Suggestions for trip to LA

#1
amazingGRACE

amazingGRACE

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#1
I've never been to Los Angeles so me & a cousin of mine decided to fly out there in August. He's a die hard dodgers fan so I know we're going to a game on the Saturday that we arrive. And I know one day we've planned to go to Santa Monica beach (unless somebody prefers a different one). The rest of the time (3 days) I really have nothing planned. I'd like to see Hollywood, Beverly Hills & rodeo drive, maybe go down to USC & see the coliseum.

We're gonna rent a car since I figured you'd go broke pretty easily taking a cab everywhere. Any suggestions or must do's/sees while in LA?
 
#2
#2
Your choices sound good.

Also go check out Hollywood sign. Venice Beach and Malibu are musts.
 
#7
#7
Thanks sdv. Any can't miss places to eat around Beverly Hills/sunset blvd?

We're gonna go to the in-n-out by LAX as soon as we get there since I've never had it but idk any good dinner places that won't break the bank.
 
#9
#9
amazingGRACE said:
Thanks sdv. Any can't miss places to eat around Beverly Hills/sunset blvd?

We're gonna go to the in-n-out by LAX as soon as we get there since I've never had it but idk any good dinner places that won't break the bank.
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I've only lived here for 2 1/2 months, so don't know all of the hot spots. There are tons of places to eat around there that are all fantastic. Try to go to the Saddle Ranch on Sunset for drinks. It's that bar you see on all of the reality shows that has a mechanical bull in it.
 
#12
#12
I have always been interested in LA......I want to go to a Laker game......see Hollywood, Beverly Hills, get my picture in Compton lol but seriously I want to go one day
 
#14
#14
Looking for a place to eat. Grab a hot dog at Pink's. Might see a celebrity there and get a good dog. It's on N La Brea Ave between Melrose and Santa Monica Blvd. Another neat place to eat, believe it or not, is the LA Farmer's Market. It's an all day adventure if you have the time. You'll find about anything you'd like to eat. Lot of food vendors and places to sit to eat. It's SW of Pnk's off Fairvax. Just thinking of a couple off beat places some don't think of.
 
#15
#15
amazingGRACE said:
I've never been to Los Angeles so me & a cousin of mine decided to fly out there in August. He's a die hard dodgers fan so I know we're going to a game on the Saturday that we arrive. And I know one day we've planned to go to Santa Monica beach (unless somebody prefers a different one). The rest of the time (3 days) I really have nothing planned. I'd like to see Hollywood, Beverly Hills & rodeo drive, maybe go down to USC & see the coliseum.

We're gonna rent a car since I figured you'd go broke pretty easily taking a cab everywhere. Any suggestions or must do's/sees while in LA?
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I get to LA on a pretty regular basis for work.

I'd recommend staying somewhere on the water as opposed to downtown LA. Most of the city itself is a big sprawling industrial area. It's not all Hollywood and surfing. For example, you may be surprised on your way into and out of the USC campus. Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu - to name a few - would be where I would look to bed down.

A Dodgers game is a must. Spring for good seats close to home or close in on the right field line. Make sure to get a few Dodger dogs and cold beers.

As an FYI, that In-N-Out by LAX is usually packed. I'd pick another one if your itinerary allows it.

Here are a few suggestions for eats while you're out that way:

Venice - Hinano Cafe - this is a local dive bar that you feel right at home in. Very simple menu, but their burgers are amazing. It will be you and mostly local people.

Venice - Wurstkuche - local German sausage and beer spot. You can order all kinds of German sausages and toppings for a good dog. Fantastic selection of German beers.

Malibu - Reel Inn - down to earth fresh seafood joint. You walk up to a counter to order and can sit outside looking across the street to the water. Really cool spot, and really fresh seafood.

Los Angeles - The Biergarten at the Standard - this is a bar on top of The Standard hotel in LA. Ping Pong tables, young singles, great views, and tasty beverages.

Check out some of those places on Yelp and see if they are your style. I have always enjoyed them. Have a good time.
 
#16
#16
DC_Vol said:
I get to LA on a pretty regular basis for work.

I'd recommend staying somewhere on the water as opposed to downtown LA. Most of the city itself is a big sprawling industrial area. It's not all Hollywood and surfing. For example, you may be surprised on your way into and out of the USC campus. Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu - to name a few - would be where I would look to bed down.

A Dodgers game is a must. Spring for good seats close to home or close in on the right field line. Make sure to get a few Dodger dogs and cold beers.

