drivingaround
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Post by drivingaround on Sept 27, 2012 9:45:33 GMT -5
I’ll be in Los Angeles for a conference early next month and required to stay through the weekend. Graciously our company has given us 100% free time 5pm Fri to 8am Monday so I’m looking for ideas on what to do and see as I’ve never been there. I have a very limited entertainment budget, $175 has to cover food AND entertainment for the weekend, so more free things the better!
I will have a car and technically staying in Santa Clarita. So far my ideas are Santa Monica doing the board walk, the free Hollywood Bowl museum and walking tour and hiking around Castaic Lake.
Anyone have low cost/free “must sees” I should hit up while there? I really need to stick with the $175 as I don’t want to charge anything while there.
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Sept 27, 2012 9:52:54 GMT -5
The Getty center is free except for parking which may be 5$. They have a very cool grounds and some great art.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Sept 27, 2012 10:08:09 GMT -5
Hike Griffith Park to the Hollywood Sign; Check out the displays and programs at the Griffith Observatory; Check out either one or both of the Getty Museums (VERY cool antiquities}; The Huntington Museum and library in Pasadena is also awesome; rent a bike at the Santa Monica Pier and ride the bike path down the coast and ogle the crazy scene in Venice Beach; Check out Will Rogers Park in Pacific Palisades (it's a BEAUTIFUL home/horse ranch/park, and you get some local history in to boot); window shop the antiques on La Brea/Melrose and stand in line for a Pink's hot dog (they're famous); check out the major studios (NBC, CBS, Sony, Warner Bros, Paramount) to see about any small tours or game shows that need audiences; Drive the Palos Verdes Peninsula (there's a road that clings to the side of the hills and provides spectacular ocean views - stop in at the Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center along the way and look for migrating whales); Check out the Queen Mary, USS Iowa and/or the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach; head west from Santa Clarita and drive out through the last of the So Cal farming country [Santa Paula, Lake Piru, Moorpark, Ventura, Camarillo] for some great scenery and spend the rest of the day at the beach; look for wine-tasting if you head out through Ventura County; rent a boogie board and catch some waves at Zuma Beach (and drive south from Zuma through Malibu and check out how the other half lives :-)); drive through Topanga Canyon and eat at the Inn of the Seventh Ray; Check out the California missions in either Ventura or San Gabriel (more local history) . . . .
This is off the top of my head. If you need any more, let me know and I'll keep working on it . . .
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2girlsdad
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Post by 2girlsdad on Sept 27, 2012 10:22:36 GMT -5
Great ideas from kitten saver, ALL of them! Do NOT miss the Griffith Observatory, great place, great views. LaBrea tar pits and adjacent art museum, including outdoor sculpture garden, are affordable and entertaining. Mulholland drive for views. Beverly Hills and map of the stars if you're into that, the Farmers Market has some cheap eats and some celeb sightings,
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Sept 27, 2012 10:44:22 GMT -5
Driving, what kinds of things are you interested in? The LA area has a host of sight seeing opportunities as varied as the Gamble House in Pasadena, the pre-eminent example of an Arts and Crafts bungalow in the country, complete with it's original custom made Greene and Greene designed furniture (admission/guided tour $10). For free you can check out the grounds and the fossil recovery pits at the La Brea Tar Pits adjacent to the Page Museum and the LA County Museum of Art. A $12 admission to the Page Museum adds a lot to your visit. Across the street from the tar pits is the Peterson Automotive Museum, the nation's premier auto museum (Admission $12). North of LA, you could do some wine tasting in the Santa Barbara or Solvang area. Kittensaver's Pinks suggestion made me think that you could visit LA food establishments that have appeared on The Food Channel. Pinks hot dogs, Randy's Donuts, Philippe's (home of the French Dip sandwich), and others. Stroll and window shop on Rodeo Drive.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Sept 27, 2012 11:16:26 GMT -5
Driving, this is LA, keep your head up and your eyes open. You may have a star, or at least an actor you recognize, sighting. I've seen stars at the airport. Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed) appeared at the funeral of a co-worker's husband. Turns out Weathers is the co-worker's uncle. A co-worker crossed paths with Michael Keaton at a golf tournament, where Keaton climbed the hill back up to his house and returned with a bottle of water for the parched tournament volunteer (Keaton is a nice guy, isn't he). Another co-worker met Demi Moore in the hallway of a home while visiting a friend who was in town to help his son with a couple of DIY projects. The co-worker's friend is Ashton Kutcher's Dad.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Sept 27, 2012 12:16:57 GMT -5
Tskeeters excellent suggestions (yep, Gamble House is awesome!) made me think of a few more things: if you love architecture and you decide to hang in the Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley area, check out the campus of Cal Tech. If you love science and space exploration, Check with JPL and see if they have any tours or an open house. If you love college football, see if UCLA is at home that weekend (the Rose Bowl). You can probably pick up a ticket cheap from a scalper and even if you don't particularly care about the outcome of the game you can go home and brag that you've been to the Rose Bowl. If football is not your thing but you end up out that way, check out the hiking in Eaton Canyon.
