Going to California near Huntington Beach in October. Need ideas.
September 9, 2014 7:39 AM Subscribe
We'll be in CA in Oct. for a week w/ husband and son. We need ideas on what to do beyond Disney/Legoland.
We're doing the family thing (husband and our 6 year old son). We have Legoland, Disney (for our son) and Temecula (for us) on the agenda. We need other ideas. Something scenic (for example, if it was Northern CA we would go see the redwoods). We'll be in the Huntington Beach area for our stay but obviously are willing to travel a little (since Legoland is an hour away, we're cool w/ that).
I would like to see Hollywood since the last time we went Leonardo DiCaripio put a wrench in things and blocked off things I wanted to see (jerk). Plus it was HELL getting down there.
We did Universal Studios the last time. I found it boring (and expensive) for a 6 year old (he was terrified of the Simpson's Ride). We also did Adventureland and found it not worth the ticket.
We'll be there for a week.
Also, what's the weather like in Oct?
We're doing the family thing (husband and our 6 year old son). We have Legoland, Disney (for our son) and Temecula (for us) on the agenda. We need other ideas. Something scenic (for example, if it was Northern CA we would go see the redwoods). We'll be in the Huntington Beach area for our stay but obviously are willing to travel a little (since Legoland is an hour away, we're cool w/ that).
I would like to see Hollywood since the last time we went Leonardo DiCaripio put a wrench in things and blocked off things I wanted to see (jerk). Plus it was HELL getting down there.
We did Universal Studios the last time. I found it boring (and expensive) for a 6 year old (he was terrified of the Simpson's Ride). We also did Adventureland and found it not worth the ticket.
We'll be there for a week.
Also, what's the weather like in Oct?
3rd generation native.
October can be anywhere from 100 degrees to 60 degrees, but most often is around the mid-70's as roomthreeseventeen said. That said, you'll need to check a 10 day forecast before you pack because L.A.'s weather can go from lovely to HOT very quickly.
I would drive up the coast. There are gorgeous beaches, the Santa Monica Pier, the Ventura Pier and eat at Neptune's Net or Malibu Seafood. Crowded on really beautiful weekends but also lots of good people and car/motorcycle watching.
Speaking of cars, if you're going into Hollywood area, the Petersen Automotive Museum is really great, especially for kids who like cars. But take note, they are closing for renovation on October 19th.
If you're around that time though, there's Boo at the Zoo which is really fun for kids.
Let me know if you want some more specific recommendations - I'm more than happy to give them - we have so much fun stuff here in L.A. from Olvera Street to the Descanso Gardens. Enjoy!!
posted by Sophie1 at 8:22 AM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
October can be anywhere from 100 degrees to 60 degrees, but most often is around the mid-70's as roomthreeseventeen said. That said, you'll need to check a 10 day forecast before you pack because L.A.'s weather can go from lovely to HOT very quickly.
I would drive up the coast. There are gorgeous beaches, the Santa Monica Pier, the Ventura Pier and eat at Neptune's Net or Malibu Seafood. Crowded on really beautiful weekends but also lots of good people and car/motorcycle watching.
Speaking of cars, if you're going into Hollywood area, the Petersen Automotive Museum is really great, especially for kids who like cars. But take note, they are closing for renovation on October 19th.
If you're around that time though, there's Boo at the Zoo which is really fun for kids.
Let me know if you want some more specific recommendations - I'm more than happy to give them - we have so much fun stuff here in L.A. from Olvera Street to the Descanso Gardens. Enjoy!!
posted by Sophie1 at 8:22 AM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
The Aquarium of the Pacific is right down the road, about a 30 minute drive, in Long Beach. There are also whale watching tours regularly from the Long Beach broadway, if that's your thing.
posted by bswinburn at 8:47 AM on September 9, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by bswinburn at 8:47 AM on September 9, 2014 [4 favorites]
October is generally the platonic ideal of weather. 75 and sunny (though you may get fog the first couple hours of daylight, the closer to the ocean you are the more dramatic the marine layer is), need a light jacket as soon as the sun sets (or sooner if you're right near the water). But yes, DO check the weather right up to the last minute; it's more likely to change your plans than your packing if you pack layers like you should.
