Sunday Driving in LA.....Best way to spend a day with a MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE
Mar 7th, 2011, 01:15 PM
#21
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Paula makes good points (hi Paula 
) The twin ports of LA ( and Long Beach account for 40% of the country's imports/exports. Our houseguests always enjoy driving over that bridge. I would also have to disagree that Long Beach is "far from scenic".
The fun of driving through the South Bay beach towns with the top down is that, in addition to the scenery & architecture, you get to people watch and maybe pull over to stretch your legs, take a walk on the Strand, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Strand_(bicycle_path) or stop in for a smoothie or ice cream cone(or margarita for the passenger) if you see a place that appeals to you.
Additionally, PV Peninsula has very little traffic (as opposed to Laguna and Newport on weekends) and many FREE places to park at vista points, some with picnic tables to sit and have a snack, and trails for very easy, scenic walks.
I would suggest saving Mulholland for after the Laker game at Staples.
) The twin ports of LA ( and Long Beach account for 40% of the country's imports/exports. Our houseguests always enjoy driving over that bridge. I would also have to disagree that Long Beach is "far from scenic". The fun of driving through the South Bay beach towns with the top down is that, in addition to the scenery & architecture, you get to people watch and maybe pull over to stretch your legs, take a walk on the Strand, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Strand_(bicycle_path) or stop in for a smoothie or ice cream cone(or margarita for the passenger) if you see a place that appeals to you.
Additionally, PV Peninsula has very little traffic (as opposed to Laguna and Newport on weekends) and many FREE places to park at vista points, some with picnic tables to sit and have a snack, and trails for very easy, scenic walks.
I would suggest saving Mulholland for after the Laker game at Staples.
Mar 7th, 2011, 02:15 PM
#22
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The eyes of a commuter and the eyes of the tourist are two different things. The tourist in Newport will get off of PCH and drive on the Pennisula or Island or seaside Corna del mar and take take the beauty.
I think thats the benefit we tourists have over the locals
No question, Newport to San Clemente is superior(imo of course)
I think thats the benefit we tourists have over the locals
No question, Newport to San Clemente is superior(imo of course)
Mar 7th, 2011, 02:46 PM
#23
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Frank-You're right about the eye of the commuter as opposed to the eye of the tourist. I'm a sales rep who covers all of Southern California and have customers everywhere. Quite a few in Laguna, Newport Beach, etc. plus my DD lived on the Pennisula and Balboa Island when she went to UC Irvine. Now she lives in Long Beach and my other DD lives in Redondo. Seems like I spend lots of time on the coast between Dana Point and Manhattan Beach.
No doubt PCH through the Crystal Cove area is very nice and also down in Dana Point/San Clemente. But one day someone asked me about the drive through Laguna from Dana Point and said,"I assume it's scenic". I never really thought about the drive through the eye of a tourist until then. And the reality is that the ocean view is blocked off a lot of the way by homes and big resorts. I don't think tourists expect that. Same in Corona Del Mar which I think is great but you don't have that much of an ocean view-just businesses. Of course if you stop and check out some of the beaches, that's a different story.
So I was trying to come up with someplace that had an amazing view which I think is the PV Penninsula. That's also why I like the drive through Malibu. You do have to get through the home area but then you're driving right along the ocean.
Interesting discussion especially for those who drive these roads all the time.
No doubt PCH through the Crystal Cove area is very nice and also down in Dana Point/San Clemente. But one day someone asked me about the drive through Laguna from Dana Point and said,"I assume it's scenic". I never really thought about the drive through the eye of a tourist until then. And the reality is that the ocean view is blocked off a lot of the way by homes and big resorts. I don't think tourists expect that. Same in Corona Del Mar which I think is great but you don't have that much of an ocean view-just businesses. Of course if you stop and check out some of the beaches, that's a different story.
So I was trying to come up with someplace that had an amazing view which I think is the PV Penninsula. That's also why I like the drive through Malibu. You do have to get through the home area but then you're driving right along the ocean.
Interesting discussion especially for those who drive these roads all the time.
