The Official "Explore Southern California!" Thread

[Mickey_777]

We'll be out there the first week of June. Besides 4 days at DL/DCA, were hitting Uni, Santa Monica, driving up PCH, Hollywood, hitting In & Out, Randy's Donuts etc. All the LA stuff. We're also looking at a day trip to either San Diego or Palm Springs. Any arguments for one over the other? On one hand the "highlight" of the SD trip would be the Zoo Safari. While the Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs looks pretty awesome. My wife and I are traveling with our almost 3 year old son. Gotta hit the parks one more time since he still doesn't pay lol

 

[Travel Junkie]

We'll be out there the first week of June. Besides 4 days at DL/DCA, were hitting Uni, Santa Monica, driving up PCH, Hollywood, hitting In & Out, Randy's Donuts etc. All the LA stuff. We're also looking at a day trip to either San Diego or Palm Springs. Any arguments for one over the other? On one hand the "highlight" of the SD trip would be the Zoo Safari. While the Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs looks pretty awesome. My wife and I are traveling with our almost 3 year old son. Gotta hit the parks one more time since he still doesn't pay lol

A big consideration is weather. In June the average high in Palm Springs is around 100. In San Diego it is around 70. There are more touristy things to do in San Diego. There is the Zoo, Balboa Park, the beach, Sea World, Gaslamp district downtown and much more. Palm Springs has the tramway, a nice downtown, casinos nearby, and a ton of resort spas. The Tramway is wonderful, but I would recommend San Diego for more variety and cooler weather.

 

[Californian Elitist]

We'll be out there the first week of June. Besides 4 days at DL/DCA, were hitting Uni, Santa Monica, driving up PCH, Hollywood, hitting In & Out, Randy's Donuts etc. All the LA stuff. We're also looking at a day trip to either San Diego or Palm Springs. Any arguments for one over the other? On one hand the "highlight" of the SD trip would be the Zoo Safari. While the Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs looks pretty awesome. My wife and I are traveling with our almost 3 year old son. Gotta hit the parks one more time since he still doesn't pay lol

Both are great, but I'd go with San Diego, since you've got a small child with you.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Have to go with staying away from the desert in the summer. But if you get back in a different season, the desert is worth it.

 

[Mickey_777]

Thanks all. The wifey was gonna want to go to SD over Palm Springs anyway. You know how that goes . Any notable food spots while in SD?

 

[Mummum]

Thank you for all the great information. My first trip to California and Disneyland starts in July - Road Trip from NY!

 

[Californian Elitist]

Thank you for all the great information. My first trip to California and Disneyland starts in July - Road Trip from NY!

Just in time for the 60th celebration.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Thank you for all the great information. My first trip to California and Disneyland starts in July - Road Trip from NY!

Is there another NY?!? How long are you taking?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Is there another NY?!? How long are you taking?

My mom and dad drove to LA from New York once...took them three days.

 

[Mummum]

I'm only too happy to provide details In the Sprinter van: oldest daughter and her 6 children, my youngest daughter (19) and myself; leaving from Long Island and the Bronx. 5-6 days northern route various stops. My sister lives in Napa - first visit to her, also. About 6 days around there and San Francisco. Other family members flying in and out. 2 days PCH (see I can do abbreviations). 2 days LA. 4 nights at the Grand Californian (beg, borrowing, not stealing the points) another day or so maybe San Diego. Booking it home for a wedding. Most of my vacations(Disney and otherwise) have been road trips for the past 30 years or so but this will be the longest.

I'd just like to say that I have enjoyed reading the threads on wdwmagic for 4 years; I'm sorry it took so long to comment

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'm only too happy to provide details In the Sprinter van: oldest daughter and her 6 children, my youngest daughter (19) and myself; leaving from Long Island and the Bronx. 5-6 days northern route various stops. My sister lives in Napa - first visit to her, also. About 6 days around there and San Francisco. Other family members flying in and out. 2 days PCH (see I can do abbreviations). 2 days LA. 4 nights at the Grand Californian (beg, borrowing, not stealing the points) another day or so maybe San Diego. Booking it home for a wedding. Most of my vacations(Disney and otherwise) have been road trips for the past 30 years or so but this will be the longest.

I'd just like to say that I have enjoyed reading the threads on wdwmagic for 4 years; I'm sorry it took so long to comment

What do you have planned for Los Angeles?

 

[Mummum]

Santa Monica Pier, Grauman's chinese theater/walk of stars, LaBrea Tar pits, Venice Beach, Farmers market?, maybe one museum, Griffith Park. I haven't figured that all out yet. I saw on this thread other things that look good(that bookstore!!!) but I'm not sure if we have enough time. There is a wide age range. Probably more beach in the day or 2 after Disney. If it all works out I can come back in 2 years with another set of children/grandchildren! I am open to musts for 4-11 year olds or any years old. I'm known as a good planner; we do a lot but we all like hanging out time, too. Does this sound good?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Santa Monica Pier, Grauman's chinese theater/walk of stars, LaBrea Tar pits, Venice Beach, Farmers market?, maybe one museum, Griffith Park. I haven't figured that all out yet. I saw on this thread other things that look good(that bookstore!!!) but I'm not sure if we have enough time. There is a wide age range. Probably more beach in the day or 2 after Disney. If it all works out I can come back in 2 years with another set of children/grandchildren! I am open to musts for 4-11 year olds or any years old. I'm known as a good planner; we do a lot but we all like hanging out time, too. Does this sound good?

