Los Angeles & area in January
November 28, 2010 5:05 PM Subscribe
Visiting Los Angeles in January. What should we seek?
I've bookmarked some Ask MeFi LA stuff, but I've heard from previous visitors that some things may not apply while we there (ie Venice Beach is apparently all but deserted).
We're going into LA for a week in January. We'll have a car and we're trying to decide what to do. We're mainly going to get a little sunshine in our wintry lives and just enjoy a different headspace.
I see that hotels in the Redondo/Hermosa/Torrance regions are quite a bit cheaper that the western environs. Is it worth spending the extra to be in the West Hollywood area? I do like the idea of being able to walk to places to eat & shop but they don't need to be hip, hot & happening. If there is an area/hotel that you think would be good for a couple of 40 years old that is in a good area feel free to throw it out there!
It's a big place and it's left me a few questions:
-If we skip the whole "tour the stars homes" type of thing are we denying ourselves some trashy fun or is it as boring as it sounds? Is the hop on, hop off bus worth it? (While we have a car I don't want to spend the whole week in it.)
-I really enjoy beachcombing - is it better to go south of LA for tide pools or north? We're trying to decide between south to San Diego or north towards Morro Bay.
-I would like to go to Santee Alley and look around if there are deals there; is it just full of nothing or can it be an interesting experience?
-Is San Simeon worth the effort? It looks kind of neat but I can't tell.
-Channel islands: I see there is ferry service and I'm hoping it's worth the effort in January. I've looked at average weather and it doesn't throw me at all. Has anyone been? Would Anacapa or Santa Cruz be better?
-LA Clippers vs LA Lakers. Lakers are the better team but if we're going just to see a live NBA game will it make a difference?
I've bookmarked some Ask MeFi LA stuff, but I've heard from previous visitors that some things may not apply while we there (ie Venice Beach is apparently all but deserted).
We're going into LA for a week in January. We'll have a car and we're trying to decide what to do. We're mainly going to get a little sunshine in our wintry lives and just enjoy a different headspace.
I see that hotels in the Redondo/Hermosa/Torrance regions are quite a bit cheaper that the western environs. Is it worth spending the extra to be in the West Hollywood area? I do like the idea of being able to walk to places to eat & shop but they don't need to be hip, hot & happening. If there is an area/hotel that you think would be good for a couple of 40 years old that is in a good area feel free to throw it out there!
It's a big place and it's left me a few questions:
-If we skip the whole "tour the stars homes" type of thing are we denying ourselves some trashy fun or is it as boring as it sounds? Is the hop on, hop off bus worth it? (While we have a car I don't want to spend the whole week in it.)
-I really enjoy beachcombing - is it better to go south of LA for tide pools or north? We're trying to decide between south to San Diego or north towards Morro Bay.
-I would like to go to Santee Alley and look around if there are deals there; is it just full of nothing or can it be an interesting experience?
-Is San Simeon worth the effort? It looks kind of neat but I can't tell.
-Channel islands: I see there is ferry service and I'm hoping it's worth the effort in January. I've looked at average weather and it doesn't throw me at all. Has anyone been? Would Anacapa or Santa Cruz be better?
-LA Clippers vs LA Lakers. Lakers are the better team but if we're going just to see a live NBA game will it make a difference?
-I would like to go to Santee Alley and look around if there are deals there; is it just full of nothing or can it be an interesting experience?
In my experience Santee Alley isn't all it's cracked up to be. Nearly 100% knock-off cheap-o crap that's a rip-off at the price they're asking. No bartering. It can be interesting a wandering experience, but there must be better places to go for a serious shopper in the fashion district. (Though I'm not aware of them, sorry.) It is good if you need a quick pair of Levi's or Dickies, a $50 'fashion' purse, cheap sunglasses, or some socks.
Here's what we did when cortex came to town:
Started in Venice Beach, where Washington meets the ocean, for brunch and mimosas.
Drove to the La Brea tar pits, frolicked. (LACMA and the Page Museum are right there, too.)
Late lunch in Hollywood, visited Amoeba Records. (In'n'Out is a good choice, but there's plenty of other stuff down Hollywood Blvd.)
The Griffith Observatory. Try to be there for sunset.
Then we barbecued, but really you have the city at your feet at that point and can go pretty much anywhere for dinner. Another good endpoint that includes dinner would be Malibu Seafood up the coast a bit. That was pretty much a full day of LA tourism, perfect for someone with a car who wants to see a decent swath of the city.
-LA Clippers vs LA Lakers. Lakers are the better team but if we're going just to see a live NBA game will it make a difference?
The Lakers experience in downtown LA is definitely a bigger, brighter, flashier one. If your focus is strictly on the court it matters less (but still skews Lakers-ways), but if you're interested at all in the glitz of the NBA in LA, seeing the Lakers is the way to go.
posted by carsonb at 5:26 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
In my experience Santee Alley isn't all it's cracked up to be. Nearly 100% knock-off cheap-o crap that's a rip-off at the price they're asking. No bartering. It can be interesting a wandering experience, but there must be better places to go for a serious shopper in the fashion district. (Though I'm not aware of them, sorry.) It is good if you need a quick pair of Levi's or Dickies, a $50 'fashion' purse, cheap sunglasses, or some socks.
Here's what we did when cortex came to town:
Started in Venice Beach, where Washington meets the ocean, for brunch and mimosas.
Drove to the La Brea tar pits, frolicked. (LACMA and the Page Museum are right there, too.)
Late lunch in Hollywood, visited Amoeba Records. (In'n'Out is a good choice, but there's plenty of other stuff down Hollywood Blvd.)
The Griffith Observatory. Try to be there for sunset.
Then we barbecued, but really you have the city at your feet at that point and can go pretty much anywhere for dinner. Another good endpoint that includes dinner would be Malibu Seafood up the coast a bit. That was pretty much a full day of LA tourism, perfect for someone with a car who wants to see a decent swath of the city.
-LA Clippers vs LA Lakers. Lakers are the better team but if we're going just to see a live NBA game will it make a difference?
The Lakers experience in downtown LA is definitely a bigger, brighter, flashier one. If your focus is strictly on the court it matters less (but still skews Lakers-ways), but if you're interested at all in the glitz of the NBA in LA, seeing the Lakers is the way to go.
posted by carsonb at 5:26 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
-If we skip the whole "tour the stars homes" type of thing are we denying ourselves some trashy fun or is it as boring as it sounds? Is the hop on, hop off bus worth it? (While we have a car I don't want to spend the whole week in it.)
Yeah, most bus tours are crap. I drive around Hollywood and Beverly Hills a lot and see a ton of those open-top vans and double-decker buses rolling around. The people in them never look like they're having any fun. Esotouric bus tours are not crap.
posted by carsonb at 5:35 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Yeah, most bus tours are crap. I drive around Hollywood and Beverly Hills a lot and see a ton of those open-top vans and double-decker buses rolling around. The people in them never look like they're having any fun. Esotouric bus tours are not crap.
posted by carsonb at 5:35 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
I see that hotels in the Redondo/Hermosa/Torrance regions are quite a bit cheaper that the western environs.
I suggest avoiding anything south of Venice in terms of location. When you start talking about the South Bay area, you're really looking at potentially spending lots commuting to where you want to enjoying your time. Generally speaking, something like West Hollywood (or maybe Santa Monica) would probably be your best bet.
posted by dhammond at 5:53 PM on November 28, 2010
I suggest avoiding anything south of Venice in terms of location. When you start talking about the South Bay area, you're really looking at potentially spending lots commuting to where you want to enjoying your time. Generally speaking, something like West Hollywood (or maybe Santa Monica) would probably be your best bet.
posted by dhammond at 5:53 PM on November 28, 2010
Native Los Angeleno here, random stuff off the top of my head:
- Santee Alley is interesting, but mostly overpriced kitsch (Luchador masks and whatnot). Definitely check it out if you're in Downtown.
-If in Downtown, check out the Disney Concert Hall for the architecture.
-Skip buses. You have a car.
-Drive up Pacific Coast Highway until Malibu. There's a place on PCH called Malibu Seafood which has amazing Ahi Ahi burgers and wide selection of fresh seafood along with great views of the ocean. Reasonably priced.
-Near the above is the Solistice Canyon Nat'l Park. The trail begins in a ravine and ends up on the top of hills with gorgeous views of the Ocean. One of my favorite hikes. Another good one is the Temescal canyon loop in Pacific Palisades.
-Check out Rodeo Drive and surrounding areas in BH for the ritz and lulz.
-Drive on sunset from Pacific Palisades to West Hollywood. It's a great way to see the neighborhoods. Drive back on the Santa Monica Boulevard from Century City to Santa Monica.
-La Brea Tar Pits and surrounding art museums are cool.
-Melrose Avenue for good vintage shopping.
-3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, one of the best shopping spots in the area. If you're into art and architecture, check out the Hennessey and Ingalls store on Wilshire. I currently live in NYC and they probably are one of the best art bookstores nationwide.
-Check out the Palisades Bluffs at night, beautiful views of the coastline. To get there, drive on Sunset, then make a left (if you're going North) on N. Swarthmore Ave. Continue until you reach the gate, park and walk to the bluffs. There is a small park to your right with benches. Excellent spot for sunset watching.
-Venice is quieter these days, but check out Main St. Good shops and restaurants.
-Seconding Griffith Observatory.
-As for beaches, Californian water is cold, but check out Zuma beach (one of the better beaches in the area IMHO). Also if you have time, drive up to Santa Barbara about 2 1/2 hours North. Beautiful city.
-South Bay Area / OC sucks. Mostly housing subdivisions and malls.
-Good Mexican places on Pico Blvd, but otherwise pretty bleak drive.
-Stay away from South LA unless you like bullets.
posted by pakoothefakoo at 6:34 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
- Santee Alley is interesting, but mostly overpriced kitsch (Luchador masks and whatnot). Definitely check it out if you're in Downtown.
-If in Downtown, check out the Disney Concert Hall for the architecture.
-Skip buses. You have a car.
-Drive up Pacific Coast Highway until Malibu. There's a place on PCH called Malibu Seafood which has amazing Ahi Ahi burgers and wide selection of fresh seafood along with great views of the ocean. Reasonably priced.
-Near the above is the Solistice Canyon Nat'l Park. The trail begins in a ravine and ends up on the top of hills with gorgeous views of the Ocean. One of my favorite hikes. Another good one is the Temescal canyon loop in Pacific Palisades.
-Check out Rodeo Drive and surrounding areas in BH for the ritz and lulz.
-Drive on sunset from Pacific Palisades to West Hollywood. It's a great way to see the neighborhoods. Drive back on the Santa Monica Boulevard from Century City to Santa Monica.
-La Brea Tar Pits and surrounding art museums are cool.
-Melrose Avenue for good vintage shopping.
-3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, one of the best shopping spots in the area. If you're into art and architecture, check out the Hennessey and Ingalls store on Wilshire. I currently live in NYC and they probably are one of the best art bookstores nationwide.
-Check out the Palisades Bluffs at night, beautiful views of the coastline. To get there, drive on Sunset, then make a left (if you're going North) on N. Swarthmore Ave. Continue until you reach the gate, park and walk to the bluffs. There is a small park to your right with benches. Excellent spot for sunset watching.
-Venice is quieter these days, but check out Main St. Good shops and restaurants.
-Seconding Griffith Observatory.
-As for beaches, Californian water is cold, but check out Zuma beach (one of the better beaches in the area IMHO). Also if you have time, drive up to Santa Barbara about 2 1/2 hours North. Beautiful city.
-South Bay Area / OC sucks. Mostly housing subdivisions and malls.
-Good Mexican places on Pico Blvd, but otherwise pretty bleak drive.
-Stay away from South LA unless you like bullets.
posted by pakoothefakoo at 6:34 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
-Oh, also check out the Mann Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. Touristy, but can be fun.
posted by pakoothefakoo at 6:36 PM on November 28, 2010
posted by pakoothefakoo at 6:36 PM on November 28, 2010
Some additional answers to your questions.
- Hearst Castle at San Simeon is incredible, but it's a bit out of the way.
- Probably not the best time for Channel Islands.
- NBA game is fun either ways.
posted by pakoothefakoo at 6:45 PM on November 28, 2010
- Hearst Castle at San Simeon is incredible, but it's a bit out of the way.
- Probably not the best time for Channel Islands.
- NBA game is fun either ways.
posted by pakoothefakoo at 6:45 PM on November 28, 2010
You won't have time for Channel Islands or San Simeon. They'd take at least a day and a alf and more likely 2 days each.
posted by k8t at 6:52 PM on November 28, 2010
posted by k8t at 6:52 PM on November 28, 2010
Only make the drive to Zuma if you want to go in the water. LA area beaches (Dockweiler's firepits excluded) look similar as they don't tend to have tide pools or distinguishing features. Therefore any beach will do. Zuma has excellent albeit occasionally dangerous surf. Talk to a lifeguard about riptides if it's your first time in the area. But really, unless you're a hardcore surfer it's too cold to go in the water in Jan. Granted, I happen to be particular to the small beaches just north of Zuma like El Pescador...
La Brea Tar Pits museum is worth the ~$7 entrance fee once. It pretty much consists of MANY bone fragments, some mural wall paintings for ambiance, a stop-motion animated film thingy circa 1960 (????) and a scary-looking giant woolly mammoth. Really not that exciting. Oh, and I think a nifty atrium. That was the best part. Easily tour-able in an hour. The park itself is free and beautiful on a sunny day. It's suitable for a picnic provided you don't sit in the tiny tar pools that still bubble up sneakily in the grass. Really.
Venice Beach is excellent for people-watching.
Temescal or Topanga Canyon Parks if you like hiking.
posted by ticketmaster10 at 6:58 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
La Brea Tar Pits museum is worth the ~$7 entrance fee once. It pretty much consists of MANY bone fragments, some mural wall paintings for ambiance, a stop-motion animated film thingy circa 1960 (????) and a scary-looking giant woolly mammoth. Really not that exciting. Oh, and I think a nifty atrium. That was the best part. Easily tour-able in an hour. The park itself is free and beautiful on a sunny day. It's suitable for a picnic provided you don't sit in the tiny tar pools that still bubble up sneakily in the grass. Really.
Venice Beach is excellent for people-watching.
Temescal or Topanga Canyon Parks if you like hiking.
posted by ticketmaster10 at 6:58 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'm also a native and I love santee alley, great place for cheap unusual shoes. I've had no trouble bartering there, bring cash though, no bartering with cards ever. It is good for the hilarity, stay away from the colored contacts though, something is seriously up with those things. If you are interested at all you can go a little outside of santee to the fabric district, great deals, amazing fabrics, crazy bartering. I love all the quince shops too. Be careful in this area, I would recommend parking in a structure rather than walking in, the neighborhood gets pretty sketchy quite quickly.
I would also recommend, if you're so inclined, visiting the UCB theater. Asssscat is very good most weeks. You need to buy tickets by thursday, they're cheap though.
I agree with K8t though, no time for Channel Islands IMO.
The museums are great, tar pits as well are pretty cool and weird. The Getty museum is great just for the gardens there. Seconding melrose for great shopping, expensive but not awful.
As for hotels, don't go for super cheap, there are some seriously bad hotels in la county, you don't want to be afraid for your life/afraid of getting stds from the used condoms left in the bed.
posted by boobjob at 7:15 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
I would also recommend, if you're so inclined, visiting the UCB theater. Asssscat is very good most weeks. You need to buy tickets by thursday, they're cheap though.
I agree with K8t though, no time for Channel Islands IMO.
The museums are great, tar pits as well are pretty cool and weird. The Getty museum is great just for the gardens there. Seconding melrose for great shopping, expensive but not awful.
As for hotels, don't go for super cheap, there are some seriously bad hotels in la county, you don't want to be afraid for your life/afraid of getting stds from the used condoms left in the bed.
posted by boobjob at 7:15 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also... According to my mother, who is a zoology professor and tide pool obsessed, the best are at Leo Carrillo or at Rincon if you are willing to go that far north. Leo Carrillo is along the PCH, a really nice drive through up the coast.
posted by boobjob at 7:18 PM on November 28, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by boobjob at 7:18 PM on November 28, 2010 [2 favorites]
The east side is decidedly less hip and happening than the west side, but if you decide to take a break from the beach and head inland, there's a ton of really excellent Asian food to be had, especially around Alhambra and Monterey Park. Compared to West Hollywood, there's not as much to see, unless you're interested in exploring ethnic neighborhoods, but the food is outstanding. There's also the Huntington Library and Gardens in nearby San Marino, which are worth seeing, as the grounds are very pretty, extensive, and pleasant to walk around. Old Town Pasadena may also fulfill your shopping and people watching urges. It's rather touristy, but it's a fairly walkable area and there are plenty of places to stay that are bound to be cheaper than Hollywood. Alas, having grown up around there, I'm afraid I don't have any specific input on hotels.
posted by Diagonalize at 7:39 PM on November 28, 2010
posted by Diagonalize at 7:39 PM on November 28, 2010
"The east side is decidedly less hip and happening than the west side,"
?!?
Well, except not really. I mean, Salmonberry might not be going out to house shows while he's here, and he might not want the hipster experience, but the west side is orders of magnitude less hip and happening.
Things I would do in LA:
Hit a couple food trucks. You can find lists here and here. I like Nomnom, Frysmith and Coolhaus, and the Kogi korean tacos are kind of famous (but I'm vegetarian).
If you want a list of great restaurants of all kinds, Jonathan Gold won a Pulitzer for food writing and just put out a new list of "essential LA restaurants.
Do the LACMA, and the Getty if you can. Art Walk is kinda apeshit, so hit up Artscenecal for a list of openings and know that the Culver City ones will be more low-key but often just as good.
