Discussion
I've only been to California within the US so not sure how it measures to the rest of the nation but my family and I absolutely love it over there.
We have stayed in Santa Monica and its fine, there is alot of homeless people around but nothing like what Venice Beach is like. As quirky as Venice Beach is, unfortunately the sheer scale of homeless people there with the drug use, smell, shouting etc makes it abit comfortable for me to walk through with my young family.
I would say take a trip out but just be forewarned of the environment there as your family is much older than mine.
Point Dume is a lovely spot, we had half a day there on an insanely windy day, though challenging with the weather the views and hike was great. We parked at the beach and went up that way around.
Griffith Observatory is a must do IMO, and potentially my favourite place from our trip out. You can park along the road as you get towards the Observatory, use the car park at the top or park at the bottom by the theatre and get a bus. We parked on the road on our first trip then in the car park on the second when we went at night. Managed to see Jupiter and Saturn on the telescopes outside, and saw a SpaceX shuttle in the sky which was a nice bonus.
As this is Pistonheads, I'd suggest driving Angles Crest Highway and maybe doing some of the other canyon roads. We did a few of them in our rentals, slow drives but just enjoyed the scenic views and regular stops.
Another vote for the Science Centre, the space shuttle has been relocated to its new home but I don't think its open to the public till next year?
And be ready for a 1 to 2 hour wait at passport control and then another similar amount of time to leave LAX, especially if your renting a car.
We have stayed in Santa Monica and its fine, there is alot of homeless people around but nothing like what Venice Beach is like. As quirky as Venice Beach is, unfortunately the sheer scale of homeless people there with the drug use, smell, shouting etc makes it abit comfortable for me to walk through with my young family.
I would say take a trip out but just be forewarned of the environment there as your family is much older than mine.
Point Dume is a lovely spot, we had half a day there on an insanely windy day, though challenging with the weather the views and hike was great. We parked at the beach and went up that way around.
Griffith Observatory is a must do IMO, and potentially my favourite place from our trip out. You can park along the road as you get towards the Observatory, use the car park at the top or park at the bottom by the theatre and get a bus. We parked on the road on our first trip then in the car park on the second when we went at night. Managed to see Jupiter and Saturn on the telescopes outside, and saw a SpaceX shuttle in the sky which was a nice bonus.
As this is Pistonheads, I'd suggest driving Angles Crest Highway and maybe doing some of the other canyon roads. We did a few of them in our rentals, slow drives but just enjoyed the scenic views and regular stops.
Another vote for the Science Centre, the space shuttle has been relocated to its new home but I don't think its open to the public till next year?
And be ready for a 1 to 2 hour wait at passport control and then another similar amount of time to leave LAX, especially if your renting a car.
h0b0 said:
croyde said:
Petrus1983 said:
h0b0 said:
£1.10/L currently in LA. The days of dirt cheap fuel are long gone.
Probably little saving on electric though with high costs to charge. I was in AVIS in LA this time last year and the guy ahead of me had booked a Tesla. His kids was full of enthusiasm but when the guy asked about range the desk told him to get a gas car.
I am no fan of LA and can tell you Hollywood is a crap hole to avoid. Beverly Hills and the Beverly Hills hotel were nice. II much preferred Palm Sprigs and Joshua Tree national park.
Vegas was a good 2 day trip if you have not been before.
Wow - that's a massive difference to my experience. And even when I was there last my ex had a fuel card supplied by her fathers oil and gas (mainly oil) company. But a big shift from my days. Probably little saving on electric though with high costs to charge. I was in AVIS in LA this time last year and the guy ahead of me had booked a Tesla. His kids was full of enthusiasm but when the guy asked about range the desk told him to get a gas car.
I am no fan of LA and can tell you Hollywood is a crap hole to avoid. Beverly Hills and the Beverly Hills hotel were nice. II much preferred Palm Sprigs and Joshua Tree national park.
Vegas was a good 2 day trip if you have not been before.
£1.10/litre is a crazy hike! And do the Yanks now use litres?
Stop the world, I wanna get off
He works down in San Jose, and he said its about $5.60/gal down there.
Last time I was over visiting him in 2017 it was about $3.00/gal......