You're already going to Legoland*, so I'd say skip other amusement parks. Go to the Tar Pits (and that's next door to LACMA, check out Family Days events). On Sundays there's a bunch of food trucks parked on Wilshire outside the LACMA entrance, so you could get food there and picnic in Hancock Park.
There's the Zoo, the playground at Griffith Park, Aquarium of the Pacific (and you can apparently get combo tickets for the aquarium and the zoo). Check the LA Weekly calendar closer to your travel time to see what else might be going on.
Oh, and October is Pumpkin Patch time, which is apparently a big deal here. This is just one of many.
If you are more specific about what you want to see in Hollywood, I'll bet one of us can recommend a parking base of operations and attack plan.
Everyone I know still uses the actual Waze app for their satnav, but Google is aggregating their real-time data if Google Maps is your preference, just make sure you bring audio and charger cables/plugs for the car. There's an app for the Metro if you were going to try to use that, but I find it baffling. Yelp is good to have for finding places to eat near wherever you happen to be.
*While going to Legoland, try to schedule a breakfast, lunch, or dinner visit to Tip Top Meats, which is just off Palomar Airport Road close to the freeway. I used to work down the street and I miss that place.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:49 AM on September 9, 2014
You're already going to Legoland*, so I'd say skip other amusement parks. Go to the Tar Pits (and that's next door to LACMA, check out Family Days events). On Sundays there's a bunch of food trucks parked on Wilshire outside the LACMA entrance, so you could get food there and picnic in Hancock Park.
There's the Zoo, the playground at Griffith Park, Aquarium of the Pacific (and you can apparently get combo tickets for the aquarium and the zoo). Check the LA Weekly calendar closer to your travel time to see what else might be going on.
Oh, and October is Pumpkin Patch time, which is apparently a big deal here. This is just one of many.
If you are more specific about what you want to see in Hollywood, I'll bet one of us can recommend a parking base of operations and attack plan.
Everyone I know still uses the actual Waze app for their satnav, but Google is aggregating their real-time data if Google Maps is your preference, just make sure you bring audio and charger cables/plugs for the car. There's an app for the Metro if you were going to try to use that, but I find it baffling. Yelp is good to have for finding places to eat near wherever you happen to be.
*While going to Legoland, try to schedule a breakfast, lunch, or dinner visit to Tip Top Meats, which is just off Palomar Airport Road close to the freeway. I used to work down the street and I miss that place.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:49 AM on September 9, 2014
Catalina Island, Catalina Island, Catalina Island
I am a little bit obsessed with Catalina. If I won the lottery I would buy a home there(they are EXPENSIVE). I am unnaturally drawn to it.
The cheapest way to get there is via speed boat. Takes about an hour. You can get there in 15 by Helicopter, but this costs more. I've done the boat trip(but not the helicopter. and its beautiful.
There are three ports that the boat leaves from: Newport, Long Beach and San Pedro.
Chamber of Commerce site
The island is small and outside the city requires a guide or a license to even travel to, but the town of Avalon is where you'll be arriving and where these attractions are. Some of the things I've done there that I loved:
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden:
Yes THAT Wrigley. An absolutely gorgeous garden. Holds a lot of plants/trees/etc of the area, including some that are only found on Catalina. Also contains a beautiful monument to Wrigley and on a clear day you can see from the monument all the way to the California coast.
The Casino. It isn't that type of Casino. The name comes from the Italian term Casino, meaning gathering place. The Casino houses a theater that shows the more popular movies at the time (for example, when I was there last they were playing the DiCaprio Great Gatsby). Also contains a massive ballroom. If you get the chance, take a tour. They offer a lot of wonderful information and the creation of the building is really cool to hear about.
Glass bottom Boat tours: These are always neat, but Catalina has some pristine water to view. The area is largely protected so there are TONS of fish and wildlife to see. Plus even the water around the island is beautiful.
