Tell me about Los Angeles (2 Viewers)

[Evilgrin 72]

Don't forget to stop by the Hipster HQs of the World in Silverlake and Echo Park! The Cha Cha Lounge will give you views of humanity you'd never wish you saw.I've been here 13 years and most of the touristy things to do around here I've avoided like the plague but have ended up going there anyways for work. Bring this thread up before or during your trip and I should be able to direct you to some productions filming throughout the city to get a look at how much we disrupt everything to get TV done. Warner Bros might be a decent trip to make with a studio tour, depending on price. It's a lot different than Universal since there isn't a theme park attached. However at that time of year, most of the TV shows will be in hiatus so there may not be much to see. The good point though is that it takes a lot less time than Uni.For bars, the Red Lion in Silverlake is, although overrun by hipsters, a great place. Good old fashioned German food and a beer garden out back. If you like whiskey, downtown at 7th and Grand is Seven Grand, a very popular whiskey bar. Everyone has their niche sushi places, but the one I go to is damn good and still maintains a "small sushi place" feel to it despite being packed after 6 or so on the big nights. It's in Sherman Oaks, pretty close to Universal. Traffic is and isn't as bad as people are saying. It helps if you practice Zen and just let anger leave you.

You are awfully consumed with hipsters. And you think a guy who worked in NYC where and when the current hipster culture was born has never seen a hipster? Hipster, hipster, hipster!

You're awfully consumed with making everyone think you know everything about everything cultural. I didn't even say anything about whether or not anyone's seen them or been around them before. We all know that none of us can match your knowledge and experience at living around cultural meccas of the country, so don't get all that upset. I was referring to the recent magazine (GQ?) article that named Silver Lake as the Hipsterest place to live. Oh yeah, and I live in Silverlake so it's funny to me. It's what I see every day. But please, I don't want to stop you from informing us all what is or isn't correct or good about every movement in the country, so please feel free to share your unique insight into the American mythos and tell EG where it is that he should go to get the TRUE experience as only AppleJack, whose experiences are unreachable by anyone else, can guide.

I think my wife especially (and myself as well) would be interested in seeing a TV show taped, but early June's got to be a ####ty time of year to be there with that in mind.

 

[Aerial Assault]

Nice call on Seven Grand, mad sweeney. I'll put in a plug for South in SaMo if EG is into sports bars. EG, the "7 lanes with people darting in and out at 80" is just silly hyperbole. If there's no traffic and people can go 80, just hang in the right-side lanes at 65-70. Anyone with your driving cred from Jersey/NYC (which was very well-written and took me back; thanks) will be just fine.

OK, cool. I've just been doing some reading (outside this thread even) that make it sound like it's a frigging go-kart race. I'm not into that and I KNOW my wife won't drive through that, which is far worse than it sounds. Since she's sober and I'm almost always drunk when we're on vacation, she does 95% of the driving.

Understood. My SO grew up on the other side of the land, has been here just a few years, is no maniac, and gets around the whole metro area for work very, very well. You may want to bump this closer to your trip so we can tell you alternates and shortcuts based on specific routes, though. There will be lotsa construction this summer.

If he's driven in major cities it's not a big deal. But for anyone who has only driven in medium cities - driving on LA freeways for the first time can be a harrowing experience.

I can't argue with that. Was pretty sure he had some big city driving experience, though. You're right; some friends came from a smaller city in PA and were a little daunted, at least at first.

 

[mad sweeney]

Don't forget to stop by the Hipster HQs of the World in Silverlake and Echo Park! The Cha Cha Lounge will give you views of humanity you'd never wish you saw.I've been here 13 years and most of the touristy things to do around here I've avoided like the plague but have ended up going there anyways for work. Bring this thread up before or during your trip and I should be able to direct you to some productions filming throughout the city to get a look at how much we disrupt everything to get TV done. Warner Bros might be a decent trip to make with a studio tour, depending on price. It's a lot different than Universal since there isn't a theme park attached. However at that time of year, most of the TV shows will be in hiatus so there may not be much to see. The good point though is that it takes a lot less time than Uni.For bars, the Red Lion in Silverlake is, although overrun by hipsters, a great place. Good old fashioned German food and a beer garden out back. If you like whiskey, downtown at 7th and Grand is Seven Grand, a very popular whiskey bar. Everyone has their niche sushi places, but the one I go to is damn good and still maintains a "small sushi place" feel to it despite being packed after 6 or so on the big nights. It's in Sherman Oaks, pretty close to Universal. Traffic is and isn't as bad as people are saying. It helps if you practice Zen and just let anger leave you.

