Things to do around between Anaheim and Burbank

[jsgrant5]

My dd and I are going to DL in August and will have two days staying in Burbank. We are both adults and have no idea what are some fun things to do. We have never done anything but go to DL

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I know that these podcasts were done a while ago, but they are mostly still relevant:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/day-six-podcasts-of-things-to-do-around-disneyland.3620288/

What kind of things interesting you?

Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl (close to Burbank)
Tour of the Warner Brothers Studio
Day trip to Catalina Island
Visit to Hollywood, Griffith Park Observatory, Rodeo Drive, La Brea Tar Pits, Santa Monica Pier, The Grove/Farmers Market
Lunch at Tam O'Shanter, where Walt Disney used to eat lunch, there is a table dedicated to him where he would often eat
Visit Mt. Wilson Observatory
Various museums throughout
Food walking tour - Downtown LA, Pasadena, Westwood, etc.
Tour of Warner Brothers Studios
Universal Studios
Eat at Portos at Burbank
Huntington Library
Any of the missions (San Gabriel, San Juan Capistrano)
Drive up to Santa Barbara and have lunch, watch the sunset from the beach

 

[China Expat]

Huntington Library in San Marino, Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, Descanso Gardens in La Canada, drive up the 2 freeway to Mt WIlson Observatory and then turn around and drive right into downtown LA.

 

[kbelle8995]

Are any of these a history museum? I'm contemplating a trip to California but can't seem to decide to where to go other than Whale Watching and Disneyland. The Visit California website wasn't that helpful. Love Mary Jo's suggestions. Can't decide whether to stay in just the LA/ Anaheim area.

I'm a history geek and my sister has stated she wants to see the pacific ocean. Any more suggestions would be fantastic

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Look up the Huntinton Library. It is a library and botanical garden. Huntington was the nephew of one of the Big 4 railroad tycoons. He bought a couple of museums in Europe after WWI and brought the items, including the famous Blue Boy painting, an original Gutenberg Bible, pages from the original Canterbury Tales…

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the best preserved missions and if you take the train it stops one block away

On the weekends they give a little tour at Mt Wilson Observatory - that is where the Big Bang Theory originated.

La Brea Tar Pits where you see the remains of animals from over 10000 years old.

Sta Monica Pier is the end of Route 66

 

[sjmac42]

Burbank is a bit out of the way to tour greater Los Angeles. Will you have a car? If not, try to stay somewhere close to the metro B line around Universal so you can get to Universal, Hollywood and Highland, Koreatown, Paramount Studios, Griffith Observatory. La Brea Tarpits (farmers markets on the way there) etc. Many of these will require a transfer to a bus or another train. You could Rideshare to Warner Bros. or over to Hollywood of course. Santa Monica will be up to a couple of hours by public transport or around 45 mins with a car if you travel outside rush hour. Hop on hop off bus tours can be picked up around Hollywood and Highland along the walk of fame near the TCL Chinese Theatre. These are a reasonable option without a car.
https://www.starlinetours.com/en/hop-on-hop-off-double-decker

 

[jlmarr]

• https://griffithobservatory.org
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Live_Steamers_Railroad_Museum
  • Includes Walt's Carolwood Pacific Barn
  • Griffith Park steam trains - closed for Covid but maybe open soon?
• https://theautry.org
• Dodger game in LA, Angel game in Anaheim
• Take Amtrak to Santa Barbara. Beautiful view of the ocean starting in Ventura.

 

[Rolem]

We usually sit in traffic between Anaheim and Burbank.

 

[Jcruise86]

This is probably too long. It's from another Disney fan site:
While you're in S. CA 4 D.land also consider visiting...

This seemed pertinent to trip planning for Disneyland.
Please delete this thread and accept my apology if this is too long. I started it on another Disney fan site years ago.

[Fun] What to do in S. Calif. in addition to Disneyland

12-30-2020, 07:28 PM
This thread was from 2012. I cut a lot out, and it's really messy as you get down to the lower posts, but it might give some of you some good ideas for things to do in Southern California in addition to visiting Disneyland after we've all been vaccinated for Covid19:

Besides the D land Resort, favorite places to visit in S. California

jcruise86. former CM
Join Date: Jul 2006

#1
[Fun] Besides the D land Resort, favorite places to visit in S. California
05-03-2012, 09:30 AM


These are not in any order.