If you like nightlife, Hollywood + Highland has a pretty jumping scene on weekends, though the eateries will set you back a few bucks. If you're in the H + H area, check and see if there are any concerts at the Hollywood Bowl - the summer philharmonic season is done, but often there are "lease events" that go well into November. The "nosebleed seat" (as locals lovingly call them - waaaaaay up at the top of the Bowl) often start at as little as $10-15 per seat, and again you would go home with bragging rights that you've been to the Hollywood Bowl.
The LA Zoo is very nice but frankly not at world-class level (spend your funds on an Amtrak ticket and head down to the San Diego Zoo if that's what you want); however, there are two interesting venues near-by the zoo: the Autry Museum (AWESOME collection of western US history, if you like that stuff) and Forest Lawn. Lots of interesting history and many celebrity residents including Michael Jackson (if this interests you). Another interesting cemetery-semen-historial site is the Hollywood Forever cemetery. Daily tours, fascinating displays, interesting architecture and hundreds of old and new Hollywood legends are buried there.
And yep, there are celebs everywhere - keep your eyes open!
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Sept 27, 2012 12:23:58 GMT -5
Oh - another thing: if you like political history and decide to head west through North LA/Ventura County, check out the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2012 17:09:08 GMT -5
Anyone have low cost/free “must sees” I should hit up while there? I really need to stick with the $175 as I don’t want to charge anything while there.
So 2 full days in LA & you need something to do? I suggest that you do what most people do, Get robbed. (I lived in CA for 18 months & that seemed to be the thing that everybody I knew did).
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Sept 27, 2012 17:38:53 GMT -5
Kittensaver's suggestion made me think about the Richard Nixon Presidential library in Yorba Linda. Lots of displays related to the Viet Nam War when I was there. The modest house that Nixon was born in shows how people outside the urban areas lived in CA around 1915.
If you drive the Palos Verde Peninsula, when you get on the west side, around the golf course, make note of the area where the Palos Verde fault causes regular damage to the road. A large (about 18 inch) water line runs above ground next the the road in this area.
If I remember correctly, there is a public park on the NW corner of the Palos Verde Peninsula that might be nice for some ocean views.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Sept 27, 2012 17:57:02 GMT -5
Anyone have low cost/free “must sees” I should hit up while there? I really need to stick with the $175 as I don’t want to charge anything while there.So 2 full days in LA & you need something to do? I suggest that you do what most people do, Get robbed. (I lived in CA for 18 months & that seemed to be the thing that everybody I knew did). Sour grapes to Old Tex LA is a fabulous, world-class city, Drivingaround - enjoy yourself!
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Sept 27, 2012 18:03:29 GMT -5
If you are a geology buff, go stand on the San Andres fault line. It crosses I-5, CA 138, and CA 14 at multiple locations north or east of Santa Clarita. CA 138 has the least traffic, so I'd try for a location off 138. Check out geology.com/san-andreas-fault/ for an interactive map that can help you locate exactly where you can find the fault line.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Sept 27, 2012 18:06:26 GMT -5
If you are a geology buff, go stand on the San Andres fault line. It crosses I-5, CA 138, and CA 14 at multiple locations north or east of Santa Clarita. CA 138 has the least traffic, so I'd try for a location off 138. Check out geology.com/san-andreas-fault/ for an interactive map that can help you locate exactly where you can find the fault line. Ooo, ooo, GREAT idea tskeeter! And while you're out there on Highway 14, stop in at Vasquez Rocks State Park. It's where they filmed the opening scenes to Blazing Saddles . . . and most of the old Zorro TV show . . . and bunches of other old westerns.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Sept 27, 2012 18:07:28 GMT -5
Driving, in true YM style, you could turn this into a revenue opportunity. Take your co-workers to some of LA's best and goofiest sights in exchange for them paying your admission fees and buying you lunch.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Sept 27, 2012 18:26:08 GMT -5
Not cheap ($72.50 round trip), but might be fun to take the Catalina Express from Long Beach or San Pedro to Catalina island. Catalina was once owned by the Wrigley family, the chewing gum people, and was the spring training camp for the Chicago Cubs from the early 1920's until the early 1950's. The familiar circular Catalina Casino is a theater and dance hall built in 1929.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2012 18:34:13 GMT -5
Sour grapes to Old Tex
LA is a fabulous, world-class city, Drivingaround - enjoy yourself!
