Must See Attractions in LA

[kthshh]

We are heading to Disneyland next week for a very short time. We're from Texas and it's the first time we've ever been to California. We're flying into LAX and renting a car. We are only there three days and do have 3 day park hoppers but would like to take about 4-5 hours one day and see more of LA.

What would you recommend that would be free or really cheap? We know we want to see the Hollywood sign and maybe drive to a beach.

Thanks,
Savanah

 

[skiingfast]

Visit Hollywood Blvd for a couple hours, then drive due west to Venice Beach and the Santa Monica pier.

Of course without carefully planning your time you could burn 4 hours driving in traffic.

 

[DahliaRW]

Honestly, with only 3 days, I wouldn't take time away from the parks. You will probably have more things you want to do then you can fit into 3 days at the parks anyways.

 

[mikeyas]

We are heading to Disneyland next week for a very short time. We're from Texas and it's the first time we've ever been to California. We're flying into LAX and renting a car. We are only there three days and do have 3 day park hoppers but would like to take about 4-5 hours one day and see more of LA.

What would you recommend that would be free or really cheap? We know we want to see the Hollywood sign and maybe drive to a beach.

Thanks,
Savanah

Since you're flying into LAX, if your flights are relatively early enough, you can do a quick trip to Venice or Santa Monica which is just north of LAX before heading south to Anaheim. If that's a possibility, I would recommend parking in a secured lot rather than finding street parking as you would have your luggage with you.

Given LA traffic though, getting from Orange County (where Disneyland is) to anywhere near LA is very difficult and frustrating.

 

[sonnyjane]

Honestly, with only 3 days, I wouldn't take time away from the parks. You will probably have more things you want to do then you can fit into 3 days at the parks anyways.

Ditto. If I were in your position and were to weigh the costs (both time and money, but particularly the time) of an LA side trip against the rewards, it just wouldn't be worth it. For a first-time trip to Disneyland, I agree with DahliaRW completely in that I would focus on the parks.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would go up to the hills to Griffith Park and the observatory if time permiting, with only 3 days I would stick with DLR. There is no quick way to get anywhere in the LA basin if driving.

Jack