That plan sounds really nice.

In terms of a museum, you could take the young children to the Science Center. They'll love it, plus admission is free. I believe you do have to pay to see the Endeavor, though.

 

[Californian Elitist]

What?: Live shows

Where?: The Pantages, the Ahmanson, etc.

How far from Disneyland?: Depends on where you seethe show

How much?: Depends

I was inspired to mention live shows in this thread after seeing Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Ahmanson last Friday (it was amazing). I don't know anyone who doesn't like seeing a show live, especially a musical, so why not include it on the agenda of your Southern California trip? Live shows are very entertaining and a ton of fun (Wicked and The Lion King, anyone?). I had plans on seeing Phantom of the Opera this summer, but I have a bridesmaid dress to pay for. Not to mention dressing up for the show. I'm a sucker for theaters, especially old ones, like the Pantages. It's nice admiring the details. Pick your favorite show and join the rest of the Southern California locals.

The Ahmanson in Downtown Los Angeles:

The Pantages on Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood:

 

[Californian Elitist]

Speaking of this thread, check out this relatively new Dove Chocolate commercial featuring The Last Bookstore!

 

[Slipknot]

So. LA area cemeteries. I wanted to post about them as visiting some of my favorite star's resting places was on my to do list back in January and in a very short time period I was able to find Walt Disney, Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable at Forest Lawn in Glendale and Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin the next day across town. The only post in the thread I've seen with any info about any cemetery was from a few years ago and wrongly puts Marilyn Monroe at Forest Lawn Glendale when she is at Westwood Village Memorial Park in West Los Angeles. I'd do it myself but all the information I'd want to put in would be too much for my patience and there are others here who are better at posting the information than I would be able to since there are a lot of cemeteries in the county with a lot of stars spread out over the county.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I don't know if anyone will be in Los Angeles at this time, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to post this information. The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation (LAHTF) is screening a double feature of Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 at the famous Chinese Theatre on June 7th through Cinespia. This is the first time these films will be screened together in Los Angeles. Tickets are a little steep, starting at $35, but they come with a private cocktail party, drinks at the bar, DJs/music, and a Disney-themed photo booth. The tickets also come with an LAHTF membership.

Here's the info, in case anyone's interested:

http://cinespia.org/event/fantasia/

Also, today is the Chinese Theatre's 88th birthday!

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

I don't know if anyone will be in Los Angeles at this time, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to post this information. The Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation (LAHTF) is screening a double feature of Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 at the famous Chinese Theatre on June 7th through Cinespia. This is the first time these films will be screened together in Los Angeles. Tickets are a little steep, starting at $35, but they come with a private cocktail party, drinks at the bar, DJs/music, and a Disney-themed photo booth. The tickets also come with an LAHTF membership.

Here's the info, in case anyone's interested:

http://cinespia.org/event/fantasia/

Also, today is the Chinese Theatre's 88th birthday!

And for anyone who hasn't been to the Chinese since it was renovated, it's a real treat. The screen is ginormous and the stadium seating is impressive for such a large venue. It's a great place to see a big movie, and I'm sure Fantasia and Fantasia/2000 will look wonderful there.

 

[KingdomofDreams]

Really enjoyed exploring through this thread! Our DL/DCA trip is -60 days and counting. This trip was an afterthought/add-on to our summer vacay and we'll only be there a few days to do the parks. The day we depart for home (from SNA at 3pm) we thought we'd try to head to one of the beaches within a close enough driving distance and have lunch before our flight. My travel companion has never been to Cali before and wanted to see the Pacific and eat some seafood, if time allows. Any recommendations from you locals? I noticed the post about Crystal Cove and had actually been considering there, but would really appreciate any other suggestions. Would like to be directly on the beach if possible. Thanks!

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Really enjoyed exploring through this thread! Our DL/DCA trip is -60 days and counting. This trip was an afterthought/add-on to our summer vacay and we'll only be there a few days to do the parks. The day we depart for home (from SNA at 3pm) we thought we'd try to head to one of the beaches within a close enough driving distance and have lunch before our flight. My travel companion has never been to Cali before and wanted to see the Pacific and eat some seafood, if time allows. Any recommendations from you locals? I noticed the post about Crystal Cove and had actually been considering there, but would really appreciate any other suggestions. Would like to be directly on the beach if possible. Thanks!

Crystal Cove doesn't really have much by way of restaurants, as it's a state park. You might find the Newport peninsula or Huntington Beach to more suited to what you're describing, as they have a lot more going on by the shore.