I work for a company with offices in Orange County. When visiting I used to drive out into the desert and keep going until I got to Las Vegas, Death Valley, that kind of thing but they are long drives (LV is about 4 hours ONCE you get out of LA). I'd be tempted to do the theme parks if you want that, the Queen Mary (is that still open?), the observatory and then head out into the desert or head out North up the coast road for the scenery. As stated, the traffic is often horrendous and the Greater LA area is huge so add extra time to journey planning. Avoid the bad areas of the city like your life depends on it. It might.
EmilA said:
I've only been to California within the US so not sure how it measures to the rest of the nation but my family and I absolutely love it over there.
We have stayed in Santa Monica and its fine, there is alot of homeless people around but nothing like what Venice Beach is like. As quirky as Venice Beach is, unfortunately the sheer scale of homeless people there with the drug use, smell, shouting etc makes it abit comfortable for me to walk through with my young family.
I would say take a trip out but just be forewarned of the environment there as your family is much older than mine.
Point Dume is a lovely spot, we had half a day there on an insanely windy day, though challenging with the weather the views and hike was great. We parked at the beach and went up that way around.
Griffith Observatory is a must do IMO, and potentially my favourite place from our trip out. You can park along the road as you get towards the Observatory, use the car park at the top or park at the bottom by the theatre and get a bus. We parked on the road on our first trip then in the car park on the second when we went at night. Managed to see Jupiter and Saturn on the telescopes outside, and saw a SpaceX shuttle in the sky which was a nice bonus.
As this is Pistonheads, I'd suggest driving Angles Crest Highway and maybe doing some of the other canyon roads. We did a few of them in our rentals, slow drives but just enjoyed the scenic views and regular stops.
Another vote for the Science Centre, the space shuttle has been relocated to its new home but I don't think its open to the public till next year?
And be ready for a 1 to 2 hour wait at passport control and then another similar amount of time to leave LAX, especially if your renting a car.
Thanks for the info. We are considering a bike tour that starts in Santa Monica and covers Venice too. Then lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp, which has been recommended and has good reviews.......I'm generally disappointed in food in the US, so trying not to get hopes up despite the reviews! We have stayed in Santa Monica and its fine, there is alot of homeless people around but nothing like what Venice Beach is like. As quirky as Venice Beach is, unfortunately the sheer scale of homeless people there with the drug use, smell, shouting etc makes it abit comfortable for me to walk through with my young family.
I would say take a trip out but just be forewarned of the environment there as your family is much older than mine.
Point Dume is a lovely spot, we had half a day there on an insanely windy day, though challenging with the weather the views and hike was great. We parked at the beach and went up that way around.
Griffith Observatory is a must do IMO, and potentially my favourite place from our trip out. You can park along the road as you get towards the Observatory, use the car park at the top or park at the bottom by the theatre and get a bus. We parked on the road on our first trip then in the car park on the second when we went at night. Managed to see Jupiter and Saturn on the telescopes outside, and saw a SpaceX shuttle in the sky which was a nice bonus.
As this is Pistonheads, I'd suggest driving Angles Crest Highway and maybe doing some of the other canyon roads. We did a few of them in our rentals, slow drives but just enjoyed the scenic views and regular stops.
Another vote for the Science Centre, the space shuttle has been relocated to its new home but I don't think its open to the public till next year?
And be ready for a 1 to 2 hour wait at passport control and then another similar amount of time to leave LAX, especially if your renting a car.
I was kind of hoping LAX wouldn't be too bad at 1400 on a Weds. Is that being a bit naive? Two years ago we entered the US at a similar time at Newark (but on a Saturday) and didn't have any immigration queue (line) at all.
Rich Boy Spanner said:
I work for a company with offices in Orange County. When visiting I used to drive out into the desert and keep going until I got to Las Vegas, Death Valley, that kind of thing but they are long drives (LV is about 4 hours ONCE you get out of LA). I'd be tempted to do the theme parks if you want that, the Queen Mary (is that still open?), the observatory and then head out into the desert or head out North up the coast road for the scenery. As stated, the traffic is often horrendous and the Greater LA area is huge so add extra time to journey planning. Avoid the bad areas of the city like your life depends on it. It might.
