Suggestions for day trip from DLR

[DisneySuiteFreak]

We're blocked out on Saturday, so we'd like to take a look at some other options for things to do that day. We'll have a car and DH is very familiar with driving in LA. I suggested Griffith's Observatory, but DH isn't big on that. :( How far is it to get to the cemetery where all the stars are entombed? Is that a touristy thing to do or too morbid? :eek: We've been to Hollywood and Graumann's. Haven't seen El Capitan. Not sure if it's worth it. Have never had a Pink's Hot Dog. Where is that?
Also we're considering Malibu Pier (Is that what it's called?) or possibly driving down to San Diego and checking out the Zoo and what else? Any suggestions? It'll be me, DH, and DS 19. I wouldn't mind checking out the nature scenes and sea life in the area. Are there places with Tide Pools I can explore? Or would I be better off going to an Aquarium and Sea World? Is it possible to do The SD zoo and Sea World in one day and then go back to Anaheim or is it so far that we should book a hotel in SD? DH is used to fighting LA traffic, so that's not really a concern. Just want to plan something a little fun and different for a change.
Thanks for any ideas!

[DSNY4ever]

I don't know anything about the observatory or the cemetary. But you could do a day out at Huntington or Laguna Beach and have dinner or lunch out at Universal's City Walk or something. Or you could go to Universal or Knotts.

San Diego is wonderful, but I no, you cannot drive down there and see the zoo and seaworld in one day and drive back. I mean of course it is possible, but you wouldn't have enough time at either spot to enjoy it and see enough of what they have to offer. The zoo is great and if you go there, you are already in Balboa park and you can walk around the free botanical gardens or go into one of the museums when you are done at the zoo. Or I also recommend maybe using the day to go to the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

But if you want a day to relax and slow down I would suggest the beach and a fun dinner out. Whatever you chose, have fun!

[blackjackdelta]

We either do USH or the beach for a DLR break, just depends on how we feel at the time. One trip we just lounged around the pool and the daughters(3) and DGF went shopping in DTD.

Jack

[PHXscuba]

If you're into aquariums, Long Beach has the Aquarium of Pacific, about half an hour away from DLR. It's not as grand as Sea World, but a lot closer!

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

It (plus maybe a harbor cruise) would be a nice way to get out and enjoy a day off from the theme parks. Or just go to the beach!

PHXscuba

[Sherry E]

Pink's is on LaBrea, near Melrose and Santa Monica. The line is always crazy for Pink's. If you like BBQ food, there is a little hole in the wall place called The Pig also on La Brea - terrible name, but it gets great reviews.

I suggest a day trip to Catalina Island. You can catch the Catalina Express in Long Beach - right where the Queen Mary is and also the Aquarium of the Pacific. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the island, and then you can have a great, full day. You can rent a golf cart and zoom around the island - your Nikon would take some fabulous pictures of all the beautiful ocean views - and take an inland tour to see buffalo. I love it there - it is my other favorite place in SoCal besides DLR!!:goodvibes

[Huff]

Sea World is a great day trip but get up early and plan for a full day there especially if its open late at night as the night shows are great. Figure a 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive each way. It really is a fun place with great shows and a few rides and sites.

The Zoo takes a good 1/2 day to see most. Wild Animal Park is also a 1/2 day but neither is open at night.

Lego Land is good if you have very small kids under age 7. Older would be bored.

Long Beach Aquarium is fun and would take 3-4 hours. Take the boat ride out where they bring up some mud from the ocean floor full of life. Scripps Aquarium is further down towards San Diego and is fun for 2-3 hours.

Catalina Island is a fun full day trip. Several fun attractions and sites to see and some good restaurants.

Universal Studios is another fun full day trip, about 45 minutes north of Disneyland (longer in rush hour).

Knotts Berry Farm is only 15 minutes away and is good for older kids who love big thrill rides (they do have some for smaller too). Great food even if you go to the famous restaurant outside the park.

If you are without kids a day trip to Temecula to go wine tasting is a great way to spend an afternoon.

[Disney Dreams]

The Observatory is incredible if you are "into" the stars, planets, and space. (We were up there the other night for a star viewing party.) They have some great exhibits and it really is a great place!

Sea World is terrific.

We LOVE the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. It's a great place if you love animals.

If you like people watching, Venice Beach is your beach of choice. Roller bladers, skaters, musclemen, jugglers, and on and on.

The Aquarium of the Pacific (in Long Beach) is amazing if you like sea life. It's a great place!

