Hopefully going to Anaheim in September, tell me all the California sites

[Walt Disney1955]

Okay I won't lie. 25% of the reason I am going to California is to see Disneyland. That's the % when I go to Florida, but I have never been out west.

Now I know there is Disneyland, California Adventure, Knott's Berry Farms, Universal Hollywood, Magic Mountain and such but what are other attractions?

I've heard the beaches are nice and that is a BIG reason why I want to go down there. I would love to see the Orange County beach, Laguna Beach, Malibu beach etc. Also would love to see Hollywood, Beverly Hill etc.

I've heard a classic place to eat in California is In & Out Burger. Also I've heard to check out the Getty Center (not sure what it is) and the Hearst Castle (not sure either). Anyways, I know a lot of you have been down there. A little help? I'll be gone a week

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

I've heard a classic place to eat in California is In & Out Burger. Also I've heard to check out the Getty Center (not sure what it is) and the Hearst Castle (not sure either). Anyways, I know a lot of you have been down there. A little help? I'll be gone a week

The Getty Center is a world renowned art museum. If you are interested in art, you may also want to visit the Huntington Library and the Norton Simon Museum. Hearst Castle may be a bit of a stretch for you, because it's located approx. 250 mi. north of LA.

 

[Laura]

Okay I won't lie. 25% of the reason I am going to California is to see Disneyland. That's the % when I go to Florida, but I have never been out west.

Now I know there is Disneyland, California Adventure, Knott's Berry Farms, Universal Hollywood, Magic Mountain and such but what are other attractions?

I've heard the beaches are nice and that is a BIG reason why I want to go down there. I would love to see the Orange County beach, Laguna Beach, Malibu beach etc. Also would love to see Hollywood, Beverly Hill etc.

I've heard a classic place to eat in California is In & Out Burger. Also I've heard to check out the Getty Center (not sure what it is) and the Hearst Castle (not sure either). Anyways, I know a lot of you have been down there. A little help? I'll be gone a week

I wouldn't even know where to start. There is SO MUCH TO DO here. Hollywood and Los Angeles could easily eat up 3 or more days. Disneyland could eat up another few days. The beaches are beautiful! I am partial to the beaches in San Diego County because they are more "natural" and beautiful, where in Orange County they are very "Baywatch", overpopulated, and have a lot of weirdos. Between San Diego and LA, there's thousands of attractions. Tons of zoos, aquariums, museums, beaches, theme parks, water parks...it's really overwhelming.

 

[nemofinder22]

I can say if your visiting CA defiantly give In-N-Out Burger a shot.

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

I can say if your visiting CA defiantly give In-N-Out Burger a shot.

I second that. It's a So. Cal. must do. :slurp:

 

[sponono88]

The Getty Center is a world renowned art museum. If you are interested in art, you may also want to visit the Huntington Library and the Norton Simon Museum. Hearst Castle may be a bit of a stretch for you, because it's located approx. 250 mi. north of LA.

I love the Huntington Library, i'm a member there

I'm with Laura - I don't know where to start! Everyone has had good suggestions so far.. I'll add El Capitan theatre to the list. Always fun to catch a movie there, it's a historic theater and they always include a small show before the movie starts. There's also Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store right next door.

 

[Ziffell]

I can say if your visiting CA defiantly give In-N-Out Burger a shot.

Agreed! I sometimes forget that In-N-Out doesn't exist in other states (although I heard recently they are looking into opening some locations in Utah). In-N-Out is great! They are my favorite fast food restaurant. Best burgers ever, and also best fries ever. They have a very simple menu, which I think is one of the keys to their success. They make very few things, but all are great. They also do things the old fashioned way and are ALWAYS busy.

I live in Northern CA, but grew up in Southern CA and lived there as adult for a few years as well. For most of my life I thought our beaches were great, but I honestly like Florida's a lot better. If you want to experience a different kind of beach, I'd recommend visiting Venice Beach. Lots of interesting people and things to see there.

If your schedule would allow it, I'd recommend a trip down to San Diego. It's about a 2 hour drive from Anaheim, so I'd suggest getting a hotel down there so that you can spend some quality time. Mission Beach is a great place to check out. It has a classic roller coaster that was built in the 1920s. The Hotel Del Coronado is very cool too. It is over 100 years old and looks very similar to the Grand Floridian. It is also supposedly haunted. And the San Diego Zoo is the best zoo anywhere.

 

[the-reason14]

The only place in California that I spent the most time at was Disneyland. And it was sooo much fun. Next time, Ill have to explore more since there is a lot to do. I wouldnt mind doing knotts, and maybe going to Hollywood. But DL is amazing.

 

[TP2000]

Now I know there is Disneyland, California Adventure, Knott's Berry Farms, Universal Hollywood, Magic Mountain and such but what are other attractions?

Google is going to need to be your friend here. You are also going to need a rental car.

I highly suggest getting out of Anaheim and LA and into the outlying areas. Palm Springs is fantastic, and the ride up the aerial tram there is astounding. http://www.pstramway.com/

Laguna Beach is great, and so is Newport. http://www.lagunabeachinfo.com/

You can also take the Surfliner from Anaheim right to the sand at San Clemente. http://www.sanclemente.com/index.php
http://www.dot.ca.gov/rail/go/amtrak/routes/pacific_surfliner/index.cfm

San Diego is wonderful. Simply wonderful, and one of America's most gorgeous and relaxing cities. Balboa Park museums and gardens and the adjacent and world-famous San Diego Zoo can keep you entertained for a few days. http://www.balboapark.org/

You can find plenty of the usual big city hotels and motels around San Diego, but if you are up for some real SoCal living, might I suggest the funky Pearl Hotel in the bayside Point Loma neighborhood? It's an old 1960's motor inn turned into a stylish, fab, beachy boutique hotel and has a great bar and restaurant. They play old James Bond movies, or maybe Beach Blanket Bingo, on a big screen suspended up above the pool in the evenings. On weekends the pool has "a scene" with beautiful young San Diegans lazing about drinking Mimosas and flirting, and you'll know you aren't in Kansas City. Check it out if you don't want a predictable Sheraton or Motel 6. http://www.thepearlsd.com/