5 Must Sees in Southern California

[joece]

Hello I am planning to come out to CA next August 2006 but would love to know what are the 5 must sees in Southern California. Obviously we will go to Disneyland for at least 3 days but what else is there to see that is not amusement! We will probably go see Hollywood but what SoCal Beach do you recommend?

Is there a certain beach that is cleaner or with more attractions?

 

[KittyKitty]

When I'm in Southern California, I like to see Universal Studios, San Diego Zoo, and their wildlife park.

If you are a rollercoaster fan, Magic Mountain is famous for that.


Have a great time!.

 

[lap3]

That's a tough one. You'll get many responses I'm sure so I'll just name a few. Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beach are some of my favorites. I like these because there's plenty of courts for beach volleyball, good waves(if you're into bodyboarding or surfing), and it's clean. These beaches are closer to LAX. If you're looking for something closer to DL, Huntington, Newport, or further south, Laguna Beach are very nice as well.

 

[Zoemakes5]

1-Beaches I grew up in Redondo Beach, but my favorite one, which is a bit closer to DL is Corona Del Mar. Nice sand, great clean sand, parking area, break wall to reduce waves and keeps water warmer.
2-Hollywood Walk of Fame--a must do in my book. There used to be a burger place there that I loved, kinda tucked away called Hamburger Hamlet or something similar. Also, the second floor of the Roosevelt hotel is a pictorial history of Hollywood. Totally free and pretty cool. Chineese theatre used to be right across the street. (I say "used to" because I know that entire area was redone to make way for the Kodak theatre...not sure what else they got rid of.)

The other three, for me, would be totally dependent upon the "make up" of your group. If you have ride lovers, I'd say Magic Mountain would be a really fun option. I used to go there a few times each summer and loved it. (And hear it's grown a lot since then.)
I personally love Sea World, which is nice with younger kids or if you have a mix in ages, and is particularly good for a group who really doesn't do the "big rides".

 

[Vanvmom]

Magic Mountain is fun, but I wouldn't schedule it for after DL or you will be greatly disappointed. It had fun rides, but is not as clean and the atmosphere there is geared to older teens (so depending on the make up of your group it may be fine). Also, the last time I was at MM many people in line were "taking cuts in line" and using language I'm not comfortable hearing in casual conversation. Just my opinion though, others may disagree.

 

[WickedWench]

2-Hollywood Walk of Fame--a must do in my book. There used to be a burger place there that I loved, kinda tucked away called Hamburger Hamlet or something similar. Also, the second floor of the Roosevelt hotel is a pictorial history of Hollywood. Totally free and pretty cool. Chineese theatre used to be right across the street. (I say "used to" because I know that entire area was redone to make way for the Kodak theatre...not sure what else they got rid of.)

Ooh, I would love to do this.. is there any way you can find out where particular stars are located?

 

[da disney fans]

I believe there are maps you can purchase in the neighborhood showing where each star is located.

One of the more fun, touristy things I've done in the past (when an out of state friend came to visit) was to go on the tour of stars' homes. You can buy a map and an audio cassette (although it may be CDs these days!) and take yourself on a driving tour in some of the ritziest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It was during this self-guided tour that I saw Walt Disney's gorgeous home, complete with Mickey-themed gates in front!

For fun beaches with things to do, I really love Santa Monica and the Pier. And although it's not all that clean, Venice Beach is always good for kicks.

 

[damo]

We found the walk of fame to be a huge disappointment. The strip is basically a bunch of run down and empty stores except for the one intersection of Hollywood and Highland where they have spent some bucks to fix it up.

 

[Earstou]

We just did the Walk of Fame and the Chinese theater bit in June. I've done it before, but it was the first time for my kids and they loved it! It doesn't take much time, so we also went to the La Brea Tar pits museum (Page Museum). I had also done that before, but really wanted the rest of my family to see it. They all enjoyed it, and I recommend it if you like museums.
It made for a nice change from amusement parks!!!

 

[ArielsMelody]

The Walk of Fame does usually seem to be a disappointment to people. People hear "Hollywood" and think of the glamour that's portrayed at Disney Studios in Orlando. But keep in mind, that is Disney's version of Hollywood in the 20s and 30s -- when it really WAS glamorous! Today Hollywood is way more slum than anything else. When I have friends visit we usually do the Hollywood Drive By to see things like the Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theatre -- then we don't have to pay for parking or walk down the crowded street which can be full of, um, interesting people.

I would say if you are looking to spend a whole day doing the Hollywood Thing drive up the 101 (Take the 5 from Disney and it turns into the 101) and you'll see the Hollywood Sign and then head into the San Fernando Valley and check out the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Burbank. It's by far the best studio tour! Or if you have a whole day and don't mind waiting a while go to www.tvtickets.com and get free tickets to a sitcom taping. They usually take around 3 - 5 hours once you get into the studio and you have to wait for 90 mins to 2 hours before hand but it's lots of fun and totally worth it! (I'm a regular at That 70s Show on Friday nights!) Just check the age requirements for shows if you have young kids with you.

Have fun in California!

Ariel

 

[blackjackdelta]

We will be there in 5 days and as with all the other posts do not get you hopes up with LA basin. There are many things to. Right now the "King Tut" road show is at the Museum of Natural History. San Diego is a beautiful town with zoo's and Sea World. Family enjoyed the Shamu dinner and show. I like Universal Studios(31 Miles from DTD) and Knotts Berry Farm.(8 miles from DTD) Mrs Knott's chicken dinner is out of this world. Knotts Berry Farm has world class coasters. If you like thrills, I think you still can take a ride in a 2 seat Mig 25 out of Santa Monica Airport. This thing makes a rollercoater look like a walk on the beach.
Google the destinations and contact the LA visitors center, they will send tons of info. Careful planning and reading as many forum boards you can find will, will insure a joyful time.

 

[hookem59]

Ooh, I would love to do this.. is there any way you can find out where particular stars are located?

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce web site (hollywoodchamber.net) details locations of various stars. We made it a must-see before our last trip to DL just to find Walt's and Mickey's stars!

Agree with vanvmom that MM isn't the best "family" destination, especially on weekends, but admission is free for folks with season passes to any Six Flags park, so we made a side trip up there last year. A few good coasters, but HOT and a lot of walking (up and down hills), and quite dirty compared to DL.

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Hello I am planning to come out to CA next August 2006 but would love to know what are the 5 must sees in Southern California. Obviously we will go to Disneyland for at least 3 days but what else is there to see that is not amusement! We will probably go see Hollywood but what SoCal Beach do you recommend?

Is there a certain beach that is cleaner or with more attractions?

You didn't mention if you are traveling with kids, but if not (or if they are older) you might consider the Getty Museum. It has beautiful grounds, a great restaurant, and of course many galleries. A suggestion if you're looking for a change from the theme park scene.