What to do for my birthday, during Carmageddon?
July 5, 2011 12:48 PM Subscribe
My birthday is on the 18th and I plan on taking Monday off to make it a long weekend. But that happens to be the weekend of Carmageddon. Which, if you don’t live near Los Angeles, is when all hell will break loose because 10 miles of freeway will be closed for a Saturday and a Sunday. Truly the end of the world.
So I’m wondering if there’s any cheap, quirky thing that I can go do/see/stay that is somewhere in Southern California. I’ve been to the Route 66 Wigwam Motel and while I’ve never been to Palm Springs I don’t imagine its very budget friendly. I’m open to camping but I have a feeling it will be HOT. So no Joshua Tree. I've had limited exposure to San Diego and not much in between. I’ve searched through some of the old related questions and I wasn’t able to find anything that wasn’t directed to a tourist or confined solely to South of LA. Any suggestions are appreciated.
So I’m wondering if there’s any cheap, quirky thing that I can go do/see/stay that is somewhere in Southern California. I’ve been to the Route 66 Wigwam Motel and while I’ve never been to Palm Springs I don’t imagine its very budget friendly. I’m open to camping but I have a feeling it will be HOT. So no Joshua Tree. I've had limited exposure to San Diego and not much in between. I’ve searched through some of the old related questions and I wasn’t able to find anything that wasn’t directed to a tourist or confined solely to South of LA. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Response by poster: Below, in Long Beach.
The Tramway/camping idea looks interesting, I'll look into it -thanks!
posted by sweetmarie at 1:43 PM on July 5, 2011
The Tramway/camping idea looks interesting, I'll look into it -thanks!
posted by sweetmarie at 1:43 PM on July 5, 2011
I am also braving carmageddon (and I live on an adjacent road that is going to be totally slammed as a result). Personally, I am going to Vegas.
But for you:
-In the dead of summer, Palm Springs is actually not that expensive. It will be an inferno though, so there is a tradeoff.
-Santa Barbara would make for a nice weekend away, that goes double if you like wine.
-Do your shopping on Wednesday and hole up at your crib for the weekend, if you live on the beach side of the 405, you might actually have better/easier access to the water than you normally might (because everyone else is going to hole up too)
posted by milqman at 1:45 PM on July 5, 2011
But for you:
-In the dead of summer, Palm Springs is actually not that expensive. It will be an inferno though, so there is a tradeoff.
-Santa Barbara would make for a nice weekend away, that goes double if you like wine.
-Do your shopping on Wednesday and hole up at your crib for the weekend, if you live on the beach side of the 405, you might actually have better/easier access to the water than you normally might (because everyone else is going to hole up too)
posted by milqman at 1:45 PM on July 5, 2011
Palm Springs is actually not so bad, budget wise, especially in summer because that's off-peak. I have stayed in the Motel 6 in Palm Springs (the one at the southern end of Palm Cyn Drive), and it was pretty good for a Motel 6. Basic, but clean and has a great pool, and close to the main drag (the aforementioned Palm Cyn Drive). Having a pool is a necessity in that sort of heat, just take a siesta then go immerse yourself in the pool later in the afternoon. Then Palm Cyn Drive is great to walk along in the evenings, and grab dinner and drinks at a bar or restaurant.
The aerial tramway is great, and up at the top the weather will be beautiful, much cooler than down on the valley floor. Just bring a packed lunch though, the food at the restaurant up there is abysmal.
Joshua Tree National Park is nearby, and is really worth a day trip, but it will be insanely hot. Take PLENTY of water in your car, in case you break down.
posted by Joh at 3:17 PM on July 5, 2011 [2 favorites]
The aerial tramway is great, and up at the top the weather will be beautiful, much cooler than down on the valley floor. Just bring a packed lunch though, the food at the restaurant up there is abysmal.
Joshua Tree National Park is nearby, and is really worth a day trip, but it will be insanely hot. Take PLENTY of water in your car, in case you break down.
posted by Joh at 3:17 PM on July 5, 2011 [2 favorites]
The ten-day forecast for Big Bear Lake doesn't break 80, which sounds refreshing. There are a lot of camping options, but a friend stays at one of the cottages at Blue Horizon Lodge every year and raves about it. There's a motel, too, if you want to split the difference budget-wise.
posted by mauvest at 7:08 PM on July 5, 2011
posted by mauvest at 7:08 PM on July 5, 2011
You could also get on the PCH to Oxnard or Ventura, or if you're feeling like a bit more of a drive Pismo Beach.
posted by Sophie1 at 7:25 AM on July 6, 2011
posted by Sophie1 at 7:25 AM on July 6, 2011
If you do decide to go for Joshua Tree, keep an eye on the weather. The past week there have been heavy windstorms & flash flood advisories galore. Right now in Palm Springs it's 'only' 95 but the humidity is at 40% which is really high here.
Good luck with Carmageddon. I think it's the first time I've ever been glad that I'm not living in LA anymore.
posted by Space Kitty at 5:08 PM on July 6, 2011
Good luck with Carmageddon. I think it's the first time I've ever been glad that I'm not living in LA anymore.
posted by Space Kitty at 5:08 PM on July 6, 2011
Response by poster: Ended up heading out to Palm Springs and staying at Hotel Zoso for a really reasonable rate and had dinner at an out of the way spot called Giuseppe's. On the way back discovered the glory that is Bonert's Pies. I almost dont want to mention it, it's so awesome. Thanks everyone.
posted by sweetmarie at 9:03 AM on July 20, 2011
posted by sweetmarie at 9:03 AM on July 20, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by dolface at 1:01 PM on July 5, 2011 [2 favorites]