Flying to LA today!

[crystaldrop]

Hi All,

I found this website while researching my(our? his?) e-ring and got really good advice from many people!
I know my bf bought something that he likes already but he pretends that he bought something else. (That's really cute! )

And we are flying to LA today for about a week!
(All of sudden we decided to leave/ nothing planned, we purchased our ticket 2 days ago and no return ticket has been purchased yet as we do not know when we are going to return to Canada)

We've been to Cali a few times already, have done Disney, Universal studios, Hollywood, Santa monica, etc.

So we are thinking to stay in LA for about 3-4 days and maybe drive to Palm springs or Santa barbara for couple days?
We checked out New Port last time we visited and totally loved it but I'd like to do something new.

If there are people from LA or Palm springs who could share some fun things to do in their amazing city with us, please do so

Have a great day!!

 

[kenny]

My favorite place in Los Angeles is the Getty Museum complex off the 405 freeway.
The first time I went we wandered around outside and gawked at the amazing views and landscaping for hours and hours.



In Santa Barbara there is a wonderful little Mexican Food hole in the wall that Julia Child frequented when she lived in Santa Barbara.


They make their own corn tortillas as you wait in a, sometimes, long line to get in.
VERY not fancy, but excellent food, and CHEAPO CHEAPO!
La Superica: http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-super-rica-taqueria-santa-barbara

Palm Springs
On land belonging to the Agua Caliente Indian tribe is a beautiful lush narrow canyon with easy hiking along a gently-babbling creek.
It is amazingly close to downtown for how remote and peaceful it feels.
It is a refreshing change from the desert landscape and hussle bussle of the city of Palm Springs.

http://www.indian-canyons.com

38500 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

 

[crystaldrop]

Hi Kenny,

I recognize your name as I've read so many helpful posts written by you!

Thank you so much for your suggestions with pictures and I'm hoping to check all of them out as I love architecture, Mexican food, Beaches and trail, which you sounded like you knew me

Also I'm planning to check out LA jewelry district as well if we have enough time. (This wouldn't excite my bf too much but I'll try !)

It's 10 degrees(Celsius) warmer then Vancouver in LA now and can't wait to feel the warmth.

Off to YVR now!!

 

[kenny]

Jewelry district is fun but don't buy anything.
PS vendors blow them out of the water.

Near the Jewelry District walk over to the wonderful historic Grand Central Market at 317 S. BROADWAY
There are several Mexican food stalls there and tables to sit and eat ... and 1940s market feeling ... more yummy Mexican food at great prices.
You feel like you stepped back in time.



If you make it to the Getty notice the imported Italian Travertine marble covering many of the buildings.
Instead of polishing it flat they left it with rough surfaces that expose many fossils of leaves and even feathers.
They put the best ones at eye-level.
Ask a guide where the feathers are.

http://willowscottage.blogspot.com/2009/11/architecture.html



Rent bikes in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach.
Ride on the Strand, a 22-mile bike path right on the beach stretching from Santa Monica to Torrance Beach.
My favorite stretch is in front of the fancy beach-front homes of Manhattan Beach and El Porto.

 

[maccers]

Thanks for posting this crystaldrop. I live in the province next to you, we have one free day in Santa Monica/LA and weren't sure how to spend it. We'll be there early November.

Kenny, awesome suggestions, I'm really keen on the bike ride idea. Getty looks amazing too. Not sure if we have time for both in a single day but it's a great start.

I'm so pleased to have come across the thread!