LA to San Diego with teens
Jan 9th, 2007, 04:50 AM
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LA to San Diego with teens
I am planning a trip at the end of March with my husband & two teenage daughters. Flying into LAX on a Staurday, staying a couple of nigts, Maybe Santa Monica?, one day to do the hollywood sights, Maybe a studio tour. Third day Knotts Berry Farm- family is big thrill ride fans, done Disney and Universal. Drive to San Diego,maybe spend one night on the way; do zoo, Coronado, LaJolla, Suggestions on where to stay and other activities?
Jan 9th, 2007, 07:08 AM
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You might look at a map-- San Diego is roughly 120 miles south of LA.
That is, two to four hours (traffic may slow you down) on the road. You don't need to spend one night on the way.
This trip seems very rushed to me, but so be it. Some thoughts:
Weather can be funny at the end of March-- it might be rainy, it might be drop-dead gorgeous. Make sure you pack for the extremes by bringing clothing you can layer.
Where are you coming from and what is your lodging budget? You may get a bit of sticker shock in the more desirable coast cities like Santa Monica and San Diego. My personal favorites in those cities will run well over $200 a night, but there are cheaper alternatives that are almost as nice.
There are, between the greater LA area and the greater San Diego area, literally tens of thousands of things to suggest as far as things to see and do. Unless you're from another major metropolitan city, spending time in LA without letting your girls hit the stores a bit is a HUGE mistake. Combine the Hollywood sights (really, not that big a deal) with some retail therapy on Melrose Avenue as well as quick spins at Kitson and Fred Segal in West Hollywood-- you'll thank me later for reminding you.
Knott's is family fun, but for young adults I'm not sure it's worth a whole day. Check out of your hotel, get to Knott's fairly early (obviously make sure you have a rental with a huge, lockable trunk), spend the morning and an hour or so in the early afternoon, then drive on to San Diego (straight shot down the 5).
There's a treasure trove of info on both these cities-- people on this forum love San Diego, and LA locals help to balance out the serious LA-haters (who, I fear, just don't "get" LA as a way of life-- it's not all VIP table service and sushi at Koi). Search a bit on the Forum, read the destination guide under Destinations above, and come back with more questions and your hotel budget. You'll get lots of help here.
That is, two to four hours (traffic may slow you down) on the road. You don't need to spend one night on the way.
This trip seems very rushed to me, but so be it. Some thoughts:
Weather can be funny at the end of March-- it might be rainy, it might be drop-dead gorgeous. Make sure you pack for the extremes by bringing clothing you can layer.
Where are you coming from and what is your lodging budget? You may get a bit of sticker shock in the more desirable coast cities like Santa Monica and San Diego. My personal favorites in those cities will run well over $200 a night, but there are cheaper alternatives that are almost as nice.
There are, between the greater LA area and the greater San Diego area, literally tens of thousands of things to suggest as far as things to see and do. Unless you're from another major metropolitan city, spending time in LA without letting your girls hit the stores a bit is a HUGE mistake. Combine the Hollywood sights (really, not that big a deal) with some retail therapy on Melrose Avenue as well as quick spins at Kitson and Fred Segal in West Hollywood-- you'll thank me later for reminding you.
Knott's is family fun, but for young adults I'm not sure it's worth a whole day. Check out of your hotel, get to Knott's fairly early (obviously make sure you have a rental with a huge, lockable trunk), spend the morning and an hour or so in the early afternoon, then drive on to San Diego (straight shot down the 5).
There's a treasure trove of info on both these cities-- people on this forum love San Diego, and LA locals help to balance out the serious LA-haters (who, I fear, just don't "get" LA as a way of life-- it's not all VIP table service and sushi at Koi). Search a bit on the Forum, read the destination guide under Destinations above, and come back with more questions and your hotel budget. You'll get lots of help here.
Jan 9th, 2007, 07:40 AM
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Just wanted to chime in with a couple of suggestions.
If your family enjoys serious thrill rides, then you want to head to Six Flags Magic Mountain, north of Los Angeles, instead of Knott's. It has more and better roller coasters and thrill rides than Knott's, Universal or the two Disney Parks.
Also, Warner Brothers studios has a great tour.
