Wolfie1

I need your help.

We will be flying into LAX on a Thursday afternoon.(3pm) By the time we pickup a rental car, it will probably be 4:30. Whats the best way to get to Pasadena during that time frame?

Thanks!

brushfire

I would think 105 East to either the 110 North or 710 North, depending on which part of Pasadena you want to get to. I'm pretty sure you should avoid downtown at that time, so the 710 is probably the best bet.

mjs

I would stop for dinner as there is really no good way to get across the city during rush hour.

ltr

I agree with taking the 105 to the 110 North. You will run into traffic because you will be driving though Los Angeles during rush hour. I would not recommend waiting for the traffic to clear. IT is usually bad until 7:00 PM.

The 710 does not go all the way through to Pasadena, and the surface roads will be congested that time of the day.

Depending on the number of accidents along the way, it should take you between 1-2 hours to get to Pasadena. I driving that route home every day and leaving at 6:30, I am usually home by 8:00.

POlson

You say "we," which implies a carpool (2 or more people in LA). There is no good way to go at that time of day, but if you have a carpool you could try this: 105 East to 110 North; get in the carpool lane when it starts on 105 (best way from LAX is to go south on Sepulveda to 105 ramp or south on Aviation or La Cienega to Imperial Hwy to other 105 ramp), stay in the 105 carpool lane and take the carpool exit onto 110. Stay in the carpool lane until it ends (and exits the freeway) at Adams. As you exit the freeway, get in the right of the two left-turn lanes, turn left, then immediately right onto the little diagonal to Figeuroa. Follow Figeuroa north all the way through downtown, staying to the right the entire way. When you pass 3rd Street, move left a lane and continue straight. Don't get back on the freeway until Figeuroa ends at the onramp: you'll pass Staples Center, the bulk of downtown, and Sunset (Cesar Chavez). Finally, the street will simply become an onramp back onto 110. (The Figeuroa detour is one of my favorite tricks. It may be slow going as you hit the traffic leaving downtown, but I think it's generally much faster than staying on the 110 freeway as you pass by downtown, especially at that time of day.) Once back on the 110, stay to the right until you pass the 5 exit, then get in the middle lane (the right lane has ridiculously short exit ramps which always seem to stop traffic) and follow 110 all the way to Pasadena. 110 ends and becomes Arroyo Pkwy as you enter Pasadena, which you can follow all the way north into central Pasadena.

ltr

I would print POlson's answer and follow it very closely. It is a work of art from someone who obviously drives the route often!

Wolfie1

Thank you POlson. I will print your directions and follow them to the T -- hopefully!

I've lived in LA, so I know I am not in for a quick ride. I really didn't think of waiting out the traffic because I seem to remember it never ends!

Thanks again.

Wolfie1

Forgot to add -- we are a group of 3 so the carpool lane will do. This is where we are headed:

Hilton Garden Inn Arcadia/Pasadena Area
199 North Second Avenue
Arcadia, CA United States 91006

Thanks again!

POlson

Just in case you need to know: If I were going to Arcadia at that time of day, I might avoid going all the way up to the 210 fwy (which crawls into the night), and instead take California Blvd east (right turn off Arroyo Pkwy about 2 long blocks after the end of the 110 fwy) all the way to its end at Huntington Blvd (some miles, at least 10 minutes; after Rosemead, California turns into Sunset and banks right to Huntington). Left on Huntington, stay on Huntington until it becomes Santa Clara, and then follow Santa Clara to your hotel. I'd google the address and print a map of the local area. Streets change names with some frequency right around there.

ltr

The hotel is well located for restaurants. If you need any recommendations, let me know. I live about 2 miles from there.

joesorce

If your plane arrives on time, there's no reason you can't be into your rental car and on your way by 3:40pm.

Peel it !

Wolfie1

Gee thanks, you guys are great.

Can't "peel" it cause we have Mom with us. Also, I just checked the e-ticket and arrival is 3:30pm -- not 3pm as previously mentioned. So, I am prepared for a lengthly trip.

Thanks again POlson. I will follow your advice. I had tossed around the idea of bringing my Garmin but I think it would probably add to the confusion and conflict with your directions.

ltr -- A few restaurant suggestions would be most appreciated! We love anything Asian, Seafood/Fish, and possibly a good burger joint for a change. I've read that old Pasadena is charming so maybe something there?

Thanks to all!

NeoPatrick

Once before I recommended the delightful Twin Palms in Pasadena and got slammed because it just isn't the #1 fine dining establishment in Pasadena. But it is a huge outdoor garden/patio with surrounding rooms open to it. There are huge trees, misters on the fence in hot weather, huge white umbrellas and just the most "California" ambiance one can imagine. The food is good and the prices are moderate. I LOVE their rotisserie chicken and their large salads are great. I suggest you check it out unless you only want top gourmet dining.

POlson

I also like Twin Palms for the ambiance. Here are a couple of our favorites, several of which are in Old Town (which is definitely worth a visit; park in garage on Delancey St. north of Union or Schoolhouse Garage, enter on Green between Fair Oaks and Raymond, or enter on Raymond bet. Colorado & Green):
Arroyo Chop House, on Arroyo Pkwy north of California, for steak and seafood; we went last night and it was terrific (enjoyed a yummy tomato crab soup and wonderful grilled Alaskan king salmon); there is also a McCormick and Schmick's somewhere in Pasadena (I think by City Hall);
Akbar for Indian, really good stuff, in Old Town (Fair Oaks & Union); Cafe Bizou for all around good fare, particularly the carrot soup (on Raymond bet. Walnut & Union). There is a little crepe shop called the Crepe Vine which is good for something different (but spotty service), located in Miller Alley just west of Fair Oaks off Colorado. My favorite hamburger in the world is at Pie and Burger (California and Lake); great greasy burger joint. My husband also likes Wolfe Burgers on Lake just north of Colorado. Lots of good choices for Fish Tacos/chain mexican on Lake Street (Wahoos, Baha Fresh and Chipotles).

We also like the Melting Pot (a fondue chain). There is also a Cheesecake Factory if you can stand the interminable wait, and across the street is Louise's, an italian restaurant we often go to with our young kids.

Lots of our friends rave about Sushi Roku (also in Miller Alley) but I've never eaten there.

ltr

I agree with the suggestions above. I like Twin Palms, but have been seated in some areas that are drafty and cold. We are usually in a large group, so it isn't easy for us to ask to be moved.

Right by the hotel, I like The Derby for steaks.

If you are looking for Italian, we like Maria's on Colorado Blvd in Pasadena. Not very expensive ($12-$16 for dinner) and usually not too crowded.

If you like Thai food, President Thai on Rosemead Blvd is good. ($8-$14 per dish)

I have not found a great seafood restaurant in the area, so if someone else has, please post. We used to go to Cameron's but the last couple of times, I have been disapointed. Maybe McGraths's Fish House in the Santa Anita Mall? I have eaten there once and thought it was just ok, but maybe someone else has had a better experience? Red Lobster is close to the hotel, on Huntington Drive. For a chain, it is not bad and always seems to have a crowd.

As a matter of fact, there are a number of chain restaurants available right along Huntington Drive as well.

IF you are looking for take out burgers, try In N' Out on Santa Anita. Everyone has to want a burger, because they do not have anything except burgers and fries, but it is a fast food favorite. Tommy's on Huntington Drive east of your hotel about 2 miles is another fast food favorite for burgers. They are very messy with chili and cheese, but if you are looking for some local favorites, you might want to give them a try.