CA experts needed

[amcnj]

If staying at a DL hotel, is it out of the question to do some LA things from that base or better to move someewhere closer to the LA area (any suggestions?) We would also like to see Universal, possibly NBC studios, La Brea, Venice Beach,etc (any other suggestions here too?). I was only in the area once years ago and believe I stayed in Century City and found it very convenient for getting to Venice, Santa Monica, Universal, and other in city spots, but don't recall exactly where it was. Plus my stamina and memory are not the same as 10 years ago, so I can't be sure anymore! Thanks for any help and suggestions.

 

[TheLionKing]

Check out the thread "Just back from DCA/DL" by Toby.

There is information there about tours leaving Disneyland for Universal.


Also, in the top part is a topic by MaryJo that gives suggestions while visiting the SO Cal area.


Yes Century City would be very convenient for visits on the West side of Los Angeles including the Getty Museum. The Getty museum requires reservations for parking so you might want to arrange that before you come out.

Driving in LA is a pain. If you want to tackle that from Anaheim, just be prepared for slow traffic and schedule enough time to get to your points of interest.

 

[Peter Pan Fan]

We stayed in the DL area and did many of the things you are talking about. I liked being in that area since we did a lot of things in Santa Ana & Newport Beach as well as touristy stuff like Beverly Hills, Burbank, etc. Just be prepared for heavy traffic and confusing freeways. I didn't think its all that bad though, but I did live in So. Cal for some time so I am somewhat used to the freeway system.

Also wanted to mention that the NBC tour is a lot of fun! We saw Jay Leno taping a sketch and also saw Deidre Hall (Marlena from Days of our Lives) driving out of the parking lot. It was very reasonably priced too - I think under $10. The Disney Studios are real close as well although they don't offer public tours (to my knowledge) but its fun to drive by slowly while hanging out of the window and taking pictures

 

[Luv2Roam]

We based our DL/DCA area stay at the Desert Inn. One day we also went to Universal Studios. It is not that far, but the traffic makes it real rough. I think the distance is roughly only 30 miles. But in the morning it took almost an hour to get to USH. Going back to the hotel took almost an hour and a half.
Just allow plenty of time both ways if you do what we did.

 

[roymccoy]

You could go to Olvera Street. It's in the heart of downtown (Alameda at Union Station) and it
was the birthplace of what we know today as Los Angeles. It was the very first street in LA. It also
has THE BEST mexican food in downtown....churro's (REAL ones!) taquito's, tacos, beans and a drink called
Chapurrado. It's right up the 5 freeway.

Also, you could plan a Catalina Island trip. There are boats that go a few times a day. There are little golf carts
that you rent to get around the island once you are there. William Randolph Hearst (Los Angeles Times founder)
has a castle there.

So Cal has a lot to offer....try to see more than just the theme parks!

Roy

 

[chloesmommi]

Roy McCoy,

Would you be able to give specific directions to Olvera Street? We will be staying with family in Manhattan beach for a few days before going to DL, and Olvera Street sounds like a wonderful and historic stop.

 

[roymccoy]

From Disneyland, take the 5 freeway North. You just stay on it until you get to downtown LA. Take the Alameda Street exit. (I think
that it also says Union Station). When you get off the freeway, turn right and stay in the right hand lane on Alameda. Turn into
the Union Station parking lot. We have found that it is better parking AND you get to look around old historic Union Station
while you're walking to Olvera Street. If you can't find a parking space up front, work your way to the back of the station.
There are always parking spaces back there. It'll cost you about $9 to park, but your car is safe and protected. After you're
done looking around the station, walk up to Alameda (where you came in) and cross the street. Olvera Street is directly
across from Union Station. Take a look at the buildings that you come up on before you get to the street. Some of them were built in the late 1800's and it's really neat to see them up close. It's amazing when you think of all the earthquakes they have withstood!
Don't jump at the food or trinkets up at the front of the street. I have found that the food and the merchandise gets cheaper
the further back that you go. You'll also get to see the first house that was built in Los Angeles. It's surprising how nice it is!
I could live there NO problem! I have two suggestions for food. Cielito Lindo is a little Taquito stand in the very back of the street.
The taquitos are so good, you'll want to eat more but you've got to save room for a Churro at "Mr. Churro's Bakery". These
things are so good that I cry when I eat them! As you leave the street, you'll see a main brick pavillion. Directly behind that
is the first Fire station that was built in Los Angeles and a few other old houses.

All and all, you'll have a great time and it won't break your wallet. It gives you a really good sense of the essence of LA and
how connected we are to our Latino neighbors.

Good luck and I hope you have a great time!

Roy

 

[chloesmommi]

Thanks Roy,

Sounds like an informative and "yummy" excursion.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Amtrak to Olvera Street

The Santa Ana station is about 6 miles from DLR. Union Station in Los Angeles is right at Olvera Street. Travel time is approximately 1 hour each way. From what I could tell, there are around 10 trips between these points daily. Fare is $20 adult/$10 kids (under 16) round-trip.

 

[trishamg]

Don't forget the sports in Orange County. Depending on what time of year your coming theres baseball, basketball and hockey. Angels play at the Big Ed(Anaheim Stadium), Ducks play at the pond and both the Clippers and World Champion Lakers will be at the pond!

 

[Uncle Buck]

trishamg:

They call it the Big Ed? That's funny! Now I am hungry! It's been 12 years since I've had one of those!

 

[jlima]

My parents loved the Nixon Library and Museum in Yorba Linda. It's about 20 mins from DL. If you're an admirer of the late president or are an American history buff you shouldn't miss it.

Uncle Buck - I can't believe people actually call Anaheim Stadium "The Big Ed"; I never thought that name would catch on. As for the Green Burritto and their big ed burrittos, maybe we can send amcnj to the Hawaiian Gardens location!! Best carnitas nachos EVER!!

Joan in Vegas