If your family enjoys serious thrill rides, then you want to head to Six Flags Magic Mountain, north of Los Angeles, instead of Knott's. It has more and better roller coasters and thrill rides than Knott's, Universal or the two Disney Parks.
Also, Warner Brothers studios has a great tour.
Jan 9th, 2007, 08:24 AM
#4
I agree with rjw and want to add another vote for Magic Mountain rather than Knotts.
http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/
In San Diego, also go to Sea World. You'll like the rides there, but they're more fun than thrill really.
http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/
In San Diego, also go to Sea World. You'll like the rides there, but they're more fun than thrill really.
Jan 9th, 2007, 08:27 AM
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La Jolla is a great place to stay and I would suggest either the Hotel La Jolla, LJ Shores Hotel (formerly Sea Lodge) or The Grande Colonial Hotel..
Georges at the Cove on the terrace is outstanding and not real expensive and I would suggest lunch or right before sunset.
Belmont Park in Mission Beach has a killer old school wooden roller coaster that is alot of fun and a wave rider..you are only going to be here for such a short time so the SD Zoo will take all day..
Have fun!
hotellajolla.com
ljshoreshotel.com
thegrandecolonial.com
georgesatthecove.com
belmontpark.com
Georges at the Cove on the terrace is outstanding and not real expensive and I would suggest lunch or right before sunset.
Belmont Park in Mission Beach has a killer old school wooden roller coaster that is alot of fun and a wave rider..you are only going to be here for such a short time so the SD Zoo will take all day..
Have fun!
hotellajolla.com
ljshoreshotel.com
thegrandecolonial.com
georgesatthecove.com
belmontpark.com
Jan 9th, 2007, 07:18 PM
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Just returned from a trip to CA with 2 teen girls. We also did San Diego and La. Stayed in Santa Monica at the Cal Mar Suites. It is actually a very spacious apartment in a great location- one block to the 3rd St. Promenade. Two blocks to the Pier. The girls loved it. (16 year olds). If your teens like to shop, then Cal Mar is a great location. One caveat: Get a 2nd floor apartment. First floor can be noisy (those above) if they sleep late. Plus, the pull out bed wasn't comfy but teens usually don't care...
We loved La Jolla. Stayed at the La Jolla Village Lodge. Great location and dirt cheap, (about $100 a night), but tiny rooms. You might try for adjacent rooms. Still would be cheaper than most places in LJ, and the location is perfect.
Drove 405 from SM to SD but exited after Long Beach and took the Pacific Coast HWY as far as we could, then back on 5. Nice drive - Newport Beach, Laguna Beach.
You can go on line and get a Santa Monica and San Diego guide sent to your home.
We loved La Jolla. Stayed at the La Jolla Village Lodge. Great location and dirt cheap, (about $100 a night), but tiny rooms. You might try for adjacent rooms. Still would be cheaper than most places in LJ, and the location is perfect.
Drove 405 from SM to SD but exited after Long Beach and took the Pacific Coast HWY as far as we could, then back on 5. Nice drive - Newport Beach, Laguna Beach.
You can go on line and get a Santa Monica and San Diego guide sent to your home.
Jan 9th, 2007, 07:22 PM
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By the way - we split our trip. (LJ to SM to LJ) It took me exactly 2 hours to go from La Jolla to Santa Monica. We left at 11 AM on Jan 1. Stayed in the HOV lane almost all the way there. (5 to 405, to 10)
Coming back, traffic was bad - stop and go for quite awhile. Got off the hwy and onto PCH and it was a breeze. Took us 3 hours going back.
Coming back, traffic was bad - stop and go for quite awhile. Got off the hwy and onto PCH and it was a breeze. Took us 3 hours going back.
Jan 9th, 2007, 08:14 PM
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My husband and I lived in LA and worked in San Diego for 5 years in our late 20's. rjw_lgb_ca is right on. I would spend 5 nights in LA at one base. Santa Monica is a great option. It's not cheap. For the teens, I would suggest an afternoon roller-blading or biking from Santa Monica down to Venice Beach. They will love it. Also, take them to eat dinner on the patio at Gladstones on the beach between SM and Malibu. It's a scene and an experience in and of itself. You (and other posters) might be surprised how much they (teenagers) enjoy the walk of stars in Hollywood. My kids got their pictures with every impersonator is sight. One other thing, Manhattan Beach (where I used to live) is by far my favorite in LA. It could be a separate day from Santa Monica/Venice Beach. Manhattan Beach has very limited parking therefore it has a small town feel, but the volleyball nets are all up on weekends and the strand is full of bikers and rollerbladers. IMHO, it has the best beaches and ambiance in LA. You can bike between Manhattan Beach through Hermosa to Redondo Beach which has a kitschy pier to which most teenagers seem to be attracted.
