Los Angeles Teen Tour… 1 day YIKES… Need help!
Aug 31st, 2013, 10:16 AM
#21
Interesting. I interpreted it as 3 generations. Mother/OP/teen daughter, although it isn't clear if the word 'group' means the 3 members of one family or multiple teens or multiple mothers/daughters... Oh well.
If this day is all about the daughter, then she should decide the priorities. We don't know if she's 13 or 19.
The flower mart is best seen in the very early morning hours, so the teen should be willing to be on the road by 7:00a. Good luck with that. The fashion district is huge (100 blocks) and mostly in a somewhat gritty part of town, not 'fashionable' at all. Most of the retail shops don't open until 10:00a. The jewelry district is spread over 12 blocks in a different part of downtown. If the flower mart, fashion and jewelry districts are dropped from the plan, then drop the Disney Hall drive-by.
I agree with rjw that Hollywood is still a marginal attraction, but some people just want to see it and say they've been there. I get that. It's similar to people walking up and down Rodeo Drive. I don't understand the appeal, but apparently people enjoy doing it.
I've taken people to studio tours. They're fun but a bit of a time-eater.
I'm not sure how much a teen would enjoy seeing the Hollywood Bowl, but I happen to think it's one of the great treasures of L.A. Depending on what's on the performance schedule for that evening, I might rather buy tickets in one of the boxes and have dinner delivered to the seats. The Bowl has lots of events that are not oriented to just classical music.
When we've hosted several teen-aged relatives, we've been surprised at how much they enjoyed the La Brea Tar Pits. And my art-oriented great-niece would like to live at the Getty Center.
If this day is all about the daughter, then she should decide the priorities. We don't know if she's 13 or 19.
The flower mart is best seen in the very early morning hours, so the teen should be willing to be on the road by 7:00a. Good luck with that. The fashion district is huge (100 blocks) and mostly in a somewhat gritty part of town, not 'fashionable' at all. Most of the retail shops don't open until 10:00a. The jewelry district is spread over 12 blocks in a different part of downtown. If the flower mart, fashion and jewelry districts are dropped from the plan, then drop the Disney Hall drive-by.
I agree with rjw that Hollywood is still a marginal attraction, but some people just want to see it and say they've been there. I get that. It's similar to people walking up and down Rodeo Drive. I don't understand the appeal, but apparently people enjoy doing it.
I've taken people to studio tours. They're fun but a bit of a time-eater.
I'm not sure how much a teen would enjoy seeing the Hollywood Bowl, but I happen to think it's one of the great treasures of L.A. Depending on what's on the performance schedule for that evening, I might rather buy tickets in one of the boxes and have dinner delivered to the seats. The Bowl has lots of events that are not oriented to just classical music.
When we've hosted several teen-aged relatives, we've been surprised at how much they enjoyed the La Brea Tar Pits. And my art-oriented great-niece would like to live at the Getty Center.
Aug 31st, 2013, 11:28 AM
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Jean, the OP doesn't say they want to go to the Hollywood Bowl. They want to go to the HB Overlook , which provides a wonderful view of the city. Agree that the fashion district is in a "gritty" area, but my daughter still makes periodic trips there to buy clothes (she's in her late 20's now and has been going since she could drive). You have to be very selective because a lot is just plain junk, but she loves to find the deals. I'm assuming that the OP realizes that they'll only see a bit of each area. Definitely too large to cover completely given the time limit.
Aug 31st, 2013, 11:39 AM
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Btw, I assumed that since they only have one free day, the rest of their time was structured by some group activity (drill team competition, dance performance, Girl Scout convention, etc). Whether the OP was asking for just herself and her daughter or for all the mom's and daughters, my comments should still apply. Wonder if the OP is ever going to come back.
Aug 31st, 2013, 02:08 PM
#24
we have no idea what the OP meant - and until she comes back we won't.
I read it a a group of teen girls/mothers. Mainly because she calls it a 'Teen Tour' in the title. But who the heck knows???