- Dreams

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks for the great ideas everyone! I'm going to run them by my DH and DS. Keep them coming! I've got a lot of research to do!:banana::yay::dance3:

[PinkBudgie]

I have been wondering the same thing because we also will be there for a Sat. block out day. I'm leaning towards using that day for sleeping in, maybe some shopping around the area, and finding somewhere off site to eat that we don't have at home. I have a feeling that it will be good just to have a day to relax since we will be there a week. I'm also thinking about saving DTD for that day and just taking our time there. (If there are any stores left open! I keep hearing of stores going out of business. )

[Quilter007]

Hmmm -- w/ a 19-year old, I'd say the beach! The San Clemente pier has a place to rent wet-suits & boards. Also, there's a great seafood restaurant on the pier. Dana Point is also nice -- sometimes there are some tall ships in the harbor. You could also do a BBQ picnic there -- just pick up some charcoal & some hotdogs. Our fav Chinese restaurant EVER is in Dana Point -- the Peking Dragon.......mmmmmm!!! In-N-Out is always good too. Another fun place would be Huntington Beach -- they've got fire pits on the beach, so if you bought firewood from the grocery store, you could roast hotdogs/marshmallows on the beach while the sunsets.....careful though -- too much of that & your DS is likely to want to move! That's how my parents lost me to California for 20 years! ;)

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Do a combination of the Observatory and then see a piece of Walt Disney history - all in the same park.

On Sundays, the Los Angeles Live Steamers host free minature train rides and they go past the barn that used to be in Walt's backyard. (On the 3rd Sunday of the month, the barn is open as a museum to Walt's love of trains.) www.carolwood.com

We experienced this last month and it was wonderful!

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks ofr the ideas eveyone!:flower3: Keep em coming! :yay::dance3:

Do a combination of the Observatory and then see a piece of Walt Disney history - all in the same park.

On Sundays, the Los Angeles Live Steamers host free minature train rides and they go past the barn that used to be in Walt's backyard. (On the 3rd Sunday of the month, the barn is open as a museum to Walt's love of trains.) www.carolwood.com

We experienced this last month and it was wonderful!

I just checked out the website and it does look wonderful! Unfortunately, I won't be in town the weekend that they do it. :( I would have loved to have seen it! Thank you for the great suggestion! Maybe next trip out -- and I'll plan in advance so I can make sure to book it around the 3rd Sunday of the month.:)

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I was looking at the LongBeach Aquarium and Scrippts Institution of Oceanography - Birch Aquarium. Both look good. Do any of you have any idea which is better and why?
And lastly, did you ever hear of the San Diego Go card? They have all kinds of things you can do and places to see, etc., for one price:
http://www.gosandiegocard.com/sandiego-attractions.html If I had more time, I would be all over that pass. Seems like a lot of museums participate...Quite a few interesting things to do. Some better than others...What do you think of it? Have you heard of it? Is it worth it? Maybe for another trip?
DH and I are like Yin and Yang. I like history, culture, Aquariums, museums, etc. and he likes Sea World and San Diego zoo. I say Tomato and he says Tomahto. :rolleyes1 I mentioned the beach ideas and Catalina island to him and he said, "Why go to the beach over there when we can go to the beach in Hawaii -- and we won't have to wear a wet suit, ha-ha-ha?":confused3 :rolleyes2Ummm...because they're different.:confused3
Anyway if any of you have any input on that Go San Diego Card or any of the Aquariums, Sea World or SD Zoo and Wild Animal Park, please advise.
Have any of you ever toured the Queen Mary? Is it open for tours? What about the Del Coronado. They seem to have stuff like this in the Go SD card...
Thanks!

[Sherry E]

I was looking at the LongBeach Aquarium and Scrippts Institution of Oceanography - Birch Aquarium. Both look good. Do any of you have any idea which is better and why?
And lastly, did you ever hear of the San Diego Go card? They have all kinds of things you can do and places to see, etc., for one price:
http://www.gosandiegocard.com/sandiego-attractions.html If I had more time, I would be all over that pass. Seems like a lot of museums participate...Quite a few interesting things to do. Some better than others...What do you think of it? Have you heard of it? Is it worth it? Maybe for another trip?
DH and I are like Yin and Yang. I like history, culture, Aquariums, museums, etc. and he likes Sea World and San Diego zoo. I say Tomato and he says Tomahto. :rolleyes1 I mentioned the beach ideas and Catalina island to him and he said, "Why go to the beach over there when we can go to the beach in Hawaii -- and we won't have to wear a wet suit, ha-ha-ha?":confused3 :rolleyes2Ummm...because they're different.:confused3
Anyway if any of you have any input on that Go San Diego Card or any of the Aquariums, Sea World or SD Zoo and Wild Animal Park, please advise.
Have any of you ever toured the Queen Mary? Is it open for tours? What about the Del Coronado. They seem to have stuff like this in the Go SD card...
Thanks!