You are awfully consumed with hipsters. And you think a guy who worked in NYC where and when the current hipster culture was born has never seen a hipster? Hipster, hipster, hipster!

You're awfully consumed with making everyone think you know everything about everything cultural. I didn't even say anything about whether or not anyone's seen them or been around them before. We all know that none of us can match your knowledge and experience at living around cultural meccas of the country, so don't get all that upset. I was referring to the recent magazine (GQ?) article that named Silver Lake as the Hipsterest place to live. Oh yeah, and I live in Silverlake so it's funny to me. It's what I see every day. But please, I don't want to stop you from informing us all what is or isn't correct or good about every movement in the country, so please feel free to share your unique insight into the American mythos and tell EG where it is that he should go to get the TRUE experience as only AppleJack, whose experiences are unreachable by anyone else, can guide.

I think my wife especially (and myself as well) would be interested in seeing a TV show taped, but early June's got to be a ####ty time of year to be there with that in mind.

Live shows that you can see taped will probably still be around but most sitcoms will probably be on hiatus. Still, there'll be some. Traditional TV production schedules have all changed so much with cable explosion of original programming that there's bound to be something going on. And Leno and stuff like that will be going. In fact, Kimmel will probably be having their outdoor concert stuff in full swing.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Don't forget to stop by the Hipster HQs of the World in Silverlake and Echo Park! The Cha Cha Lounge will give you views of humanity you'd never wish you saw.I've been here 13 years and most of the touristy things to do around here I've avoided like the plague but have ended up going there anyways for work. Bring this thread up before or during your trip and I should be able to direct you to some productions filming throughout the city to get a look at how much we disrupt everything to get TV done. Warner Bros might be a decent trip to make with a studio tour, depending on price. It's a lot different than Universal since there isn't a theme park attached. However at that time of year, most of the TV shows will be in hiatus so there may not be much to see. The good point though is that it takes a lot less time than Uni.For bars, the Red Lion in Silverlake is, although overrun by hipsters, a great place. Good old fashioned German food and a beer garden out back. If you like whiskey, downtown at 7th and Grand is Seven Grand, a very popular whiskey bar. Everyone has their niche sushi places, but the one I go to is damn good and still maintains a "small sushi place" feel to it despite being packed after 6 or so on the big nights. It's in Sherman Oaks, pretty close to Universal. Traffic is and isn't as bad as people are saying. It helps if you practice Zen and just let anger leave you.

You are awfully consumed with hipsters. And you think a guy who worked in NYC where and when the current hipster culture was born has never seen a hipster? Hipster, hipster, hipster!

You're awfully consumed with making everyone think you know everything about everything cultural. I didn't even say anything about whether or not anyone's seen them or been around them before. We all know that none of us can match your knowledge and experience at living around cultural meccas of the country, so don't get all that upset. I was referring to the recent magazine (GQ?) article that named Silver Lake as the Hipsterest place to live. Oh yeah, and I live in Silverlake so it's funny to me. It's what I see every day. But please, I don't want to stop you from informing us all what is or isn't correct or good about every movement in the country, so please feel free to share your unique insight into the American mythos and tell EG where it is that he should go to get the TRUE experience as only AppleJack, whose experiences are unreachable by anyone else, can guide.

I think my wife especially (and myself as well) would be interested in seeing a TV show taped, but early June's got to be a ####ty time of year to be there with that in mind.

Live shows that you can see taped will probably still be around but most sitcoms will probably be on hiatus. Still, there'll be some. Traditional TV production schedules have all changed so much with cable explosion of original programming that there's bound to be something going on. And Leno and stuff like that will be going. In fact, Kimmel will probably be having their outdoor concert stuff in full swing.

#3. Thanks, dude.

