What to do in San Diego & LA

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DrVos

Golden Member
Jan 31, 2002
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You might also consider the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Unlike the Universal tour, their tour takes you through actual, working sets. When I went, we got to walk through the Gilmore Girls and ER sets. Both of those shows have since stopped production, so I'm sure what you'll see, but I'm sure it'll be cool!
 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
827
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76
Originally posted by: AccruedExpenditure
How old are you? SD is amazing if you're 21-29 and not attached
-AE

I'm at the rip old age of 31. :D Not a big bar guy since I've got the flushing Asian syndrome and booze gives me bad-ass headaches. :) I'd end up sitting there and drinking Coke and water all night.

Originally posted by: DrVos
You might also consider the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Unlike the Universal tour, their tour takes you through actual, working sets. When I went, we got to walk through the Gilmore Girls and ER sets. Both of those shows have since stopped production, so I'm sure what you'll see, but I'm sure it'll be cool!

This sounds pretty cool. Added to the list. :)
 

Fayd

Diamond Member
Jun 28, 2001
7,970
2
76
www.manwhoring.com
Originally posted by: syee
San Diego:
*San Diego Zoo
*Seaworld
*Balboa Park
*Mission Beach

LA:
*Disneyland (maybe)
*Universal Studios
*Hollywood
*Santa Monica

In San Diego, the Wild Animal Park (owned and operated by san diego zoological society...same as zoo) is probably a better visit. more animals to see, less people, and more relaxing place to visit.

actually, they're both very good, and i'd recommend either of them (or both of them) over sea world, which isnt so impressive. you've seen one aquarium with big fish, you've seen em all. nothing impressive about sea world.

with regard to LA, you're gonna be a lot happier going to knotts berry farm rather than universal studios.
 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
827
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76
Any locals that can suggest areas to stay at that's somewhat central to those attractions? I'm looking for somewhere that's somewhat affordable (around $100 or less a night). It doesn't have to be right downtown or anything, but should be within an hours driving distance to the attractions.

Also adding Las Vegas to the mix. Will drive there from LA. Anyone have any suggestions on places to see on a drive between Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
 

thepd7

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2005
9,423
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I went to Mel's Diner while I was in LA, they had the best milkshakes I had ever tasted.

I also really enjoyed the Getty Center (for both the art and the architecture) especially for $10/car.


I was in LA on a Friday-Sunday, then in OC on business during the week, then Saturday I rented a Mustang Convertible and drove up the Pacific Coast Highway (1).

Honestly the PCH was an incredible experience and I would forgo anything in LA for that. I drove from LA to Monterey (north). Pismo Beach to Monterey was gorgeous.

Here are some examples:

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theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
the getty is worth a visit in LA.

if you are into movies and want to see a great place that has been used in countless movies including the original exterior for the bat cave, head to griffith park and look for bronson cave (canyon). not only is it a historical set for movies, it also has a great view of the hollywood sign. google bronson caves, you'll be surprised. (and it's free)

Newport beach is a must. it's a lot nicer then the beaches higher up along the coast.

malibu is worth the drive. if you come into malibu from the north there is a fantastic hindu temple that is open to the public (also free)

then, once you've done all that, leave. LA and california in general sucks.

oh, the getty is free if you take the train and park outside the getty in the bus areas. they take you in and it's FREE.////
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
Originally posted by: syee
Any locals that can suggest areas to stay at that's somewhat central to those attractions? I'm looking for somewhere that's somewhat affordable (around $100 or less a night). It doesn't have to be right downtown or anything, but should be within an hours driving distance to the attractions.

Also adding Las Vegas to the mix. Will drive there from LA. Anyone have any suggestions on places to see on a drive between Los Angeles to Las Vegas?



Two placess]. joshua tree and if you go up to route 66 you can visit the town of Amboy, which has a volcano and some really cool buildings. Plus it's a nice stretch of historic 66.
 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
827
0
76
Originally posted by: theblackbox
Originally posted by: syee
Any locals that can suggest areas to stay at that's somewhat central to those attractions? I'm looking for somewhere that's somewhat affordable (around $100 or less a night). It doesn't have to be right downtown or anything, but should be within an hours driving distance to the attractions.

Also adding Las Vegas to the mix. Will drive there from LA. Anyone have any suggestions on places to see on a drive between Los Angeles to Las Vegas?



Two placess]. joshua tree and if you go up to route 66 you can visit the town of Amboy, which has a volcano and some really cool buildings. Plus it's a nice stretch of historic 66.

haha...Joshua tree is real? :D I just remember it from the episode of Entourage where they were tripping on the shrooms. :D
 

mrkun

Platinum Member
Jul 17, 2005
2,177
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0
Originally posted by: theblackbox

then, once you've done all that, leave. LA and california in general sucks.

I'm still waiting for the Bay Area snobs to jump on this.
 

Sahakiel

Golden Member
Oct 19, 2001
1,746
0
86
Originally posted by: syee
I also don't mind something scenic as I want to get an opportunity to play around with my new dSLR and get some nice scenic shots as well.

Consider this your last warning: Getty Center. 4:30-5:00PM are great.
 

GundamW

Golden Member
Feb 3, 2000
1,440
0
0
Maybe you will experience earthquake too.

In & Out Burger, Pat&Oscar ribs and breadsticks, Fry's Electronic in San Marcos, real mexican food like Alberto/Aiberto/???berto, nude beach in La Jolla....
 

Jschmuck2

Diamond Member
Jul 13, 2005
5,623
3
81
Originally posted by: Ocguy31
Originally posted by: syee


San Diego:
*San Diego Zoo
*Seaworld
*Balboa Park
*Mission Beach

LA:
*Disneyland (maybe)*Universal Studios
*Hollywood
*Santa Monica

Boooooo! OC is not LA* *throws tomato*




*unless you own the Angles and want to try and sell more tshirts to the residents of LA so you call your team the LA Angles :(

It most certainly isn't. Los Angeles, is interesting and has culture.

That being said, Wicked is still at the Pantages and Spring Awakening is at the Ahmanson and is a Goddamn fantastic show. As previously mentioned, Pinks (and I respectfully disagree with NS1, here) is worth the trip. Try and go on an off hour to avoid the crazy lines but it's certainly an experience and the hot dogs aren't bad either.

See if you can get an appointment at the Griffith Observatory which was remodeled a few years ago - it's very impressive. Also, like everyone has said, the Getty (off of the 405 - not in Malibu - although that one is cool, too) is a great way to spend a few hours. You need to go to the Hollywood Bowl (take the shuttle) and see a performance there, too.

There's a great club/lounge downtown called The Edison which is really cool, to boot. Steampunk style :)
 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
827
0
76
Added Las Vegas as the final destination because I didn't want to have to drive back to San Diego, and flights home would be cheaper. Plus, Vegas is always good for a few days of fun. :)

Has anyone been to Zion in the winter? I've always wanted to check out the Grand Canyon, and I figure Zion would be a good teaser for what I could see if I went in the summer. What's the weather like at that time of the year? Should I be worried about poor conditions up there that might not make the trip worth it? I'm thinking of making it a day trip.
 

Ns1

No Lifer
Jun 17, 2001
55,420
1,600
126
Originally posted by: GundamW
Maybe you will experience earthquake too.

In & Out Burger, Pat&Oscar ribs and breadsticks, Fry's Electronic in San Marcos, real mexican food like Alberto/Aiberto/???berto, nude beach in La Jolla....

what the fuck, pat & oscar is in no way shape or form a destination

same with Fry's wtf
 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
827
0
76
Originally posted by: Ns1
Originally posted by: GundamW
Maybe you will experience earthquake too.

In & Out Burger, Pat&Oscar ribs and breadsticks, Fry's Electronic in San Marcos, real mexican food like Alberto/Aiberto/???berto, nude beach in La Jolla....

what the fuck, pat & oscar is in no way shape or form a destination

same with Fry's wtf

hahah...maybe Frys for us cheap electronics deprived Canadians...though Frys is far from cheap. :D

 

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
22,976
1,178
126
Originally posted by: theblackbox
the getty is worth a visit in LA.

if you are into movies and want to see a great place that has been used in countless movies including the original exterior for the bat cave, head to griffith park and look for bronson cave (canyon). not only is it a historical set for movies, it also has a great view of the hollywood sign. google bronson caves, you'll be surprised. (and it's free)

Newport beach is a must. it's a lot nicer then the beaches higher up along the coast.

malibu is worth the drive. if you come into malibu from the north there is a fantastic hindu temple that is open to the public (also free)

then, once you've done all that, leave. LA and california in general sucks.

oh, the getty is free if you take the train and park outside the getty in the bus areas. they take you in and it's FREE.////

NEWPORT??? Crowded as hell! the pier at Santa Monica is about 11 teen times better than Newports. Newport is cool but I don't see what the fuss is about, the Knockworst Sammish at Blackies is good shit, but the beach itself is just so so, and both piers are whatever. Santa Monica is a better all around beach. That's just my opinion though :)
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
Originally posted by: QueBert
Originally posted by: theblackbox
the getty is worth a visit in LA.

if you are into movies and want to see a great place that has been used in countless movies including the original exterior for the bat cave, head to griffith park and look for bronson cave (canyon). not only is it a historical set for movies, it also has a great view of the hollywood sign. google bronson caves, you'll be surprised. (and it's free)

Newport beach is a must. it's a lot nicer then the beaches higher up along the coast.

malibu is worth the drive. if you come into malibu from the north there is a fantastic hindu temple that is open to the public (also free)

then, once you've done all that, leave. LA and california in general sucks.

oh, the getty is free if you take the train and park outside the getty in the bus areas. they take you in and it's FREE.////

NEWPORT??? Crowded as hell! the pier at Santa Monica is about 11 teen times better than Newports. Newport is cool but I don't see what the fuss is about, the Knockworst Sammish at Blackies is good shit, but the beach itself is just so so, and both piers are whatever. Santa Monica is a better all around beach. That's just my opinion though :)

newport during the week. santa monica is always so crowded. i also like the beaches further south.