LA Fun, & Restaurants for an older, Catholic Republican lady?
Feb 25th, 2014, 10:58 PM
#1
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LA Fun, & Restaurants for an older, Catholic Republican lady?
Activities:
This Thursday through Sun I will be entertaining 2 women who will be staying in Marina del Rey, CA. Ages 50 & 75. The forecast for those days: RAIN! So here I am, looking for suggestions for indoor things to see & do. (Please also join in with suggestions for other things of general interest).
The 75 yr old has never been to LA, is Catholic, Republican, and a good walker. Why do I mention these weird details? Because I'm considering visits to:
The Reagan Museum (but...going to the valley...ugh)
Good Shepherd Church in Beverly Hills (will probably "do" Rodeo Drive, so nearby)
The WB or Sony studio tour (Leaning towards Sony because it's closer)
Or maybe just a bus tour. Greyline?
Comments on the above? Other ideas?
The 75 yr. old is not very intellectual or sophisticated, so I don't think she'd enjoy the Getty or LACMA. She'd like stereotypical "Old Hollywood" attractions I think.
Something like seeing Leno (alas, he's gone) or Ellen de Generes (tickets not available) would probably have been a thrill for her.
Restaurants:
Finally, I need a suggestion for a restaurant around Marina del Rey/Venice/Santa Monica. This will be a birthday dinner for a 21 yr old, a 50 yr old man, plus the 2 ladies above. Something with LA flavor, not more expensive than Cheesecake Factory range, some variety in the menu (or else good Mexican maybe). They are not into Thai or Chinese, & probably not Indian or Vietnamese. Is Tony P's a good option?
Thanking you all in advance. Can't tell you how much I've benefited from Fodorites over the years. I have read the prior threads on my topics, but most are pretty old (especially for restaurant recommendations).
This Thursday through Sun I will be entertaining 2 women who will be staying in Marina del Rey, CA. Ages 50 & 75. The forecast for those days: RAIN! So here I am, looking for suggestions for indoor things to see & do. (Please also join in with suggestions for other things of general interest).
The 75 yr old has never been to LA, is Catholic, Republican, and a good walker. Why do I mention these weird details? Because I'm considering visits to:
The Reagan Museum (but...going to the valley...ugh)
Good Shepherd Church in Beverly Hills (will probably "do" Rodeo Drive, so nearby)
The WB or Sony studio tour (Leaning towards Sony because it's closer)
Or maybe just a bus tour. Greyline?
Comments on the above? Other ideas?
The 75 yr. old is not very intellectual or sophisticated, so I don't think she'd enjoy the Getty or LACMA. She'd like stereotypical "Old Hollywood" attractions I think.
Something like seeing Leno (alas, he's gone) or Ellen de Generes (tickets not available) would probably have been a thrill for her.
Restaurants:
Finally, I need a suggestion for a restaurant around Marina del Rey/Venice/Santa Monica. This will be a birthday dinner for a 21 yr old, a 50 yr old man, plus the 2 ladies above. Something with LA flavor, not more expensive than Cheesecake Factory range, some variety in the menu (or else good Mexican maybe). They are not into Thai or Chinese, & probably not Indian or Vietnamese. Is Tony P's a good option?
Thanking you all in advance. Can't tell you how much I've benefited from Fodorites over the years. I have read the prior threads on my topics, but most are pretty old (especially for restaurant recommendations).
Feb 26th, 2014, 03:29 AM
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If you don't mind driving a bit, Gladstones For Fish is an ocean front Mecca that is popular for visitors. You do need a reservation. It's more fun and view than great food, But if you are inlanders, it's a salty air spot.
A bit further north, just N of Topanga Canyon on PCH is a local spot, Reel Inn. Here the food is the attraction. Counter service, but a comfortable dining room. Alcohol is available.
The LA farm market is co-located with one of the better malls. 75 novel food stands and some fun shops are good for a couple of hours.
The Getty does have spectacular views and very decent restaurants. You only pay for parking. Admission is free. Worth stopping by for the vista even if you minimize your art exposure.
Eat like a local in LA is a large thread here with more comments than you can consume.
A bit further north, just N of Topanga Canyon on PCH is a local spot, Reel Inn. Here the food is the attraction. Counter service, but a comfortable dining room. Alcohol is available.
The LA farm market is co-located with one of the better malls. 75 novel food stands and some fun shops are good for a couple of hours.
The Getty does have spectacular views and very decent restaurants. You only pay for parking. Admission is free. Worth stopping by for the vista even if you minimize your art exposure.
Eat like a local in LA is a large thread here with more comments than you can consume.
Feb 26th, 2014, 04:23 AM
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Highly recommend Reagan Museum. Way more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Have now gone several times. It is fun to walk through Air Force One - the 80's version. We like to go right when it opens so we can park in the upper lot and go through the exhibits with less people.
As for "old Hollywood" activities, consider visiting newly vibrant Hollywood and take in a movie at the El Capitan or Chinese or Egyption theaters. You might try to get tickets for Jimmy Kimmel (I think his show is at El Capitan).
You could also look for game show tickets, and explore LA Farmer's Market -- fun and not so far from Hollywood.
Also consider the Museum of Television & Radio (Paley Center for Media) while you are in Beverly Hills.
As for "old Hollywood" activities, consider visiting newly vibrant Hollywood and take in a movie at the El Capitan or Chinese or Egyption theaters. You might try to get tickets for Jimmy Kimmel (I think his show is at El Capitan).
You could also look for game show tickets, and explore LA Farmer's Market -- fun and not so far from Hollywood.
Also consider the Museum of Television & Radio (Paley Center for Media) while you are in Beverly Hills.
Feb 26th, 2014, 08:18 AM
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We took the kids on the GrayLine tour and they loved it... there's the hop on/hop off if you like to spend the day or the set tour that makes 15 to 20 minute stops at several attractions... more than any city, this tour works well to eliminate the driving and parking...
Feb 26th, 2014, 09:05 AM
#6
Here is my write up on the Reagan Museum (with photos). Lincoln exhibit is now gone, however.
http://www.travelswithmaitaitom.com/...5_Entry_1.html
http://www.travelswithmaitaitom.com/...5_Entry_1.html
Feb 26th, 2014, 09:19 AM
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I can say the same things about my teenage sons but they still liked visiting the Getty and Getty Villa. If you get a break from the rain both are worth a trip.
I haven't been to the Reagan Museum, but my parents really enjoyed their visit.
Feb 26th, 2014, 09:30 AM
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With the weather I might not opt for Gladstones. With you price point as Cheesecake Factory-that could be sort of challenging-but take a look at Hosteria del Piccolo
They are really high quality Italian and have great homemade pizzas that would keep the price point down and they have both a Santa Monica and Venice location. www.hostariadelpiccolo.com/
Another couple I haven't tried yet but plan too soon are
Superba Snack Bar in Venice (may be too sophisticated for your visitors but take a look) www.superbasnackbar.com/Food.aspx
For Mexican this place looks like it is stellar:
Mercado in Santa Monica: www.mercadorestaurant.com/santa-monica/menu/
The prices are on the download menu link
They are really high quality Italian and have great homemade pizzas that would keep the price point down and they have both a Santa Monica and Venice location. www.hostariadelpiccolo.com/
Another couple I haven't tried yet but plan too soon are
Superba Snack Bar in Venice (may be too sophisticated for your visitors but take a look) www.superbasnackbar.com/Food.aspx
For Mexican this place looks like it is stellar:
Mercado in Santa Monica: www.mercadorestaurant.com/santa-monica/menu/
The prices are on the download menu link