 

[GDogg]

Does that town have any restaurants?

Would be nice to get some recommendations from FBGs.

TIA

Lots of great Thai in Thai Town. Korean BBQ in K-Town. No personal experience with Mexican places.We went to Susan Feniger's global street food restaurant last year. The concept was better than the execution IMO but the patio had a very cool LA vibe.

Highly recommend seeing a show at the Hollywood Bowl. One of the truly iconic concert venues and you can bring in your own wine.

Oddly, LA Mexican food sucks. Need to get south of Camp Pendleton for good Mexican.

Can you unwrap that a bit?I'd say LA mexican food is good, OC sucks, SD is good.

Maybe you are more into Baja style (fish tacos, etc) which is more prevalent in SD?

I'll expand on that and say, LA Mexican food sucks! I haven't had a decent carne asada burrito since I moved up here. There are some cool places that have decent food and a specialty like Lucy's, Mexico City (mole) or Casita del Campo, El Conq, Sieti Mares (ceviche) or Alegria. But none of them, nor any place I've found, have come close to even the worst carne asada burrito and any taco stand ending in *-bertos in SD.El Cid may be a place to go. It's Spanish, not Mexican, but their Flamenco dinner show is outstanding.

King Taco is pretty damn good for carne asada burritos, but they aren't similar to the taqueria-style burritos found in the East Bay, like Gordo, Cancun, etc.For a sitdown place that a tourist might enjoy, I really like the Velvet Margarita in Hollywood. Although, I'm normally beyond drunk when I'm there. Casa Vega would also be a good place to check out, but it's not exactly authentic Mexican food.

 

[GDogg]

Nice call on Seven Grand, mad sweeney. I'll put in a plug for South in SaMo if EG is into sports bars. EG, the "7 lanes with people darting in and out at 80" is just silly hyperbole. If there's no traffic and people can go 80, just hang in the right-side lanes at 65-70. Anyone with your driving cred from Jersey/NYC (which was very well-written and took me back; thanks) will be just fine.

OK, cool. I've just been doing some reading (outside this thread even) that make it sound like it's a frigging go-kart race. I'm not into that and I KNOW my wife won't drive through that, which is far worse than it sounds. Since she's sober and I'm almost always drunk when we're on vacation, she does 95% of the driving.

Traffic can be bad, but people know how to drive. In Washington, you'll have cars driving right next to each other three lanes across, all driving just under the speed limit for no apparent reason. Come up on someone in the fast lane? Not a chance they'll move over. Merging? It's like they've all suddenly become brain damaged.People in Southern California are trying to get places when they drive, and they understand the unwritten rules of driving...leave space for people to get by, don't drive slow in the fast lane (except, for some reason, minivans), merge like zipping up a zipper, drive with intention. Sure, you can get in the right lane and drive 65, but that's no fun.

65, no. I drive 60 miles each way on a freeway these days and pretty much lock in at 80-85 the whole way, but there's very little traffic, so I'm used to kind of zoning out and just cruising, if I had idiots darting in and out in front of me all day every day, I'd probably lose my mind. Doesn't really sound too bad, though. I'll just have to make sure I list her as an additional driver on the rental so if she trades paint with someone, I'm covered.

It's really not bad and if you are driving between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., you won't be able to drive fast enough to worry because of rush "hour" traffic.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Nice call on Seven Grand, mad sweeney. I'll put in a plug for South in SaMo if EG is into sports bars. EG, the "7 lanes with people darting in and out at 80" is just silly hyperbole. If there's no traffic and people can go 80, just hang in the right-side lanes at 65-70. Anyone with your driving cred from Jersey/NYC (which was very well-written and took me back; thanks) will be just fine.

OK, cool. I've just been doing some reading (outside this thread even) that make it sound like it's a frigging go-kart race. I'm not into that and I KNOW my wife won't drive through that, which is far worse than it sounds. Since she's sober and I'm almost always drunk when we're on vacation, she does 95% of the driving.