I know teenagers do not like museums, but the Getty Museum is AMAZING. You should drag them there for your own benfit, if nothing else. Just getting there, and the view from the museum are worth it. If you only had time for one cultural experience, I would do that. If you have time to attend a taping of one of the shows, that could be fun for them and they should be old enough to be admitted. You'll want to search some websites to see how to get tickets. Many require a wait in line in the morning and a later return. (I think that's still the policy) That could take a whole day. Check out the Farmers Market and the new shopping center adjacent to it (I can't remember what they call it). Eat lunch there. You could also visit the La Brea Tarpits on Wilshire which is interesting. My kids were fascinated. It's a prehistoric site smack dab in the middle of LA!
Window shopping on Melrose is a must for teenage girls. Make time for a leisurely lunch in a cafe. You should also take them to Rodeo drive and stroll the Sunset Strip. There are many restaurants there to just hang out and people-watch. They'll be celebrity hunting, I guarantee it!
If you are determined to take them to a theme park, you seem to know the options and the other posters have their opinions. That will be one long, exhausting day.
If you don't have a lot of time, I'd stick to LA. If you have eight days, you could comfortably head south to San Diego or points in between. You shoud budget a half a day of driving each way if your flights are in and out of the same airport.
We're going back to LA and San Diego in mid-March, partly for college visits. There's so much to see and do that I have to start thinking of our itinerary as well. I also have a 7 and 10 year old so we'll probably add a theme park and perhaps the SD Zoo for them.
Be mindful of the fact that LA (and So. Cal. in general) has some of the most horrific traffic on earth and the streets and highways are a jumble. You will spend a lot of time simply trying to get around in your rental car. I know my way around but still get frustrated. I don't know what types of driving conditions you're familiar with, but short of Manhattan or Rome, there's not much else like it. Do not underestimate it. Planning your time will be key.
We took our kids back last year. We have four and two are teenage girls. They absolutely loved LA. Be careful, my 17 year old wants to go to college there now!
I know teenagers do not like museums, but the Getty Museum is AMAZING. You should drag them there for your own benfit, if nothing else. Just getting there, and the view from the museum are worth it. If you only had time for one cultural experience, I would do that. If you have time to attend a taping of one of the shows, that could be fun for them and they should be old enough to be admitted. You'll want to search some websites to see how to get tickets. Many require a wait in line in the morning and a later return. (I think that's still the policy) That could take a whole day. Check out the Farmers Market and the new shopping center adjacent to it (I can't remember what they call it). Eat lunch there. You could also visit the La Brea Tarpits on Wilshire which is interesting. My kids were fascinated. It's a prehistoric site smack dab in the middle of LA!
Window shopping on Melrose is a must for teenage girls. Make time for a leisurely lunch in a cafe. You should also take them to Rodeo drive and stroll the Sunset Strip. There are many restaurants there to just hang out and people-watch. They'll be celebrity hunting, I guarantee it!
If you are determined to take them to a theme park, you seem to know the options and the other posters have their opinions. That will be one long, exhausting day.
If you don't have a lot of time, I'd stick to LA. If you have eight days, you could comfortably head south to San Diego or points in between. You shoud budget a half a day of driving each way if your flights are in and out of the same airport.
We're going back to LA and San Diego in mid-March, partly for college visits. There's so much to see and do that I have to start thinking of our itinerary as well. I also have a 7 and 10 year old so we'll probably add a theme park and perhaps the SD Zoo for them.
Be mindful of the fact that LA (and So. Cal. in general) has some of the most horrific traffic on earth and the streets and highways are a jumble. You will spend a lot of time simply trying to get around in your rental car. I know my way around but still get frustrated. I don't know what types of driving conditions you're familiar with, but short of Manhattan or Rome, there's not much else like it. Do not underestimate it. Planning your time will be key.
We took our kids back last year. We have four and two are teenage girls. They absolutely loved LA. Be careful, my 17 year old wants to go to college there now!
