you can go to Sierra Nevada!
"All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
<< <i>Olvera Street reminded me - about a block north of there is Phillippes - the inventor of the french dip sandwich. It's a must! Sawdust floors, line-up counter, tables galore. Cheap, self serve - eat and split. Across the street is the train terminal - very cool interior. You'll recognize it from about a zillion different movies. >>
Wow, how did I forget about that place? I grabbed some sandwiches there once right after I puked in Compton wearing an LAPD t-shirt (long story). I was staying in Chinatown at the time for anyone confused by the Point A to Point B connection.
Definitely go there, great french dip sandwiches but they're sort of small.
Arthur
GOOD CALL! I totally forgot about that place. That is an LA icon for sure. Not too far from there is that all night breakfast place which is of a similar vintage to Phillippe's. I don't recall the name but it's a cool LA spot.
Arthur
El Cholo is good for typical mexican food- Margi's aren't bad either. It's close to downtown and not far off THE 10.
Rae's diner? In Santa Monica on Pico about 28th? Lots of filming there, you'll instantly recognize it.
If you get to Orange County there is a fun Mexican bar right next to the Balboa Pier called Sharkey's. I took some friends there during the National, and one was just blown out by amount of incredibly good looking people. "How do you stay married here?" was his comment. If you're down there go to Huntington Pier (beach blvd off the 405, then all the way west until you stop) Rent bikes, and ride along the 12 or so miles along the bike path, thru Huntington, Newport, and north to Seal Beach.
Best tip- collect the cell numbers of anyone here willing to share theirs, so when you're at a loose end or need a suggestion you can call for quick advice.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
The L.A. Coliseum (site of 2 Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, etc.)and L.A. Sports Arena are easy to get to off the 110 freeway, but they're in South Central. DO NOT try street parking around there. Pay to park in one of the gated lots for the adjacent museum complex (Natural History Museum, Science Center, etc.). Even if it's closed, you can have your picture taken in front of the Olympic statues and peristyle.
For restaurants, I'll make some recommendations by area:
Van Nuys - Zankou Chicken on Sepulveda (Middle Eastern style rotisserie chicken - delicious and cheap). Eat in or take out.
Downtown L.A. - in addition to Philippe's, if you're there in the daytime, try Eastside Market on Alpine St. (best Italian sub sandwiches around). If you're there at night, consider going into Chinatown - the rule of thumb there is that the higher the percentage of Asian customers, the better the place is. If you like Chinese but don't want to be adventurous, Paul's Kitchen on San Pedro St. near Olympic has a wall full of autographed photos and memorabilia from Dodgers and a menu item named after Tommy Lasorda (he has been eating there regularly since he was coaching under Alston).
Pasadena - head a few miles east to San Gabriel (Rose Bowl crowds will send wait times at most Pasadena restaurants through the roof), and go to Clearman's North Woods Inn at Huntington and Rosemead. Figure $25 to $30 a person without alcohol here, but it's worth it. It's a steakhouse, but the side dishes may be even better - 2 bottomless salads, a baked potato almost as big as a football, etc. This is quite close to Santa Anita racetrack, if you're going there.
You can also head south to Monterey Park or Alhambra for Chinese food - same rule of thumb as Chinatown.
If you like roller coasters, Magic Mountain in Valencia is the best amusement park for you. Universal Studios theme park and Citywalk are probably a must destination for you - if for nothing else than they have special events with each of the Rose Bowl teams in the days before the game.
If you want tickets to TV show tapings, you're often better off getting them online beforehand. There are websites that handle this for a wide variety of shows (free). Universal Studios has a booth that gives out tickets for a few shows.
Ignore Anthony's bar recommendations. He didn't even pick the best Sharkeez.
Oh yeah, they play this game called ice hockey in L.A. Between the Kings and the Ducks, somebody should have a home game while you're in town, and most of those games don't sell out. The Kings share Staples Center, on the edge of downtown L.A., with the Clippers and Lakers; while the Ducks are the only major tenant of the Honda Center in Anaheim - less than a mile drive from Angels Stadium, and not much further from Disneyland.
I'm probably forgetting most of what I want to say, but that's why I'm also PMing.
Nick
Reap the whirlwind.
Need to buy something for the wife or girlfriend? Check out Vintage Designer Clothing.
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
Peace
45% complete.
UCLA helped too!
Now I get to drive a whole hour to watch LSU beat Notre Dame mercilessly.
Yay.
Oh well.
Only an idiot would have a message board signature.