Flying into LAX on a Sunday morning

[melk]

We'll be landing at LAX the last Sunday in June, around 11:00. We've rented a car through Alamo. Hoping this will be a good time to be there, traffic-wise.

But we're contemplating what to do that afternoon. We probably can't get into our room at GCV until about 4:00. We don't know if we should just drive right to Anaheim, leave our luggage and go to DL. Or we thought maybe from the airport we could drive over to Santa Monica and do some sightseeing. Then we would drive to Anaheim around 4:00.

We kind of want to base what we do on how the traffic will be and where the crowds will (or will not!) be. First visit so don't know what to expect. Or any other suggestions for what to do that afternoon is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[sherilaine]

I would think that would be a great time to visit Santa Monica since visiting it later in your trip means heading back in that direction anyway. We have found weekend traffic can pop up at anytime - unlike weekday where there is predictable rush hour to consider. You should expect about an hour to get to Disneyland from that area once you are finished site seeing.

 

[SMD]

Is there something specific you're interested in in SM or is it just the beach? If your goal is to avoid traffic and get to your room a little after 4pm you'd be better off driving to OC and going to a beach there. By the time you get out of the airport and to the rental car it will be 1pm or later by the time you get to SM. It might be worth stopping to leave your bags and check in, then go to the beach and out to dinner and the room will be ready by the time you're done.

 

[OneThree]

Beyond the iconic Santa Monica Pier sign there really isn't much that makes Santa Monica stand out over other beach cities IMHO. Keep time in mind if you do go. By the time you get out of LAX, head to Santa Monica and are ready to leave it will probably be late afternoon/early evening in which case traffic on the 10 and 405 could be a factor to consider.

 

[melk]

I would think that would be a great time to visit Santa Monica since visiting it later in your trip means heading back in that direction anyway. We have found weekend traffic can pop up at anytime - unlike weekday where there is predictable rush hour to consider. You should expect about an hour to get to Disneyland from that area once you are finished site seeing.

That was my thinking, I figured we were close enough to have it make sense to visit that beach. But the traffic does concern me.

Is there something specific you're interested in in SM or is it just the beach? If your goal is to avoid traffic and get to your room a little after 4pm you'd be better off driving to OC and going to a beach there. By the time you get out of the airport and to the rental car it will be 1pm or later by the time you get to SM. It might be worth stopping to leave your bags and check in, then go to the beach and out to dinner and the room will be ready by the time you're done.

We really didn't, it just seemed like a popular place to see while visiting Southern CA. Would you recommend another beach?

Beyond the iconic Santa Monica Pier sign there really isn't much that makes Santa Monica stand out over other beach cities IMHO. Keep time in mind if you do go. By the time you get out of LAX, head to Santa Monica and are ready to leave it will probably be late afternoon/early evening in which case traffic on the 10 and 405 could be a factor to consider.

Again, that possible traffic makes it a concern for me. Since we don't know the area I don't want to be driving too late in the day. Is there another beach area you would recommend that might make more sense for us to visit?

 

[lk2500]

You could easily be at the DL gates by 1:30pm-2:30PM, which is what I would do if I were you.

 

[OneThree]

That was my thinking, I figured we were close enough to have it make sense to visit that beach. But the traffic does concern me.



We really didn't, it just seemed like a popular place to see while visiting Southern CA. Would you recommend another beach?



Again, that possible traffic makes it a concern for me. Since we don't know the area I don't want to be driving too late in the day. Is there another beach area you would recommend that might make more sense for us to visit?

If you head south on the 1 you'll hit Manhattan Beach and Hermosa both of which are typical beach towns, both have piers a la Santa Monica. The 105 and 91 will take you west towards Anaheim. Don't get me wrong, Santa Monica is a great city and one I have been to on many occasions. My only caution is don't assume Sunday equals less traffic/less people.

 

[ashley0139]

When I was at Disneyland last weekend, we got to DLH around 9:30am and they had a room ready for us so we were able to drop our stuff and head to the parks. Another option to consider.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I agree that the south beaches would be nice. If you're not in a hurry, you can kind of hug the coast and make your way to the south beaches, but if you're in a hurry, then I recommend taking the 405 south to the 55 south, and going to either Huntington Beach or Newport Beach. Both are nice to visit. You can rent bikes at both, or just stroll along the shops.

 

[melk]

You could easily be at the DL gates by 1:30pm-2:30PM, which is what I would do if I were you.

This is still a possibility for us. A little nervous of getting there midday, however. We are definitely ones that like to be there when the park opens to get the most out of it.

If you head south on the 1 you'll hit Manhattan Beach and Hermosa both of which are typical beach towns, both have piers a la Santa Monica. The 105 and 91 will take you west towards Anaheim. Don't get me wrong, Santa Monica is a great city and one I have been to on many occasions. My only caution is don't assume Sunday equals less traffic/less people.

I will take a look at those spots. My youngest has one request, to go in the Pacific Ocean. She won't care which beach it is!

When I was at Disneyland last weekend, we got to DLH around 9:30am and they had a room ready for us so we were able to drop our stuff and head to the parks. Another option to consider.

That's great your room was ready! I would love that too!

I agree that the south beaches would be nice. If you're not in a hurry, you can kind of hug the coast and make your way to the south beaches, but if you're in a hurry, then I recommend taking the 405 south to the 55 south, and going to either Huntington Beach or Newport Beach. Both are nice to visit. You can rent bikes at both, or just stroll along the shops.

Two more beaches to check out! Strolling along the shops sounds good to me. Thanks!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Two more beaches to check out! Strolling along the shops sounds good to me. Thanks!

When you investigate the beaches, also look into Seal Beach. They have a Main Street that leads to their pier. Down the ways (2-5 minutes) on Ocean Blvd, is a cafe right on the sand. I've been doing a series of segments for the podcast on the beaches. I've gone from Santa Monica, down the coast to Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo, around Palos Verdes Peninsula, Long Beach, Bolsa Chica, & Huntington Beach. Next are Newport & Laguna, so I've been visiting these areas to prep for my segments.

At the end of Main Street is a popular restaurant called the Hangout, and you can walk on the pier afterwards. Take Ocean Blvd to Rivers End Cafe to grab a bite right there on the beach. Your feet won't be in the sand, but you're right there, and it's fun watching boats come out of the channel, or watch the surfers.

 

[melk]

Wow, thanks for that, Mary Jo! Those maps really help!

 

[sherilaine]

Thanks @Mary Jo for the info on Seal Beach. We have gone to Venice, Newport, Huntington, Laguna and Santa Monica over our last three trips and I am looking for a new place to try. I was hoping to find something else more south of DLR rather than having to push our way towards LA, as that seems to be where you run into traffic issues. Trying to find one that would be entertaining for the kids so they don't growl "why are we going anywhere when Disneyland is right there?" They also spend time at a very nice beach in the summer on our trips to the east coast where we grew up so they aren't wowed by beaches like some people - so want to find one with a little extra magic! I just read some reviews on The Rivers End cafe though which were unfortunate as the location looks wonderful. Have you eaten there and found them to be rude? The fact they say "we can refuse to serve anyone" right on their menu struck me as odd to be honest.

Anyway, thanks for the information.

 

[lk2500]

This is still a possibility for us. A little nervous of getting there midday, however. We are definitely ones that like to be there when the park opens to get the most out of it.
Thanks!

Yup, it boils down to if you have an extra day to blow on your multi-day park hopper or not. Getting a 5 day vs 3 day is only an extra $37 for me so I always have at least one extra day. We'll even split days between SFMM or KBF in the AM and DLR in the PM.