Mar 7th, 2011, 05:13 PM
#24
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Sorry folks- Long Beach is butt ugly IMO! FLUFF it all you want- I will not join this pack mentality. LOL
We have spent many of times with our friends who take us out to Two Harbors from there and it is not scenic or any other kind description!
Rancho Palos Verdes is an entirely different world BUT it is a small area. I agree- it's beautiful, so beautiful we were married there! BUT it is a very small portion of the coast.
I agree you miss the ocean in areas in OC unless you 'seek' it in some areas(which is easy) but saying Long Beach/Redondo and Laguna Beach/Newport beach are in the same league is crazy, IMO. See Torrance while you're at it and have a picnic in San Pedro, too!!
Seriously, I do not understand. Sorry.
We have spent many of times with our friends who take us out to Two Harbors from there and it is not scenic or any other kind description!
Rancho Palos Verdes is an entirely different world BUT it is a small area. I agree- it's beautiful, so beautiful we were married there! BUT it is a very small portion of the coast.
I agree you miss the ocean in areas in OC unless you 'seek' it in some areas(which is easy) but saying Long Beach/Redondo and Laguna Beach/Newport beach are in the same league is crazy, IMO. See Torrance while you're at it and have a picnic in San Pedro, too!!
Seriously, I do not understand. Sorry.
Mar 7th, 2011, 05:27 PM
#25
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Socaloc-I never said Long Beach was in the same league as Laguna Beach and don't know where you got that idea. If you go back and read my post, I said "you're only in Long Beach for a short period of time". But I certainly don't think it's "butt ugly". I think the shops along 2nd Street are cute if they want to get out and stretch their legs or grab a cup of coffee.
We had visitors recently and we started in Redondo Beach, drove through PV (which would be a great place to have lunch). We stopped at the Korean Bell and loved the view of the LA Harbor, then went over the bridge into Long Beach. From there continued on Ocean Blvd and back onto PCH through Seal Beach and Huntington Beach. I love the drive from Sunset Beach to Huntington looking at the nice wide beach. I then suggested the OP could continue on to Newport and Laguna if they had time. Remember they are staying in Los Angeles so didn't know how far south they wanted to go. This certainly is a shorter drive than going north and then turning around and going south like they suggested.
Personally if I was in LA, I'd do the Malibu drive but they wanted to get out of the immediate LA area and see other parts of LA and Orange counties.
We had visitors recently and we started in Redondo Beach, drove through PV (which would be a great place to have lunch). We stopped at the Korean Bell and loved the view of the LA Harbor, then went over the bridge into Long Beach. From there continued on Ocean Blvd and back onto PCH through Seal Beach and Huntington Beach. I love the drive from Sunset Beach to Huntington looking at the nice wide beach. I then suggested the OP could continue on to Newport and Laguna if they had time. Remember they are staying in Los Angeles so didn't know how far south they wanted to go. This certainly is a shorter drive than going north and then turning around and going south like they suggested.
Personally if I was in LA, I'd do the Malibu drive but they wanted to get out of the immediate LA area and see other parts of LA and Orange counties.
Mar 8th, 2011, 04:05 AM
#26
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Paula one day when PCH is bumber to bumper at 7am, take a detour. There are lots of nice scenic short drives
Dana Pt Harbor up the hill to the Chart House
Heisler Park
Little Corona
Top of the World Laguna
just to name a few
Dana Pt Harbor up the hill to the Chart House
Heisler Park
Little Corona
Top of the World Laguna
just to name a few
Mar 8th, 2011, 07:13 AM
#28
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Another vote for Palos Verdes. There are several interesitng stops and the drive is just beautiful hugging the top of the cliffs that line the coast. As Ivk suggested go to wikitravel.org/en/Palos_Verdes for an overview of the area. Be sure to stop at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center near the lighthouse for the free museum and very good chance to spot whales from the coast. Nelson's at Terranea is a fun place to stop for casual cliffside dining as is Trump's for a more upscale experience. At all three of these locations there are walking trails that meander along the clifftops and at Trumps dip down to the coves below. Be sure also to stop at the Wayfares's Chapel, which is a glass church in an incredible setting. As mentioned, continue on to San Pedro for interesting harborviews, another lighthouse, beach parks and a super view of windsurfers at the channel entrance.
