We are planning a trip to California next year. Because of the great packages we can get from Australia, we will be based in Aneheim. I would like to know the best way to get into and out of LA on a daily basis to see every thing there. I would prefer not to drive, but to use public transport. I need to get back to Aneheim at night so something safe that runs late would be perfect.Thanks in advance!

Trust me when I tell you that you don't want to mess with public transportation in Southern Cal. Get a car like everyone else does. Everything is long distance around here. Anaheim is 40-50 miles from L.A. You would have to figure out 1. how to get from your hotel to the bus stop and in inter-city cases your first and/or second and/or third bus would have to get you to a bus station, then 2. is the L.A. bus an express (about 1 hour) or local (about 3 hours), then 3. how to get to where you want to go from the L.A. bus station. Got the picture? Rent a car. It is the ONLY way to get around. Once you know how to avoid rush hour traffic it's easy. Great freeways. I've driven all over the world and S. Cal. is the winner hands down! If the issue is saving money then I would rather not come to L.A. for the aggravation of not having a car. I would rather save money by not eating or sleeping in a park!

Although you are on a package deal, perhaps you can get your travel agent to book you a reasonably priced room in LA.

Stay away from cheap Downtown LA hotels, however. Stay with the big names when Downtown.

There are small hotels around. I just drove by one called the Wilshire Crest Hotel that looked small and cute. Also, maybe try the Beverly Prescott or the Holiday Inn (on Beverly Drive and Pico Boulevard). Both are very close to Beverly Hills.

You need to read the other posting "San Diego-Worth a Visit?- everyone thinks L.A. has something to see and offer the tourist- and it really doesn't. Don't go there. Nothing to see accept big city yuck! There is Universal Studios, but just make it a day trip from Anaheim. Stay in Orange County, near Disneyland, see Knott's Berry Farm etc. We had an Austrailian Baseball Team play our Little League Teams last year and 2 players stayed at our home. They loved California and saw several professional baseball games, Dodger Stadium (which is near Disneyland) or see a concert or sporting event at the Pond, a huge auditorium near Disneyland. The Mighty Ducks play there. Take your kids to a huge sporting store, our boys loved it. If you have any more questions, especially about what kids will enjoy will us know. I found one of the little kangaroos they brought to us today- picked her up and dusted her off, back on the shelf, til next time!

Brian, you didn't catch my mistake!- sorry Dodger stadium is in L.A.- its Angel Stadium ( I hope that is right) in Anaheim.