Jan 10th, 2007, 04:49 AM
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Thanks so much for all the great info! The LaJolla Lodge looks like a winner. Anyone else stayed there? The Getty Museum sounds like a must do. My family spent over 4 hours at the Met Museum of Art in NYC and wanted to stay longer. Shopping is always on the agenda. They love vintage clothing, any store suggestions? Thanks again.
Jan 10th, 2007, 07:21 AM
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I wanted to jump on and temper your expectations about the Getty Center (and, for that matter, the Getty Villa up in Malibu). The physical grounds of both Getty facilities are spectacular, no question. However, the permanent collections in their "museums" are, to put it charitably, spotty. Their special exhibitions, on the other hand, tend to be absolutely superb (Old Masters, video installations by Long Beach artist Bill Viola, photography of Old California, etc.), so do check them out.
The greater LA area has a lot of vintage and consignment clothing stores, and as I recall there's a branch of Aardvark's on Melrose (or is there? It may have closed or moved)-- that's a chain of vintage stores. An AIDS healthcare organization runs a chain of consignment stores called Out of the Closet, and you can find lots of fun stuff there (I use them for Hallowe'en costumes). I know there are specialty "resale" boutiques in West Hollywood with very high-end designer stuff, including rare couture pieces; however, I'm a guy, so I don't know exactly where. You could have your daughters look on the Web, using search terms like "consignment stores" "vintage clothing" and "West Hollywood".
I like Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach as well. For first-time visitors, they present a commuting challenge-- hard to get into and get out of--, but for subsequent visits they're great towns, and you really get the feel of California Beach Living.
The traffic woes here are real (I was stuck in traffic this morning getting to work!), so always expect trips to take a half-hour longer than "advertised". Sometimes the scenic route, although a bit slower, can be used as a sanity-preserver-- say, the coastal route through Orange County that Austin describes (405 south, exit Seal Beach Blvd. heading to PCH, left on PCH, follow all the way to San Clemente, where you'll catch the 5 south to San Diego). Some parts are breathtaking.
The greater LA area has a lot of vintage and consignment clothing stores, and as I recall there's a branch of Aardvark's on Melrose (or is there? It may have closed or moved)-- that's a chain of vintage stores. An AIDS healthcare organization runs a chain of consignment stores called Out of the Closet, and you can find lots of fun stuff there (I use them for Hallowe'en costumes). I know there are specialty "resale" boutiques in West Hollywood with very high-end designer stuff, including rare couture pieces; however, I'm a guy, so I don't know exactly where. You could have your daughters look on the Web, using search terms like "consignment stores" "vintage clothing" and "West Hollywood".
I like Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach as well. For first-time visitors, they present a commuting challenge-- hard to get into and get out of--, but for subsequent visits they're great towns, and you really get the feel of California Beach Living.
The traffic woes here are real (I was stuck in traffic this morning getting to work!), so always expect trips to take a half-hour longer than "advertised". Sometimes the scenic route, although a bit slower, can be used as a sanity-preserver-- say, the coastal route through Orange County that Austin describes (405 south, exit Seal Beach Blvd. heading to PCH, left on PCH, follow all the way to San Clemente, where you'll catch the 5 south to San Diego). Some parts are breathtaking.
Jan 19th, 2007, 10:04 AM
#14
There's a store called ITSAWRAPHOLLYWOOD , one in Burbank and one on Robertson south of Beverly Hills....they sell clothes from the TV wardrobe departments and the kids would probably get a kick out of going there.
Universal is the only studio tour that would be open on Sat & Sun.
The Getty is open until 9pm on Saturday and would be a good stop after your Beverly Hills touring. Make reservations for the Restaurant, it's $30-$40 per person but an experience you'll remember.
Hotel Angeleno is a fun place to stay with teenagers, close to the hustle bustle of UCLA & Bev Hills yet a quick drive to SM and Malibu
Universal is the only studio tour that would be open on Sat & Sun.
The Getty is open until 9pm on Saturday and would be a good stop after your Beverly Hills touring. Make reservations for the Restaurant, it's $30-$40 per person but an experience you'll remember.
Hotel Angeleno is a fun place to stay with teenagers, close to the hustle bustle of UCLA & Bev Hills yet a quick drive to SM and Malibu
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