I read it a a group of teen girls/mothers. Mainly because she calls it a 'Teen Tour' in the title. But who the heck knows???
Aug 31st, 2013, 04:39 PM
#25
jlaughs, the OP asked for suggested exclusions/additions. I'd rather go to a performance and dinner at the HB than some of the other things on her list, and that's why I mentioned it. IMO, you can shop anywhere. But to each his/her own.
As for views of L.A., I think it's hard to beat the Observatory. Both the OP and the teen may recognize it from movies, TV, music videos, etc.
As for views of L.A., I think it's hard to beat the Observatory. Both the OP and the teen may recognize it from movies, TV, music videos, etc.
Sep 1st, 2013, 02:41 AM
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I agree that there are things on her list that I wouldn't necessarily do in place of other possibilities, but without anymore input from her regarding what they might be interested in doing, I just went by her list.
Sep 3rd, 2013, 04:38 AM
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WooHoo! GREAT ideas! and I'm baaaaaaack! 
(Sorry holiday weekend got in the way!)
Got to process all your ideas, but need to quickly clarify a few items, before I get tarred & feathered!
1. We are a group.
2. Car is a limo, which none have ever ridden in, so that will be fun and special.
3. We are from eastern US and kids have plenty of beach time… so beach time is not important. But they have to see the Pacific and short walk in sand, maybe wade for a few moments in street clothes, to say they did it!
4. Trip is first of November.
5. Some may never return… for others may be many years… so shoving in as many experiences as possible is a plus.
6. While I do value what they want to see, most are not informed enough to make that decision. I would prefer to know what you, as the LA experts, would suggest for them to see, as if a group landed on your door step from rural US and you only had 1 day to give them a west coast/LA experience. Where the experience will last a lifetime and tiredness will vanish in memories!
7. They do get to see mall and outlet malls, but never experienced a shopping district. Really not to buy a wardrobe… but a special, but inexpensive, shirt or some costume jewelry to remind her of this trip, that doesn't come from a place she can find near home.
Please keep the ideas/refinements coming. Soooo appreciate your knowledge! Especially helpful giving me timing idea… start time… routing to avoid big know traffic delays.
I knew my dreams were too much… but I do believe in dreaming big! That is one reason we are getting to come at all… it started as a big dream, now reality!!!!
(Sorry holiday weekend got in the way!)Got to process all your ideas, but need to quickly clarify a few items, before I get tarred & feathered!
1. We are a group.
2. Car is a limo, which none have ever ridden in, so that will be fun and special.
3. We are from eastern US and kids have plenty of beach time… so beach time is not important. But they have to see the Pacific and short walk in sand, maybe wade for a few moments in street clothes, to say they did it!
4. Trip is first of November.
5. Some may never return… for others may be many years… so shoving in as many experiences as possible is a plus.
6. While I do value what they want to see, most are not informed enough to make that decision. I would prefer to know what you, as the LA experts, would suggest for them to see, as if a group landed on your door step from rural US and you only had 1 day to give them a west coast/LA experience. Where the experience will last a lifetime and tiredness will vanish in memories!
7. They do get to see mall and outlet malls, but never experienced a shopping district. Really not to buy a wardrobe… but a special, but inexpensive, shirt or some costume jewelry to remind her of this trip, that doesn't come from a place she can find near home.
Please keep the ideas/refinements coming. Soooo appreciate your knowledge! Especially helpful giving me timing idea… start time… routing to avoid big know traffic delays.
I knew my dreams were too much… but I do believe in dreaming big! That is one reason we are getting to come at all… it started as a big dream, now reality!!!!
Sep 3rd, 2013, 06:31 AM
#29
It would still be helpful to know the ages of the kids and the size of the group.
#3/4. Just so you know... The water will be very cold.