Traffic can be bad, but people know how to drive. In Washington, you'll have cars driving right next to each other three lanes across, all driving just under the speed limit for no apparent reason. Come up on someone in the fast lane? Not a chance they'll move over. Merging? It's like they've all suddenly become brain damaged.People in Southern California are trying to get places when they drive, and they understand the unwritten rules of driving...leave space for people to get by, don't drive slow in the fast lane (except, for some reason, minivans), merge like zipping up a zipper, drive with intention. Sure, you can get in the right lane and drive 65, but that's no fun.

65, no. I drive 60 miles each way on a freeway these days and pretty much lock in at 80-85 the whole way, but there's very little traffic, so I'm used to kind of zoning out and just cruising, if I had idiots darting in and out in front of me all day every day, I'd probably lose my mind. Doesn't really sound too bad, though. I'll just have to make sure I list her as an additional driver on the rental so if she trades paint with someone, I'm covered.

It's really not bad and if you are driving between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., you won't be able to drive fast enough to worry because of rush "hour" traffic.

So my best bet if I go is to choose an "area" the explore, have breakfast at the hotel, leave around 11 AM, stay wherever I go, have dinner there, then go back to the hotel at night?

 

[Miscellaneous]

There are two Getty places, both beautiful: Getty Center off 405, and Getty Villa in Malibu. If you've gotta pick one, I'd go Malibu, but they're both awesome. Completely different in the two locations.FYI, if hiking was on your list, and you tried to hike to the Hollywood sign, it's surrounded by chain link fence and under security. Nice hike, a little disappointing on the payoff.The wife and I are a big fan of the Largo and UCB (Upright Citizen's Brigade) for comedy.FYI, the Walk of Fame is not in a nice part of town; some of the biggest stars ever are outside head shops or tattoo parlors.A movie at Hollywood Forever might be cool - they tend to run old horror movies. Almost always a few celebrities at those things.If you're a Cirque-type, the Iris show at the Kodak Theatre is very good.Traffic sucks.

 

[GDogg]

Nice call on Seven Grand, mad sweeney. I'll put in a plug for South in SaMo if EG is into sports bars. EG, the "7 lanes with people darting in and out at 80" is just silly hyperbole. If there's no traffic and people can go 80, just hang in the right-side lanes at 65-70. Anyone with your driving cred from Jersey/NYC (which was very well-written and took me back; thanks) will be just fine.

OK, cool. I've just been doing some reading (outside this thread even) that make it sound like it's a frigging go-kart race. I'm not into that and I KNOW my wife won't drive through that, which is far worse than it sounds. Since she's sober and I'm almost always drunk when we're on vacation, she does 95% of the driving.

Traffic can be bad, but people know how to drive. In Washington, you'll have cars driving right next to each other three lanes across, all driving just under the speed limit for no apparent reason. Come up on someone in the fast lane? Not a chance they'll move over. Merging? It's like they've all suddenly become brain damaged.People in Southern California are trying to get places when they drive, and they understand the unwritten rules of driving...leave space for people to get by, don't drive slow in the fast lane (except, for some reason, minivans), merge like zipping up a zipper, drive with intention. Sure, you can get in the right lane and drive 65, but that's no fun.

65, no. I drive 60 miles each way on a freeway these days and pretty much lock in at 80-85 the whole way, but there's very little traffic, so I'm used to kind of zoning out and just cruising, if I had idiots darting in and out in front of me all day every day, I'd probably lose my mind. Doesn't really sound too bad, though. I'll just have to make sure I list her as an additional driver on the rental so if she trades paint with someone, I'm covered.

It's really not bad and if you are driving between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., you won't be able to drive fast enough to worry because of rush "hour" traffic.

So my best bet if I go is to choose an "area" the explore, have breakfast at the hotel, leave around 11 AM, stay wherever I go, have dinner there, then go back to the hotel at night?

More or less. I certainly wouldn't try to bounce around L.A. County each day. You wouldn't get much accomplished and you'd probably be getting pretty frustrated as you'd be sitting in your car for a couple hours while driving only 15-25 miles.

 

[BRONG]

Apple Jack vs mad sweeney! It was only a matter of time.BTW sweeney, have you always lived in Silver Lake or where are you from, originally?