Of course things can change BUT:
My wife worked in a clinic with a total of 16 people. Every single one of them had some crime perpetrated on them.
Also while we were there a 14 year old "child" shot one of the staff (& killed her) while trying to steal her car. It was a gang initiation. So yes....your right....Sour Grapes.
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drivingaround
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Post by drivingaround on Sept 27, 2012 18:36:20 GMT -5
You all crack me up! I did some research on my own but was overwhelmed with the abundance of choices since I only have two days so wondered what folks thought the must items are. I know I’ve visited areas that if someone asked my opinion would heartily give a see-it or skip-it. All these ideas are great, thank you! I need to MapQwest some out since LA is pretty sprawling and I want to maximize my time. Observatory is on the list plus hiking to the Hollywood sign. I’m not interested in politics or art museums but enjoy outdoor sculpture parks and history museums. While I’m a regional foodie I’m uncomfortable in restaurants (don’t ask) so tend to do food trucks, diners, take out or other really simple fare. I realize the time will fly and my limited entertainment budget will be well spent! Thanks again… this weekend I’ll look up the suggestions and get more info or help narrowing it down. Maybe similar to Vegas I should just plan to stay awake all night?
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Sept 27, 2012 18:44:33 GMT -5
For something unusual, make the long drive out to Thermal, CA (east of Palm Springs) to the Oasis Date Orchard and drink a date milkshake. Although I dislike sticky dates, while slurping on a shake, I found a dry, sweet date that I actually like.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Sept 27, 2012 19:10:11 GMT -5
Hey, Kitten, we should design the non-tourist tour of LA. Forest Lawn, Hollywood Forever, the JPL, dip a stick in a tar pit, fish tacos off a food truck, stand on the fault line, Vasquez Rocks State Park, Olvera Street, the Grammy Museum, and any other off beat places/activities we can come up with.
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formerwaitress
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Post by formerwaitress on Sept 27, 2012 19:24:58 GMT -5
"rent a bike at the Santa Monica Pier and ride the bike path down the coast and ogle the crazy scene in Venice Beach;"
I second this recommendation, since it's one of my favorite things to do in LA. Also, if you drive up to Malibu, drive up Pepperdine University's campus for an absolutely stunning view. It's free, but it'll cost you gas and drive time. It's worth it, though.
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MarleyKeezy78
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Post by MarleyKeezy78 on Sept 27, 2012 21:28:00 GMT -5
If you're staying in Santa Clarita you could go to Magic Mountain! If you like roller coasters I used to live about a half hour away from Santa Clarita and that was always fun ;D
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Sept 27, 2012 23:49:35 GMT -5
Yeah, double sour grapes, Old Tex - - bad juju can happen anywhere in the world, especially around gangs. Like, um: Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, the Bronx, or the inner city of any major east coast town. Don't blame LA - evil happens everywhere. LA has a better safety record than any of those mentioned. Tskeeter your tour is an awesome idea! But don't forget Randy's donuts . . . Let me know when you want to get started!
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Sept 27, 2012 23:55:00 GMT -5
So Drivingaround, p.m. me when you get to LA and I'll hook you up with my Griffith Park hiking club. Fun group of friendly and non-competitive folks that hike with rescued dogs on Sunday mornings. If you can join us, I'll propose a hike to the sign (we only go that far a few times a year) so you don't have to go alone :-)
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MarleyKeezy78
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Post by MarleyKeezy78 on Sept 28, 2012 7:40:00 GMT -5
If you're going to be at Griffith Park, after your hike you all should go see the laser show! They still have that right!? It's so cool And the big pendulum in the main area that is powered by the motion of the earth... I haven't been there in forever so don't know what's new. Venice Beach too! Love it there
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drivingaround
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Post by drivingaround on Sept 28, 2012 13:00:18 GMT -5
Are these the laser shows? The web-site is a bit chunky to navigate. Appears to be worth the $7! www.griffithobservatory.org/psoplanet.html#buyticketContemplating all day Saturday in Santa Monica for Griffith Park sigh hike and observatory, Venice beach might skip bikes due to wobbly hiking legs but still walk and people watch then eat at Sonny McLean's Irish Pub (there's a specific item I from this place). Staying SW of LA would be so much better for my activities but decent hotel was $150 more per night so employer said no way. Okay then, I'll be expensing the gas!
