Labor day weekend (Los Angeles, Pasadena, Orange: city hall, homes, theatre)

[UNT_Eagle]

My wife and I are flying to Los Angeles for a three day weekend over Labor Day and wanted to get some ideas from the locals on what things to see/do in the area. We'll be staying in Redondo Beach from Sat.-Tues. and would like to visit various beaches in the area such as Malibu and Newport beach. We'd like to drive up the PCH as well and go through Hollywood/downtown LA and Pasadena. We both enjoy the outdoors and even though we're only there for a few days, I think we can see quite a bit.
Any recommendations from you guys would be helpful, thanks!

[LASam]

If the weather is warm, the beaches will be packed Labor Day weekend! I'd try not to do too much over a three night span here. You'll wind up exhausted and annoyed at having to drive around everywhere and fight traffic in such a limited time frame. Definitely dedicate a day to the beaches around where you are staying. From Manhattan Beach down to Redondo (all connected by BCT busses), you'll have more than enough quality beach to satisfy yourself and you won't have to drive! I'd skip heading down to Orange County this trip, and replace Malibu with a drive down to Palos Verdes Peninsula (right next to Redondo Beach and just as impressive as Malibu). Downtown is larger than you may think, and if you want to explore it on foot you will need at least one whole day. The area east of Hill St will be much livelier than the area west of Hill St on a weekend. I'd consider skipping Pasadena this trip and do a Griffith Park/Hollywood day. Since you are outdoorsy types, you should do the hike up Griffith Park to the Griffith Park Observatory (if it isn't too hot out).

Palos Verdes Drive -
Take Pacific Coast Highway south to Hawthorne
Take Hawthorne south to Palos Verdes Drive West (the southwest tip of the peninsula)
Drive past Palos Verdes Drive West and take a left on Calle Viento
Take a right on Pacifica del Mar
Park on the side of Pacifica del Mar and walk down to the path at the end of the street
Take a left as the path dead ends
Follow the path to the whale watching station and lighthouse lookout
Afterwards, drive back up to Palos Verdes Drive and take a left
Follow Palos Verdes Drive to Palos Verdes Blvd and bear left
Take a left on Pacific Coast Highway and your back in Redondo Beach!

[eastontracks]

^^^^

cool info, thx! ive been living out here since march and still havent been there but have always been curious.

[Visit a Library]

Originally Posted by UNT_Eagle

My wife and I are flying to Los Angeles for a three day weekend over Labor Day and wanted to get some ideas from the locals on what things to see/do in the area. We'll be staying in Redondo Beach from Sat.-Tues. and would like to visit various beaches in the area such as Malibu and Newport beach. We'd like to drive up the PCH as well and go through Hollywood/downtown LA and Pasadena. We both enjoy the outdoors and even though we're only there for a few days, I think we can see quite a bit.
Any recommendations from you guys would be helpful, thanks!

Things to do in los angeles

[UNT_Eagle]

Wow, great information! Thanks alot for everything. LASam, this will help out quite a bit for us. I might have more questions soon.

[LizzyNola]

If you do the Palos Verdes drive stop off at the Terranea Resort for a cocktail or lunch. The views are spactacular, and great for photos!

Southern California Romantic Getaway Packages | Terranea Resort - Romance Offers

If your wife wants a nice massage she can get a good one there at the spa.

Drive up the coast to Santa Barbara or Monterey. Stop at Malibu/Paradise Cove/Zuma Beach.

You can't go wrong with to much of anything on PCH

Have fun & good luck!

[UNT_Eagle]

Thanks Lizzy, we plan to drive down to Malibu from The Reagan museum and then on to the PCH! Do you recommend any other good restaurants around Redondo Beach/Palos Verdes?

[SalParadise]

Originally Posted by UNT_Eagle

Thanks Lizzy, we plan to drive down to Malibu from The Reagan museum and then on to the PCH! Do you recommend any other good restaurants around Redondo Beach/Palos Verdes?

One suggestion for your time in Malibu/PCH. Many visitors/tourists make the mistake of just seeing the part of Malibu near the Malibu pier which in my opinion is NOT that impressive and even a little tacky.

By the far the most scenic and beautiful part of Malibu is just a few miles up the coast in the Pt. Dume/Zuma Beach area. See link below on Pt. Dume.

Point Dume SB

The most scenic part of the drive in Malibu on PCH is from Malibu Canyon Drive (where the Pepperdine University is located) towards all points north/west (including Pt. Dume/Zuma beach).

Have a good trip.

[saybanana]

Im not sure what you want to do or see in the city? Touristy things?

I think walking around Downtown LA is very fun. If you like architecture, you can check out the iconic buildings of the city hall, Disney concert hall, Bradbury Building, LA public library, cathedral of the angels and the beautiful facades along Broadway. Then end up at LA Live. It is a lot of walking, tho.

Pasadena doesn't have many tourist sites. Other than the buildings around city hall, most people end up in Old Town Pasadena. Old Town now doesnt resemble old town 20 years ago. Its like a giant outdoor mall, with every major brand name, most of which are upscale in these old brick buildings. Other places to possibly see are the museums, a run around the Rose Bowl, a drive around old craftsman homes scattered throughout, or even check out the Huntington Gardens in San Marino.

Hollywood is a good few hours sightseeing. There is the shopping center Hollywood/Highland, check out the Kodak Theatre outside, stars on the walk of fame, the hand and footprints at Graumans Chinese and maybe Madame Tussauds.

One really nice place to go that is nearby is the Griffith Observatory, especially during sunset time. You get panoramic views of the city towards to the ocean. The city lights up at night. Views of the Hollywood sign as well. There is also a planetarium inside. Check the opening hours.

[JTGJR]

Originally Posted by UNT_Eagle

Thanks Lizzy, we plan to drive down to Malibu from The Reagan museum and then on to the PCH! Do you recommend any other good restaurants around Redondo Beach/Palos Verdes?

I'm not sure what you hope to gain by staying in Redondo Beach, but driving south 40 miles to Newport Beach and north 20 miles to Malibu. There are a lot of nice beaches between those 60 miles.

As for restaurants, try the Admiral Risty at PV Drive West and Hawthorne Blvd on the west side of "The Hill." Old local's favorite been there 40+ years. Nice views.