View Full Version : Los Angeles - where to go
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
04-02-2005, 23:44
We're off to LA for 11 nights next week and are just starting to plan what we want to do. The following are on our list so far. We'd appreciate any suggestions for non theme park things as well:
- Disneyland
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- West Coast Choppers in Long Beach
- Queen Mary
- Beverly Hills Mansion Tour
As you can guess most of the above is at the request of the children [msnwink]
Sarah would probably appreciate Rodeo Drive or the Beverly Center (but perhaps your credit card wouldn't! ;)), there's the Chinese Theatre, San Diego zoo, Catalina Island, Aquarium of the Pacific http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/index.html Raging Waters http://www.ragingwaters.com/index.cfm (oh, doesn't look like that's open until May) and what about the beaches nearby?
I think it was raging waters we went to, it's not bad but not as good as the ones in Orlando.
We stayed in Huntingdon Beach, its very nice. Appearently it is the birth place of surfing, there is a museum there if you are into that kind of thing.
Nostromo
05-02-2005, 00:54
I have been to Disneyland and Universal Studios in LA and although it was a long time ago, I don't think they are THAT diffrent from their Orlando counterparts. So, unless you have a particular reason to see either or both, Why waste time with just 11 days? After all, you go to Orlando regularly.
Queen Mary would certainly be on my list.
How about the Hollywood tour including the Paramount Studios & Grauman Chinese Theater? Nothing spectacular mind and parts of it may even disappoint you, but since you're going all the way........
If you loke Mexican stuff, food and non-food, go to Olvera Street
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
05-02-2005, 01:14
Good suggestions - we're pouring over a guidebook of LA - now we know how guests feel when planning a vacation to Orlando. It's baffling knowing where to start.
We're staying in Venice Beach which looks great - with a T1 internet connection too which will keep me happy [msnsmile]
I last went to LA when I was about 13 so I guess a lot has changed since then.
It's a huge sprawling city John which looks a bit like a concrete jungle in places with 10 or 12 lane highways so be prepared for a change from what you remember!
Is Knott's Berry Farm still there as that's a theme park near Anaheim (where Disneyland is located) which might be worth a visit? Looks like it is http://www.knotts.com/ Park info here http://www.knotts.com/park/tour.shtml
LiesaAnna
05-02-2005, 01:33
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by floridadreamvilla.co.uk
We're off to LA for 11 nights next week and are just starting to plan what we want to do. The following are on our list so far. We'd appreciate any suggestions for non theme park things as well:
- Disneyland
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- West Coast Choppers in Long Beach
- Queen Mary
- Beverly Hills Mansion Tour
As you can guess most of the above is at the request of the children [msnwink]
[/quote]
my hubby has asked me to ask if you could take some photos of west coast choppers please John???? would like it alot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; )
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
05-02-2005, 01:39
Absolutely - I'll see what I can do for him. This is one of the ones I slipped into the agenda [msnwink] although Isaac does watch Monster Garage on Discovery and really likes it and the idea of the bikes.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by LiesaAnna
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by floridadreamvilla.co.uk
We're off to LA for 11 nights next week and are just starting to plan what we want to do. The following are on our list so far. We'd appreciate any suggestions for non theme park things as well:
- Disneyland
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- West Coast Choppers in Long Beach
- Queen Mary
- Beverly Hills Mansion Tour
As you can guess most of the above is at the request of the children [msnwink]
[/quote]
my hubby has asked me to ask if you could take some photos of west coast choppers please John???? would like it alot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; )
[/quote]
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
05-02-2005, 01:42
I remember last time we went we stayed virtually opposite the entrance to Knotts Berry Farm and went on the corskscrew they had there before there were any of them in Europe. I still remember the kudos of this when I returned to school and was telling my friends about it [msnsmile]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
Is Knott's Berry Farm still there as that's a theme park near Anaheim (where Disneyland is located) which might be worth a visit? Looks like it is http://www.knotts.com/ Park info here http://www.knotts.com/park/tour.shtml
[/quote]
Teehee, we stayed opposite the entrance to Disneyland! :)
Did you see KBF has a new ride, Silver Bullet? There's a video of it on the first link I posted above, the screams sound good and I can distinctly hear some guy shouting 'Oh my God!'. :D In fact, I've just watched it again and I'm sure he says it at least three times! Sounds right up your street...