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MarleyKeezy78
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Post by MarleyKeezy78 on Sept 28, 2012 14:47:42 GMT -5
Yep, I believe that is it! Have a fun trip ;D I am so jealous, I want to go too Oh well, when DS gets older we will take him to see Grandpa who is the one who lives about 30 mins from Santa Clarita, and then hit up Disney Land!!!
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Sept 28, 2012 15:11:06 GMT -5
Drivingaround - your plans sound great. Do whatever makes you happy :-) We've thrown so much stuff at you that you couldn't even do it all in a month, let alone one short weekend!
Have fun and enjoy our fabulous city and beautiful surrounding region :-)
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drivingaround
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Post by drivingaround on Oct 29, 2012 17:11:53 GMT -5
Recap my awesome 48 hours in LA! My employer and I had a bit of a misunderstanding on who was paying for the rental car and gas during the “free” time so I got stuck with it. Eating out was a bit more than I anticipated but well worth it as the food was diverse and fresh. Not sure if it was the laid back vibe of being on the beach but in Santa Monica the restaurants were cool to just let you chill with a beer and watch the scene, no hurry to turn the table. I drove 450 miles in two days and easily spent 4 hours EACH day in just stop and go traffic, I don’t know how residents handle it. Obviously I did sightseeing which the average worker bee might not do but still the traffic was a drain.
Budget was $175, actuals below:
Car rental 120 Gas 90 Restaurants 183 City parking 17 Misc 5 Total 415
Day 1: Drove through Topanga Canyon to PCH Hiked to Hollywood Sign. Found a great blog listing how to get to the parking lot, never would’ve found it on my own as not at all publicized. Hike had beautiful views and almost no one else on the short trail. Hollywood Blvd to see the Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater plus people watch Hollywood Bowl for a self-guided tour (there’s a map on the site) Drove around Beverly Hills then walked and window shopped on Rodeo Drive Griffith Observatory at sunset and stayed until the telescope opened @ 7 to get 5 seconds looking at the moon. Missed the laser show due to waiting in line for the telescope. Sonny McLean’s in Santa Monica for beer, Boston pizza and Notre Dame football Drove home through Malibu and Malibu Canyon Road but too dark to appreciate. Pepperdine students don’t know how lucky they are….. Had late dinner at Rubio’s which was recommended by the hotel. I didn’t realize a fast food chain but they sold beer so it worked!
Day 2: Felt small earthquake during breakfast Drove through the farm area and this was VERY boring. Took about an hour to get to PCH and I was counting down every mile. Drove PCH and made an impromptu stop at Point Dume State Beach and Nature Preserve. This was my favorite part of the trip! If I wasn’t on a time table would’ve stayed all day but I hiked along the beach, picnicked in a private cove then hiked the trail up to the nature preserve and along the bluffs. Finished driving PCH to Santa Monica Visited Santa Monica pier/promenade and walked to Venice beach along the beach Venice beach toured the shops, watched some intense pick-up bball games, walked the pier and observed some VERY crazy, eccentric people Walked boardwalk back to Santa Monica to watch sunset & see nighttime pier atmosphere Enjoyed fresh oysters and scallops at a quaint spot just north of the Santa Monica pier Midnight stop at In N Out burger where I was car # 15 in line – at midnight!
Missed the Getty Museum so on top of my list for next time! Thank you again for suggestions, I fit in everything I could!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2012 17:35:18 GMT -5
"Felt small earthquake during breakfast"
No extra charge! ;D
Glad you had a good time. And despite what everybody says you can actually use (and should) the metro. Union Station (the main train station) is a beautiful work of art. You are also close by Olvera St. which is a really fun place to check out and eat street food.
I grew up in San Diego and am required to hate L.A. but my DH spent a lot of time near Pasadena (San Marino) and 'learned me. ;D
I also recommend a visit to the Huntington Library. Even if you aren't into "stuff" they have the most amazing gardens which are a full day's visit on their own.
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Oct 29, 2012 17:42:14 GMT -5
"Felt small earthquake during breakfast" No extra charge! ;D Yep ;D. It was centered in Santa Clarita. We felt a vibration, but it was very short and more like a jolt to wake you up on Sunday.
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