Farmer's Market/The Grove

[grannyminnie]

I apologize if there is already a thread asking this, but I am wondering about driving to the Farmer's Market from the LAX area where we are staying. I have not done a map search to see where it is located in the city (we went there on a bus tour last year and I loved it, but needed more time!), but am wondering if there is a time to drive there when the traffic might be a little less busy? And what about parking...is there a lot of it available there? Any other sites nearby we can also visit and have more time for?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The worst times to drive are early in the morning - maybe 6am-9am, and then in the afternoon, which would be worse because people are going home. Having said that, we've driven out there during those times.

To get to Farmers Market, you'd go north on the 405 and east on the 10. Get off on Fairfax Ave, and drive north (towards the mountains/Hollywood Hills). You'll pass Wilshire Blvd., and that means you're pretty close. It will be on the north-east corner of the Fairfax/3rd intersection. If parking is crowded at Farmers Market you can park in the parking structure at the Grove.

If you go back south on Fairfax and turn left on 6th street or Wilshire Blvd you will run into Hancock Park, which is where the La Brea Tarpits are, and I recommend going there also, and visiting the Page Museum that is there.

If you turn right on Wilshire Blvd (west) you will run into Rodeo Drive about 3 miles or so and can walk around there. If you continue on Rodeo Drive north you will run into the Beverly Hills Hotel, which is on Sunset Blvd.

If you take Sunset Blvd all the way to the ocean you will run into Gladstones Restaurant, which is a nice restaurant to eat at, especially if you time your visit to be there at sunset.

Gladstone is on PCH. If you continue south on PCH you will run into the Santa Monica Pier, and can eat there instead, if you wish, at Bubba Gumps or another restaurant. Three blocks from the pier is 3rd Street Promenade - an outside shopping area with "interesting" street vendors, etc.

You can also catch the 10 freeway here, which will take you back to the 405 south that will take you back to where you are staying.

Map to Farmers Market/Grove

 

[grannyminnie]

So thoughtful of you to offer those suggestions, Mary Jo!! I'd like to ask another question of you, since you seem to know your way around...you know that theatre and "soda fountain" that is Disney oriented? (the name escapes me...). How far from those would I be when I am at the Grove?

Edited to add...is the name of the theatre El Capitan?

 

[StageTek]

is the name of the theatre El Capitan?

Yes. The theater is the El Capitan - located on Hollywood Blvd
across the street from the Graumans Chinese Theater. The soda
fountian and gift shop are next door to the El Cap.

It’s about three miles - Beverly Blvd. - East to La Brea - North
to Hollywood Blvd - East.