1. A beach--which one? See other threads. )

2. The Getty in Brentwood

3. The Huntington in San Marino, despite the admission price.

4. Mulholland Drive on a sort of clear night starting near the 101 freeway.

5. The San Diego Safari Park (? formerly the Wild Animal Park) in Escondido

6. Knott's Berry Farm--especially for the Scary Farm in late September

7. Either presidential library (I like Reagan's more than Nixon's, but both are worthwhile for history buffs.)

8. The Getty in Malibu

9. The LaBrea Tar Pits (for an hour or 90 minutes for the bone buffs)

10. The Norton Simon art museum in Pasadena

11. The Griffith Park Observatory

12. A hike on a mountain after riding the palm Springs Aerial Tramway

13. This is cheating because it's four hours from Pasadena & not in CA, but Las Vegas!

14. A hike near Mount Baldy

15. La Jolla (N. of San Diego--dodge waves on the rocks near the Cove, and check out the view of S.D. from Mt. Soledad.)

16. Universal Studios Hollywood.


What would you add?

--Tom Sinsky


Acpisme. #2. 05-03-2012, 10:23 AM
Re: Besides the D land Resort, favorite places to visit in S. California

Wow, your list is mine! lol. I would add the following:

1. Balboa Park in San Diego. The Museums are worth it every time and at times there are amazing exhibits. Like when the natural history museum had the Dead Sea Scrolls.

2. The San Diego Zoo -- I love visiting the Giant Pandas but the rest of my family like the big cats. If you become a zoo subscriber for a ridiculously low price each year, you get free admission to the zoo and the Safari Park.

3. ...Laguna Beach-I am a so cal native from the SF Valley and grew up going to Zuma and the lot, but as an Adult I love Laguna Beach. Parking can be a huge hassel but the beach is wonderful!

4. The J Paul Getty in Los Angeles- The Getty Villa in Malibu is nice, but the exhibits that go through the LA Museum are great. Plus the views from that museum are spectacular of the whole of LA. And on a clear day (meaning not often )) you can see to the ocean. The museum is free but parking costs.

5. The LA Farmers Market-while it has been swallowed almost whole by the new mall structures around it, the core of the original market is still there and has not changed much since my grandfather worked there in the 40's.

6. Exposition Park in LA-with it's wonderful museums and IMAX Theater.

7. The MOCA-Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles- [free admission, btw] Most recent exhibit I attended as a display on Tim Burton and he was there at the start!

8. Old Town San Diego-Which offers a glimpse at some local heritage. In the summer people dress in period clothing. There is a small Museum or two in the location or within walking distance, like the Whaley House Museum.

9. Catalina Island-Having lived in Avalon for almost two years, I am always amazed how many locals are vaguely aware of this treasure among our midst (Or worse have never been). You can reach it by boat or helicopter out of San Pedro, Long Beach and Newport beach (there is also a small air strip mid-island). Transportation can be a little spendy, but the island is a wonderful visit, especially if you can catch a tour through the interior, or take a glass bottom boat ride, or maybe the flying fish tour when in season. It can be done in a day trip but overnight will afford a visitor more time with it. The island boosts many things including the first Movie theater specifically built for talking pictures (and you can still catch a movie there!). It is housed in their famous Casino Building. No Gambling, as it was built when the Italian word Casino merely meant Gathering Place. Not to mention there is good fishing, great snorkeling and diving opportunities island wide. And while there, you might catch the wild Buffalo (okay wild bison, as we have no real buffalo on the American continent) pigs and goats that roam the island. At Two Harbors you can camp if you wish.

I may add more later as I think on them, but this is a good addition to what you have written, which would also be on my list!


QuiGonJ #4. 05-03-2012, 11:36 AM
If you want to wander around some of the most tranquil real estate in LA, I recommend my alma mater, the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. It's a quiet place on the weekends, plenty of food on campus and nearby in Westwood. It really makes you feel like you aren't in the concrete jungle that is LA any more.

Magic Mountain has done a very nice job of retheming the place and cleaning it up lately.

And I will also point to the Gaslamp Quarter, specially during the mayhem of Comic Con. The entire city is a party that weekend.