 

[sbonomo]

Several other cool ideas:Huntington Library in Pasadena. More for the wife with the botanical gardens but still a very fun walking tour. Short drive from Downtown LA (not sure where you are staying). I would suggest having lunch or dinner in old town Pasadena at any of the hundreds of restaurants (I can get you a list of favorites if you are interested).La Brea Tar Pits: Kind of a fun ½ day with cool historical back ground and museum. Hollywood Adventure – Very touristy but still have good rides/entertainment (better than Knott’s Berry Farm).USC natural history museum and IMAX

 

[Toad_1234]

What did you do at the tar pits? Do they offer a tour?

 

[mad sweeney]

Apple Jack vs mad sweeney! It was only a matter of time.BTW sweeney, have you always lived in Silver Lake or where are you from, originally?

I moved here from San Diego the day after the world failed to end on the eve of the 21st century.

 

[Eephus]

Petersen Automotive Museum if you like cars. Plus you can walk outside and pour one for your homie Biggie Smalls, who was shot after attending an event there.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

A few other suggestions for Mexican food:GuisadosChichen ItzaGuelaguetzaCacao

 

[T Bell]

I've grown up here so I'll add something later.

 

[EYLive]

The space shuttle Endeavor is parked at Exposition Park near USC. They built a whole exhibit around it. Cool experience for your side.I will come to the defense of LA Mexican food. My favorite taco/burrito spots are tucks and stands.If you hit up downtown LA, Grand Central Market offers "Ana Maria's" and "Tacos Tumbras a Tomas". Asada and/or Al pastor burritos the size of a newborn baby for $5.50 (bring cash), both stands are excellent.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

A few pieces of advice re Magic Mountain since I live about 1 hour from there.If you're going in June expect it to be hot. I mean upper 90s type heat. You may luck out and have nice weather but be prepared for the heat.Expect less than stellar customer service. The last few times we went to MM it seemed like everybody that worked there wanted to be somewhere else. Obviously food and drinks inside the park are going to be expensive. It's not as bad as Disneyland but it's no joke. Of course if you're going without kids it won't be as big of a deal.Whatever you do when you leave the park do NOT head north on I-5. You might end up in Bakersfield.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Some great advice in here already. Iris is good, but I also recommend Teatro Zinzanni. Magic Castle is a fun experience. If you're looking for fine dining there's lots to choose from but I prefer a bit of a show.

 

[beer 302]

Haven't read the thread but the only thing I would make sure I got in LA is a Tommy Burger loaded. The rest is optional IMO. Carry on

 

[T Bell]

A few pieces of advice re Magic Mountain since I live about 1 hour from there.If you're going in June expect it to be hot. I mean upper 90s type heat. You may luck out and have nice weather but be prepared for the heat.Expect less than stellar customer service. The last few times we went to MM it seemed like everybody that worked there wanted to be somewhere else. Obviously food and drinks inside the park are going to be expensive. It's not as bad as Disneyland but it's no joke. Of course if you're going without kids it won't be as big of a deal.Whatever you do when you leave the park do NOT head north on I-5. You might end up in Bakersfield.

I'm going to disagree on the heat. It's typically only moderately warm in June, and often can be overcast, i.e. "June gloom", but we didn't get much of that last year. Usually July through mid-Sept is the hottest time. Still, summer dress is appropriate but bring extra layers, e.g. a sweater, light jacket, sweatshirt, etc. to throw on, especially if you're within 5-10 miles of the ocean. The fog can roll in and the temp can rapidly drop 10-20 degrees.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

A few pieces of advice re Magic Mountain since I live about 1 hour from there.If you're going in June expect it to be hot. I mean upper 90s type heat. You may luck out and have nice weather but be prepared for the heat.Expect less than stellar customer service. The last few times we went to MM it seemed like everybody that worked there wanted to be somewhere else. Obviously food and drinks inside the park are going to be expensive. It's not as bad as Disneyland but it's no joke. Of course if you're going without kids it won't be as big of a deal.Whatever you do when you leave the park do NOT head north on I-5. You might end up in Bakersfield.

I'm going to disagree on the heat. It's typically only moderately warm in June, and often can be overcast, i.e. "June gloom", but we didn't get much of that last year. Usually July through mid-Sept is the hottest time. Still, summer dress is appropriate but bring extra layers, e.g. a sweater, light jacket, sweatshirt, etc. to throw on, especially if you're within 5-10 miles of the ocean. The fog can roll in and the temp can rapidly drop 10-20 degrees.