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
05-02-2005, 02:10
Just had a look at that Blottie - looks fantastic. Only problem is I bet Sarah would want a trip to somewhere like Rodeo Drive with credit card in return [msncry]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
Did you see KBF has a new ride, Silver Bullet? There's a video of it on the first link I posted above, the screams sound good and I can distinctly hear some guy shouting 'Oh my God!'. :D In fact, I've just watched it again and I'm sure he says it at least three times! Sounds right up your street...
[/quote]
Ray&Sarah
05-02-2005, 02:15
If the six flags is as good as the one just outside Washington or the one in Holland it is well worth the visit for all those white knuckle riders.
We were amazed by the escalators down the side of the hill in Universal LA, amazing.[msnsmile]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by floridadreamvilla.co.uk
Just had a look at that Blottie - looks fantastic. Only problem is I bet Sarah would want a trip to somewhere like Rodeo Drive with credit card in return [msncry][/quote]I think it's called quid pro quo (which in this case, is probably quite a few quid!). :D
We stayed at Venice Beach last time we were in LA. I think we stayed at a place called the Cadillac Hotel.
You could easily spend a day just moseying up and down the beachfront there, it's such a chilled out, laid-back atmosphere.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is a must do if you like coasters. They have a wicked ride there called X which is kind of the next generation of dangling coaster. If you go from a dangly one (like Dueling Dragons) to a lying down dangly one (like Air), X is the next step. It rotates you in your harness during the ride, so one second you are travelling feet first and the next you are travelling head first. Wicked!
If you get a chance to get down to San Diego there is a great Mexican Restaurant in the Old Town called Casa del Peco that does the world's best margaritas. Blott's also picked an excellent choice with San Diego Zoo.
If you get a chance to drive the pacific coast highway you'll pass Hurst Castle which is well worth a visit.
If you head out into the desert from San Diego towards Palm Springs you can pass Miramar (Top Gun) although I did hear that they don't fly the F-14s there anymore.
If you get to downtown LA, don't forget to watch for Arnie in his hummer.
Cruella DeVilla
05-02-2005, 12:39
Don't go to Hollywood Boulevard at night!
Nostromo
05-02-2005, 13:05
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
It's a huge sprawling city John which looks a bit like a concrete jungle in places with 10 or 12 lane highways so be prepared for a change from what you remember!
Is Knott's Berry Farm still there as that's a theme park near Anaheim (where Disneyland is located) which might be worth a visit? Looks like it is http://www.knotts.com/ Park info here http://www.knotts.com/park/tour.shtml
[/quote]
I think to call LA a "concrete jungle" is alomst flattery. Sorry, but I cannot stand the place.
Now that you mention it Blott, Knott's Berry Farm is worth a look. It is more like IoA in terms of big, scary rides but I recall that there was some hands-on handicraft stuff when we went in 1991. Can easily be done in a day.
linda allen
05-02-2005, 13:46
Venice beach is a great place to walk along and watch the world go by. there is a nice place right on the beach for lunch.
A lovely place for dinner is Marina del ray, there are lots of lovely restaurants there and there is a cheesecake Factory.
The little ones will love Knots berry Farm.
What a pity the Spruce Goose has now gone, it used to be near the Queen Mary.
rainyday
05-02-2005, 15:49
If you have time/inclination for a day trip/overnight, the Sequoia National Park is lovely. It's where the giant redwood trees are - although the one you could drive through has fallen over now. It's well worth a visit but it may be too early in the year - we were there in March and didn't realise the giant trees were 5,000 - 6,000 feet up a mountain. So we drove from LA where the temperature was 70-80 degrees and have photos of us in shorts standing in deep snow! It wasn't that cold (well a bit chilly on the knees) and was one of the highlights of our trip.
Cruella DeVilla
05-02-2005, 16:42
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:
I think to call LA a "concrete jungle" is alomst flattery. Sorry, but I cannot stand the place.
[/quote]
I have to agree with you, we did not like it much.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I think to call LA a "concrete jungle" is alomst flattery. Sorry, but I cannot stand the place.[/quote]<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
I have to agree with you, we did not like it much.[/quote]I was trying very hard not to say that as John's about to go off to there on holiday!
