This might sound a little strange, but I need some help with what people visiting southern California are interested in seeing/doing.

Short story: my uncle (single, age 50) is coming for a short visit and I've been put in charge of showing him around. Problem? I live here and I don't do the tourist stuff! I've no idea why people want to come here! So...this question is for those who visit So Cal. What draws you here? What do you like to see?

My uncle is not really forthcoming. He's a "go with the flow" kind of guy, but not terribly interested in the museum stuff and D-land is definitely out! We will be going to San Diego one day, in part to visit a cousin, so there is stuff to do there. And he did say he wants to see "a beach" or "the ocean." He's from the mid-West, has been to California once, when he was 14, and will only be here for 4 full days. Oh, and I live in Orange Co, but driving to LA or any other area is of no concern. (However, will not actually be staying outside of OC)

So, what are your top draws to So Cal??

This is actually a great question.

I live in NYC. Some iconic SoCal things I like are:

- La Jolla, particularly the Gliderport, since it is on cliffs that overlook the beach/ocean. What a view!

- Driving around Beverly Hills is fun. It looks just like it does on T.V.

- In 'n' Out Burger. The best! Can't get it outside Cali.

- Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. It's so cheesy but it's pretty essential.

- A taping of a sitcom or game show. The Price is Right is as classic as it gets- I would love to go to that.

- The Nixon Library is a good OC attraction. Love him or hate him, it's something interesting to see. In my experience Presidential libraries are really well done and not very academic. There are usually a lot of 'pop culture' type exhibits.

- If you are going to SD, go the whole hog and go to Tijuana. "Hey, let's go to Mexico" is a unique thing to do for an afternoon. If you uncle likes $1 beers, he will be in heaven.

- The weather is always the #1 SoCal thing I am interested in.

QC ~ Thanks! This is exactly the type of information I'm looking for!

Never would have thought of In-N-Out Burger. I love 'em, but always think of this as something kind of, I don't know, homey. But this really is something my uncle would like.

And a show taping is not something I would have thought of either!

The Nixon Library is one I've thought of, simply because it's down the street from where I live. My uncle has sort of nixed this idea, but I don't think he knows what is contained within a Presidential Library. My mom really wants to take him, so perhaps she might enlightened him.

Great ideas, all! Thanks!

(I think I need to play tourist in my own backyard some time!)

Bear in mind that the Nixon Library isn't your normal Presidential Library. Until quite recently, it was more a fantasy than reality. The Reagan Library would be better, though much further away.

You only have four full days, so don't waste time in Tijuana.

The San Diego Zoo is always a must-see.

How 'bout touring The Queen Mary in Long Beach?

I was thinking Long Beach also. The Queen Mary, the aquarium and/ or a day trip to Catalina Island.
Also, I like Carlsbad, Del Mar and La Jolla. He may also like the desert communities: Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs. I'm your uncle's age.

Palm Springs: the tram, the living desert, maybe the indian casino? it's in the downtown.

Take him for lunch at Georges in LaJolla- ( might need a reservation)
or for less expensive at Brockton Villa in LaJolla- overlooks the cove , then you can walk down to the beach and see all the seals -
In the evening drinks at the DelMar Plaza is nice - beautiful views , music at happy hour I believe
Take him for a hike at Torrey Pines