I was specifically talking about Magic Mountain. Obviously the weather is different in the rest of "L.A.".

 

[T Bell]

A few pieces of advice re Magic Mountain since I live about 1 hour from there.If you're going in June expect it to be hot. I mean upper 90s type heat. You may luck out and have nice weather but be prepared for the heat.Expect less than stellar customer service. The last few times we went to MM it seemed like everybody that worked there wanted to be somewhere else. Obviously food and drinks inside the park are going to be expensive. It's not as bad as Disneyland but it's no joke. Of course if you're going without kids it won't be as big of a deal.Whatever you do when you leave the park do NOT head north on I-5. You might end up in Bakersfield.

I'm going to disagree on the heat. It's typically only moderately warm in June, and often can be overcast, i.e. "June gloom", but we didn't get much of that last year. Usually July through mid-Sept is the hottest time. Still, summer dress is appropriate but bring extra layers, e.g. a sweater, light jacket, sweatshirt, etc. to throw on, especially if you're within 5-10 miles of the ocean. The fog can roll in and the temp can rapidly drop 10-20 degrees.

I was specifically talking about Magic Mountain. Obviously the weather is different in the rest of "L.A.".

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

If you're looking for a "Hollywood" type tour I've heard some awesome things about http://www.dearlydepartedtours.com/ It's a bit morbid but since you're a heavy metal guy I'm just going to assume you like other weird stuff.

 

[EYLive]

A few pieces of advice re Magic Mountain since I live about 1 hour from there.If you're going in June expect it to be hot. I mean upper 90s type heat. You may luck out and have nice weather but be prepared for the heat.Expect less than stellar customer service. The last few times we went to MM it seemed like everybody that worked there wanted to be somewhere else. Obviously food and drinks inside the park are going to be expensive. It's not as bad as Disneyland but it's no joke. Of course if you're going without kids it won't be as big of a deal.Whatever you do when you leave the park do NOT head north on I-5. You might end up in Bakersfield.

I'm going to disagree on the heat. It's typically only moderately warm in June, and often can be overcast, i.e. "June gloom", but we didn't get much of that last year. Usually July through mid-Sept is the hottest time. Still, summer dress is appropriate but bring extra layers, e.g. a sweater, light jacket, sweatshirt, etc. to throw on, especially if you're within 5-10 miles of the ocean. The fog can roll in and the temp can rapidly drop 10-20 degrees.

Some of the rides get really hot too. Hot enough to boil your butt if a particular seat has been baking in the sun all day.

 

[GDogg]

Haven't read the thread but the only thing I would make sure I got in LA is a Tommy Burger loaded. The rest is optional IMO. Carry on

It's good, but if you're going somewhere for a burger as a destination, might as well hit up Father's Office, and have a burger there while also sipping on some delicious beer. And, you're right near the 3rd Street Promenade, if that's your thing.

 

[BRONG]

Apple Jack vs mad sweeney! It was only a matter of time.

BTW sweeney, have you always lived in Silver Lake or where are you from, originally?

I moved here from San Diego the day after the world failed to end on the eve of the 21st century.

Ha, I knew it! Two San Diego dudes end up in an LA thread going back and forth about how great the Mexican food is...in San Diego! Hilarious.

 

[BRONG]

Petersen Automotive Museum if you like cars. Plus you can walk outside and pour one for your homie Biggie Smalls, who was shot after attending an event there.

Now here ya go, a good neighbor to the north with something to add. Stay classy, SF!

 

[mad sweeney]

Apple Jack vs mad sweeney! It was only a matter of time.

BTW sweeney, have you always lived in Silver Lake or where are you from, originally?

I moved here from San Diego the day after the world failed to end on the eve of the 21st century.

Ha, I knew it! Two San Diego dudes end up in an LA thread going back and forth about how great the Mexican food is...in San Diego! Hilarious.

What does that have to do with anything? It's not like I have food-pride for SD. I live in LA now, I'd rather have the food up here than down there.

 

[BRONG]

Well, for one, I'm not buying the whole LA has horrible Mexican food thing. There are 20 billion Mexicans in LA. I think 1 or 2 might be making good, authentic Mexican food up in there.

 

[EYLive]

Well, for one, I'm not buying the whole LA has horrible Mexican food thing. There are 20 billion Mexicans in LA. I think 1 or 2 might be making good, authentic Mexican food up in there.

That is correct. I have a buddy that's lived in LA his whole life, and recently moved to SD for law school. He says the Mexican food in San Diego sucks compared to L.A.

 

[17seconds]

OC sucks for mexican food. It's all chains and no *betos.

What do you expect from Ku Klux Kounty

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Well, for one, I'm not buying the whole LA has horrible Mexican food thing. There are 20 billion Mexicans in LA. I think 1 or 2 might be making good, authentic Mexican food up in there.

And "Mexican Food" is pretty damn vague.

 

[mad sweeney]

Well, for one, I'm not buying the whole LA has horrible Mexican food thing. There are 20 billion Mexicans in LA. I think 1 or 2 might be making good, authentic Mexican food up in there.

That is correct. I have a buddy that's lived in LA his whole life, and recently moved to SD for law school. He says the Mexican food in San Diego sucks compared to L.A.

Sounds like your buddy sucks!

 

[mad sweeney]

OC sucks for mexican food. It's all chains and no *betos.

You could've stopped there.

 

[Sarnoff]

If you or the wife are really nerdy about some TV show or movie, you can always get your pictures taken at some location. Like the house from the Wonder Years or the office from The Office.

 

[Shrugs]

The California Science Center with the space shuttle Endeavor, the Natural History Museum, IMAX, the Coliseum, Rose Garden and USC are all right next to each other for a day's outing. They are easily accessible by metro rail if you stay near a station. They are then an 8-minute metro ride from L.A. Live where you could have dinner, perhaps go to the Grammy Museum, see Staples Center and the Convention Center next door and the buildings of downtown L.A.You could sit in the audience at one of the late-night talk shows if you mail in asking for tickets. Leno, Ferguson and Kimmel are filmed here.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

You better like traffic jams if you go the LA. Brutal.Timing is everything there and leaving for a destination at the wrong could quadruple your travel time.GL!

 

[mad sweeney]

You better like traffic jams if you go the LA. Brutal.Timing is everything there and leaving for a destination at the wrong could quadruple your travel time.GL!

Try to get surface street tips from locals. I do everything I can to avoid the freeways in heavy traffic areas.

 

[-fish-]

Well, for one, I'm not buying the whole LA has horrible Mexican food thing. There are 20 billion Mexicans in LA. I think 1 or 2 might be making good, authentic Mexican food up in there.

that's what I thought. but never found it.chicken and waffles, though...LA hands down.

 

[EYLive]

Well, for one, I'm not buying the whole LA has horrible Mexican food thing. There are 20 billion Mexicans in LA. I think 1 or 2 might be making good, authentic Mexican food up in there.

That is correct. I have a buddy that's lived in LA his whole life, and recently moved to SD for law school. He says the Mexican food in San Diego sucks compared to L.A.

Sounds like your buddy sucks!

Why are you so defensive? Do you also think Phil's BBQ is the best in SoCal? Answer honestly.

 

[EYLive]

You better like traffic jams if you go the LA. Brutal.Timing is everything there and leaving for a destination at the wrong could quadruple your travel time.GL!

Just use sigalert.comIt's not rocket science, people.

 

[EYLive]

the office from The Office.

Didn't know this.

 

[17seconds]

Well, for one, I'm not buying the whole LA has horrible Mexican food thing. There are 20 billion Mexicans in LA. I think 1 or 2 might be making good, authentic Mexican food up in there.

That is correct. I have a buddy that's lived in LA his whole life, and recently moved to SD for law school. He says the Mexican food in San Diego sucks compared to L.A.

Sounds like your buddy sucks!

Why are you so defensive? Do you also think Phil's BBQ is the best in SoCal? Answer honestly.

umm.. I like the large beef ribs at Phil's quite a bit. Only problem is none of their sauces are hot.