Not really planning on any driving whilst in LA, although have been toying with the idea of driving LA to Vega via the Grand Canyon, rather than flying to Vegas from LA and then sorting out a day trip to the Grand Canyon. No theme parks on this trip, thankfully!
w1bbles said:
I’ve been there for work quite a lot in the last couple of years - I’ve spent about 6 weeks there in total, 90% of it in the office. I don’t recognise the unsafe status applied in the posts above; I’ve walked extensively around downtown and Inglewood and it was no worse than London. Plenty of homeless people but mostly harmless. I’ve walked around Downtown, Rodeo Drive, Skid Row, Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard and on the bridges over the LA River too. In total I’ve only had a couple of days off, but I enjoyed the Observatory, the SoFi stadium, The Broad (modern art museum), the Angels Flight (which is next to my office) and various places to eat including Cole’s French Dip, which is in what many would consider a dodgy place. Chinatown is pretty cool too. There is a great food market at the bottom of the Angels Flight. The whole city is, however, frigging expensive! The only place that I was a bit wary of was the Walk of Fame, which had Leicester Square vibes. Next time I’m there I’ll go hiking in the hills surrounding the city, where there are some incredible trail hikes. I’d avoid the LA Metro, which seemed to be like a 24 hour sleeper train for the homeless but Ubers are cheap. Hope you enjoy it. The people are much more friendly than those in NYC.
Thanks for the info. Angels Flight appears on few peoples lists, so guess it must be worth doing?As a 70's and 80's rock music throwback, I can't visit LA without a drive up to the Laurel Canyon Country Store for a sarnie and coffee. Follow that with day drinking at the Rainbow, a show at the Roxy or Whiskey and a drunken tattoo before throwing up in a dumpster. Non of that is kid friendly though, plus you might not be as sad as me 
Rollin said:
As a 70's and 80's rock music throwback, I can't visit LA without a drive up to the Laurel Canyon Country Store for a sarnie and coffee. Follow that with day drinking at the Rainbow, a show at the Roxy or Whiskey and a drunken tattoo before throwing up in a dumpster. Non of that is kid friendly though, plus you might not be as sad as me
Haha!I'd definitely do the drive up to Vegas. Being out in the wide open is an experience. The road does go past a big solar array which you see from a distance but is quite incredible. But yeah la traffic is a mission.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crescent_Dunes_Sol...
When you cycle along the coast near santa Monica etc there are often open public skate parks. I always enjoy standing and watching that stuff, your kids may be inspired. On the food front you can also get decent mexican and Japanese stuff which is quite rare here.
Oh also I don't recall if you have been to the states but if you want a beer take your Id. I didn't get id so much in la but some places were a real pain even my friends mum got checked in her 50s! I've had my drivers license refused before. It's funny they weren't that strict in the gun ranges. That's something I always enjoy there was one in Vegas were we tried full autos. May not be your thing though.
When I go to the states I usually to check if there is a restaurant that was featured on man vs food. Can help find decent interesting places to try.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crescent_Dunes_Sol...
When you cycle along the coast near santa Monica etc there are often open public skate parks. I always enjoy standing and watching that stuff, your kids may be inspired. On the food front you can also get decent mexican and Japanese stuff which is quite rare here.
Oh also I don't recall if you have been to the states but if you want a beer take your Id. I didn't get id so much in la but some places were a real pain even my friends mum got checked in her 50s! I've had my drivers license refused before. It's funny they weren't that strict in the gun ranges. That's something I always enjoy there was one in Vegas were we tried full autos. May not be your thing though.
When I go to the states I usually to check if there is a restaurant that was featured on man vs food. Can help find decent interesting places to try.
Edited by White-Noise on Thursday 11th April 12:46
White-Noise said:
I'd definitely do the drive up to Vegas. Being out in the wide open is an experience. The road does go past a big solar array which you see from a distance but is quite incredible. But yeah la traffic is a mission.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crescent_Dunes_Sol...
When you cycle along the coast near santa Monica etc there are often open public skate parks. I always enjoy standing and watching that stuff, your kids may be inspired. On the food front you can also get decent mexican and Japanese stuff which is quite rare here.
