What to do with extra day in LA?

[mswalters]

We are coming to California the week after Thanksgiving. We will arrive on Sunday the 25th and leave on Thurs the 29th. We have an 8 year old daughter who will be with us. So here is where I need some help. We arrive on Sunday about 10am at LAX. Out thoughts are to head to Disney that day (we will have a car). We could stay until Wed night when we are thinking about heading to LA to see Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills??? We really aren't sure. Our flight leaves LAX on Thurs at 7pm. So this would give us a day to see whatever we wanted. We can get a free room with Hilton points, but I am not sure where exactly we should go. We thought this plan would be good for a couple of reasons. 1. DD wants to see Hollywood- not sure what exactly she thinks that is 2. If we were over that way on Thurs, getting to the airport for a 7pm flight may not be so bad 3. If we are coming to Cali we should see everything we can???
I am wondering if this is the best plan or not. Any thoughts? We could visit some sights on Sunday when we arrive and head to DLR on Mon. Then stay until Thurs there. But if we do that we would be heading to LAX during rush hour traffic.
Any help in this matter is appreciated. I have never been to LA and DH has only been a couple of times.
Thanks so much!

 

[rwu]

There are lots of interesting things to do in the LA area. Here are some random suggestions...

1) If your daughter likes American Girl, then she'd probably love American Girl Place at the Grove. You can get your doll's hair styled, have tea, etc.

2) If you go to Hollywood, you might want to combine that with a movie at Disney's El Capitan. It's a great old theater and there are often exhibits or pre-shows to go with the movie. Disney also has a soda fountain next door.

3) If you're into space flight stuff, you could go to the California Science Center and check out the space shuttle Endeavour.

4) Near the DL area, there's a great museum for kids -- the Discovery Science Center.

 

[sheetz]

I think it'd be best to drive straight to DL on Sun and do LA on Wed/Thu. There's a Hilton right next to Universal Studios Hollywood and you could do both Hollywood and USH if you wanted. It just depends on your interests and how much money you want to spend.

 

[princesscinderella]

The regan library has a Disney archives exhibit that is supposed to be really nice and it will be there til April 2013.

 

[lizabu]

I would do the El Capitain theater. It's a movie theater right in the Hollywood and Highland area owned by Disney. They will have a Disney movie playing. Based on when you're going if I guess I would say it will probably be Wreck it Ralph. They often have a live show of some kind of actual props from the movie on display so it's more special than a regular movie theater. Next door is the Disney Soda fountain. They will usually have an ice cream themed to whatever movie is playing and they sell things like Mickey waffles. They also have a store with movies and rare pins. Out front is part of the Hollywood walk of fame. This is where they have the stars on the ground. Most of the Disney themed stars will be near by. A short walk away is grauman's chinese theatre. In front of it is where you will see the handprints and foot prints of famous stars. Across from the Soda shop is the Hollywood and Highland center. On the 3rd and 4th floors of the center they have bridges that have a good view of the hollywood sign if you want to take picture. It's kind of like a one stop see it all area.

There is a Hilton walking distance to Universal studios. It might be nice to spend at least a half a day there if you can. If you're looking to do the "Hollywood " thing they have a tram that takes you through real sets. You will see the Grinch movie set and Desperate Housewives Wisteria lane among others plus they have numerous rides and shows depending how much time you want to spend there.

I would probably do the Hollywood and Highland stuff Wednesday night/afternoon and Universal Thursday morning.

 

[Momrow]

I am in LA right now staying next door to the Hilton at Universal. Our flight also leaves at 7. Pretty convenient location for Universal, Hollywood, etc. We had a nice dinner last night at Citywalk. Rope drop at universal today and sightseeing later.