Completely unrelated to Catalina is Balboa Park. Its in San Diego, right next to the zoo. Not sure if that is too far away, but if not it is worth the drive. There are DOZENS of museums there. I spent 6 hours there and saw a tiny fraction of them. They offer a pass for all the museums. Cost wise it breaks down to anything over two museums is probably worth the pass.
posted by Twain Device at 8:50 AM on September 9, 2014
I am a little bit obsessed with Catalina. If I won the lottery I would buy a home there(they are EXPENSIVE). I am unnaturally drawn to it.
The cheapest way to get there is via speed boat. Takes about an hour. You can get there in 15 by Helicopter, but this costs more. I've done the boat trip(but not the helicopter. and its beautiful.
There are three ports that the boat leaves from: Newport, Long Beach and San Pedro.
Chamber of Commerce site
The island is small and outside the city requires a guide or a license to even travel to, but the town of Avalon is where you'll be arriving and where these attractions are. Some of the things I've done there that I loved:
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden:
Yes THAT Wrigley. An absolutely gorgeous garden. Holds a lot of plants/trees/etc of the area, including some that are only found on Catalina. Also contains a beautiful monument to Wrigley and on a clear day you can see from the monument all the way to the California coast.
The Casino. It isn't that type of Casino. The name comes from the Italian term Casino, meaning gathering place. The Casino houses a theater that shows the more popular movies at the time (for example, when I was there last they were playing the DiCaprio Great Gatsby). Also contains a massive ballroom. If you get the chance, take a tour. They offer a lot of wonderful information and the creation of the building is really cool to hear about.
Glass bottom Boat tours: These are always neat, but Catalina has some pristine water to view. The area is largely protected so there are TONS of fish and wildlife to see. Plus even the water around the island is beautiful.
Completely unrelated to Catalina is Balboa Park. Its in San Diego, right next to the zoo. Not sure if that is too far away, but if not it is worth the drive. There are DOZENS of museums there. I spent 6 hours there and saw a tiny fraction of them. They offer a pass for all the museums. Cost wise it breaks down to anything over two museums is probably worth the pass.
posted by Twain Device at 8:50 AM on September 9, 2014
If anyone is into airplanes, the Lyon Air Museum is a good bet. It's at John Wayne airport; it's well-maintained and is small enough for a single morning or afternoon trip. There are lots of good places to eat in Costa Mesa for lunch or dinner.
posted by killy willy at 10:20 AM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by killy willy at 10:20 AM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
Oh, yeah: Space Shuttle Endeavour.
And if it happens to coincide, JPL's open house is October 11-12.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:28 AM on September 9, 2014 [2 favorites]
And if it happens to coincide, JPL's open house is October 11-12.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:28 AM on September 9, 2014 [2 favorites]
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
Kidspace Museum, Pasadena
Space Shuttle Endeavor/California Science Center, Midtown LA
posted by ApathyGirl at 10:32 AM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
Kidspace Museum, Pasadena
Space Shuttle Endeavor/California Science Center, Midtown LA
posted by ApathyGirl at 10:32 AM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
How close to Huntington Beach are you staying? Because you've already got a big agenda, which involves a lot of driving depending on where exactly you are staying. Traffic is a very real thing here, and must be accounted for in your plans if you need to get back to home base each night.
What kind of travelers are you? Do you want every single day to be jam-packed, or will you need a couple of down days?
As everyone said above, October weather is amazing here. You could comfortably spend a day or two at the beach. Maybe go kayaking at Newport Dunes. Or check out the Huntington Pier.
Disneyland as I understand it is now a two-day trip, with one day spent at Disneyland proper, and one day spent at California Adventure.
Legoland is similar, as they have both the park and the water park.
Catalina is awesome, it's true, but it's not known for sandy beaches (they are pebbly-to-rocky, and some are steep and not suited for sunbathing or playing at water's edge). You could do the glass bottom boats or the submarine, or rent a small boat on your own for a couple of hours and go around the cape to check out the seals, or go snorkeling. Traveling to and fro will mean that it will be a long day. (Protip, you MUST buy your return trip at the same time as your outgoing trip, or risk not being able to get a space on the boat back and then having to find a hotel room for the night).
I generally don't like to recommend things like the zoo or the Aquarium because nearly every large city has them, but you might consider the Wild Animal Park (which is very close to Temecula if you will be overnighting in that area).
posted by vignettist at 11:26 AM on September 9, 2014
What kind of travelers are you? Do you want every single day to be jam-packed, or will you need a couple of down days?
