California over Christmas - Automoblile things to do?
Discussion
Noted regarding the aquarium. He loves visiting them! I'll also try my best to avoid stumbling into a live action re-make of Breaking Bad ha.
Also given it some more thought, I might just drive into Hollywood, the walk of fame etc and simply drive past it instead of parking up and walking around, least then I have laid my eyes upon those areas and can move on to something else.
Also given it some more thought, I might just drive into Hollywood, the walk of fame etc and simply drive past it instead of parking up and walking around, least then I have laid my eyes upon those areas and can move on to something else.
Taken if off topic myself but a studio room at a beach front hotel has been booked in Santa Monica. Thanks to all for the suggestions.
Also saw the Marconi Museum isn't to far away so will try and go there. Petersen Museum also confirmed that they are open during Christmas with the exception of Christmas Day.
Also saw the Marconi Museum isn't to far away so will try and go there. Petersen Museum also confirmed that they are open during Christmas with the exception of Christmas Day.
Welcome to SoCal. I'm an ex-Londoner, and I've lived here on and off since 2003. Right now we're in Pasadena, which is a bit warm in summer but very peaceful.
You've got a great location in Santa Monica. You can drive north to Malibu and Santa Barbara, or cut inland on Topanga Canyon Blvd to get some amazing views - I commuted along there for a while, and it always cheered me up! You're also close to the Getty Villa, which is free but needs to be booked online.
If you can take a day to hit Orange County, then I recommend renting a classic Mustang from www.classicmustangrentals.com in Newport Beach. I rented one for my wife's birthday last February and she loved it. Even in winter, the weather is great for a top-down drive along the coast. While you're in OC, check if AutoKennel have any events planned on www.autokennel.com/events/
Paul at Autokennel is a great guy, and they usually have some gorgeous cars for sale and to gawp at.
Finally, if you're any kind of aviation geek, I recommend spending an hour at the In-N-Out burger next to LAX, watching the runway as you eat America's best burger (yes, Five Guys is OK, but this is better).
You've got a great location in Santa Monica. You can drive north to Malibu and Santa Barbara, or cut inland on Topanga Canyon Blvd to get some amazing views - I commuted along there for a while, and it always cheered me up! You're also close to the Getty Villa, which is free but needs to be booked online.
If you can take a day to hit Orange County, then I recommend renting a classic Mustang from www.classicmustangrentals.com in Newport Beach. I rented one for my wife's birthday last February and she loved it. Even in winter, the weather is great for a top-down drive along the coast. While you're in OC, check if AutoKennel have any events planned on www.autokennel.com/events/
Paul at Autokennel is a great guy, and they usually have some gorgeous cars for sale and to gawp at.
Finally, if you're any kind of aviation geek, I recommend spending an hour at the In-N-Out burger next to LAX, watching the runway as you eat America's best burger (yes, Five Guys is OK, but this is better).
NNH said:
Welcome to SoCal. I'm an ex-Londoner, and I've lived here on and off since 2003. Right now we're in Pasadena, which is a bit warm in summer but very peaceful.
You've got a great location in Santa Monica. You can drive north to Malibu and Santa Barbara, or cut inland on Topanga Canyon Blvd to get some amazing views - I commuted along there for a while, and it always cheered me up! You're also close to the Getty Villa, which is free but needs to be booked online.
If you can take a day to hit Orange County, then I recommend renting a classic Mustang from www.classicmustangrentals.com in Newport Beach. I rented one for my wife's birthday last February and she loved it. Even in winter, the weather is great for a top-down drive along the coast. While you're in OC, check if AutoKennel have any events planned on www.autokennel.com/events/
Paul at Autokennel is a great guy, and they usually have some gorgeous cars for sale and to gawp at.
Finally, if you're any kind of aviation geek, I recommend spending an hour at the In-N-Out burger next to LAX, watching the runway as you eat America's best burger (yes, Five Guys is OK, but this is better).
That's a helpful post, thank you.You've got a great location in Santa Monica. You can drive north to Malibu and Santa Barbara, or cut inland on Topanga Canyon Blvd to get some amazing views - I commuted along there for a while, and it always cheered me up! You're also close to the Getty Villa, which is free but needs to be booked online.
If you can take a day to hit Orange County, then I recommend renting a classic Mustang from www.classicmustangrentals.com in Newport Beach. I rented one for my wife's birthday last February and she loved it. Even in winter, the weather is great for a top-down drive along the coast. While you're in OC, check if AutoKennel have any events planned on www.autokennel.com/events/
Paul at Autokennel is a great guy, and they usually have some gorgeous cars for sale and to gawp at.
Finally, if you're any kind of aviation geek, I recommend spending an hour at the In-N-Out burger next to LAX, watching the runway as you eat America's best burger (yes, Five Guys is OK, but this is better).
I will look into the classic mustang, we have rented out a Mazda 2 while we are there, might be the wrong choice but though as it's December it isn't convertible weather. Might have to reassess our choice.
EmilA said:
That's a helpful post, thank you.
I will look into the classic mustang, we have rented out a Mazda 2 while we are there, might be the wrong choice but though as it's December it isn't convertible weather. Might have to reassess our choice.
Some might say it’s the perfect time of year for a convertible! I will look into the classic mustang, we have rented out a Mazda 2 while we are there, might be the wrong choice but though as it's December it isn't convertible weather. Might have to reassess our choice.
Been many many times in summer and winter( near on 50 times) . Was there this summer and back this Xmas.