Oh also I don't recall if you have been to the states but if you want a beer take your Id. I didn't get id so much in la but some places were a real pain even my friends mum got checked in her 50s! I've had my drivers license refused before. It's funny they weren't that strict in the gun ranges. That's something I always enjoy there was one in Vegas were we tried full autos. May not be your thing though.
When I go to the states I usually to check if there is a restaurant that was featured on man vs food. Can help find decent interesting places to try.
Cheers for the info, doing some shooting in Vegas is definitely on the list!https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crescent_Dunes_Sol...
When you cycle along the coast near santa Monica etc there are often open public skate parks. I always enjoy standing and watching that stuff, your kids may be inspired. On the food front you can also get decent mexican and Japanese stuff which is quite rare here.
Oh also I don't recall if you have been to the states but if you want a beer take your Id. I didn't get id so much in la but some places were a real pain even my friends mum got checked in her 50s! I've had my drivers license refused before. It's funny they weren't that strict in the gun ranges. That's something I always enjoy there was one in Vegas were we tried full autos. May not be your thing though.
When I go to the states I usually to check if there is a restaurant that was featured on man vs food. Can help find decent interesting places to try.
Edited by White-Noise on Thursday 11th April 12:46
The G Kid said:
Not really planning on any driving whilst in LA, although have been toying with the idea of driving LA to Vega via the Grand Canyon, rather than flying to Vegas from LA and then sorting out a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
No theme parks on this trip, thankfully!
I'm sure you'll have looked at a map, but just in case you haven't are you aware that Vegas via the Grand Canyon isn't really a direct route but more of a triangle? i.e. the Grand Canyon is East of Vegas and not on the way from L.A., so you won't really save any time going there on your way from L.A.?No theme parks on this trip, thankfully!
The drive to Vegas via Joshua Tree and Mojave National Parks is interesting.
yellowbentines said:
The G Kid said:
Not really planning on any driving whilst in LA, although have been toying with the idea of driving LA to Vega via the Grand Canyon, rather than flying to Vegas from LA and then sorting out a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
No theme parks on this trip, thankfully!
I'm sure you'll have looked at a map, but just in case you haven't are you aware that Vegas via the Grand Canyon isn't really a direct route but more of a triangle? i.e. the Grand Canyon is East of Vegas and not on the way from L.A., so you won't really save any time going there on your way from L.A.?No theme parks on this trip, thankfully!
The drive to Vegas via Joshua Tree and Mojave National Parks is interesting.
But, after a 7-8 hr drive from LA (unless you have multiple drivers sharing) its a further 5 hr+ drive from the South Rim down and back across to Vegas ontop of the couple of hrs spent at the south rim.
Edited by aeropilot on Thursday 11th April 15:49
We're looking at doing the I-10 route, with at least one overnight stop before arriving at the South Rim. It's not completely set in stone as other variables to consider (such as NFL fixtures being released next month). But quite keen on spending a night at the Grand Canyon, which would fit better this way IMO.
The G Kid said:
We're looking at doing the I-10 route, with at least one overnight stop before arriving at the South Rim. It's not completely set in stone as other variables to consider (such as NFL fixtures being released next month). But quite keen on spending a night at the Grand Canyon, which would fit better this way IMO.
On our trip we are heading to South Rim from Holbrook and staying in Tusayan, https://www.grandcanyonplaza.com
and getting a GC Plane ride. Sunset Hummer Tour of the South Rim included.
Next day we head to Page via the eastward route GC viewpoints - at Page do Horseshoe and Antelope (if there is time). Staying in an Airbnb.
Next day head to GC North Rim staying o/n at the lodge there.
https://www.grandcanyonnorth.com
Then following day, North Rim sunrise, then into Vegas (dusk arrival) via Zion.
Busy, but recommended by people on here.
Edited by mattyn1 on Thursday 11th April 17:56
Edited by mattyn1 on Thursday 11th April 17:57
aeropilot said:
Yep, from memory, was about 1.85-1.90 in Texas when I was over there in 2016 for the Lonestar Roundup.
I filled up at a small garage in Texas in January for $2.459 per gallon. Probably could have got it cheaper if I wasn’t running on fumes. Works out about 50p per litre.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff