Los Angeles Tour
Jun 17th, 2011, 12:21 PM
#1
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Los Angeles Tour
My 16 y/o daughter and a friend will have a free day in LA while I'm working. I'd like to send them on a tour, but need some suggestions. We will be staying at the SLS Beverly Hills and looking to fill 4 or 5 hrs...any thoughts?? I was thinking a tour of stars homes, or movie locations or a shopping tour, or something that brings to the beach or even something totoally off the beaten track. Just want it to reputable as they are on their own and I'm still a nervous mother. Really hoping you guys can best direct me. Thanks in advance
Jun 17th, 2011, 07:57 PM
#4
"I don't think it's a wise idea to leave 16 yr old girls to be unaccompanied by a parent in any large urban area no matter what they sign up to do."
Is that serious?? I hope not . . .
16 yo's manage to travel every day - to a lot more exotic places than LA.
Here is a site w/ lots of tours. http://www.citysightsla.com/LA_Tours
But another option would be to just let them go somewhere like Santa Monica on their own. Beach, boardwalk, shopping, cafes - they could easily spend most of a day there. You could drop them off-- or they can take the bus
http://www.bigbluebus.com/home/index.asp
Is that serious?? I hope not . . .
16 yo's manage to travel every day - to a lot more exotic places than LA.
Here is a site w/ lots of tours. http://www.citysightsla.com/LA_Tours
But another option would be to just let them go somewhere like Santa Monica on their own. Beach, boardwalk, shopping, cafes - they could easily spend most of a day there. You could drop them off-- or they can take the bus
http://www.bigbluebus.com/home/index.asp
Jun 17th, 2011, 08:16 PM
#5
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Starline tours has a hop-on, hop-off bus with several routes:
http://www.starlinetours.com/los-angeles-tour-1H1.asp
I live here, so have never taken the tour, but have passed a few and everyone looks like they are having lots of fun. I am also a parent of a 16 y-o and 18y-o and would not have a problem with either of mine taking such a tour with a friend.
VIP tours and charters also offer several options that include theme parks, etc., if that interests them at all:
http://www.viptoursandcharters.com/
http://www.starlinetours.com/los-angeles-tour-1H1.asp
I live here, so have never taken the tour, but have passed a few and everyone looks like they are having lots of fun. I am also a parent of a 16 y-o and 18y-o and would not have a problem with either of mine taking such a tour with a friend.
VIP tours and charters also offer several options that include theme parks, etc., if that interests them at all:
http://www.viptoursandcharters.com/
Jun 17th, 2011, 10:31 PM
#6
Agree with the Starline Tours -- Westside. Goes through Beverly Hills, heading West down Pico to Santa Monica. They could hit every shopping mall on the entire West Side and catch some rays at the beach if it's summer time. One of the stops is on Selby, across from the Westside Pavilion (my closest shopping mall), the outside of which was featured in the film "Clueless". It also stops by the Century City Mall, an outdoor mall in, duh, Century City with a nice upscale ambiance. At the far end of town, namely Santa Monica, there's newly renovated Santa Monica Place -- our most westerly mall before hitting the Pacific Ocean, which is the ending spot for the Third Street Promenade.
They will have a ball. And considering we were running around on buses in this town at 13 years old and hanging out at the beach on our own, especially in this age of cell phones (aka nouveau baby monitors), I don't think there's any issue over them being 16, or frankly, even 14, so long as they are somewhat responsible.
They will have a ball. And considering we were running around on buses in this town at 13 years old and hanging out at the beach on our own, especially in this age of cell phones (aka nouveau baby monitors), I don't think there's any issue over them being 16, or frankly, even 14, so long as they are somewhat responsible.
Jun 18th, 2011, 02:42 AM
#7
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Thanks for the suggestions. I recently saw a TMZ tour advertised...anyone been? While I'm totally opposed to the idea of them running around as paparazzi, I'm thinking 16 y/os would be into that. I personally could care less which Starbucks Selena Gomez goes to, or where Taylor Lautner was sitting at BOA, but if it makes the otherwise boring day memorable I would be willing to send them.
Jun 19th, 2011, 10:54 AM
#8
The TMZ tour just started up, so I would be surprised if you get any comments on who's been. Hadn't heard of it so I found this clip:
http://www.tmz.com/tour
It looks like fun -- certainly more lively than a run of the mill tour bus. Not that I've ever been on a tour of the stars homes or tour of L.A. for that matter, since I live here. Although we've talked about taking one, and a friend recently went on one with some out of town visitors, and she said it was a lot of fun. What looks interesting to me about the TMZ tour is that it seems more interactive -- to use an old Merry Pranksters philosophy -- you're in the movie rather than watching it. Although I think they said you're either on the bus or off the bus, but same concept.
http://www.tmz.com/tour
It looks like fun -- certainly more lively than a run of the mill tour bus. Not that I've ever been on a tour of the stars homes or tour of L.A. for that matter, since I live here. Although we've talked about taking one, and a friend recently went on one with some out of town visitors, and she said it was a lot of fun. What looks interesting to me about the TMZ tour is that it seems more interactive -- to use an old Merry Pranksters philosophy -- you're in the movie rather than watching it. Although I think they said you're either on the bus or off the bus, but same concept.