Acpisme. #5. 05-03-2012, 11:51 AM

Ooooooh QuiGonJ, I too like the Gaslamp Quarter. I enjoy visiting the Lyceum Stage in Horton Plaza or a nice night out at my favorite Irish Pub, The Field over on 5th. They have such a smooth pour on the Guinness and delicious boxty dishes. Having never had the..umm Pleasure?.. of the district during Comic Con, I might have to give it a whirl one of these years.


jcruise86 #6 05-03-2012, 11:51 AM

. . . . I'm adding notes to your list IN ALL CAPS.

Originally posted by AcpismeView Post
Wow, your list is mine! lol. I would add the following:

1. Balboa Park in San Diego. The Museums are worth it every time and at times there are amazing exhibits. Like when the natural history museum had the Dead Sea Scrolls. I ALSO LIKE THE REUBEN FLEET SCIENCE CENTER--THOUGH I DO NOT LIKE THE RUBEN FLEET'S THEATER AS MUCH AS LA'S IMAX THEATER AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM IN EXPOSITION PARK. (SEE BELOW.)

. . . 3. Specifically, Laguna Beach - I am a so cal native from the SF Valley and grew up going to Zuma and the lot, but as an Adult I love Laguna Beach. Parking can be a huge hassle but the beach is wonderful! NICE! GREAT NATURAL BEAUTY. THOUGH LIKE LA JOLLA, THE SCENIC BEACHES HAVE ATTRACTED WEALTHY PEOPLE AND SOME EXPENSIVE RESTAURANTS NEARBY.
. . .

5. The LA Farmers Market-while it has been swallowed almost whole by the new mall structures around it, the core of the original market is still there and has not changed much since my grandfather worked there in the 40's. I ALSO LIKE THE CONTROVERSIAL GROVE MALL NEXT DOOR, BUT I PARK ON THE STREET WEST OR SW OF THE FARMERS MARKET--NEVER AGAIN IN THE CROWDED GROVE LOT.

6. Exposition Park in LA-with it's wonderful museums and IMAX Theater. AND IF YOU LIKE TO GO FOR WALKS, USC IS NEXT DOOR. EXPOSITION PARK'S SCIENCE MUSEUM IS FREE AND THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM & excellent with very good guided tours.

7. The MOCA-Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles-

. . . 9. Catalina Island-Having lived in Avalon for almost two years, I am always amazed how many locals are vaguely aware of this treasure among our midst. . . THE BOAT RIDE THERE IS EXPENSIVE BUT VERY MUCH WORTH IT, (WE ONCE SAW HUNDREDS OF DOLPHINS ON OUR WAY THERE), AND I WOULD SUGGEST SPENDING A NIGHT OR TWO ON THE ISLAND! BUT MAYBE NOT RIGHT IN THE TINY "DOWNTOWN" ON A WEEKEND, BECAUSE IN A CAR-FREE, CARE-FREE TOWN OF VACATIONERS, THERE IS SOMETIMES DRINKING AND SINGING--THINK PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN WITHOUT THE VIOLENCE, BUT WITH SOME NOISE IF YOU'RE ON THE MAIN STREET--NOT NEARLY AS LIVELY AS NEW ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER, BUT STILL LIVELY ON SUMMER FRIDAYS AND SATURDAY NIGHTS.


Acpisme #7. 05-03-2012, 11:59 AM

Good updating! I would add for Catalina, that due to the small proximity of the main street, all the bars are withing staggering distance of each other!


Poisonedapples #8
05-03-2012, 12:06 PM

The beachlike newport beach, and balboa beach and rent beach cruisers and ride along the boardwalk inbalboa penninsula..


Santiago Canyon-the drive through the oak tree lined 2 lane road is so much fun and so pretty!! Plus out inmodjeska is a animal sanctuary, everything is a natural habitat, andthey got lots and lots of wild life, including rattle snakes that lurk so if you go be careful!!!! because out that far in the cany on there is no cell service!! but the drive is soo pretty!

and santa ana zoo.. i havn't been in years, but i hear it's still pretty cool!....


Werner #9. 05-03-2012, 12:22 PM

. . . . The Huntington and Balboa are at the top of my list.


jcruise86
former CM
Originally posted by QuiGonJView Post
If you want to wander around some of the most tranquil real estate in LA, I recommend my alma mater, the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. ....

