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Millenium in LA Where to go in a week??

Welcoming in the Millenium in LA. This will be the first visit for my wife and myself to LA. We have a week to see the sights and celebrate the Millenium. We have plans to see the Getty, the Rose Bowl parade and game, and Universal Studios. What we really would like to do is see what LA is really like. The Hills and Beaches, the neat place to see. For example, Is China town a worth a visit? Is it like China Town in San Fran? Is Catalina Island worth the 3 hours on a boat? Should we stay over night on the Island? What are the nice beaches to see? Where is the best place to see the Whales migrating? Where are the quaint seaside restaurants that serve a great lunch? Any neat suggestions would be appreciated. We have also looked into the Millenium celebrations. Again they have the big celebrations at Universal. What we are looking for is some small and quaint celebrations with a dinner, band and dancing. Is the Beach the place to be? Hollywood? What is the best way to view the Rose Bowl Parade? Can we park for the parade and the game at the same place? Where is the best place to park? We are exited to celebrate the New Year in Los Angeles area. I thank you in advance for any suggestions we receive. Happy Holidays Cathy and Kevin

Kevin and Cathy, As LA is very spread-out I suggest you pick an area and explore it. The beaches in December don't hold much allure for me (chilly). Chinatown is interesting, but not so unique that I would go out of my way for it.( Although I do like the architecture downtown...lots of deco) If you want to go to Catalina, that's an entire day and it will be cold on that boat ride. The best way to see the Rose Bowl parade ( if you don't have some kind of special status) is on TV. The floats are on exhibit the day after and I think before, you have to check on that. As for Millenium celebrations, I would imagine most places are booked by now (sorry). So, decide what you want to REALLY see ( the Getty, the beach, the hills, and Hollywood are fairly close to each other) and go from there. Otherwise you'll spend your week in the car.

Hi Kevin & Cathy - Please do attend the Rose Parade and Game as both are worth it, especially if you have never been to them. It is not the same to see on t.v. or at the park the day after the parade. You will have to get there very early in the A.M. to get a good spot for the parade and you may have to walk a ways. In fact, if at all possible, it would be great to get a hotel in the Pasadena Area, although the hotel rooms are probably already gone for that night. Also can try Arcadia and Sierra Madre and the Glendale Area as they are pretty close. I heard on t.v. tonight that there are many openings for Millenium parties and dinners in the L.A. Area as many haven't sold out like expected. Don't know any in particular tho as we will be in Mn. then so haven't lloked for anything out here. I also wouldn't rule out going to the beach or Catalina. It can be very nice in Dec., as well as cool, which it is right now. Interesting beach areas are Venice, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach. I like Newport and Laguna for shopping and strolling around but find the other interesting. There is a fast ferry to Catalina (I think from Newport Beach) and it takes about 1-1/2 hr. The boats are enclosed so yu won't freeze to death. I would only go for the day tho - I have never had a need to stay over night but some do enjoy it. Speaking of parking for the game. WE parked somewhere between the game and parade (it is a ways away) and then walked to parade and to game and back to car. It is not easy to get around Pasadena after about Midnight on New Years Eve. Maybe even before that. There are hotels in L.A. that have packages that take you to game and parade. Also, can buy seats (if not sold out) for the parade through ticket brokers. You might want to check for the Tournament of Roses on the web. I never have checked but I am sure they must have a site. It is a BIG DEAL. If you have more questions do not hesitate to ask. Have a wonderful trip.