Jun 20th, 2011, 02:56 PM
#9
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Surfergirl...any ideas of a fun restaurant to bring them for dinner? I've got reservations for lunch at the Ivy and then one evening a friend is having a small thing at Chateau, so they'll love that. Any other suggestions? Maybe somewhere in Malibu or Venice? Or on the beach? Somewhere other than Gladstones.
Jun 21st, 2011, 07:48 AM
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We like the Malibu Charthouse restaurant, right on the water with great views. It is an old favorite of ours-- food is good, reasonably priced, service is good. There is also MoonShadows, near there, also on the beach.
In Venice, we like C&O Trattoria, for a fun family style Italian place, especially their outdoor patio. Very good prices.
In Venice, we like C&O Trattoria, for a fun family style Italian place, especially their outdoor patio. Very good prices.
Jun 21st, 2011, 01:31 PM
#11
Believe it or not, the Malibu Charthouse is kind of an institution, one of the oldest of the Charthouse chain, and as much as I dislike Gladstone's, I do like the Charthouse, both for the ambiance, killer view right on the water, and good quality food. Window tables require advance reservation.
Now, if you can't stand the idea of going to a chain, but want to get close to the beach heading toward Malibu, but still in Santa Monica so you don't have to travel a heck of a way, there's a great little restaurant called Sam's on Channel Road in Santa Monica (if you follow 7th street in Santa Monica North of San Vicente, it turns into Entrada, then into Channel Road and ends up merging with PCH). Periodically see people in the entertainment field there, kind of a little hideaway -- I was there a few years back with a former child actor friend of mine.
In Venice -- down Abbot Kinney, there's a truck load of very cool restaurants, not on the beach, but very worthy -- my personal favorite is Lilly's, a great little French cafe (ask for seating in the patio in back), but also love Hal's Bar & Grill located further south of Lilly's. Hal's serves American style food. Great vibe. Just north of Lilly's on Abbot Kinney are Primitivo, which I've heard is good, but haven't been, and Joe's, that everyone raves about. I have been to Joe's and I'm not so thrilled about it as everyone else, but that's just a personal preference, since I like food with lots of flavor and not particularly subtle, and I don't find the food athere s highly seasoned as I like. Closer to shore in Venice is Chaya Venice, always lively and good food. There's another Chaya around the corner from the Ivy off Robertson on Alden Drive (down the street from Cedars Sinai hospital) that I've had more experience with, and the one on Alden generally has more entertainment industry types. In fact, I remember having had dinner next to Natalie Cole some time back.
Not anywhere near Malibu or Venice, if you want to see actors, huge props to Pizzeria Mozza on Highland, which is next door to their more upscale restaurant, Osteria Mozza. Incredible, creative pizzas on to-die-for dough. Last time I was at the Pizzeria (and reservations are essential, way in advance), I sat next to Ray Romano and family, and there was another young personality from 90210 or one of those shows I never watch. I don't go looking for actors -- you grow up in this town with them, so it's not a big deal, but I do get people coming from out of town always seem to get jazzed about it, which is the only reason why I'm name dropping here!
Now all of these are reasonbly priced to pricy. If you want something a little down scale to consider, let us know.
Now, if you can't stand the idea of going to a chain, but want to get close to the beach heading toward Malibu, but still in Santa Monica so you don't have to travel a heck of a way, there's a great little restaurant called Sam's on Channel Road in Santa Monica (if you follow 7th street in Santa Monica North of San Vicente, it turns into Entrada, then into Channel Road and ends up merging with PCH). Periodically see people in the entertainment field there, kind of a little hideaway -- I was there a few years back with a former child actor friend of mine.
In Venice -- down Abbot Kinney, there's a truck load of very cool restaurants, not on the beach, but very worthy -- my personal favorite is Lilly's, a great little French cafe (ask for seating in the patio in back), but also love Hal's Bar & Grill located further south of Lilly's. Hal's serves American style food. Great vibe. Just north of Lilly's on Abbot Kinney are Primitivo, which I've heard is good, but haven't been, and Joe's, that everyone raves about. I have been to Joe's and I'm not so thrilled about it as everyone else, but that's just a personal preference, since I like food with lots of flavor and not particularly subtle, and I don't find the food athere s highly seasoned as I like. Closer to shore in Venice is Chaya Venice, always lively and good food. There's another Chaya around the corner from the Ivy off Robertson on Alden Drive (down the street from Cedars Sinai hospital) that I've had more experience with, and the one on Alden generally has more entertainment industry types. In fact, I remember having had dinner next to Natalie Cole some time back.