As an FYI, that In-N-Out by LAX is usually packed. I'd pick another one if your itinerary allows it.

Here are a few suggestions for eats while you're out that way:

Venice - Hinano Cafe - this is a local dive bar that you feel right at home in. Very simple menu, but their burgers are amazing. It will be you and mostly local people.

Venice - Wurstkuche - local German sausage and beer spot. You can order all kinds of German sausages and toppings for a good dog. Fantastic selection of German beers.

Malibu - Reel Inn - down to earth fresh seafood joint. You walk up to a counter to order and can sit outside looking across the street to the water. Really cool spot, and really fresh seafood.

Los Angeles - The Biergarten at the Standard - this is a bar on top of The Standard hotel in LA. Ping Pong tables, young singles, great views, and tasty beverages.

Check out some of those places on Yelp and see if they are your style. I have always enjoyed them. Have a good time.
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Much appreciated DC. I'll definitely check out some of the food spots.

When we're not at the Dodgers game it looks like most of our time will be spent towards the Beverly Hills/Santa Monica area. Ideally I'd like to take a drive up to Malibu & spend a day here.
 
#17
#17
amazingGRACE said:
Anybody have anything else? Maybe 520 will drop by..pretty sure he lives in LA or Orange County.
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Been out a few times. Like the guy above said, Saddle Ranch on Sunset is the place to eat or go party. Do not over order, meals are huge. I had pancakes for breakfast and they come out on a pizza pan...no joke. I stayed on Sunset and could walk to Saddle Ranch or across the street is the House of Blues.down the street is The Viper Room, Whiskey a-go go, and the Rainbow if you into live music, maybe you can catch a good show

If you decide to do one of those tours, don't get sucked into a bus tour. Get a limo and take you some beer with ya and have a good time. There is little difference in the cost of the both of them and you will learn some neat info if you in to that as well. Plenty to do at the least. But you are right, the taxi rides get expensive, but driving out there is nuts. Good luck and have fun regardless.
 
#19
#19
You certainly have to eat some Mexican food. Lot's of good places.

I wouldn't personally do Malibu. Just do venice and santa monica.

If you have time drive down to Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

You could also catch an angels game maybe if they are in town and you guys are big baseball fans.

At in-n-out I usually order a double double with grilled onions. Sometimes I'll have it mustard grilled. I personally don't do animal style fries. If I were you I would try one fries regular and one animal style.

Fathers Office in LA is pretty cool and unique-don't ask for alterations or ketchup.

The bar at the top of standard is cool and usually has some babes. I always have fun at barney's beanery to catch a game.

A fun bar near westwood is Q's. Kind of divey but fun.

Don't waste your time seeing the coliseum. You'll drive right past in headed to downtown, but nothing to see.

LA live (where staples and downtown is) is pretty cool. Lots of restaurants etc.

If you want to hang out with college age kids head to Hermosa beach.

Honestly though LA is weird and spread out. Orange County is way better.

Again have as much Mexican food as you can. And try del taco as a fast food place. It put's taco bell to shame.
 
#20
#20
rent something fast, preferably not made in America, and storm Mulholland Drive

learn passable Spanish
 
#21
#21
Knott's Berry Farm is a pretty fun amusement/theme park that I always try to recommend to anyone visiting LA, and it's pretty centrally located in LA's layout. Depending on what's going on for what day, the Santa Monica Pier can be nice as well. Venice, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu are pretty hard to beat. The restaurant I'd recommend would be Gjelina, in Venice. It's right on Venice's main drag (Abbot Kinney Blvd) and there's plenty of stuff to do around that area. In Santa Monica, go to Father's Office off Montana Ave (Order the "Office Burger" & extensive beer selection is available)
 
#22
#22
Kinda on a budget so I'll be staying at one if the hotels by LAX. Custom hotel looks neat & is pretty good price. Actually saw it on an Anthony Bourdain show last night.

Thanks for all the suggestions though fellas. May try to hit a beach with more college aged kids but it'll be fine either way.
 
#23
#23
amazingGRACE said:
Kinda on a budget so I'll be staying at one if the hotels by LAX. Custom hotel looks neat & is pretty good price. Actually saw it on an Anthony Bourdain show last night.

Thanks for all the suggestions though fellas. May try to hit a beach with more college aged kids but it'll be fine either way.
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Do hermosa then. Also look up ayres hotels. They are all over SoCal and not too expensive.
 
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