Tell DH that the tiny beach is the least interesting part of Catalina. You don't go there for the beach. You should order the free Visitors Guide/Vacation Planner.magazine for Catalina (I told Pixiewings71 and Prettyprincessbelle about it and they both ordered it too!). It is charming and quaint and your camera would take beautiful pictures there. There is nothing quite so fun and relaxing as zooming around in the golf cart - it is addictive! Remember, the original Avalon Cove restaurant at DCA was based on Catalina, so it does have a roundabout Disney tie-in! Here is the link to order the Vacation Planner:

http://www.catalinachamber.com/VacationPlannerSplash.asp

[50sjayne]

You should check out my trip report- I have losts of pictures of Forest Lawn Glendale, Griffith, and Hollywood. If you do the cemetary-- wiki it--and know that it closes officially at 5pm and the museum is a definite place you want to go. http://www.findagrave.com/php/famous.php?page=cem&previousJumpTo=&previousFameFilter=&FScemeteryid=7974&jumpTo=1&fameLevel=very
I confessed at the gate we were tourists and the man was very nice actually and showed me how to get to the museum and the places I could still look. Griffith is great and just a litttle ways up from the cemetary. Hollywood is not much further up- as you can see in my trip report the Hollywood sign from the observatory. Just make sure if there's a premeire-- it's something you'd want to be a part of...:-(.

I was in a hurry posting earlier, so I'll add more opinion I guess. All of the above is free to do which is nice on a Disney vacation. Forest Lawn is truly an amazing place huge statues and art reproductions including original pieces everywhere, I could have spent all day there but we got there just before 5. And yes a little bit of reality and perspective, I mean, here are these legendary people and they are just there y'know, their headstones are generally just not grandiose, Disney is back in a corner with a plaque that is nice but really not a big deal. For me finally visiting Errol Flynn's grave was just something I needed to do. Made me think--enjoy life while it's here, do the most you can with it.

[Huff]

The Long Beach Aquarium is better than Scripps in my opinion. It's a little larger and closer to Disneyland.

The boat excursions to the breakwaters are fun. Kids loved it when they brought up mud from the ocean floor and let them sift through it. It was teaming with life.

Scripps is worth the visit as well. Check their websites and see what exhibits each have that may interest you. They change every few months.

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thank you all for posting some great ideas! I really appreciate it!:goodvibes

Tell DH that the tiny beach is the least interesting part of Catalina. You don't go there for the beach. You should order the free Visitors Guide/Vacation Planner.magazine for Catalina (I told Pixiewings71 and Prettyprincessbelle about it and they both ordered it too!). It is charming and quaint and your camera would take beautiful pictures there. There is nothing quite so fun and relaxing as zooming around in the golf cart - it is addictive! Remember, the original Avalon Cove restaurant at DCA was based on Catalina, so it does have a roundabout Disney tie-in! Here is the link to order the Vacation Planner:
http://www.catalinachamber.com/VacationPlannerSplash.asp
Hi Sherry! :wave: I ordered the planning guide so I can go over it w/ DH. He's so busy working I mentioned it to him again today and he said, "Catalina Island? What's that?" After I already spoke with him about it the day before!:rolleyes1

You should check out my trip report- I have losts of pictures of Forest Lawn Glendale, Griffith, and Hollywood. If you do the cemetary-- wiki it--and know that it closes officially at 5pm and the museum is a definite place you want to go....
...I was in a hurry posting earlier, so I'll add more opinion I guess. All of the above is free to do which is nice on a Disney vacation. Forest Lawn is truly an amazing place huge statues and art reproductions including original pieces everywhere, I could have spent all day there but we got there just before 5. And yes a little bit of reality and perspective, I mean, here are these legendary people and they are just there y'know, their headstones are generally just not grandiose, Disney is back in a corner with a plaque that is nice but really not a big deal. For me finally visiting Errol Flynn's grave was just something I needed to do. Made me think--enjoy life while it's here, do the most you can with it.
Oooh now this stuff does sound interesting. I'm going to pop over and read your TR for ideas. :yay:Thanks!:goodvibes

The Long Beach Aquarium is better than Scripps in my opinion. It's a little larger and closer to Disneyland.
The boat excursions to the breakwaters are fun. Kids loved it when they brought up mud from the ocean floor and let them sift through it. It was teaming with life.
Scripps is worth the visit as well. Check their websites and see what exhibits each have that may interest you. They change every few months.
Thanks Huff! :yay: Now I just have to decide what we're going to do!:goodvibes

[jessrose18]

if we don't want to rent a car what is the best way to get to a beach like huntington and what would it cost???

