4 Day LA Mini-Vacation
 

Hi!

My 14 year old son and I are going to LA next week. We are staying at the 4 Points Sheraton in Santa Monica and are looking for fun stuff to do!

I take my son 2-3x a year to Orlando, so I think we've experienced enough theme parks. What I would like to do is show him new things... perhaps Venice Beach (Muscle Beach), movie studios, try to be in the audience on a show, the Observatory, etc. I am just not sure of what LA has to offer.

What type of places in LA would you suggest? We have a rental car (of course we had to go with the convertible) and he has always loved to hang out on the beach. Perhaps surfing classes?

Thanks!

3rd Street Promenade is always fun. It's a pedestrian shopping/restaurant area not far from your hotel. There's also a movie theater there.

Dodger game

Rent bikes or rollerblades and ride along the strand. (Bike path that runs along the beach from Torrance to Malibu)

Venice Beach (Muscle Beach) is a great idea. There's a place right along there that is popular for breakfast, but I don't remember the name.

I agree with the previous two posts re: 3rd Street Promenade and renting a bike/rollerblades-It's a great way to people watch & enjoy the scenery.

FYI, if it's the Griffith Observatory you're wanting to see, please note that is is closed for renovations for 3 years.

I believe if you do the NBC Studio tour in Burbank, you can also get tickets to see the taping of the Jay Leno show (if he's taping that week). If you can't get in to see him there, you can catch him trying out his material at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach every Sunday night. Warner Brothers also has a studio tour.

Not sure how your 14-year old likes museums, but if he is interested in Art or Architecture at all, the Getty Museum is amazing.

A nighttime drive along Mulholland Drive to see the lights of LA and the valley is also a must for all out-of-town guests. Please be aware that Hollywood/Sunset Blvd (walk of fame) area is a pretty dirty, sleazy place, except for the new "Disney-esque" Hollywood & Highland complex of shops/theatres.

If you google any of the above places mentioned, you will get lots more info.

Have fun!

We were in SM for a week last June. Do you all like to hike? I took my 13 yr old son on a hike and picnic lunch in Topanga Canyon state park. Very nice afternoon, and we ended up on the beach afterwards.

The beach in SM in June is cool, the ocean is very very cold. But it is nice for strolling and bike riding, rollerblading, and my son loved the thing that is low to the ground w/a sail on it- hard to steer but fun once he got the hang of it. He rented one twice during the week. Also, you can bike down the beach to Marina Del Ray (you'll go through Venice Beach) and watch the boats go in and out of the marina- and stop to have lunch along the way or in MDR.

BTW- Will you please post on the SM Four Points when you return?

Not sure but I think you have to be 18 to get into the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa. If you're interested I'd call first.

If he hasn't been by the time you arrive, take him to Westwood to see the new Harry Potter(the Village and the Bruin theatres are both playing this; we went this evening with our 14 y.o. and it was great!). Westwood is also a lot of fun to just walk around and plenty of places to eat.

Riding bikes on the beach bike path rocks!

Forgot: on surfing, the waves this morning were incredible. By 5 a.m., Surfrider beach was packed, as was both sides of the street -- very unusual, but considering the waves, every surfer in L.A. was there.

Keep in mind that waves are pretty intense here compared to back east. Rent a wet suit and let him try out the surf without surfboard first, because our waves can be scary for first timers.

Thanks for all of your hot tips! You always come through for me. And I will be sure to give a review of 4 Points when I return.

My son is really excited about the idea of Jay Leno. I like the comedy club idea too.

Any suggestions on where to rent rollerblades? Are they all good?

Since we are from AZ, I think I will have to pass on the surfing for now. Sounds a bit dangerous and I think he will need lessons.

Thanks again!

If you want to see Leno at Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa, buy tickets ahead of time. We tried to get in this past Sunday and was told shows sell out at least 2 weeks in advance. I was greatly disappointed as we could hear him but couldn't get in!!

Horseback riding, even night rides to a Mexican restaurant, near the Hollywood sign.
http://www.sunsetranchhollywood.com/

Museum of TV and Radio is having a special series on Superheroes on television. They are located in Beverly Hills:
http://www.mtr.org/welcome.htm

Indoor snow skiing experience (never done it but sounds like a cool outing for a 14 year old boy.)
http://www.virtualsnowla.com/about.html

Hiking in the Malibu Creek area
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=614

Tide pools, also sea caves, if he likes marine life and exploring at the beach:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616

Universal's CityWalk Drive-in movie series; watch a movie outdoors at the mall/entertainment zone for teens and young adults. Here's the schedule:
http://www.digitalcity.com/losangele...=eventschedule

Boy, I like some of these things I found. Better plan some good stuff for my own kids!

Hope you have a blast!