Im going to Los Angeles soon and I havent been out there in a while. Im looking for stuff to do (food, entertainment, sight seeing, etc.) Here is the list of what I got so far... -Pinks Hot Dogs -Roscos Chicken and Waffles -Stalk the Beverly Hills Starbucks -Rent some bikes at Hunnington Beach. -Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Hollywood sign. Got anything else I should put on my list???
Disneyland (or Downtown Disney) Rodeo Drive Newport Beach and Pier Malibu MGM, Warner Bros or Universal Studios
People watching: Just went to Venice Beach last weekend. Very interesting place. Worth a visit. Food: Lucille's Smokehouse http://www.lucillesbbq.com/ Closest stuff to Texas BBQ that I've found in this timezone. Very good stuff. Claim Jumper http://www.claimjumper.com/ Like Black Eyed Pea/Texas Roadhouse but better. In-N-Out El Pollo Loco - great fast food flame grilled chicken Sights: If you do Disneyland, definitely try to go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. I've got an annual pass and it seems those are the least visited days...although, this time of year it's going to be packed no matter what day you go. Plan on not getting to ride all of the rides you'd like to ride (if you plan on going one day only). California Adventure (next to DL is Astroworld-esque, with less rides) If you want non-Disney rides, check out Knott's Berry Farm, just a few minutes away from Disney. WTF: LA's garment district - part flea market, part massive cultural collision, part get-the-latest-movies-still-out-in-the-theater-on-dvd arena. Interesting visit where you can get some good bargains on almost anything. FWIW...I tried Rosco's in Long Beach and was not at all impressed with their chicken. Their waffles are teh r0X0r5...but the chicken is blah.
you could go check out a movie premiere in westwood or hollywood. westwood has a premiere pretty much every week now that its summer. you can usually find what is premiering when online
go rent a car from Budget Rent-A-Car in Beverly Hills, nothing but Benx and Excelibers go to Universal Studios go to NBC studio in Burkbank, get in line to get tickets to the Jay Leno show check up the club scene and night live on Hollywood Blvd, and Vine. (it's close to Pinks Hot Dog) Food: Mexican -- El Tepeac on Cesar Chavez Blvd, in the heart of Latino community. Burgers -- Tommy's on Beverly ~ Alvarado Continental food, on restuarant row (on La Cienaga) Asian Foods ---any one in the San Gabriel Valley bike riding should be done ~ Santa Monica Beach / Venice Beach / Manhanttan Beach / Redondo Beach Shopping, or check out the scenary in malls; lot of Valley Girls hang out in the Glendale Galleria Magic Castle, The Kodack Theatre, Chandler Pavillion, the Getty Museum, etc.
If you are into cool architecture and art check out the Getty Center Museum. It's free but you have to pay to park (something like $7). You can also drive to the coast and check it out - very pretty. There's also Hollywood Blvd where you can see all the star's footprints. It's really kind of lame but the people watching is fun. Really, the Getty was the coolest thing. The Getty Homepage Architecture of the Getty Center
I worked for the Getty Trust for the last 7 years I lived in LA, and I was one of the original staff to work at the Getty Center. And you're right...it's a must do. It was the best place I ever worked. They don't pay much, but they treat their employees great.
have fun waiting in line at Pink's. ive never seen a place with such long lines all day long, even at 2 in the morning <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nwfc9ge62Yk"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Nwfc9ge62Yk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
- Santa Monica Pier & Promenade. Nice beachside setting. - Venice Beach definitely for people watching and occasional freak show street performer - Melrose Ave - Kodak Theater, in Hollywood on Walk of Fame - If you're in the Knott's Berry Farm area, there's the Medieval Times restaurant. Where its full-on Middle Ages theme and they have jousts (remember the movie The Cable Guy?). Bring $ - Catalina lsland. Need some money to get in there ($60?) but my friends definitely recommend it. And they are California locals. Where NOT to go if you're a straight man: - West Hollywood
I live in LA now, and I agree with most of the things listed so far- In-n-Out - double double, animal style Roscoes - neither item is good on its own, but the chicken/waffles combo is greeeeaaaat. Get the Herb's Special with gravy on the side, and spice it up with some Louisiana Red Rooster sauce! Pink's - I find it a bit overrated, but is a nice experience Getty Museum - a must, as others have said; parking is $7 and admission is free Hike to the Hollywood sign - pretty fun and doesn't take all too long, I did it a few weeks ago The Tonight Show - also a good experience...if it's not a big guest you can probably go get tickets at about 1-2pm and wait in line at the NBC Studios until they start taping at about 4 Not listed - The Grove - nice outdoor shopping area if you're into that Manna - delicious all-you-can-eat Korean bbq in K-town ($15) Chomp - all-you-can-eat sushi Thursday nights gets pretty crazy and it's soooo good ($20) Pinkberry - cult-ish following for frozen yogurt + fresh fruits
I have pinkberry about three times a week, with blueberries, banana and granola... everything everyone else listed is pretty good too.. Runyon Canyon is a good place to hike...