[DisneySuiteFreak]

if we don't want to rent a car what is the best way to get to a beach like huntington and what would it cost???

That's a really good question.:goodvibes I'm sorry I don't know the answer...

[Sherry E]

Hi Sherry! :wave: I ordered the planning guide so I can go over it w/ DH. He's so busy working I mentioned it to him again today and he said, "Catalina Island? What's that?" After I already spoke with him about it the day before!:rolleyes1


Men are so funny, aren't they? I am glad you ordered the guide! Yes, don't even bother with the actual beach part of Catalina unless you are there for a weekend or longer. The beach is the size of a postage stamp, and it doesn't have long stretches of white sand or anything - in fact, they had to import some of their sand from Redondo and other beaches in the past because Catalina was all rocks at one point! I just posted some pictures (two posts with photos) over on KCMike's Catalina thread, so you can get a little idea of what the town looks like and the good photo opportunities you would have! I have tons of pictures, but that is a small sampling!

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Men are so funny, aren't they?
Yep! When all else fails, and I can't figure him out, I just tell myself, 'It must be a male thing!" :lmao::rotfl: I'm sure he must say the same thing to himself in reverse!:lmao:
I am glad you ordered the guide! Yes, don't even bother with the actual beach part of Catalina unless you are there for a weekend or longer. The beach is the size of a postage stamp, and it doesn't have long stretches of white sand or anything - in fact, they had to import some of their sand from Redondo and other beaches in the past because Catalina was all rocks at one point! I just posted some pictures (two posts with photos) over on KCMike's Catalina thread, so you can get a little idea of what the town looks like and the good photo opportunities you would have! I have tons of pictures, but that is a small sampling!
Thanks Sherry! I just saw the photos and they are lovely. I'll make sure to let you know what we decide...If I can ever pin him down to actually discuss anything!:rolleyes1 He's one of those people who always says things like, "You figure it out; decide and let me know." And then when I let him know, he says, "What? I don't want to go there. Why don't we go _______ instead?" :headache::rolleyes1 So we'll see...Men...Can't live with 'em, and can't kill 'em! :lmao::rotfl2:

[DisneySuiteFreak]

DS wants to go to Knotts. It looks like fun! I was wondering, if we really enjoy it, if any of you know if they allow people to upgrade their admission to an annual pass like DL does? Also, are the crowds insanely busy on Saturday? (I'm imagining all the blocked out DAP people crowding into Knotts!):scared1:Is it possible to do it all in half a Saturday so I can do something else that involves just a little bit more culture?:eek:

I also saw they have Soak City water park. Is that a fun water park? Is it clean? Do we have to worry about anything like crime, etc.?
Can Knotts or Soak city be done all in one Saturday?

I really wanted to do something different and get out of the themeparks for a day, but DH wants to go to Seaworld & San Diego Zoo, DS wants Knotts. I wanted a Tour of San Diego, or Getty Museum, or Cabrillo NP/Point Loma, or Coronado, or Catalina, or Long Beach Aquarium, or an LA sightseeing tour -- we could drive or shuttle for convenience...and my Dh pulled a Clark Griswold and said 1/2 jokingly/half seriously, "I know honey, how about we have an alone day?" :rolleyes1 So, if I'm going to a park, I think I prefer Knotts because the rides look more like my speed. Kind of funny, when I mentioned the LA Tour on the double decker bus, DH said, "I'm not riding in one of those things!" As if he thought he might run into someone he knew or something. :rolleyes1 This was after he shot down driving there and touring on our own.:headache:
The Seaworld in San Diego doesn't seem to have as many thrill rides as Orlando, IIRC. I researched it back in 2001, so my info may be off. I thought the SD SW was a lot better than the Orlando version of it from what I had researched at the time, but it didn't appear that way when I just checked out the SDSW website. Am I way off base? Is there a lot to see and do there?

