Help me with my LA day of our trip

[StEpHandMiKe<3Disney]

So my DH and I are taking a Disneyland/Universal trip July 20-25. On our arrival day, we are going to "sight see" around LA. We have both been to LA before so we are really looking at doing things we didn't do before. We have seen Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, Hollywood and those types of tourist things. On this trip, I'm more interested in seeing some other things. On our list right now is Griffith Observatory, which I have heard has a great view of the city as well as the Hollywood Sign which I would love to have a great photo. What is the actually Observatory like? What's at the park? We are looking to go to a beach as well. We drove by Santa Monica Pier on our last trip but didn't have time to get out. Should we return? I have read Redondo beach is nice. We have been to Laguna Beach and Malibu so what other beach would you recommend for some great photos that is near Disneyland? I forgot to mention we are flying into Burbank so we will be in that area. My DH wants to see ABC studios and such that are there. is there anything to actual do or just drive by? Any suggestions that you have I would really appreciate it.

 

[perlster]

You could spend a whole day at Griffith Park. Due to the parking situation, you would want to be at the Observatory before opening.

You could also visit the L.A. Zoo, Travel Town, the Autry Museum, etc.

See the photo thread in this forum.

 

[trinaunz]

On our list right now is Griffith Observatory, which I have heard has a great view of the city as well as the Hollywood Sign which I would love to have a great photo. What is the actually Observatory like? What's at the park?

i've lived in the LA area for 15 years and i can't say whether you can see the hollywood sign from the griffith observatory, but i can tell you there's a better place to view the sign - along franklin avenue in hollywood. you may also want to google hiking toward the hollywood sign if you really want to get as close as possible to it (don't think you can get right next to it). the observatory is one of the best in the country. griffith park is huge and there's plenty to do there.

We are looking to go to a beach as well. We drove by Santa Monica Pier on our last trip but didn't have time to get out. Should we return? I have read Redondo beach is nice. We have been to Laguna Beach and Malibu so what other beach would you recommend for some great photos that is near Disneyland?

depends on whether you want to swim or not. the beaches by the SM pier are among the dirtiest we have here in LA. venice beach is entertaining with all the street vendors and cast of characters along the boardwalk area. balboa island is nice, has a mellow, upscale vibe (near newport beach, about 10 miles from disneyland).

I forgot to mention we are flying into Burbank so we will be in that area. My DH wants to see ABC studios and such that are there. is there anything to actual do or just drive by? Any suggestions that you have I would really appreciate it.

i live in burbank. there are tours available, i think, at warner brothers, and you can attend filming for shows like jay leno, but i'd encourage you to call individual studios in burbank and find out how the tours work. other than that, i'd just move on to your disneyland and beach vacation.

good luck, and enjoy!

 

[StEpHandMiKe<3Disney]

Thanks everyone for the great advice!