#7. The jewelry in the jewelry district is, for the most part, NOT costume quality. It's real-deal gold and gem, albeit at cheaper prices. As for an inexpensive shirt, you don't need to go to the fashion district. There will be opportunities to find this type of souvenir at several of your other stops during the day. Hollywood, Farmers Market, Santa Monica, etc.
IMO, you should make only a couple of stops, or they will remember riding around in the limo more than the sights.
#3/4. Just so you know... The water will be very cold.
#7. The jewelry in the jewelry district is, for the most part, NOT costume quality. It's real-deal gold and gem, albeit at cheaper prices. As for an inexpensive shirt, you don't need to go to the fashion district. There will be opportunities to find this type of souvenir at several of your other stops during the day. Hollywood, Farmers Market, Santa Monica, etc.
IMO, you should make only a couple of stops, or they will remember riding around in the limo more than the sights.
Sep 3rd, 2013, 02:19 PM
#32
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I think rjw has the best plan. Our kids, late teens, love going to the Grove and to Melrose to check things out. If it is on the weekend, the Melrose Swap Meet is really fun. Jewelry District and Fashion District aren't that great. I think for teens, Venice is a must-see. Sure, they may be tons of medical marijuana shops but you really can't get i without a prescription so I doubt it would be a problem for the teens.
Sep 3rd, 2013, 04:01 PM
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tabernash: I love the Getty Villa and the Getty Center too. They might be a bit too much of a time investment for this type of whirlwind tour, I fear (you should spend at least a few hours exploring things, don't you think...?). And I wonder how it works when you're using a limo driver...? But the views from the Getty Center are spectacular.
Griffith Park Observatory is a bit easier to get to, when you have a driver. However, I'll also say that one should spend a little time walking around. It's quite a landmark.
Griffith Park Observatory is a bit easier to get to, when you have a driver. However, I'll also say that one should spend a little time walking around. It's quite a landmark.
Sep 3rd, 2013, 04:14 PM
#34
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want2go,
This is going to be LOOOONG.
I'm assuming that you've done a little research to come up with your list. I think others have given good suggestions, but without knowing you and your group's specific interests, those suggestions may or may not be of interest to you. It reminds me of when I suggested the Getty Museum as someplace my son should take his girlfriend who was visiting from Wisconsin. They went because it's so highly and often recommended, but neither is really interested in art or museums, so they felt it was a waste of their limited time. They would rather have gone to the zoo (their other choice), which I never would have suggested. To each their own.
Although others recommend severely trimming down your list, I know exactly how you feel. I've encountered this same thing when I've asked questions about some of my itineraries. Ultimately, I didn't want to take anything off my list, so even though I was rushed as everyone predicted, I was still glad I was able to see everything I wanted to see (albeit briefly).
So, given that, I'm still going to go just by your list.
1. FLOWER MARKET is nice, especially if there's nothing like it where you live. I wouldn't necessarily include it if it meant taking time away from something else, but you can go there before anything else opens.
2. JEWELRY DISTRICT is interesting to see if, again, you don't have anything like it where you live. As Jean said, the jewelry is mainly nice, real jewelry, but that doesn't mean you can't find affordable charms or chains to buy as mementos since they are typically more cheaply priced. (I still wear a jade ring that I bought in Chiang Mai in ’04 daily. It was more than I had planned to spend on a memento, but I like the ring and it reminds me of my trip.) It's interesting just to see building after building, "stall" after "stall" of jewelry vendors. But, unless you're looking for something in particular to buy, I'd say this is a "take a look for awhile, then move on" stop.
3. FASHION DISTRICT has areas of actual storefronts (we shop mainly on Maple) and areas that are more like a swap meet (Santee Alley). Yes, you could find inexpensive clothing and souvenir shirts at other stops, but they wouldn't give you the experience of seeing the fashion district, would they? And, buying something from there would bring back memories (similar to my daughter being able to look at things that she bought at the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok and remember that she bought those in Thailand). As I said before, some of the products are just cheap junk, but you can also find great deals on items that you don't necessarily see anywhere else. Can you skip this though? Sure. Ultimately, not that different from going to outlets, swap meets, etc.
