Visiting LA and Beyond (Los Angeles, San Diego: best cities, rent, hotel)

[alienred]

Hello learned people. I am British and I will be visiting La and Beyond from Aug 5th to 25th. I will rent a car from LAX, if you think that is a good idea, I will then go to a nearby Hotel, recommendations anyone? From the next day I will make plans to visit LA proper, San Diego, San Fransisco and more more more.

I admit that I am a little afraid of what I may meet in California from growing up on US TV and Movies and reading some of your posts about neighborhoods.

I have lots of questions but this is a good start.

Regards, Rob.

[fastfilm]

Rob, I'm glad you already know that you must rent a car here.

I don't know your time limitations in each place or tourist interests/age demographic.

A generic recommendation for Los Angeles would be to see Venice Beach on a weekend, with all the street activity; Melrose Blvd. in West Hollywood for the shopping/restaurants/hip factor; cruise Beverly Hills proper (the streets between Wilshire and Sunset for over the top opulance rubbernecking; and somehow get to the top of Mulholland Blvd. on a clear day to see excellent views of the huge expanses of both Los Angeles and the Valley from the mountain top.

San Diego has the beautiful Del Coronado Hotel which is archetecturally unique and significant, plus its world famous zoo. It's about a 3 - 4 hour drive to San Diego from L.A. without accidents hampering the freeways. Disneyland in Anaheim is about an hour south of L.A. along the way if that interests you.

In between the 6 hour drive to San Francisco from Los Angeles is some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world, forests next to beaches, etc as with Monterey, Big Sur and Carmel. Santa Barbara, a wealthy enclave with nice restaurants and shops, is on the way about 2 hours north of L.A. Visit Hearst Castle up the coast even further, which I recommend a tour of for those who appreciate kitsch opulence and the movie "Citizen Kane." Consult the S.F. forum here for their suggestions. San Francisco has convenient public transportion (we don't, not really) and its small size makes it walkable as well. Have fun.

[straight outta camden]

First of all, what is it with all the Brits asking for advice about moving to LA? I'm a Brit, been here some time, and I keep seeing posts from my fellow limeys in this forum. What gives?

To the question. LA is one of the best cities in the world to live in, and one of the most disappointing to visit. Tourists often have a look on their faces that says: "where IS it?"

I sympathise. The city is vast and has almost no big conventional sites. If you like art try the Norton Simon in Pasadena. For pretty scenery go to Malibu Creek State Park and drop in at Paramount Ranch while you're up there. If you were coming at a different time of year I would suggest Palm Springs and Joshua Tree but they are too hot now. Go to Vegas instead where there is air conditioning and nightlife. And, like fastfilm says, drive up the coast. Take your time.

[alienred]

First to "fastfilm",
I have no time limitations and have planned most of what you suggested but not top of Mulholland Blvd or Hearst Castle. Thanks for that.

Second to "straight outta camden",
I have no plans to move to LA, sorry, I know Camden well as I lived in London for 13yrs. Like above you have suggested places that I hadn't noticed or thought about. Palm Springs and Joshua Tree should not be a problem for me as I live and work in Bangkok, Thailand, 18yrs now. It's certainly hot enough here most of the time.

I will put all of your places on my lists.
If y'all wanna meet for a beer let me know.

Thanks, Rob.

[Sorcerer68]

Many Europeans I've met seem to get a kick out of staying at the Safari Inn in Burbank. It's safe, reasonable and you can park right in front of your room for free. It's also an easy jaunt to most of the tourist attractions.

[longbeachhomes]

Dont forget Hollywood Blvd. Lots of landmarks there. Universal Studios in Universal City. There are a lot of museums here- the Getty Museum in West LA, and the Getty home in up in Malibu. Check out theMayan Salsa club in LA. Huntington Beach is fun to check out this time of year. You may even catch a surfing tournament there. If you have time, you can look in the internet and take a few surfing lessons either in Huntington or Seal Beach.
If you watch Robert Schuller on the telly, then visit the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. Eat fried chicken with biscuits and berry pie at Knotts, walk Disney Walk at nite (It's really happening on weekends), and walk around Laguna Niguel's art district. Not sure if the Pageant of the Masters is still on.
San Diego has the humungous Balboa Park and there is a lot of interesting structures there. We have the world famous San Diego Zoo and Animal Wildpark. Since you are already that close to Mexico, check out Tijuana and Rosarita. Rosarita is about 20 to 30 minutes from Tijuana and has a nice feel to it. It is cleaner and smaller that Tijuana. Lot of expats live there. Nice relaxing place after a long jaunt.

[TheRealAngelion]

I second the Getty suggestion. Not to be missed when you come to LA. When you make it down to San Diego check out the zoo. It's the best in the world and lot's of fun if you are into animals.