And if you're taking kids and want them to starting thinking about colleges, you may wish to visit some of these beauties:
The University of San Diego (USD),
Cal Tech (in Pasadena),
Pepperdine (in Malibu),
Loyola Marymount (LA),
UCSB (Santa Barbara),
and Pomona College (in Claremont--as part of the mostly beautiful Claremont Colleges).
I'm a former college tour guide and Disneyland Jungle Cruise guide, and I put as much effort into my free (for the public) college tours as I did in my tours through the Anaheim jungles.

Firehouse Five. #14
05-03-2012, 01:11 PM

Medieval Times is always fun.


sbk1234
Medieval Times IS a blast!


Also, San Diego Animal Park (whatever they call it this week!) [San Doego Zoo Safari Park??? Just ask for the huge zoo in Escondido.]

Santa Barbara

Old Town Pasadena

Placerita Canyon Nature Center

Griffith Park (preferably on the back of a horse)

Getty Center

Sea World (although I'm not crazy about their newest addition...)



Blake #16. 05-03-2012, 08:29 PM

The L. A. County Arboretum in Arcadia



bayouguy #17. 05-03-2012, 09:43 PM

Carpinteria State Beach.

Santa Barbara Zoo.

Fillmore Railroad.

San Diego Zoo.



A Los Angeles Kings game.

A farmer's market.



calsig31 #1805-03-2012, 10:39 PM

Dodger Stadium.
[Jcruise here: And the Angels in Anaheim.
And Lakers, Sparks & Clippers games at the Staples Center. I also enjoyed a MUCH less expensive NBA D League game with the Aqua Caliente in Ranch Cucamonga.
I haven't seen the Rams or Chargers game in L.A. yet.]


ShelbyH. #19. 05-03-2012, 10:59 PM
. . . Legoland



jcruise86 #20
05-03-2012, 11:01 PM
The L. A. County Arboretum in Arcadia

Good one! This place seems like an inter-planetary zoo for trees. I saw many amazing plants here that I didn't know existed. We also like Descanso Gardens.


[Jcruise86 here: And, ShelbyH (above), Legoland is a very nice park with some shady trees and rides that my [then] 6-year-old loved!]

Last edited by jcruise86; 05-03-2012, 11:09 PM.


indianajack #21. 05-03-2012, 11:28 PM

If you have kids 10 and under, then definitely Legoland!

[Jcruise86 here: bring a good book to enjoy on benches while your kids enjoy some of the kids only Legoland rides.)


SoCalbma #22. 05-04-2012, 02:52 AM


- Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade.

- Redondo Beach Pier

- Hollywood and Highland.

- Go watch a live-taping of a TV Show.

- Any of the three or four SoCal water Park - Raging waters, Knotts Soak City, Hurricane Harbor.



Acpisme #23 05-04-2012, 08:01 AM

Hmm, that brings the Hollywood Bowl to mind! A wonderful venue for outdoor concerts and events. I remember my grandmother taking me there for Easter sunrise services when I was little. It does cost depending on the concert or event. We are going to try and make the Garrison Keller performance of a Prairie Home Companion there in July and the John Williams concert in August.


Sparky. #24 05-04-2012, 09:15 AM

I have several, but, at the moment, I'm going to talk about just one of them, Paramount Ranch. At times I have jokingly referred to Paramount Ranch as "my other Disneyland", because for many years when I lived closer to it, I spent a lot of time there and had some great experiences there both at special event and watching film shoots. I spent much time there on the Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman set when it was filmed there in the 1990's.