Enjoy your visit!
Enjoy your visit!
Mar 8th, 2011, 07:16 AM
#29
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Shane...even though the Highway Patrol automatically stops all Aussie drivers, you will have a fine time. My suggestions (an L.A. resident for nearly 55 years). Sunday traffic can get to be a little disconcerting on the freeways (405 and 101, leading north and south).
If you want to skip Malibu, then drive from SM on Wilshire to Beverly Glen Boulevard and take a left, north to Mulholland...I live on the last street on your right just before Mulholland...Angelo Drive. On the left is a small shopping center which I call "Classic L.A....everyone there is either buying a script, selling a script, working on a script, collaborating on a script...or they're visiting from Bakersfield. The Glen-deli is one of the best in the entire city...sit outside and have your Sunday breakfast. Then drive Mulholland left to the 405 and follow all signs to Ventura and Santa Barbara on the Ventura Freeway 101 (the 101 junction is only a mile or two. It can be tricky so have your wits ready.
The Ventura Freeay will allow you some very striking inland scenery and just as you get into Ventura (San Buenaventura) the awesome Pacific scenery takes over all the way to SB (where my daughter and family live)....Ojai can be reached on the 150 off the 101, a lovely slower drive through avocado ranches to the unique city (it ain't no village no mo'!)of Ojai (where my son and family live...in fact we'll be there for my daughter-in-laws 60th birthday party). Walk the town with its colonnaded main street, many boutiques and excellent places for lunch.
Heading back, I suggest taking the 101 to Hwy. 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) on your return to SM via Malibu. Do it before dark if you can..great scenery all the way. Just a short part of the ride will be through Oxnard which is not freeway.
You'll have a great day, mate.
stu
If you want to skip Malibu, then drive from SM on Wilshire to Beverly Glen Boulevard and take a left, north to Mulholland...I live on the last street on your right just before Mulholland...Angelo Drive. On the left is a small shopping center which I call "Classic L.A....everyone there is either buying a script, selling a script, working on a script, collaborating on a script...or they're visiting from Bakersfield. The Glen-deli is one of the best in the entire city...sit outside and have your Sunday breakfast. Then drive Mulholland left to the 405 and follow all signs to Ventura and Santa Barbara on the Ventura Freeway 101 (the 101 junction is only a mile or two. It can be tricky so have your wits ready.
The Ventura Freeay will allow you some very striking inland scenery and just as you get into Ventura (San Buenaventura) the awesome Pacific scenery takes over all the way to SB (where my daughter and family live)....Ojai can be reached on the 150 off the 101, a lovely slower drive through avocado ranches to the unique city (it ain't no village no mo'!)of Ojai (where my son and family live...in fact we'll be there for my daughter-in-laws 60th birthday party). Walk the town with its colonnaded main street, many boutiques and excellent places for lunch.
Heading back, I suggest taking the 101 to Hwy. 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) on your return to SM via Malibu. Do it before dark if you can..great scenery all the way. Just a short part of the ride will be through Oxnard which is not freeway.
You'll have a great day, mate.
stu
Mar 8th, 2011, 07:30 AM
#30
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Frank-I am never on PCH at 7am since I live in the San Diego area. In the summer, I am there in the middle of the day and it can be a nightmare. I have a couple of customers there but they are closer to the hospital so I can avoid Laguna Canyon and most of PCH through town. I've been to all the places you mentioned except Top of the World. Will have to check it out someday but doubt I will be hiking as I am wearing heels most of the time. LOL
Mar 8th, 2011, 07:36 AM
#31
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Paula,
We hired a new outside guy out there recently that complained about his GPS, so I told him to quit complaining put on KNX and use a Thomas Guide. He responded, 'Whats a Thomas Guide?'
classic!