4. VENICE BOARDWALK, SM PIER & PACIFIC OCEAN - The Venice Boardwalk is unique. If the weather is nice, it should still be a "zoo" as many have described it although not as crazy as a weekend day in the middle of summer. As a local, not somewhere I particularly enjoy going to (parking and traffic are ridiculous), but I do think it's a great place for a tourist to see at least once. You can start at the Venice Pier (Washington Bl) and walk up towards the Boardwalk. Even though it's .5 mile, it might actually take you less time to walk it than to get in/out of limo and drive to the Boardwalk (Venice Bl) or you can skip the Venice pier and go directly to being dropped off at Venice Bl. (Tip - Stop somewhere before you get here to have everyone use the restroom. Don't want to have to use the restrooms at the Boardwalk.) SM Pier is somewhat iconic, isn't it? My parents used to take us to the pier often when we were little, but it's become too popular (and thus, too crowded) for me now. As far as the Pacific Ocean goes, shouldn't matter if the water is cold if you're only interested in getting your feet wet rather than actually swimming, right? You can dip your toesies in at Venice or Santa Monica, but might want to take a look at water quality before making that decision (http://www.healthebay.org/).
Btw, I wouldn’t plan on eating at the Boardwalk or even on the pier. Food is either eh or expensive (or both). There are a lot of good places to eat around both areas. Depending on how much time you spent downtown, you could either eat lunch before going to the Boardwalk or between the Boardwalk and going to the pier.
5. HOLLYWOOD BOWL OVERLOOK. Since ‘rush hour’ typically begins by 3p, you’re going to hit traffic from the Westside (Venice/Santa Monica) to your next destination. No way around it. Looking on the bright side, this will allow everyone time to take a nap (from getting up so early and/or from lunch food coma). Depending on how bad traffic is that day, I’d say to expect a 1.5 hr minimum commute (if you’re lucky!). You should be able to be at the overlook while still daylight (sunset estimated at 6p).
6. TCL CHINESE THEATRE (formerly Grauman’s)/HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME. As others have said, this area of Hollywood is pretty run down, but again, I can understand why anyone who is not from here would want to see it (at least once). If you haven’t already seen these websites, they might be helpful and save time –
In front of theatre: http://www.seeing-stars.com/maps/man...courtmap.shtml
To search for specific stars: http://www.walkoffame.com/starfinder
7. FARMER’S MARKET. Geographically, it makes more sense to go to Hollywood Walk of Fame after the HB Overlook, then Farmer’s Market. But, depending on the time, you might want to go to Farmer’s Market first, then backtrack to HWoF (keeping in mind that you’ll have to take mostly/all surface streets and there will be traffic getting to Farmer’s Market). The difference being that the Walk of Fame has no closing time while Farmer’s Market closes at 9p. If you backtrack to HWoF, it will be easy to jump on the 101 frwy from there, make a quick detour to drive past the DISNEY CONCERT HALL, then back to Anaheim.
It’s a long day with a lot of time spent in the limo, but it will be a memorable day with a wide variety of sights and experiences. (Btw, sorry, but I left out Warner Brother’s tour. You can fit it in, but you’d have to eliminate several other things on your list. Because of that, the cost of the tour, the reviews and the fact that you’d be still be paying for the limo while on the tour, it seemed like the best one to eliminate from your list. Just my opinion.)
This is going to be LOOOONG.
I'm assuming that you've done a little research to come up with your list. I think others have given good suggestions, but without knowing you and your group's specific interests, those suggestions may or may not be of interest to you. It reminds me of when I suggested the Getty Museum as someplace my son should take his girlfriend who was visiting from Wisconsin. They went because it's so highly and often recommended, but neither is really interested in art or museums, so they felt it was a waste of their limited time. They would rather have gone to the zoo (their other choice), which I never would have suggested. To each their own.