Paramount Ranch was the location ranch for Paramount Studios from the 1920's through the mid-1940's. In the 1950's, under private ownership, it was used for many of the television Westerns of that time. Now, it is owned by the National Park Service and is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It is open daily to the public, there are occasional special events there, and, it is still an active filming site (although, we don't get as much filming these days.) I am an NPS Volunteer who helps to document and record both the past and present history of the site. June of this year marks the 30th anniversary of my association with the site. Hard to believe! In the course of the research that I do, I have made a number of exciting historical finds. Of course, as a Disney fan, I always hoped to find a Disney connection. But, for many, many years that didn't happen. Then, one day serendipity happened and I made an unexpected, but, very happy discovery. I was watching The Love Bug and thought some of the El Dorado racing scenes looked like Paramount Ranch. My friend, Disney Archivist Dave Smith confirmed that they shot some scenes on the old racetrack on the site. For a bit of trivia, many years after filming for The Love Bug at the ranch, Michelle Lee returned to direct an episode of Dr. Quinn! Later, I discovered that Herbie Rides Again also shot some scenes there. A few months ago I was at the ranch and was startled to see a bunch of Herbie's there. It seems that a bunch of fans with their own Herbie cars decided to get together there. How lucky for me to happen to be there that day! Sometime after the Love Bug discovery, I learned of a stuntman special for Disney Channel that had shot there. That's a whole long interesting story in itself! In more recent times, Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire shot an episode there and the Studio tested a 3-D camera system there. I have a gut feeling there may be Disney connections yet to discover. Perhaps the high point for me was contributing to Huell Howser's California's Golden Parks "Paramount Ranch" episode by contributing some photos used on the show being on camera in at the very end.


The Park Service has history walks through the Western town movie set once or twice a month. Another Volunteer sets up a nice display of historical photos of the ranch (including some of my photos) most Saturdays between about 9am to 2pm. Annual events at the ranch include the Science Festival, which was just held, and, the upcoming Topango Banjo and Fiddle Contest and Festival on May 20th (there is an admission fee for this one, most events are free.) In the summer, once in July and once in August, the Silents Under the Stars takes place. These fun programs include screenings of classic silent films with live accompaniment. Other fun events pop up from time to time. Info may be found by going to the National Park Service's Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area website. Click on the "Outdoors" Calender of Events link to find all of the activities for Paramount Ranch and all the other SMMNRA parks. You may also find a link for Paramount Ranch or other parks to help plan regular day visits. Paramount Ranch has been a huge part of my life, and, as with my Disney fandom, has afforded some incredible experiences and opportunities to rub shoulders with some legendary actors and entertainers over the years and watch them work. It is a small piece of Hollywood history and is the only movie ranch available to the public on a daily basis. Check it out!



StaceeyL #25. 05-05-2012, 09:52 AM

Hollywood. Honestly, even if you live close to it take a tour. I take my kids to movies at the El Capitan and visit the soda fountain with them, but I love the feel of old Hollywood. Yeah, it's sort of dirty, but take the double decker bus tour at least once.

[I, Jcruise86, also recommending getting ABOVE Hollywood & having lunch {if it's a fairly clear day} at the Griffith Park Observatory & seeing a show there.]


Director_Guy #26. 05-05-2012, 01:48 PM

Vasquez Rocks.


Retrocool #28. 05-05-2012, 04:58 PM

. . . . LA and OC have some of the most wonderful libraries anywhere in the country, including the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Branch in downtown, the Anaheim Public Library's Central Branch just north of Disneyland on Harbor (terrific midcentury architecture, too), and the Santa Ana Public Library's Main Branch. All three are excellent resources, especially for local history research.


christine11276 #29. 05-07-2012, 06:56 PM

I didn't see The Whaley House on anyone's list. Has anyone gone there? I love it.


jcruise86

. . . . this is certainly not for everyone, but have any of you

taken a Dearly Departed tour of L.A.?

It's run by Scott Michaels who used to work on the infamous Graveline Tours.

That might be fun for some people who come into town for Knott's Scary Farm.



Sheriff Lightyear. #31. 05-11-2012, 05:36 PM

Love going to Santa Monica and walking the 3rd St. Promenade. Relaxing on the beach in Laguna is also really nice.


jcruise86

I just remembered one of my favorites: Driving around Los Angeles on Sunday mornings!

There is much less traffic and it's usually so much faster--the earlier in the morning the better.

Well, don't cross paths with those still driving around drunk from Saturday night, but soon after sunrise is wonderful.

Turn the Sinatra up to 5 as you drive on Wilshire and imagine you're back in L.A. in the late 40s.

Wake up your car by driving the speed limit on a freeway!

Get to Disneyland or the beach really, really quickly!

Drive to Martha's on 22nd Street in Hermosa Street for breakfast! (If it's still there.)