Not anywhere near Malibu or Venice, if you want to see actors, huge props to Pizzeria Mozza on Highland, which is next door to their more upscale restaurant, Osteria Mozza. Incredible, creative pizzas on to-die-for dough. Last time I was at the Pizzeria (and reservations are essential, way in advance), I sat next to Ray Romano and family, and there was another young personality from 90210 or one of those shows I never watch. I don't go looking for actors -- you grow up in this town with them, so it's not a big deal, but I do get people coming from out of town always seem to get jazzed about it, which is the only reason why I'm name dropping here!
Now all of these are reasonbly priced to pricy. If you want something a little down scale to consider, let us know.
Jun 21st, 2011, 07:28 PM
#12
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Great stuff surfergirl!! We are New Yorkers, however, so I don't know the pizza spot...lol...pizza and bagels are kinda east coast masterpieces. I'm not a fan of chains, more the local find, or "spot like no other". Neptunes Net, or whats the place that is on a windy road to the water near Malibu. Surfer spot?
Jun 21st, 2011, 08:13 PM
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"Believe it or not, the Malibu Charthouse is kind of an institution, one of the oldest of the Charthouse chain,". Yes, that is what I meant. We have been going there since the mid- 70s! We like it a lot. And its location is perfect.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 10:33 AM
#16
Neptune's net is way far north in Ventura County at the far north end of Malibu by Yerba Buena Road. Not anywhere near Paradise Cove.
Paradise Cove is mid-Malibu in LA County, just north of the Colony and just south of Kanan Dune Road. The restaurant on the sand at Paradise Cove is Beach Cafe (we were there over Memorial Day, in fact).
I would have mentioned that, except when you're talking about just going for dinner, Paradise Cove and the Beach Cafe are more of an all day affair -- very similar to my experience in the south of France (St. Tropez, Tahiti Beach, to be exact), with a cool little cove with mild waves, rented beach beds and lounges, rentable paddle boards, and some really decent fish platters, crazy looking cocktails, as well as kid food (in short, the Beach Cafe is for all ages). We celebrated my son's 19th birthday (in August) there. When I say "all day" what I mean is, it's a great place to head to in order to catch some rays, swim, followed by a decent meal. Pricy, but decent.
If you eat there (or spend more than $20 -- easy enough to do!), you only have to pay $5 for parking -- otherwise it's $25 to park.
Paradise Cove is mid-Malibu in LA County, just north of the Colony and just south of Kanan Dune Road. The restaurant on the sand at Paradise Cove is Beach Cafe (we were there over Memorial Day, in fact).
I would have mentioned that, except when you're talking about just going for dinner, Paradise Cove and the Beach Cafe are more of an all day affair -- very similar to my experience in the south of France (St. Tropez, Tahiti Beach, to be exact), with a cool little cove with mild waves, rented beach beds and lounges, rentable paddle boards, and some really decent fish platters, crazy looking cocktails, as well as kid food (in short, the Beach Cafe is for all ages). We celebrated my son's 19th birthday (in August) there. When I say "all day" what I mean is, it's a great place to head to in order to catch some rays, swim, followed by a decent meal. Pricy, but decent.
If you eat there (or spend more than $20 -- easy enough to do!), you only have to pay $5 for parking -- otherwise it's $25 to park.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 12:38 PM
#17
I read that Gladstone's has been made over (whatever that means). I haven't been there in years, but a few people up-thread commented negatively. Anyone been there very recently?
http://www.latimes.com/features/food...,5855685.story
Neptune's Net is in Malibu, so technically L.A. County, and it's about 10-12 miles from Paradise Cove.
http://www.neptunesnet.com/
http://www.latimes.com/features/food...,5855685.story
Neptune's Net is in Malibu, so technically L.A. County, and it's about 10-12 miles from Paradise Cove.
http://www.neptunesnet.com/
Jun 22nd, 2011, 12:54 PM
#18
@Jean -- yeah, I heard that too and it did look from the outside a little different (remodel?) as I drove past it a month ago.
As for Neptune's Net -- yes, technically LA County, but what a schlep! From Santa Monica, it's about a 25 minute drive to Paradise Cove on a good day, and about 40 minutes to Neptune's Net. On a GOOD day. Forget rush hour, etc. From Beverly Hills, where the OP will be staying, add another 20 minutes (at least) to that. For me, the only time I would even consider going to a restaurant in Malibu is on the weekend, or if I'm multi-tasking with a trip to the beach.
As for Neptune's Net -- yes, technically LA County, but what a schlep! From Santa Monica, it's about a 25 minute drive to Paradise Cove on a good day, and about 40 minutes to Neptune's Net. On a GOOD day. Forget rush hour, etc. From Beverly Hills, where the OP will be staying, add another 20 minutes (at least) to that. For me, the only time I would even consider going to a restaurant in Malibu is on the weekend, or if I'm multi-tasking with a trip to the beach.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 03:28 PM
#19
I agree re the "schlep," but I actually prefer the stretch of PCH after the Paradise Cove turnoff. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Malibu so I'd never trek there from B.H. A group of us did have a nice Saturday lunch on the Malibu Pier a few weeks ago, however.