As everyone said above, October weather is amazing here. You could comfortably spend a day or two at the beach. Maybe go kayaking at Newport Dunes. Or check out the Huntington Pier.
Disneyland as I understand it is now a two-day trip, with one day spent at Disneyland proper, and one day spent at California Adventure.
Legoland is similar, as they have both the park and the water park.
Catalina is awesome, it's true, but it's not known for sandy beaches (they are pebbly-to-rocky, and some are steep and not suited for sunbathing or playing at water's edge). You could do the glass bottom boats or the submarine, or rent a small boat on your own for a couple of hours and go around the cape to check out the seals, or go snorkeling. Traveling to and fro will mean that it will be a long day. (Protip, you MUST buy your return trip at the same time as your outgoing trip, or risk not being able to get a space on the boat back and then having to find a hotel room for the night).
I generally don't like to recommend things like the zoo or the Aquarium because nearly every large city has them, but you might consider the Wild Animal Park (which is very close to Temecula if you will be overnighting in that area).
posted by vignettist at 11:26 AM on September 9, 2014
I just took my visiting parents to the Petersen Museum. The vault tour was awesome.
posted by Horselover Fat at 12:44 PM on September 9, 2014
posted by Horselover Fat at 12:44 PM on September 9, 2014
Others have covered the highlights. Maybe a couple of low-key adventures?
Head south a few miles on PCH beyond Laguna Beach to Aliso Creek Beach. There are tidepools there and a cool playground. The drive down is amazing, too. There are several other tide pools in the Laguna Beach area, but Aliso Creek may be your best bet in terms of parking and other kid stuff.
Head north on PCH to Long Beach and across Terminal Island to San Pedro and visit the USS Iowa. You'll see a completely different aspect of the SoCal coastline. This is one of the world's largest container ports, and the drive between Long Beach and 'Pedro puts you right in the thick of the ships and cranes and the truck traffic, and etc, and you'll cross the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which is California's third longest suspension bridge (after that one in the Bay Area and that other one in the Bay Area). I haven't visited the battleship yet (I have visited the SS Lane Victory, a WWII transport moored over there), so maybe you can report back how spectacular it is.
Nearby is the Korean Friendship Bell, with great views of the harbor and the ocean and even Catalina. Good spot for a picnic. On windy days (most of 'em!), you're bound to see several folks piloting remote-controlled gliders. If your kid can tolerate a bit of a drive (not much), continue on around Palos Verdes Peninsula. The old Marineland is there, a picturesque lighthouse, a fancy golf course (Trump National -- it was just 16 holes for a time 'cause two of them kept falling into the ocean), and Portuguese Bend, where the sewer and water lines are above ground because the earth moves so much (which also explains the terrible condition of the road there). If you do decide to circle the Peninsula, you'll wind up in the South Bay -- not too terribly far from Venice Beach. Maybe when the kid is a little older.
posted by notyou at 12:50 PM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
Head south a few miles on PCH beyond Laguna Beach to Aliso Creek Beach. There are tidepools there and a cool playground. The drive down is amazing, too. There are several other tide pools in the Laguna Beach area, but Aliso Creek may be your best bet in terms of parking and other kid stuff.
Head north on PCH to Long Beach and across Terminal Island to San Pedro and visit the USS Iowa. You'll see a completely different aspect of the SoCal coastline. This is one of the world's largest container ports, and the drive between Long Beach and 'Pedro puts you right in the thick of the ships and cranes and the truck traffic, and etc, and you'll cross the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which is California's third longest suspension bridge (after that one in the Bay Area and that other one in the Bay Area). I haven't visited the battleship yet (I have visited the SS Lane Victory, a WWII transport moored over there), so maybe you can report back how spectacular it is.
