LA/Palm Springs for 6 days with teens?
I'm planning trip in April with teens (boy and girl). Have already been to San Diego with them. We have about 6 days and we want warm/swimming weather for part of the time so that is why I'm thinking southern as opposed to San Francisco. Also like to hike, sightsee, etc. Was thinking of doing 3 days in Palm Springs (hiking, pool, Joshua Tree) and then 3 days in LA. Would like to get some input on LA activities - not really interested in theme parks. Santa Monica/Venice, Hollywood - what else would be good. Thanks for any suggestions!!
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There is good hiking around LA too, Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu, Topanga, Griffith Park. Griffith Observatory, beaches, Getty Center, Petersen Auto Exhibits, check whats on exhibit at The Science Center. We were in Manhattan Beach with teens this past April and they were in the ocean every day, boogie boarding etc.
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Good suggestions from clark, Petersen Automotive Museum will reopen from a big remodel this December, teens might like Malibu as well, usually lots of parking at Zuma Beach.
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Oh - I didn't know the Petersen was reopening that soon . . . Thanks!
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Suggestions for Palm Springs--
*Aerial Tram with stunning views on the ride up the mountain. Nice hiking once you are up top and there's a lodge type place with food, drinks, and a gift shop. *Visit one of the hot springs in the area to swim, or stay at one of the hotel/motel type lodging with springs. (some have day pass options and some are clothing optional, so check those details.) *Joshua Tree is a great day trip with excellent hiking and exploring options. |
Just a note about the tram -- it can be quite cold at the top, even when it's broiling down below.
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3 nights in palm springs sounds perfect. pick a hotel with a great pool. joshua tree is fabulous. march and april are busy times in palm springs so make a reservation several months in advance. not a fan of la so can't really recommend things there.
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We were also surprised how chilly it got sometimes at night in Palm Springs--we were there in March. If you are there on a Thursday evening, they have a fun little street market that everyone would enjoy.
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Maybe others can comment with more personal knowledge but I think Palm Springs might be in the mid to high 80's in April. For me that would be uncomfortably hot for hiking or outdoor activities.
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We were in Palm Springs this past March when it was close to 90 and we took a really nice hike in Joshua Tree (where it was slightly less hot). Just depends on your tolerance for heat.
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My daughter lives out in L.A. is always finding fun hikes for us to do. Two of my favorites have been the hike to the the rear of the Hollywood sign and the hike to the M*A*S*H set in Malibu Creek State Park. If you go to Malibu Creek State Park, be sure to go to the Visitors Center to see the short film about all the movies that have been made there (including iconic ones like "Butch Cassidy").
http://hollywoodsign.org/hiking-to-the-sign/ http://www.malibucreekstatepark.org/MASH.html If you do the Hollywood sign hike, you can combine that with a visit to the Griffith Observatory and a visit to the old L.A. zoo (which is fun and creepy). We always go to Zuma Beach when I visit, including last April when we had a great day boogie boarding. |
For those who don't know about the Nethercutt that is an alternative while the Peterson is closed.
However the guides are very "don't touch the cars" so it may be better for adults or well behaved children. Admission is free. The "Collection" side requires a reservation but the "Museum" and the rail car don't. For families I like the Marriott timeshare at Shadow Ridge, if you don't mind either cooking or going out for meals. The Living Desert in Palm Desert is another option. April can be very busy in PS, check to see if there is an event that may book up all the hotel rooms. If so, there are also a few simple motels closer to Joshua Tree. April is variable, weather wise. Can be pleasant, can be hot! |
mlgb, we stayed at the Shadow Ridge in March and liked it a lot (it's very similar to Desert Springs, except I liked the shade structures at the pool at Shadow Ridge more than the umbrellas at Desert Springs).
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mlgb, we stayed at the Shadow Ridge in March and liked it a lot (it's very similar to Desert Springs, except I liked the shade structures at the pool at Shadow Ridge more than the umbrellas at Desert Springs).
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For L.A. I would suggest staying in the South Bay area like Redondo Beach or Hermosa beach. The kids would love it as you have the beach, the piers and plenty of places to eat and stay and great un-crowded hikes in Palos Verdes. Bike rentals will take you from Redondo as far up to Santa Monica mostly on a bike path without any car traffic. The trails in Palos Verdes are quiet with great views of the mountains and the ocean.
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