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
05-02-2005, 17:21
No problem - we intend to look at the wider picture. I don't think we necessarily will spend all the time in LA - the Venice Beach suite is just a base for us.[msnwink]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I think to call LA a "concrete jungle" is alomst flattery. Sorry, but I cannot stand the place.[/quote]<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
I have to agree with you, we did not like it much.[/quote]I was trying very hard not to say that as John's about to go off to there on holiday!
[/quote]
CarolAnn
05-02-2005, 19:38
Go up to the observatory John. When we went to see our friends there a few years ago, they took us up there. WOW!! Pretty Spectacular view! Needs to be a clear day,so this time of year should be perfect!! :)
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
05-02-2005, 20:08
Sounds great - thanks for the tip Carol.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by CarolAnn
Go up to the observatory John. When we went to see our friends there a few years ago, they took us up there. WOW!! Pretty Spectacular view! Needs to be a clear day,so this time of year should be perfect!! :)
[/quote]
Cruella DeVilla
05-02-2005, 20:20
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I think to call LA a "concrete jungle" is alomst flattery. Sorry, but I cannot stand the place.[/quote]<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
I have to agree with you, we did not like it much.[/quote]I was trying very hard not to say that as John's about to go off to there on holiday!
[/quote]
I am glad I have been as I always wanted to go, I was just a bit disappointed with it, horses for courses of course:D
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
20-02-2005, 08:59
We went to West Coast Choppers (WCC) in Long Beach this afternoon and I have attached loads of photos for you Liesa:
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by LiesaAnna
my hubby has asked me to ask if you could take some photos of west coast choppers please John???? would like it alot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; )
[/quote]
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205057_DSCN0467.jpg
The WCC store
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205111_DSCN0445.jpg
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205122_DSCN0446.jpg
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205134_DSCN0450.jpg
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205146_DSCN0453.jpg
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205216_DSCN0457.jpg
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205229_DSCN0458.jpg
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205243_DSCN0460.jpg
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/2005220536_DSCN0461.jpg
Custom made WCC yard gates
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205337_DSCN0463.jpg
The trailer used to take the bikes to shows
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/2005220547_DSCN0465.jpg
The main WCC workshop building - lots of grinding and hammering noises from within
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/floridadreamvilla.co.uk/20052205445_DSCN0464.jpg
The entrance to the shop they use to film the Monster Garage Discover Channel program
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
20-02-2005, 09:42
It's shut for major reworking so we were not able to go .... did fly very close to it on our helicopter tour today though [msnsmile]
We did go to the Getty Center which has fabulous views over the LA basin .... and some very good artwork - the building is also a work of art in itself [msnsmile]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by CarolAnn
Go up to the observatory John. When we went to see our friends there a few years ago, they took us up there. WOW!! Pretty Spectacular view! Needs to be a clear day,so this time of year should be perfect!! :)
[/quote]
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
20-02-2005, 09:44
LOL - it was seedy enough during the day with lots of sex shops and even a Museum Of Erotica - not quite our scene [msnwink]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Don't go to Hollywood Boulevard at night!
[/quote]
E. Cosgrove
20-02-2005, 12:21
why ever not John?:D
Obviously Sarah didn't buy you the pink fluffy handcuffs as you are still able to type[msnwink]
Now I'd best be quiet as this is a family forum:D<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by floridadreamvilla.co.uk
LOL - it was seedy enough during the day with lots of sex shops and even a Museum Of Erotica - not quite our scene [msnwink]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Don't go to Hollywood Boulevard at night!
[/quote]
[/quote]
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
20-02-2005, 19:39
LOL :D:D:D<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by E. Cosgrove
why ever not John?:D
Obviously Sarah didn't buy you the pink fluffy handcuffs as you are still able to type[msnwink]
Now I'd best be quiet as this is a family forum:D<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by floridadreamvilla.co.uk
LOL - it was seedy enough during the day with lots of sex shops and even a Museum Of Erotica - not quite our scene [msnwink]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Don't go to Hollywood Boulevard at night!
[/quote]
[/quote]
[/quote]
LiesaAnna
21-02-2005, 00:02
thankyou John from hubby ......and me......[msnwink]
very much appreciated!!!!!!