1 night 1 day in L.A sugestions
 

We are on our way to NZ and have a stopover in LA for 1 night and a day. I know its not long enough, But what should us Brits not miss

When are you coming to town? Hopefully, you are planning to rent a car for the day as LA is huge and it really is necessary if you plan to see some of the sights here in one day. Also, where do you plan to stay? Near the airport, at the beach, in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood? A little more information might help us determine a schedule for you and what you like to do.

If you've never been to Hollywood - go there - an hour will do to realise there's little or no glamour there these days.

I think the hire of a car (Airport to Airport) is a good idea. If you haven't been to a Movie theme park Universal is fun and you can comfortably do it in a day. (if you've already a movie theme park - people rave about the Warner Studios tour - more informative and not a theme park)

I read while planning a trip to CA that there are some shuttles from the airport to various places (beach, mall, etc) with the long-layover traveller in mind.

I would stay near the airport if it were me. If not right at the airport, maybe Santa Monica. My suggestion for something to do would be a visit to the (almost) new Getty museum. I would highly recommend it over alot of the kitchy tourist-type things. Or if this is your first trip to LA, take a tour of LA (which really isn't all over LA, as most LA is residential with neighborhood shops, doctors offices, etc). If you choose to stay in Santa Monica, there are a number of things to do, even if it is just a stroll to the pier or to 3rd st promenade for dinner and people watching. And for such a short layover, by signing up for tours, you would have no need for a car. Tour companies will pick you up at your hotel. Take a cab, or walk, to dinner, depending on where you are spending the night.

Thanks every one, sorry about delay in getting back. We are arriving the 3rd week in june and staying over near the hotel. dont really want to hire a car as we will be doing a lot of driving in New Zealand . just really want to chill see L.A and find some where good for dinner (seafood with a veiw )

a suggestion:The Lobster, in Santa Monica. Right at the base of the SM Pier. Good view of pier and beach.

thanks babs the lobster sounds great is it a cab ride from the airport hotels

Yes. It doesn't take long to go from LAX to Santa Monica. Just keep in mind that you might want to go to SM early and stroll around. That way you'll avoid rush hour. There's plenty to do. You can walk over to 3rd street promenade (shops, restaurants, as the evening gets later, street performers). You can also go down to the beach or walk out on the pier. The area is very pedestrian friendly. If you do go early and you want to go for a drink, I would suggest the Fairmont Miramar. It's about 2-3 blocks from the pier/Lobster. The Miramar has a koi pond near the pool area. It's a great place for a drink, and if you have kids they will love watching the koi and turtles that inhabit the pond.

Thanks Babs, that sounds great.Just what we are looking for . this is the first time i have used this site , wish i had known about it when i first started planning this trip. We have 3 weeks in N.Z and 3 nights Tahiti finnishing with 5 nights Las Vegas.
I wouldnt plan another without looking on here first.thanks everyone

Glad to help. Please come back and post a trip report once you are home. I know many will be interested (I'm green with envy - it is St Patrick's Day after all)! :)

Please recommend a place to stay in Santa Monica with 11 and 7 year old boys.

a_travelin, there are many budget levels in SM...from the lower end but clean Comfort Inn, to bayside hotel, to Holiday Inn up to Doubletree Suites and then the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and also Shutters on the Beach.

There is a very well located Best Western on Ocean Drive. I don't remember the exact name. It is very near the pier/beach The Loew's and Marriott are literally next door to each other about a block or so from the Best Western. They are both sort of generic beach modern and the Marriott tends to be priced higher than the surrounding hotels. Do a search in the box at top of screen for Santa Monica. You'll find losts of info. (BTW, the Hotel California is in the same area and it looks seedy, just in case the romance of the name attracts your attention.)