Iam staying SM for one night before picking up a Motorhome.
A great hotel in long beach is the queen mary, fabulous Sunday brunch, even if not staying aboard, worth a trip.
EmilA said:
That's a helpful post, thank you.
I will look into the classic mustang, we have rented out a Mazda 2 while we are there, might be the wrong choice but though as it's December it isn't convertible weather. Might have to reassess our choice.
Having done June in California / Nevada in a Mustang conv, I can tell you; THAT is not convertible weather.I will look into the classic mustang, we have rented out a Mazda 2 while we are there, might be the wrong choice but though as it's December it isn't convertible weather. Might have to reassess our choice.
December might be a better call, if you don't mind wearing an extra layer.
EmilA said:
I might have to go back and look into how much a convertible is now! Just glad the current car can be cancelled with no extra fee.
It'll work out way cheaper if you ask if there are any convertible upgrade deals to be had when you arrive at the counter.Edited by shakotan on Tuesday 20th August 13:01
EmilA said:
Noted regarding the aquarium. He loves visiting them! I'll also try my best to avoid stumbling into a live action re-make of Breaking Bad ha.
Also given it some more thought, I might just drive into Hollywood, the walk of fame etc and simply drive past it instead of parking up and walking around, least then I have laid my eyes upon those areas and can move on to something else.
I parked at Hollywood & Highland (shopping centre) for the Walk of Fame; it's v. touristy & full off chancers, wanted to tick it off though. Also given it some more thought, I might just drive into Hollywood, the walk of fame etc and simply drive past it instead of parking up and walking around, least then I have laid my eyes upon those areas and can move on to something else.
Had some lunch at California Pizza Kitchen with the Hollywood sign in the distance & then had a look at the stars. Didn't walk that far as it was fecking hot.
Parking's beneath the shopping centre, my sat nav took me to the rear of the building (!), quick u-turn and it was easy to find one block along.
Even with a validated ticket from (CPK) parking was expensive & as a heads up, the machines didn't accept any of my cards (inc. AmEx) so I paid w/ cash.
We did 6 days in Cal a couple of years ago in December with 2 x 3yr olds.
Definitely hire a Mustang or similar. We did it with Turo (AirB&B for cars) and had a great experience. December in LA is perfect weather. It cost the same as a Hyundai from Avis etc. Petrol is so cheap you should get a V8.
Pacific coast highway is spectacular, esp around Big Sur, Monterey etc.
San-Fran completely bust any preconceptions about USA. Great place and we are def going back one day. The sourdough bakery is v nice. Good bus tour. I can now say I've jumped a Mustang down a hill in San Fran. Just call me Steve....
I'd say do Hollywood Blvd, just to say you've been. But definitely do it during daylight hours (it's a bit run-down).
The Grove shopping Mall in LA is spectacular. They have a Santa's grotto (free) which is the most professionally run grotto I've ever seen. totally blew the kids' minds when Santa knew their names and what they had last year for xmas!
Definitely hire a Mustang or similar. We did it with Turo (AirB&B for cars) and had a great experience. December in LA is perfect weather. It cost the same as a Hyundai from Avis etc. Petrol is so cheap you should get a V8.
Pacific coast highway is spectacular, esp around Big Sur, Monterey etc.
San-Fran completely bust any preconceptions about USA. Great place and we are def going back one day. The sourdough bakery is v nice. Good bus tour. I can now say I've jumped a Mustang down a hill in San Fran. Just call me Steve....
I'd say do Hollywood Blvd, just to say you've been. But definitely do it during daylight hours (it's a bit run-down).
The Grove shopping Mall in LA is spectacular. They have a Santa's grotto (free) which is the most professionally run grotto I've ever seen. totally blew the kids' minds when Santa knew their names and what they had last year for xmas!
drmike37 said:
Oh, and some of the Big Little Lies properties are on Air B&B!
On a similar BLL theme the "cafe" that was used quite a bit in the first season (I haven't seen the second one) is based on one that's on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. They took the layout & built a larger version on a set, adding in the background via bluescreen.
TCEvo said:
EmilA said:
Noted regarding the aquarium. He loves visiting them! I'll also try my best to avoid stumbling into a live action re-make of Breaking Bad ha.
Also given it some more thought, I might just drive into Hollywood, the walk of fame etc and simply drive past it instead of parking up and walking around, least then I have laid my eyes upon those areas and can move on to something else.
I parked at Hollywood & Highland (shopping centre) for the Walk of Fame; it's v. touristy & full off chancers, wanted to tick it off though. Also given it some more thought, I might just drive into Hollywood, the walk of fame etc and simply drive past it instead of parking up and walking around, least then I have laid my eyes upon those areas and can move on to something else.
Had some lunch at California Pizza Kitchen with the Hollywood sign in the distance & then had a look at the stars. Didn't walk that far as it was fecking hot.
Parking's beneath the shopping centre, my sat nav took me to the rear of the building (!), quick u-turn and it was easy to find one block along.
Even with a validated ticket from (CPK) parking was expensive & as a heads up, the machines didn't accept any of my cards (inc. AmEx) so I paid w/ cash.
NNH said:
Parking at H&H is $3 for 2 hours with validation from a shop or restaurant. If you're not buying anything, the Visitors Information Center (sic) will also validate for free.
I was there for a little over two hours. Not convinced that my ticket was succesfully validated either as it cost much more than that. Still, saw Burt Reynolds & Steve McQueen's stars so that was worth the extra.
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