Museum of Jurassic Technology is pretty brilliant and pretty weird.
I'd also take a look at Hidden Los Angeles, Miss Lynster's LA site.
posted by klangklangston at 9:10 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
?!?
Well, except not really. I mean, Salmonberry might not be going out to house shows while he's here, and he might not want the hipster experience, but the west side is orders of magnitude less hip and happening.
Things I would do in LA:
Hit a couple food trucks. You can find lists here and here. I like Nomnom, Frysmith and Coolhaus, and the Kogi korean tacos are kind of famous (but I'm vegetarian).
If you want a list of great restaurants of all kinds, Jonathan Gold won a Pulitzer for food writing and just put out a new list of "essential LA restaurants.
Do the LACMA, and the Getty if you can. Art Walk is kinda apeshit, so hit up Artscenecal for a list of openings and know that the Culver City ones will be more low-key but often just as good.
Museum of Jurassic Technology is pretty brilliant and pretty weird.
I'd also take a look at Hidden Los Angeles, Miss Lynster's LA site.
posted by klangklangston at 9:10 PM on November 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Well, boo on having to skip the Channel islands. Next time! I'm a bit of a nature nut so, yeah, LA right? Makes perfect sense. We've settled on our 'hollywood' experience option - we're going to try to get tickets to either Craig Ferguson or Jimmy Kimmel. Woo!
Thanks for all of this, it's so helpful. LA is so huge & varied I can easily find myself confused & drowning in the information and most tourist-planning sites focus on the universal studios-type of visits, which is not the plan.
posted by Salmonberry at 10:38 PM on November 28, 2010
Thanks for all of this, it's so helpful. LA is so huge & varied I can easily find myself confused & drowning in the information and most tourist-planning sites focus on the universal studios-type of visits, which is not the plan.
posted by Salmonberry at 10:38 PM on November 28, 2010
If you want nature, the Los Angeles National Forest is pretty sweet, entirely huge, and easy to get to. There's also Griffith Park, which has some pretty nice hiking.
posted by klangklangston at 2:53 AM on November 29, 2010
posted by klangklangston at 2:53 AM on November 29, 2010
The only problem with the Angeles forest is that it is still coming back from the Station fire (BIG, BIG BURN) last year. So while it's beautiful, it is not at anything like its full glory and there may be some closed roads. For nature, I'd head to the Santa Monica mountains. Or take Topanga Cyn and have lunch at Abuelita's. Great motorcycle sightings.
For the L.A/Hollywood experience, the hop on, hop off busses aren't bad. I used them in Barcelona when I was there so it's not a tour so much as transportation to the next touristy spot.
Nth the food trucks if you can, it's quite fun. And as for Venice beach being dead...I don't think I've ever seen that. In January, on a warm day, it's pretty active and there have been January days in the 80's, but don't count on it.
Also, re: Santee alley, I love the area, but I'm a milliner (make hats) and the fabric stores in the area are absolutely GORGEOUS. Hit Michael Levine on Maple if you want a crazy fabric experience.
Feel free to PM me, I'm a native Angelena and would be happy to answer any questions.
posted by Sophie1 at 9:42 AM on November 29, 2010
For the L.A/Hollywood experience, the hop on, hop off busses aren't bad. I used them in Barcelona when I was there so it's not a tour so much as transportation to the next touristy spot.
Nth the food trucks if you can, it's quite fun. And as for Venice beach being dead...I don't think I've ever seen that. In January, on a warm day, it's pretty active and there have been January days in the 80's, but don't count on it.
Also, re: Santee alley, I love the area, but I'm a milliner (make hats) and the fabric stores in the area are absolutely GORGEOUS. Hit Michael Levine on Maple if you want a crazy fabric experience.
Feel free to PM me, I'm a native Angelena and would be happy to answer any questions.
posted by Sophie1 at 9:42 AM on November 29, 2010
One other thing to mention, just in setting up your itinerary: LA is fucking HUGE. Plan on one day activity and one night activity per day, and be cognizant of the distances in the city. Going from where I used to live (the Palms neighborhood, basically the 405 and Venice) to the neighborhood I live in now (Los Feliz, basically just north of the 101, Sunset and Vermont) takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half. If you get hung up on trying to see a lot of different stuff, you'll spend more time in the car than out of it.
Also, LA Bizarro is a pretty good guide book.
posted by klangklangston at 1:52 PM on November 29, 2010
Also, LA Bizarro is a pretty good guide book.
posted by klangklangston at 1:52 PM on November 29, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by sharding at 5:23 PM on November 28, 2010