 

[cstu]

I absolutely love living here, but it's an extremely over-rated tourist destination. There's tons to do but it's very inconvenient to see a lot in a short amount of time.

 

[cstu]

the office from The Office.

Didn't know this.

That's too funny, maybe a mile out of my way from taking my daughter to school. I might just drive by tomorrow for a laugh.

 

[cstu]

You better like traffic jams if you go the LA. Brutal.Timing is everything there and leaving for a destination at the wrong could quadruple your travel time.GL!

Try to get surface street tips from locals. I do everything I can to avoid the freeways in heavy traffic areas.

You can really save a ton of time taking surface streets. On the way back from my daughter's school the 405 is backed up for miles but I cut through the Sherman Oaks/Bel Air hills to go from North Hollywood to Westwood in a little over a half hour. PITA driving but it gets the jobs done.

 

[Miscellaneous]

MM advice: get there when the gates open, and immediately go to the X2. One Saturday we got to the park about 45 minutes after the open, and the line was already 3.5 hours long for it. Definitely the best ride in the park, but it's not worth three hours of your life.

 

[This_Guy]

Some good suggestions here.Traffic shouldn't be a big problem but plan each day so you spend the entire day in the same general area. Where you get screwed is planning to drive to a bunch of different places in 1 day.Traffic in an out of Dodger Stadium won't be too bad. Just give yourself plenty of time.Hitting a club show on Sunset should be on your list. Add to that getting a drink and/or dinner at the Rainbow. Place is a metal music legend.If you can't get into the audience of a TV show do the Warner Brothers lot tour. You will get to see actual sets. Tours are small and the guides are really informative. You'll drive all over a working lot and won't have the dopey theme park humor like Universal. I actually prefer it to a taping. Taping can get pretty boring sometimes. Lots of late night talk shows to choose from though as well as game shows (Jeopardy, Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune)Some great museums many already mentioned by other. Getty Center, Cal Science Center (Space Shuttle), Reagan Library (retired Air Force 1 plane you can go through), Griffith Observatory & LA County Museum of Art are some I would recommend.Where are you thinking of staying? If you are not really looking for the beach experience I would consider Pasadena. It isn't as glamorous as some other areas but it would act as a great base. You'll have access to the Metro which can get you a lot of places without driving. You will have easy drives to Magic Mountain and Dodger Stadium and will generally have an easier time getting to a lot of the other places mentioned in the thread.After you come up with a rough plan let us know and we can help you build out your days with the best of each area you will be in.

 

[T Bell]

Here's what I would make priority things to see (many of which have been named):

DRIVING/SCENIC

Palos Verdes Peninsula

Malibu Canyon coast and areas

Angeles Crest Highway

Mulholland Drive

Rodeo Drive and celeb's mansions in Beverly Hills

Catalina Island (you take a ferry out of Long Beach - it's a day trip)

AMUSEMENT PARKS

Universal Studios

Disneyland

Knotts Berry Farm

Magic Mountain

LA SPORTS VENUES

Coliseum

Rose Bowl

Dodger Stadium

Angels Stadium

Staples Center

Santa Anita and Hollywood Park racetracks (horses)

SHOWS/MUSIC VENUES

The Hollywood Bowl - seriously, do this if you can, doesn't matter who's playing. It's a quintessential LA experience

Magic Castle

Otherwise, too many to count - just see who/what's in town on Ticketmaster; however you might like:

The Whiskey

House of Blues

BEACHES

Santa Monica

Hermosa Beach

Manhattan Beach

Redondo Beach (you can rent bikes and go up and down the coast on bike paths, from Redondo to Santa Monica)

Huntington Beach

THE SITES

Sunset Strip in Hollywood

Paramount Studios lot tour

Getty Museum (this is a must-do too, especially if you love classical history)

Norton Simon Museum

Peterson Automotive Museum (adjoining the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica)

Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

RANDOM

Cinespia - outdoor movies in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

HIKING

Runyan Canyon

eh, running out of steam here, but I'm sure I'll come up with more.

Oh, and key tip- schedule/plan your stuff in geographic clusters to minimize driving. For example, Cinespia is just down the street from the Paramount Studios lot. If you don't, you'll waste huge amounts of time in the car.