Hi All,

I just need some great advice. I'm taking my teenage son over to CA for three days. We'd like to do Universal Studios, hopefully the "Tonight Show", and I'm open to some other suggestions that a teenage boy might like.

Where would be an ideal place for us to stay? I'm considering flying into Burbank to alleviate the LAX nightmare, and probably renting a car. How far away is Universal from Burbank and is Warner Brothers close by?

I'm thinking with Universal and maybe the Hollywood Walk of Fame one day, Tonight Show would start at 3pm, not sure of what we could do prior to that and then we don't fly out on the third day until late so we'd have the entire day.

Any cool but not too expensive places for dining? Also, some ideas on reasonable hotel stay, no higher than $100 a night.

Thank you

According to NBC website, minimum age for Tonight Show is 16. Wish I could find thread from some time ago indicating that they will check age - don't remember if it was for Tonight Show or some other show, though.

Hi Gail,

As long as he's accompanied with an adult we're good. Thanks though for bringing that up. We are on the "Wish List" so not even sure that we're definitely going. We're going to be in LA from the 20th - 22nd of March.

Here is what the site says where you agree to show up etc...

I understand and agree that all persons for whom this ticket is intended who are under the age of 18 Must Be accompanied by an adult during the entire duration of the taping, show and/or event.

But the web site with ticket info also specifies that " Audience members must be at least 16 years old. "

http://www.nbc.com/Footer/Tickets/

Your son will not be able to get into the taping of any show at 15.

i don't ever recall seeing people in the audience that are young. another thought, when i had friends who went to jay leno, they were in line by 9:00 a.m. if you only have three days, do you really want to spend one standing in line.
no higher then $100 during spring break time...you'll just be staying in a very basic motel if that's alright with you.

I think you would both enjoy going to Venice Beach, walking around, and then renting bikes for a ride north to the Santa Monica Pier and beyond where the bike path ends.

I'm not sold on going to Jay Leno and if you all feel we would not get in and be standing in long lines then "no" I would not want to be wasting my time.

The bike ride sound really great on Venice Beach. Our hotel cost would certainly be able to go up to $150 if you think there's some great places we might stay that would be cool for a teenager and mom...LOL!

Also, I got thinking as I've read more and more posts that I probably wouldn't want to do both Universal and Warners so I would probably opt for Universal because of the theme rides as part of the tour. Maybe doing the VIP would be an option and then maybe taking the train or is it bus to the Hollywood Walk of fame area to walk around...

I am open and nothing is etched in stone so I really appreciate all of you who are responding.

I'd be interested to hear anyone who has done the VIP at Universal Studios and if they thought it was worth the price.

I haven't done the VIP tour, though I would say it all depends on his interest. My son at 17 is more into skate boarding and the beach. He's like one day at Universal and then the rest of the time at Venice Beach or Santa Monica.

Hi Graceful,
I used to live in LA, and my teenage brother came out to visit me a few times.

It really depends on your son's interests, but my brother always enjoyed hanging out at the beach the most. Santa Monica (with the pier) and Venice were his favorites.

I think a trip to Mann's Chinese Theater & walking around Hollywood Blvd might be fun, although there isn't much else to do there. Maybe Hollywood & Highland.

I also took him to Universal Studios, but he was younger - about 13. He really enjoyed it - especially the tram tour & Jurassic Park ride. Plus you have City Walk so you can hang around there too.

If you're staying in Burbank, some places my brother liked to eat that are nearby were Jerry's Famous Deli, In & Out Burger, Mo's, Tommy's.

Hope you have a wonderful time!