Amongother things, go to the beach at Venice and alsogo to Santa Monica Pier, and drive up the coast highway to Malibu. Keep a lookout for beachside restaurants between Santa Monica and Malibu. Go to Melrose Avenue for some shopping, and, regardless of how rich you are, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is worth atleast an hour. I missed seeing the big Hollywood sign, and have regretted it ever since. BAK

Hi, If you have never been to LA before I would concentrate on the big areas. You could stay in Santa Monica (go to smo.com for hotels). It is near the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade. Lots of shops and restaurants, all decorated for Christmas. You would be close to the Getty Museum and the LA County Museums. Don't let the cold weather deter you, it is a fun place to hang out. My aunt is in town for her birthday and I booked her at the Mirmar Sheraton--they have a beautiful view of the Santa Monica Pier and the ocean. A good restaurant is the Border Grill-the two "Hot Tamales" from the food network own it and it gets consistently good reviews. A really fun place. Getty-if you can not get reservations to park then try to the Holiday Inn (take the Sunset exit off the 405 freeway-it is a tall circular hotel that you can not miss). They have a shuttle that takes you right to the museum. It is a beautiful place. Also, the LA County museums are great. If you go there do not miss the Farmer's Market on Fairfax and Third for lunch. It is a LA institution with all kinds of food stands. The Cajun place is great and they crepe stand is awesome. Pasadena-nice but I would not stay there as opposed to Santa Monica. You could drive over there for the game/parade. I can not help you with the logistics for the parade but get there EARLY and dress warm. China Town--hmmm...I go there frequently but it is nothing like China Town in SF. Good dim sum at Ocean Seafood but I would not make it a priority. Catalina-not worth it. It is a beautiful, laid back kind of place but you can get that in Santa Monica or one of the other beach cities (try Hermosa Beach for an afternoon). Plus, the attractions there are really geared towards warm weather. Whales-no clue. I think they may have excursions out of San Pedro and Long Beach but it will be cold...when is migrating season anyway? Millenium-no clue as I will be out of town. Try the larger hotels--Beverly Hills hotel, Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey is doing something big. Universal Studios--you will have a good time. Also check out the Sony Studios. They give small tours so you need to call. My mom went with 5 people and the guide gave a very personal tour. Less glitzy and touristy than Universal but you get to see and more "inside" views of a studio. Let me know if you have more specific questions. Happy New Year!

K.and C., Alisa's given you some good advice. The Farmers' Market is a lot of fun and a place where the locals of all ages get together for good food and marketing. There are plenty of bus tours of Hollywood or you can check the footprints at the Chinese theatre or see a movie and a floor show at the El Capitain. There is so much to do in LA itself I don't think you need to go to Laguna or Newport. As for the Rose Parade...people sleep on the sidewalk the night before for a good spot. It is very crowded and cold in the early morning; so I would REALLY think about that.

We went to the Rose Bowl a few years back when Wisconsin played UCLA. We did not stay for a full week, but we purchased a package where we stayed at a hotel in Marina Del Rey. On new years eve, they had an excursion to see the making of the floats, but we bypassed that,(we also had a rented car) & went to Disneyland for the day & most of the evening, & spent midnight back at the hotel bar. The Rose package included a breakfast that started about 4:30 am. Bus left the hotel about 6am & went to the area of the Rose Parade, we walked about 5 blocks to the bleachers where our seats were, & a cold boxed lunch was included. After the parade ( which was fantastic in person & doesn't really compare with just seeing it on TV, we went back to the bus & it took us to the Rose Bowl game, got us there about 2 hrs before the game. The bus got us back to the hotel about 8pm or so after the game, because of all the traffic, but we were riding not driving so it didn't bother us. Then on the day we flew out, we drove to Universal studioes & toured during the day & left for the airport about 5pm. During one of the days we also fit in a drive to Venice Beach for a few hours walk there. The whole extended weekend was very enjoyable.

Just heard it on the news this morning: December and January are the best months for whale watching. Orcas were spotted off the beach, I think it was in Orange County. Oh, yes, don't forget Olvera Street downtown...the original pueblo and very festive during the Christmas season ( don't know when you are arriving , but there is a posada there Christmas Eve or a few days before).

All the recommendations of places to see are great but I would try to go to Newport Beach and Laguna if you have time. They are pretty and unique areas. Have fun!!