Sunday mornings on Los Angeles roads can be like a dream!


Also, the Warner Bros, Paramount, and Sony studio tours. Great for people over the age of 11 who are interested in movies.



RegionsBeyond
Unnatural and dreadful
Here are some of mine:

Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant/Ghost Town/Knott's Scary Farm during early October or last weekend in September. General Ghost Town is a lot quirkier and more character than Frontierland, and very inexpensive compared to DL. The chicken dinner restaurant is definitely a 'retro' type of dining experience and worth doing. And basically, ambiance/crowds/performers and entertainment alone at Haunt wins out over Disneyland in overall experience for the one or two nights a year I go every time, without even factoring in the mazes themselves. That may well be just me though.

If you like 'outside the box'/deliberately strange or roadside attraction type places, I highly recommend The Museum Of Jurassic Technology. Don't read too much about it, just go and don't expect it to be normal. Museum of Jurassic Technology.

Halloween Club in Carmenita. If you are like me and want to browse giant rubber corpses, bulk packages of fake insects, faux tombstones, and Halloween merchandise/decorations of all sorts in the middle of February, this is a must-do. Very crowded with costume shoppers in actual October. Directly off the I-5 heading towards Disneyland from the north. Information

As others have said, the Wild Animal Park (whatever it is currently called) in San Diego is very nice.

HalloweenTown, in Burbank. Very classy store with tons of horror/dark subject books and high-end collectibles, art products. vintage Halloween items, horror toys, and the like. Look for Ezra (the hitchhiking ghost) out front.


jcruise86 [AKA "Hitchens" at WDW Info.]
former CM
.
THANKS, RegionsBeyond! I'll check out both Halloween stores.

Most of my friends have loved the Museum of Jurassic Technology, but (except for the art on grains of rice and the trailer home exhibit) I was disappointed in it. Then again, I didn't like the (now closed) Liberace Museum in Las Vegas, so what do I know. :blink:

Have you been to Knott's Chicken Dinner lately? I've liked the pre-scare dinners before the Haunt, and I used to like this restaurant, but some negative reviews about the service and value have kept me away in recent years.

Isn't Knott's Halloween Haunt one of those gatherings that restores your faith in humanity? I'm developing a religious-like devotion for this annual event.


RegionsBeyond. Unnatural and dreadful

Last time I went to Knott's Chicken Dinner restaurant (March) the food quality and portion size seemed the same to me. Biscuits still hot, fresh and delicious, chicken was the same (not the best fried chicken I've ever eaten, but not worse than in the past or non-tasty.).


Bob Weaver #40
05-17-2012, 03:38 PM

Close to Disneyland, the Orange Circle is an old-fashioned looking block with a fountain in the middle, about 100 years old, so different from most of southern California that it has been used in a few movies and TV shows (the first "Gumball Rally" movie had a scene filmed there). Pleasant circular park in the middle with the fountain, antique shops and restaurants in the buildings surrounding the park. East of Orange up in the hills is Irvine Regional Park, with wilderness trails, a small lake, a small train ride and a small zoo. I don't think anyone has mentioned in this thread the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the mountain towns of Idyllwild and Julian (which has good apple pie), Sunrise Highway with its views of the desert, or Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Torrey Pines Glider Port and Black's Beach below them, or the famous surfing spot Windansea Beach in La Jolla - which to me typifies the classic southern California beach scene.

[I like the Doubletree in Orange, though it's too far from Disneyland to walk to. And the City of Orange has California's court reporting school, South Coast College.]


...

. . . this is certainly not for everyone, but have any of you

taken a Dearly Departed tour of L.A.?


It's run by Scott Michaels who used to work on the infamous Graveline Tours.

That might be fun for some people who come into town for Knott's Scary Farm.

Yes! I love Scott! I've taken his Dearly Departed Tour, the Helter Skelter tour(a tour dedicated to the Manson Family and the murder sites) and his Hollywood Movie tour. By far my favorite was Dearly Departed. While probably not for kids it's VERY good, and interesting. It's the kind of tour you want to take again and the guides are awesome.

