penel523

Our family with two older teens is visiting LA for a week in August. We'll be staying near Anaheim, and plan to go to Disneyland, the Getty, Universal, and . . . ? We're looking for good ideas for foursomes or even twosomes, including ideas for good but not super-pricey restaurants.

Thanks.

a2dal

The Promenade in Santa Monica (and to some extent the pier) is nice to walk around, see some shops, and get a nice lunch. The Venice Boardwalk, though sometimes seedy, is usually a hit with kids. If you will venture further south, to the South Bay area, Hermosa beach is also nice for a beach day and has good outdoor restaurants on Pier. At any of the beaches, you can rent bikes, grab a map, and take a nice ride to include any of the things I've mentioned above. Zuma Beach in Malibu is nice and less crowded if you want a day on the beach - some good restaurants along PCH to stop at the end of the day for a drink and snacks, overlooking the ocean. Moonshadows is one, and there was another at the intersection of PCH and Sunset - nice for the views.

A nice day trip is north to Santa Barbara - or for an overnight, down to San Diego, Sea World, etc. As for LA itself - Hollywood is disappointing (if you didn't know), but the teens might like some shopping and lunch on Melrose. Oh, and the Sunset Ranch in Hollywood does evening sunset horserides - a few hours, through Griffith Park and by some amazing views, to a Mexican restaurant in Burbank, then back under the stars - we took visiting friends there once and they loved it, though I had a rambunctious horse and woke up very sore and bruised - but my fault for exaggerating the recency of my riding experience (high school seems more recent than it is I supppose).

Since you will be in Orange County, don't miss Laguna Beach - another nice place to spend a day at the beach or not, good places to eat - I think they might have the Arts Festivals running through August (there are 2 big ones that run concurrently through the summer for 7 weeks or so).

As for restaurants. . if you narrow down location and what you are looking for cuisine-wise, I might have a few ideas in LA proper.

Enjoy!

tracys2cents

WB Tour in Burbank is less "amusement park" and more "movie business" than the Universal Tour...you can actually do both in one day, WB in the morning, and Universal in the afternoon on into the evening. There about 3 miles apart.

If your Getty visit is on a Fri or Sat, make it a late afternoon visit and make reservations for dinner in the dining room. A unique dining experience with a great view that you will always remember.

If you're staying in Anaheim, maybe a day at Laguna Beach or Dana Point.

penel523

We're staying at the Embassy Suites in Garden Grove. Our son, who's 16, would be happiest eating burgers or pizza. Our budget is somewhat limited. I'd appreciate any restaurant suggestions, near the hotel, or in Huntington, near the Getty, around Hollywood, etc.

We might take a day trip out to Joshua Tree, so any suggestions you have for short detours on that trip, or any recommended eating places, would be welcome.

Thanks.

tracys2cents

If you get over to the Getty, you might want to take a look at the UCLA campus in Westwood - just a mile or so from the Getty. Lots of dining choices in the neighborhood or you can even eat on campus in the Anderson union.

In Anaheim, seek out SONIC for a burger if you don't have SONIC where you're from. Their Coconut Cream Pie milkshake is tops!

Lots of dining choices near Universal but step outside the park into the Citywalk area.

Also, if you want to see Hollywood Walk of Fame/ Chinese Theatre/ Souvenir shops etc....the best way to do it to avoid traffic and parking is to take a break from your day at Universal for a couple of hours and head down to Hollywood on the metro train. Takes 5 minutes or so, $1.25 each way. A good schedule from Anaheim is probably waiting until 10am for traffic to die, then head north, visit Universal from 11 to maybe 4pm...take a break and head down to Hollywood on the subway, return to Universal until closing time and don't head back to Anaheim until 8pm or so to hopefully avoid traffic snarls.

enjoylife

On PCH near Pepperdine is a great place to eat that's not too pricey --Coogies.

If you are going to Universal Studios, there are plenty places to eat on the Universal City Walk. Also, if you are going to that many attractions, you may want to get the CityPass mentioned on another thread. It is available at Costco, but may be available elsewhere.