Although others recommend severely trimming down your list, I know exactly how you feel. I've encountered this same thing when I've asked questions about some of my itineraries. Ultimately, I didn't want to take anything off my list, so even though I was rushed as everyone predicted, I was still glad I was able to see everything I wanted to see (albeit briefly).
So, given that, I'm still going to go just by your list.
1. FLOWER MARKET is nice, especially if there's nothing like it where you live. I wouldn't necessarily include it if it meant taking time away from something else, but you can go there before anything else opens.
2. JEWELRY DISTRICT is interesting to see if, again, you don't have anything like it where you live. As Jean said, the jewelry is mainly nice, real jewelry, but that doesn't mean you can't find affordable charms or chains to buy as mementos since they are typically more cheaply priced. (I still wear a jade ring that I bought in Chiang Mai in ’04 daily. It was more than I had planned to spend on a memento, but I like the ring and it reminds me of my trip.) It's interesting just to see building after building, "stall" after "stall" of jewelry vendors. But, unless you're looking for something in particular to buy, I'd say this is a "take a look for awhile, then move on" stop.
3. FASHION DISTRICT has areas of actual storefronts (we shop mainly on Maple) and areas that are more like a swap meet (Santee Alley). Yes, you could find inexpensive clothing and souvenir shirts at other stops, but they wouldn't give you the experience of seeing the fashion district, would they? And, buying something from there would bring back memories (similar to my daughter being able to look at things that she bought at the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok and remember that she bought those in Thailand). As I said before, some of the products are just cheap junk, but you can also find great deals on items that you don't necessarily see anywhere else. Can you skip this though? Sure. Ultimately, not that different from going to outlets, swap meets, etc.
4. VENICE BOARDWALK, SM PIER & PACIFIC OCEAN - The Venice Boardwalk is unique. If the weather is nice, it should still be a "zoo" as many have described it although not as crazy as a weekend day in the middle of summer. As a local, not somewhere I particularly enjoy going to (parking and traffic are ridiculous), but I do think it's a great place for a tourist to see at least once. You can start at the Venice Pier (Washington Bl) and walk up towards the Boardwalk. Even though it's .5 mile, it might actually take you less time to walk it than to get in/out of limo and drive to the Boardwalk (Venice Bl) or you can skip the Venice pier and go directly to being dropped off at Venice Bl. (Tip - Stop somewhere before you get here to have everyone use the restroom. Don't want to have to use the restrooms at the Boardwalk.) SM Pier is somewhat iconic, isn't it? My parents used to take us to the pier often when we were little, but it's become too popular (and thus, too crowded) for me now. As far as the Pacific Ocean goes, shouldn't matter if the water is cold if you're only interested in getting your feet wet rather than actually swimming, right? You can dip your toesies in at Venice or Santa Monica, but might want to take a look at water quality before making that decision (http://www.healthebay.org/).
Btw, I wouldn’t plan on eating at the Boardwalk or even on the pier. Food is either eh or expensive (or both). There are a lot of good places to eat around both areas. Depending on how much time you spent downtown, you could either eat lunch before going to the Boardwalk or between the Boardwalk and going to the pier.
5. HOLLYWOOD BOWL OVERLOOK. Since ‘rush hour’ typically begins by 3p, you’re going to hit traffic from the Westside (Venice/Santa Monica) to your next destination. No way around it. Looking on the bright side, this will allow everyone time to take a nap (from getting up so early and/or from lunch food coma). Depending on how bad traffic is that day, I’d say to expect a 1.5 hr minimum commute (if you’re lucky!). You should be able to be at the overlook while still daylight (sunset estimated at 6p).