Also around Halloween he does a Horror movie location tour. Haven't been to that one, but I hear it's a lot of fun.


jcruise86
Originally posted by StaceeyLView Post
Yes! I love Scott! I've taken his Dearly Departed Tour, the Helter Skelter tour(a tour dedicated to the Manson Family and the murder sites) and his Hollywood Movie tour. By far my favorite was Dearly Departed. While probably not for kids it's VERY good, and interesting. It's the kind of tour you want to take again and the guides are awesome.

Also around Halloween he does a Horror movie location tour. Haven't been to that one, but I hear it's a lot of fun.

I can't wait to do this!

Thanks, StaceeyL!

(Note to self: remember Dearly Departed Tours with Scott Michaels!)


Jayden
Since I'm from San Diego, I'm a little partial to my home city.

Driving to the top of Mt. Helix and watching plays, or simply watching the sunset.

Hiking up Cowles Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the Coronado Islands, and sometimes Catalina Island.

Walking along La Jolla cove or Torrey Pines after work. The weekdays are the best days to go.

Del Mar Race Track: Even if you don't bet, it's fun to get dressed up and cruise the races. Plenty of people watching, and you can see the ocean from certain areas of the grandstand.

San Elijo: Great spot to beach camp and catch the sunset. If you bring bikes, you can cruise south to the Solana Beach downtown district, or you may end up at the Del Mar Race Track.

Coronado Island: Wonderful to walk the downtown district, and grab a meal. Love checking out the Hotel Del Coronado, as there are usually large bouquets of flowers in the foyer. During Christmas, they replace the flowers with a sky-high Christmas tree and adorn it with beautiful ornaments. They also open an ice rink near the beach during the winter, with all proceeds benefitting charity.
[Jcruise: Coronado is currently my favorite beach for swimming. That changes.]

As far as the rest of Southern California:

Palm Springs
[JCruise here: Love the tramway up the mountain in Palm Springs and hiking around at the top!]

Temecula wine country

Camping in the desert

Catalina Island. If you go, stay a little inland, away from the downtown district. Yes, it's farther to walk, but the hotels are usually cheaper. I find the golf cart rentals are silly, when you can walk with unlimited access anywhere, whereas the golf carts DO have restrictions.

Calico Ghost Town: Went here for my Birthday a few years ago, and it's such a cool place. It was saved by Walter Knott. (Yes, think Knott's Berry Farm) It has plenty of attractions for the kiddos, and offers some really pretty views of the San Bernadino desert.


Werner. #45. 05-30-2012, 09:53 AM
Besides the Huntington, my favorite "escape" was to Descanso Gardens. Wonderful way to shake off the city and repose in the "country". Really quit the oasis!

jcruise86 #46
06-11-2012, 05:22 PM
With Buena Vista Street opening, visitors to S. Cal might want to check out some other historical and/or sentimental S. Cal architecture on this thread like:

The Pasadena City Hall (more beautiful than some state capitol buildings), the Huntington in San Marino (just south of Pasadena), the Langham in Pasadena, Balboa Park and The University of San Diego, Union Station, the Malibu Getty, the Beverly Hills Hotel, UCLA, Roy Disney & Frank Wells' school: Pomona College, etc. [J.cruise here: Pomona College is one of 5 excellent, connected Claremont Colleges in the beautiful college town of Claremont--"The City of Tree's and Ph.Ds." If you visit Claremont, I recommend eating at Madrid and 50-Fifty (Asian fusion.)]

InsertCuteNameHere. #49
. . . Dodger Stadium. . . . this year when we go down, we're going to spend a couple days in magic mountain before going to disneyland, and while in MM, were going to try to shoot over to Dodger Stadium, since the Giants will be in town. Being a die hard Giants fan, though, I'm not sure I'll survive to go do disneyland, lol. may just be spending a few days in LA's hospital

DJM
Being a fan of the beach, I'd recommend a bike ride down The Strand in South Bay. I really don't know how far it goes, but I ride it through Redondo Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach Pier, and Manhattan Beach Pier (I think it may go all the way to Santa Monica!). You get beautiful views of the ocean (The Strand is literally on the sand) and the women are gorgeous. Jump on the pier during the summer and you'll often see dolphins and sea lions.

