LA for Independence Day! - Where to stay
 

Hey there everyone!

I'll be finishing a business trip in LA on the 3rd of July.

I have a flight departing on the 6th of July late at night, so I have a few days to look around or just relax.

I've really only been to LA once for a long layover and I spent my time down at Manhattan Beach for the day.

Any ideas of what area I should look at to get a little taste of LA over a pubilc holiday weekend? I should get booking as they prices will obviously just get higher!

I love photography, filmmaking, beaches, might shop a little, LOVE food - but I'm not sure really what I'd get out of LA in such a short time - so I'd love your advice!

Any particular spot that is 'the place to be' for 4th of July??

As far as costs go; sure I'd prefer something cheap as possible but as it's only a few days, I'm quite flexible. I'd consider any options from a chaotic hostel to a quiet relaxing B&B.

Your thoughts are invaluable!

:)

Later in the day on July 3 will probably be quite busy traffic-wise, people getting an early start to the 4 day weekend. What side of the city will you be on when your business meetings are over, and will you have a car?

Hey clarkgriswold,

I'm fairly certain I'll be in Westwood or near enough to UCLA. However, I'm more than happy to move to somewhere else to enjoy the following few days. I check out the morning of the 4th.

I won't have a car - but I could consider a rental if the consensus is, that is one of the best ways to get around.

Thanks!

Maybe see if there are any seats left for Hollywood Bowl concert and fireworks.

The 4th is pretty much a non-event in the Southland, there are fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl or from Griffith Observatory, you can see smaller fireworks shows from all around the area if it's a clear night. Lots of local fireworks extravaganzas have been cut in recent years due to budget constraints.Marina del Rey states that their over-the-water show this year is "pending", the all day Muscle Beach competition in Venice is apparently still on.

Many folks watch the ball drop from New York (9pm) and then try to keep interested until west-coast-midnight strikes. Bars are busy I guess. It's a big day for backyard bbqs and picnics in the parks.

The dusty old Marina del Rey hotel has rooms starting at $140 on those nights, car rentals look expensive but the hotel is just one city bus ride away from Westwood (Santa Monica #3 Bus). It will also put you quite close to LAX for your departure, I don't think you'd need a car here since there is plenty of dining within a few blocks...you could rent a bike to beachride up to Venice and Santa Monica or down to Manhattan Beach.
Comfort Inn Santa Monica has an advanced-purchase rate of $119 including breakfast, it's not at the water but only a few blocks away.

There is a Hosteling International youth hostel in Santa Monica close to the beach and the shopping area of Santa Monica, with decent bus access to other parts of LA. Santa Monica is lively place to be.

Wonderful! Thanks for the research Clark! Very nice of you. I'll have a look at those hotels.
And you too cfeerb!

I'll either have to attach myself to a family for a nice BBQ or a bike ride down along the beaches sounds like the way to go. Plenty of photo opportunities along there.

I wasn't sure if I was 'missing anything' if I didn't stay in Hollywood or more Central LA.
I wouldn't be able to visit any of the studios or many places I assume would be closed at this time.

So looking at places to stay around Santa Monica or Venice could be good?
Do these places get sketchy at night?

Santa Monica does not, Venice does. I would definitely stay in SM rather than Venice.

What you'll be missing if you don't stay in Hollywood is temps about 20 degrees warmer than at the beaches. It was almost 100 in Hollywood today and it's not even mid-May yet.

Love it! Bring on the heat!
(I'm escaping winter here in Australia.. which I guess by some standards is hardly winter at all)

LA is a very large area a can change from one area to the next. I would stay in Manhattan Beach which is close to LAX. It's a small town with nice restaurants, hotels and the beach of course. You can rent bikes and ride along one of the best beaches in Southern California.