We hired a new outside guy out there recently that complained about his GPS, so I told him to quit complaining put on KNX and use a Thomas Guide. He responded, 'Whats a Thomas Guide?'
classic!
Mar 8th, 2011, 07:38 AM
#32
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shane...I should have said to be sure to go into SB and spend some time on the beach or park somewhere off State Street and see the city...and then on your way back south take the 150 into Ojai.
stu (by the way, my oldest Grandson is a Shane!)
stu (by the way, my oldest Grandson is a Shane!)
Mar 8th, 2011, 07:55 AM
#34
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"see Torrance while you're at it": Yes, how awful this would be:
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/w_3W_...rtw5sMoL2uf2SA
".. and have a picnic in San Pedro" How hideous!
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/70kmJ...a7tUhS1qcLUkYg
And butt-ugly Long Beach:
http://www.wildnatureimages.com/Cali...ach-Photos.htm
All of the above places are located along the suggested routes.
Nobody is suggesting that he tour the Long Beach refineries or the Torrance office parks. We're all trying to give Shane some honest opinions of where to get the best views from his Mustang convertible during his short time here, with the least time on the freeways. It's great that he has so many options. (Malibu-Ventura-Oxnard-SB) (Laguna-Newport-Huntington) (Manhattan-Hermosa-Redondo-PV-Long Beach)
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/w_3W_...rtw5sMoL2uf2SA
".. and have a picnic in San Pedro" How hideous!
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/70kmJ...a7tUhS1qcLUkYg
And butt-ugly Long Beach:
http://www.wildnatureimages.com/Cali...ach-Photos.htm
All of the above places are located along the suggested routes.
Nobody is suggesting that he tour the Long Beach refineries or the Torrance office parks. We're all trying to give Shane some honest opinions of where to get the best views from his Mustang convertible during his short time here, with the least time on the freeways. It's great that he has so many options. (Malibu-Ventura-Oxnard-SB) (Laguna-Newport-Huntington) (Manhattan-Hermosa-Redondo-PV-Long Beach)
Mar 8th, 2011, 11:35 AM
#35
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LOL lvk!
This thread is getting really silly now.
When I have more time -I'll try and come back with some photos from OC OK?
Maybe Fodor's can have a battle of the photos contest? Woohoo!!
OMG I can't stop laughing.
hey Shanek- are you getting all this invaluable wealth of information?
This thread is getting really silly now.
When I have more time -I'll try and come back with some photos from OC OK?
Maybe Fodor's can have a battle of the photos contest? Woohoo!!
OMG I can't stop laughing.
hey Shanek- are you getting all this invaluable wealth of information?
Mar 8th, 2011, 12:22 PM
#36
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Good grief, you are missing the point, completely. It is not a competition of whose suggestions "win". The point that I was trying to make is that overly broad generalizations do not help the OP, IMO.
There are many great Sunday drives suggested here. I'm sure Shane will find the one that appeals to him and his lovely wife.
There are many great Sunday drives suggested here. I'm sure Shane will find the one that appeals to him and his lovely wife.
Mar 8th, 2011, 01:51 PM
#39
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As Frank says, there should be some traffic but it's nothing like what you'll find in the summer. If it's a nice day it could be heavier but if it's cool and cloudy maybe not so bad. Enjoy the drive.
Mar 8th, 2011, 01:56 PM
#40
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Frank-Funny about the Thomas Guide. I finally took my out of my trunk although I haven't looked at it in a long time. But I am still glued to KNX everyday.
lvk-Love the picture of the Korean Bell. After all my years in So. Cal, I had never been there until last 4th of July when my Dad was visiting and we drove from Redondo to Long Beach via PV. We stopped at the Korean Bell and loved the view. Lots of people visiting it and some had a picnic!
lvk-Love the picture of the Korean Bell. After all my years in So. Cal, I had never been there until last 4th of July when my Dad was visiting and we drove from Redondo to Long Beach via PV. We stopped at the Korean Bell and loved the view. Lots of people visiting it and some had a picnic!
