My girlfriend and I (ages 27-32)will be in LA for about 24 hours. We are done w/ a cruise on May 10th (sat 8am) and we dont leave L.A. until 2pm on Sunday. We are going to rent a car (near the pier hopefully ? ). We were thinking of driving up to Santa Monica on Sat afternnon then back to Sunset Blvd for the evening. We have a room booked at the Hyatt on Sunset Blvd (good place?). Then a few stops sunday morning b-4 we hit the airport. We want to make the most of our time. Any suggestions?

Yeah, sounds like a great plan!

The only problem is the car rental. I don't think there are any airport-like rental outfits in San Pedro. You might want to check into Enterprise or one of those "local edition" type outfits to arrange for them to pick you up at the pier and drive you to their office. Make a reservation, because these smaller branch offices can often run out of cars. Then arrange for an airport dropoff the next day and you are good to go.

I would spend some time in Santa Monica shopping then head to Mailbu (right next to Santa Monica) and have lunch at Gladstones. It's right on the beach adn have outside seating. They have fabulous food and drinks. Highly recommend their Strawberry Margaritas. The Hyatt on Sunset is right in the middle of everything. The Saddle Ranch is right there, the Huse of Blues, so many fun things to do. You guys will have a blast. I live down the street from the Hyatt so if you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.

Hertz Local Edition (Long Beach) will bring a car to you at the pier. I believe you can return to LAX. Good rates with AAA at hertz.com but you must know your club discount code or just use #004

The Restaurant at the Getty Center is open Saturday nights and it is a spectacular experience. www.getty.edu

I'd probably save the Santa Monica activities for Sunday morning since it'll bring you back down close to the airport.

Oh man, what a brilliant idea Joesorce... Getty at sunset!

NoMoreSnow, it is a great call if you want a terrific ambience for a perfect romantic dinner. The Getty Museum is just north of Santa Monica, up the 405, and in the hills overlooking the city basin. From its perches, you get a sweeet 280 degree view all the way from the beach to downtown. Its a great place to be at sunset, as looking south over the basin the sun sets into the ocean in hues of purple while on the right the city lights of downtown LA turn on. Suggest making TWO reservations, one for the restaurant table, and see if you can specifically ask for one with a view... and a second reservation for parking. The parking reservation is not necessary, but if you can't get one you'll have to park in Santa Monica and take the bus up. Not a big deal, there are lots to park at in SM, but would save you a little hassle. Besides, admission to the Getty is FREE so all you'll have to pay for is your dinner. Afterwards, you can stroll out onto the south facing gardens which are gorgeous, and view the view, which is most gorgeous of all, nothing short of spectacular.

Also agree with his suggestion to do SM on Sunday. Its a hop skip and a jump away from LAX.

Oops, on the Getty view... looking south, sun sets to your RIGHT, city lights to the LEFT. But the real reason for this postscript... after a nice evening dinner at the Getty, your girlfriend will raise you a few notches closer to godlike status if you know what I mean! Happy travels, BMD

If you like people watching have dinner or coffee at one of the various outside places in the Santa Monica Mall. An outdoor walking pavillion more remeniscent of Eurpean town centers but with freaky (i mean than in a godd way) LA people. Just ask directions from the car rental people. I'd go here first after you get the car. Then either stay at SM or go to Gladstones or the Getty for dinner. Whichever option you choose you won't go wrong.

We had a most lovely time hosting an out of town couple by having lunch at the restaurant at the Getty Center (make reservations 310/440-7300), seeing some of the Getty's permanent collection and strolling the gardens, then going to Gladstone's in Malibu for dinner (you can take Sunset Blvd. west from the 405 freeway to Pacific Coast Highway). Time it so that you arrive at Gladstone's to watch the sun setting over the ocean while dining. We usually sit outside (take a light jacket and sunglasses). You will still have time to go to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica for coffee, dessert and people watching, or go to the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd.

Wow! You all have had some wonderful ideas. I think we will have to do the Getty center for dinner! I could always use some good brownie points!!

Changing Santa Monica to Sunday does sound like a good idea as well. Everything is open on Sunday morning/early afternoon right??

"Woody" thanks for the phone number to the Getty Center.

I am so looking forward to the people watching in L.A. I am sure the MAll of America cant quite compete!

Thanks again for all the replys.