One week in So Cal (Huntington Beach)

[Balt ravens fan]

We will be staying in Los Angeles - Huntington Beach for one week in July (10-17th). There are so many things to choose to do, and my family has never been to Los Angeles. Disney is offering 5 days for the price of 3, but maybe that is too many days at Disney?

What do you all think is a good itinerary for a week in Los Angeles? Family of four - ages 8 and 11 girls.

 

[Balt ravens fan]

bump

 

[Judy from Boise]

that is hard since you could fill a week easily with no Disney, or a week with only Disney........what are your kids into? Would you want to focus on the outdoor/nature aspects, the hollywood/famous sites aspect, or the family fun activities?
Are you open to splitting your time with say 3 night hotel in Anahiem, and 3 at HB?

 

[Balt ravens fan]

We are locked into a TimeShare week at HB. Is the drive and parking from HB bad to Disney? I am worried about that. Google Maps says 27 minutes (45 with traffic). It says take I-1 to I-55 to I-5, it also suggests taking CA-39 to Katella Ave. Not sure which is better? I guess I-55 and I-5 have less lights? But CA-39 is more of a straight shot with lights.

Is it going to be a pain getting to Disneyland from Huntington beach?

 

[Judy from Boise]

I am going to transfere this to the So Cal board, where some of our experts are.....just click the title and it will send you.

 

[zbargainmama]

I-55 and I-5 are freeways so there are no lights. If you are adventurous there are carpool lanes so you can avoid traffic driving in those on the freeway.
If you have never been to L.A. I say split your time. If you are willing to drive there is a ton to see.

 

[lorasmom]

We are locked into a TimeShare week at HB. Is the drive and parking from HB bad to Disney? I am worried about that. Google Maps says 27 minutes (45 with traffic). It says take I-1 to I-55 to I-5, it also suggests taking CA-39 to Katella Ave. Not sure which is better? I guess I-55 and I-5 have less lights? But CA-39 is more of a straight shot with lights.

Is it going to be a pain getting to Disneyland from Huntington beach?

The 55 and 5 are freeways, so there are no lights. If you want to avoid freeways, Beach Blvd (is also 39) to Katella is fine. The 55 is a madhouse going towards Dland anytime after about 4pm, so if you're heading out then, I'd do surface streets

There's a nice pier on the beach in Huntington, plenty of restaurants, some shopping, etc.

 

[lcasa]

I live in HB and am a long time AP holder. I usually go up either Beach Blvd (which is considered a 'super street' - lights are timed well all the way up) or Golden West to the 22, take the 22 west either to the 5 north and off at Harbor/Ball ( easiest to get to the parking structure - the DL exit takes you to the old, generally closed entrance and they send you thru to the structure anyway ) OR if the 22 looks like it's backing up near the 5 I jump off the 22 at Harbor Bld North - have to turn right on Harbor and it's straight up to DL ( turn on Katella to get to the structure -- follow the signs).

The drive usually takes no more than 30 min. Getting into the garage, thru the trams, and into the park can be another 30!

The 55 tends to have too much traffic and is out of the way.

The wetlands in Bolsa Chica in HB are lovely - lots of birds. We have 2 beaches - 1 state, 1 city. The parking at the city is cheaper - you can park off main and walk easily - and get validation so it's even less.