[DisneySuiteFreak]

We're thinking of going to the Santa Monica Pier area for a sunset dinner at The Lobster, or Gladstones in Malibu, and maybe have a look around there after. Is there a beach access from the Pier or either restaurant? Or is there somewhere else you can suggest to eat and see the beach area?

DH also wants to know if there is anywhere near DL that does a clam bake type dinner? That's what he really wants to eat... Thanks for any ideas/info.

[Sherry E]

Yep! When all else fails, and I can't figure him out, I just tell myself, 'It must be a male thing!" :lmao::rotfl: I'm sure he must say the same thing to himself in reverse!:lmao:

Thanks Sherry! I just saw the photos and they are lovely. I'll make sure to let you know what we decide...If I can ever pin him down to actually discuss anything!:rolleyes1 He's one of those people who always says things like, "You figure it out; decide and let me know." And then when I let him know, he says, "What? I don't want to go there. Why don't we go _______ instead?" :headache::rolleyes1 So we'll see...Men...Can't live with 'em, and can't kill 'em! :lmao::rotfl2:

Thanks! I am glad you liked the pictures I posted!:goodvibes At least it seems like your DH is starting to have a voice in the whole plan, whereas before he was not speaking up much. The only 'trouble' is, he speaks up after you have already begun to narrow down and decide on your plans!! MEN! San Diego is lovely, but it is a long drive to and fro. Long Beach is much closer to Anaheim and would be convenient for visiting the Aquarium, the Queen Mary or hopping on the Catalina Express. But San Diego is doable if necessary.

Knott's is definitiely the closest to Disneyland in distance. It is just a few miles from Disneyland, basically, so that would be the least amount of travel involved. Honestly, even though I have lived in SoCal all my life, I went to Knotts as a kid and then kind of lost interest in it as an adult! We used to have all kinds of 'amusement park' type of places out here - Marineland, Busch Gardens, Enchanted Village (Japanese Village), etc. - but DLR, Knotts, Sea World, Magic Mountain (now Six Flags) and Universal Studios are the ones who stood the test of time. None of them compare to DLR, though. You really notice the lack of 'magic' at the other parks. Sure, Knotts has a certain charm to it, and it has the famous chicken dinner and the famous preserves for sale and what not, but it just doesn't stack up to DLR. But as far as geography, it will be the most convenenient trip for you because of its proximity to DLR.

Oh and Gladstones is in Malibu, by the way - at least it was the last time I was down that way!

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Oh and Gladstones is in Malibu, by the way - at least it was the last time I was down that way!
You're right! I spaced on that one. Do you know if there is beach access from Gladstones?
Thanks!

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Until my post got moved to the Southern California planning board, I never knew there was another section for SoCal Themeparks! :cool1:I just found that out a little while ago. The things we learn...:surfweb:

[Sherry E]

You're right! I spaced on that one. Do you know if there is beach access from Gladstones?
Thanks!

It has been so long since I have been to Gladstones that I forget what kind of beach access there is. The restaurant itself is pretty much on or overlooking the beach, but I cannot recall for the life of me if it is more on the water or on the sand portion of the beach and what the actual footpath to the sand would be! I wouldn't want to attempt to give you directions that end up leading you into the ocean!!

Hopefully someone else here will know about the beach access!

[DisneySuiteFreak]

It has been so long since I have been to Gladstones that I forget what kind of beach access there is. The restaurant itself is pretty much on or overlooking the beach, but I cannot recall for the life of me if it is more on the water or on the sand portion of the beach and what the actual footpath to the sand would be! I wouldn't want to attempt to give you directions that end up leading you into the ocean!!

Hopefully someone else here will know about the beach access!

Thanks Sherry!

[perlster]

We used to have all kinds of 'amusement park' type of places out here - Marineland, Busch Gardens, Enchanted Village (Japanese Village), etc. -

Not exactly on-topic, but I put in my two cents. Is "Japanese Village" what I remember as "Japanese Deer Park"? I really miss Lion Country Safari in Irvine - I didn't know until very recently that there is still one in Florida. Before Pirates and Medieval Times, there were Wild Bill's and [something like] Kingdom of the Dancing Stallions. The sign of the Wax Museum is still there on Harbor Blvd. near KBF, although it closed years ago. Ripley's Believe It Or Not just closed.

Going even further back, I wish I could have visited Pacific Ocean Park, and rode in one of those bubbles that crossed over the ocean. I learned of it from the "Things That Aren't Here Anymore" KCET-TV show.