Nearby is the Korean Friendship Bell, with great views of the harbor and the ocean and even Catalina. Good spot for a picnic. On windy days (most of 'em!), you're bound to see several folks piloting remote-controlled gliders. If your kid can tolerate a bit of a drive (not much), continue on around Palos Verdes Peninsula. The old Marineland is there, a picturesque lighthouse, a fancy golf course (Trump National -- it was just 16 holes for a time 'cause two of them kept falling into the ocean), and Portuguese Bend, where the sewer and water lines are above ground because the earth moves so much (which also explains the terrible condition of the road there). If you do decide to circle the Peninsula, you'll wind up in the South Bay -- not too terribly far from Venice Beach. Maybe when the kid is a little older.
posted by notyou at 12:50 PM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
Oh. If you are headed up the 405 to Hollywood, keep an eye out for the Goodyear Blimp. It moors on a little airfield (blimp-field?) in Carson. According to that link, you can arrange for a visit.
posted by notyou at 12:58 PM on September 9, 2014
posted by notyou at 12:58 PM on September 9, 2014
If you're here in the end of October, there's a STEAM Carnival run by Two Bit Circus at the Port of Los Angeles. The USS Iowa is definitely worth a stop if any of you are into giant ships and naval history; there are some good videos of the impact of its guns when fired and how far back the blow pushed the ship.
Low key: rent bikes and bike along the sea, stopping off for ice cream at someplace like Manhattan Beach.
Tar Pits: I'm biased because I'm just starting to volunteer there, but there is something pretty awesome about pits of goo. The museum itself is fairly small, but you can watch staff and volunteers sorting through microfossils, there are gallery interpreters who often have casts of bones out, that kind of thing. You might want to time it to coincide with the Excavator Tours which go more in depth with the pits if your kid is good with tours. I often see kids rolling down the slope around the museum and running around in the park-- it might be a nice green reprieve before or after Hollywood. LACMA is also wonderful and they have special children's programming as well. If nothing else, the outdoor installation of lampposts is always entertaining. And yup, if it's open, the Petersen is fun. I don't know if the Getty Villa is too far a drive up the PCH (probably) but I think the children's rooms at both the Getty Center and Villa were really engaging and a lot of fun. The Skirball Center (Jewish cultural center; also possibly too far-- it's just north of the Getty Center) has a program called Noah's Ark that's pretty well-reviewed, and they have simulated archaeological digs for families on the weekends. The Getty Center also has wonderful gardens and a great view.
posted by jetlagaddict at 1:14 PM on September 9, 2014 [2 favorites]
Low key: rent bikes and bike along the sea, stopping off for ice cream at someplace like Manhattan Beach.
Tar Pits: I'm biased because I'm just starting to volunteer there, but there is something pretty awesome about pits of goo. The museum itself is fairly small, but you can watch staff and volunteers sorting through microfossils, there are gallery interpreters who often have casts of bones out, that kind of thing. You might want to time it to coincide with the Excavator Tours which go more in depth with the pits if your kid is good with tours. I often see kids rolling down the slope around the museum and running around in the park-- it might be a nice green reprieve before or after Hollywood. LACMA is also wonderful and they have special children's programming as well. If nothing else, the outdoor installation of lampposts is always entertaining. And yup, if it's open, the Petersen is fun. I don't know if the Getty Villa is too far a drive up the PCH (probably) but I think the children's rooms at both the Getty Center and Villa were really engaging and a lot of fun. The Skirball Center (Jewish cultural center; also possibly too far-- it's just north of the Getty Center) has a program called Noah's Ark that's pretty well-reviewed, and they have simulated archaeological digs for families on the weekends. The Getty Center also has wonderful gardens and a great view.
posted by jetlagaddict at 1:14 PM on September 9, 2014 [2 favorites]
Lots of great ideas here.
I like driving up the PCH and seeing if I can see whales. Take pictures of lighthouses. Take a walk on the Santa Monica pier. Eat at a food truck along the way.
Play awesome music so that every time your little guy hears it, he'll remember that trip you took to California.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 3:15 PM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
I like driving up the PCH and seeing if I can see whales. Take pictures of lighthouses. Take a walk on the Santa Monica pier. Eat at a food truck along the way.
Play awesome music so that every time your little guy hears it, he'll remember that trip you took to California.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 3:15 PM on September 9, 2014 [1 favorite]
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posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:03 AM on September 9, 2014