hello fodorites,

as some of you know, i went to LA for five days/six nights at the end of february. my primary objective was to visit with a dear girlfriend who recently had a baby. i've been to LA multiple times and have seen all the 'usual' sights (disney, hollywood, getty, santa monica, long beach, etc. etc.). our outings focused on some unique/difference experienced that were fairly relaxed (my friend's son was three months old and doing things on a schedule would have been a disaster!), budget friendly (my friend is taking a leave of absence and therefore money is tight), and child-friendly (we took the kid with us in his stroller).

thanks to all the amazing fodorites who gave me a whole bunch of ideas for my trip!

here's what we did:

1. LA farmer's market and the grove: the farmer's market was definitely 'sanitized' but it was a super place to hunt for lunch and stroll about. we also enjoyed the grove. totally stroller friendly. parking was a bit of a pain but not totally impossible.

http://www.farmersmarketla.com/
http://www.thegrovela.com/

2. hermosa beach and the strand.

http://www.hermosabch.org/

the weather wasn't great for a beach day but it sure beats winter in toronto! tip: we parked for free at the lot on valley street (off of 8th).

3. tide pools @ cabrillo marine aquarium: i love tide pools - especially since we have nothing of the kind in toronto! i called the aquarium and they were kind enough to direct me to the nearest tide pools just off to the side of their parking lot. parking was $2 (i think) and the tide pools were totally open to the public. even cooler - not a soul was visiting the tide pools. we found anemones, hermit crabs, star fish, and even a sea cucumber! if you're planning to go to any tide pool, make sure you schedule your visit for low tide (google "tide calendar" and go from there). this activity was definitely NOT stroller friendly; my friend's mom joined us for this outing and stayed with the in the park area.

http://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/

4. torrance farmers market: this market was awesome! amazing produce (some stuff i've never seen) and great selection of food vendors. try to schedule a visit around lunch time.

http://www.ci.torrance.ca.us/Parks/6620.htm

5. marukai: another fodorite (lvk) suggested this store. it is a HUGE japanese 'department store' ... food, housewares, clothes, furniture. i've never seen anything like it ... outside of japan, at least! i ended up buying so much stuff here that my duffle bag stuffed into my suitcase came in REAL handy! this has become my newest/latest "must do" for the LA area!

www.marukai.com/index-e.html

happy travels!

lilaki

lilaki, a very interesting report - it sounds like you and I have similar tastes, eg the markets and the japanese store. I have never actually vacationed in LA, but we may be back in the area this summer, and I hope I get to use some of your itinerary.

hi smetz,

tks for reading. if you plan to go to LA, definitely post your questions cuz i found the members to be uber helpful ... even for a repeat visitor like myself!

Hi lilaki,

Thanks for reporting back. I'm glad you had a good time, even though the weather was less than ideal. My mom was here at the same time, escaping the New England winter. Somehow she didn't mind the cloudy, 60+ degrees with occasional rain.

I also love the Torrance Farmer's market. I'm particularly fond of the Salvadoran Pupusa stand. They give me heartburn for days, but are oh-so-worth-it. We probably crossed paths, as I took my mom there that same week. It's always a must-do for both her and my MIL.

You hit many of our favorite places. I really enjoy the not-so-typical L.A. reports.

hi lvk,

we were probably in line @ the pupusa stand together! my first time having a pupusa! it was awesome. i totally gorged myself on mexican food for my entire trip.

i didn't mind the weather at all ... you can tell i'm not a native as i was out in capris and short-sleeved tops!

Hi there - I live in the south bay and I even enjoyed your report. didn't know of the torrance farmers market - thx!!

hi hmileski,

i hope you go to the torrance market! i told my friend that i would go every weekend if i lived there. it was fantastic!!!