6. TCL CHINESE THEATRE (formerly Grauman’s)/HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME. As others have said, this area of Hollywood is pretty run down, but again, I can understand why anyone who is not from here would want to see it (at least once). If you haven’t already seen these websites, they might be helpful and save time –
In front of theatre: http://www.seeing-stars.com/maps/man...courtmap.shtml
To search for specific stars: http://www.walkoffame.com/starfinder
7. FARMER’S MARKET. Geographically, it makes more sense to go to Hollywood Walk of Fame after the HB Overlook, then Farmer’s Market. But, depending on the time, you might want to go to Farmer’s Market first, then backtrack to HWoF (keeping in mind that you’ll have to take mostly/all surface streets and there will be traffic getting to Farmer’s Market). The difference being that the Walk of Fame has no closing time while Farmer’s Market closes at 9p. If you backtrack to HWoF, it will be easy to jump on the 101 frwy from there, make a quick detour to drive past the DISNEY CONCERT HALL, then back to Anaheim.
It’s a long day with a lot of time spent in the limo, but it will be a memorable day with a wide variety of sights and experiences. (Btw, sorry, but I left out Warner Brother’s tour. You can fit it in, but you’d have to eliminate several other things on your list. Because of that, the cost of the tour, the reviews and the fact that you’d be still be paying for the limo while on the tour, it seemed like the best one to eliminate from your list. Just my opinion.)
Sep 4th, 2013, 10:24 AM
#35
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Wow! Thank you everyone for your thoughts and especially jlaughs & rjw, for all your time!!!
I agree with your remarks about leaving out Warner Brother's tour. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills and Sunset strip did cross my mind too. Also would love for them to see Griffin Park Observatory.
YIKES! too many great things! How do I prioritize???
Do fashion district & eliminate jewelry? Go early to walk Hollywalk of Fame? Skip Flower Mkt?
To answer a couple more questions:
ages 12-17 mostly to the older side
group of 12
Thursday tour day
So if you have any more thoughts… bring them on.
Thanks again!! x 12!!!
I agree with your remarks about leaving out Warner Brother's tour. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills and Sunset strip did cross my mind too. Also would love for them to see Griffin Park Observatory.
YIKES! too many great things! How do I prioritize???
Do fashion district & eliminate jewelry? Go early to walk Hollywalk of Fame? Skip Flower Mkt?
To answer a couple more questions:
ages 12-17 mostly to the older side
group of 12
Thursday tour day
So if you have any more thoughts… bring them on.
Thanks again!! x 12!!!
Sep 4th, 2013, 06:10 PM
#39
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janisj, I'm an administrative assistant and type most of the day, so I know all about double returning, which I did. I don't know what happened though when I pasted into Fodors. I didn't do a preview, but I did look it over and the formatting looked fine. But, when I submitted, some of the double returns were there, and others weren't. Oh well...lesson learned. I should always preview a long post.
Sep 4th, 2013, 08:42 PM
#40
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I would skip the jewelry district. Your first stop could be the flower market, then the fashion district. You should check what time things open up in the Fashion district.
From there, start to work west, driving past the Disney Center then through Hollywood (stopping at Hollywood and Highland), then along Sunset Blvd. to the beach, south down the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Monica, stop at the pier, and then if there is time, head down to Venice. Try to be out of the Venice boardwalk area before nightfall; it's not too great once it gets dark. If you feel like you won't have time, just stay in Santa Monica until you feel like you absolutely must start to head home.
This way you can hit the iconic sights like Disney and the Hollywood sign, which you can see well from Hollywood and Highland, and you can use your leftover time in Santa Monica.
From there, start to work west, driving past the Disney Center then through Hollywood (stopping at Hollywood and Highland), then along Sunset Blvd. to the beach, south down the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Monica, stop at the pier, and then if there is time, head down to Venice. Try to be out of the Venice boardwalk area before nightfall; it's not too great once it gets dark. If you feel like you won't have time, just stay in Santa Monica until you feel like you absolutely must start to head home.
This way you can hit the iconic sights like Disney and the Hollywood sign, which you can see well from Hollywood and Highland, and you can use your leftover time in Santa Monica.