On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends Hermosa Beach throws it's bi-annual Fiesta Hermosa event that opens and closes out summer. It's one of my favorite things to go to. There's numerous arts and craft vendors, fair-like food, a beer garden, and cover bands. The entire city is lively, great places to jump into, and the ocean to hang out at when you get tired of walking around. Trust me, you'll love it. I'm going on sept. 3rd I believe.

There's also the AVP tour (a pro-volleyball tour) in Manhattan Beach and the Hermosa Beach and the Jose Cuervo Volley Ball Tournament. Those are fun because vendors pass out lots of freebies. I usually collect a year's worth of Banana Boat sun block, lots of health food items (free muscle milk protein drinks, vitamin water, protein bars, etc.), and for some reason there's always wine makers passing out awesome coupons (buy one get one free at Ralphs or Vons for example). Just bring a back pack and load it up with goodies.

. . . . and if you get a chance, take The Strand and take a bike ride to Redondo Beach pier and head over to Captain Kidd's for some sea food. It's no frills and you pay cheap prices for awesome cuts of fish. I got a sword fish sandwich for $4.95. So awesome.

Oh yeah, there's a couple of wineries in Malibu that are worth checking out, the best being Saddle Rock. It's located on Ca-1, sits on the bluffs and overlooks the ocean. A phenomenal view and a great place to grab a wonderful glass of wine, a cheese plate, see the beautiful ocean, and take in some nice live music. Go on google and check out Malibu wineries. I think there's at least 4 wineries/tasting rooms.

jennc04. #51
07-15-2012, 05:37 PM
I was just going to post a similar question...so this is helpful! Thanks-

For those that are fans of the beach...are there any that you would say are more family friendly( kids from 2.5 yrs to 12 yrs) than others? We plan on one weekday to spend casually at a beach...just not sure which one we should try out this time

Gwenchanter. #52
07-15-2012, 06:38 PM

I personally think the beaches in Orange County are the most family friendly, my favorite being Newport Beach with the boardwalk and peir area. The best beach for kids is Corona Del Mar in Newport Beach - it has fun rock formations that kids can play on and a little private cove beach with caves. A short walk up the street takes you to Little Corona beach which is famous to the locals for it's awesome tide pools. Huntington beach is huge and also has a pier and is famous for being Surf City USA. Seal beach is on the northern end of orange county, has a smaller pier and is probably better for adults because there are lots of restaurants and bars leading up to the sand. Laguna Beach is to the southern end of OC and is awesome for all of it's art galleries, restaurants and laid back feel. Not to be missed is the Wyland Gallery, Laguna Village, and in the summer the Sawdust art festival and the Pageant of the Masters!

I would also like to second the reccomendation of the Orange Circle Historic District! I live in Orange and this is one of my favorite places to hang out. There is the amazing Watson's drug store and soda fountain that was used in the movie That Thing You Do with Liv Tyler and Tom Hanks and tons of awesome antiques shops filled with antiques and Americana. It's like going through museums where everything is for sale. There are too many fantastic restaurants to name and the archetecture of the houses and the public buildings ranges from the 1880s to the 1950's. In September they close the whole plaza down and do the International Street Fair which has booths set up down the streets allowing you to sample food and entertainment from different countries of the world. So much fun!

How you get to the Orange Circle from Disneyland:

Head south on Harbor Blvd for 1 mile, then turn left on Chapman Ave. Drive 3.6 miles on Chapman and you're there! There are FREE public parking lots on Orange Street between Chapman Ave and Almond St and on Olive Street between Chapman and Almond Street.


. . . . Jcruise86 here:

Again [?] I would hope that instead of spending a whole week in Anaheim,

that some adventurous visitors would maybe spend "just " 3 or 4 nights in Anaheim

and 2 or 3 nights in San Diego, Los Angeles :vogue:, or Las Vegas :evil:.

Again, those who admire the artificial rocks in Carsland might be impressed by the real thing in Red Rock to the north of Las Vegas

or Valley of Fire to the east.


So does anyone (preferably after reading the whole thing -- HA!) have anything new to add to this list?

 

[cindy17]

My dd and I are going to DL in August and will have two days staying in Burbank. We are both adults and have no idea what are some fun things to do. We have never done anything but go to DL

Check out if the studio tours are running again. Pre Covid we did the Warner brothers one and really enjoyed it

 

[bcla]

Angeles National Forest is pretty close to Burbank.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles/