My husband & I are staying in LA for one week to visit daughter at UCLA and bringing two young teens. Want that magic combination of fun and R&R that pleases everyone. Currently have reservations at 3 places- the Luxe in Westwood, the Queen Mary (2 nights) and end our stay with 3 nights at the Beverly Hilton. Got pretty good rates thru online specials, but am not sure if we wouldn't be happier staying in one suite for the week. We have to make repeat trips to campus, so can't go too far. We'll visit one major amusement park (Disneyland?,Magic Mtn.? or CaliforniaLand?), the Getty, LACMA, Long Beach Aquarium, maybe a studio tour, Griffith Observatory and hip shopping for the teens, with lots of people watching at one of the beaches. This is her first year so she is not much help. Any help with the question of hotel-hopping, which amusement, any studio tour worth it, and which beach? Thanks

First off, I don't know if I'd recommend staying on the Queen Mary. It's not the most exciting place to visit, not to mention stay for two nights. While things are definitely spread out in the LA area, I think it might be easier to stay put in one hotel for the entire week and just make the drive to various sites. I understand that Westwood is convenient for visiting your daughter at UCLA, but I might consider a week at a hotel in Santa Monica instead (close to UCLA). Your daughter probably would enjoy visiting you down at the beach and your other two children would have more to do in that area of town.

You probably will want to make a visit over to Venice Beach for an entertaining people watching excursion. And Melrose Avenue would be a good place to take the kids for some fun shopping. Though you might not find clothes that you would approve of for younger children.

Have your kids been to Disneyland before? If not, that would definitely be my choice. I haven't been to the new California Adventure yet, but I have many friends who have been and are indicating that Disneyland is still the park of choice.

While up at Griffith Observatory, make sure to go see the Laserium show. There are different ones, so check the schedule before you go.

While out driving around, be sure to stop one day at one of the many Tommy's Burgers for a burger and chili fries. And In N Out Burger is also a favorite among locals.

I don't know how soon you're visiting, but there's a $3 off coupon that you can download for the Pacific Aquamarine (Long Beach) for trips through April.

The Getty is a beautiful museum. And they have a nice cafeteria up there that serves good food at a decent price.

The Farmer's Market on Fairfax is a great place to have lunch and is near the CBS Studios. I'm not sure if there is a tour or screenings, but you might want to check it out online. Be warned that many screenings don't allow minors.

Check out LAWeekly.com for listings of upcoming events.

Sarah has some great suggestions. I'd definitely give a second vote for letting the kids indulge in an In N Out double double as well as chili fries at Tommy's.

Gladstone's 4 FISH at Sunset and PCH. Not great food but fun to watch the gulls, people, and surfers if any are around. Then drive up through Malibu and look at some of the beaches. I think moving from a hotel in Westwood to the Beverly Hilton is really a waste of time---why not spend all your time in one or the other. They're not very far apart. Agree with the comments about the Queen Mary. Why not consider someplace in Newport Beach or Laguna Beach? Young teens would like the beach time, I'm sure. You could also take the ferry out to Catalina for a day trip. Are your teens girls? If so, check out Melrose Ave. for shopping or take them to Venice Beach. Forget Magic Mountain and there's lots of comments on the new Disney California on this forum.

I would agree with the other posters about not moving hotels for such a short stay, especially between Westwood and Beverly Hills. My family stayed at the Beverly Hilton last year and enjoyed it, convenient location, nicely rennovated property with a great pool area. Its a short drive down Wilshire to Westwood and then on to Santa Monica.

Pick up the red line (LA's answer to the subway). Buy a pass and just travel from stop to stop. I'd get off at Hollywood and maybe take in a show at the Chinese Mann. And then pop back on the head to the Universal Studios station and go have lunch or dinner at the Citywalk. Lots of fun restaurants to choose from. There's a Gladstone's there as well, but definitely not as scenic as the one on Pacific Coast Highway (for those of you that don't know what PCH stands for).

Molly:

I agree with the others--pick a spot and stay there. The freeway system is so well designed, one can get to any sightseeing destination in one hour or less (try to avoid 6am-8:30am and 3:30pm to 6:00 pm). A convenient location would be anywhere near the 405 Freeway between LAX and Westwood. West Hollywood also has a lot of hotels and might be little more reasonalble. I also agree with another post--I've heard the Queen Mary is a real disappoinment. And I hate to disagree with a co-responder, but the Metro Red Line subway is, for tourists, a mere novelty. One has to drive to get to the station; after that, there are only one or two destinations to choose from. You're a lot better off driving. Get a good map and guide book.

If my young teens (male) were to vote, the amusement parks would rank (1) Six Flags (Magic Mountain), (2) (a
very distant second) Disneyland, (3) Knott's Berry Farm, (4) California Adventure. Both the children and I love visits to Venice Beach. The Melrose Avenue shopping idea (above) was a good one--lots of interesting stores.

Agree with all th eposts especially about not changing hotels. Santa Monica is a great location as well as Westwood. Long Beach really has little to offer. Teens love Citywalk and Universal. As for shopping the best is Fred Segal's on Melrose lots young stars shop there and the hottest fashions.
KAren

Hi!

Welcome to Southern Calif.!! You'll have a GREAT time - be sure to visit Venice Beach and let the kids shop there -- lots of funky stuff to look at, and lots of good little places to stop and eat. Let the girls get a henna tattoo (takes 10 minutes and wears off in a week).

UCLA is a great campus. It's in the middle of Westwood, which is a great teen hangout - all the shops cater to the students there.

A drive up Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica towards Malibu is just beautiful.

DON'T stay at the Queen Mary - sounds fun but it's boring. Stay at the Disneyland Hotel instead, and the kids can take the tram back and forth into Disneyland on their own - it's a LOT of fun being there at night. My girls both thought Magic Mountain was boring, as well as Knotts Berry Farm. Universal Studios is also fun.

I've been to the Getty 3 times - if you're driving, you have to make reservations to park your car there ahead of time, but it's free.

I had to leave town after posting the message and was stunned when I came back to see if anyone had responded. You Californians are the BEST! Thanks to everyone.
I am taking your suggestions to heart, starting with our hotel reservations. The only reason we were moving to the Hilton mid-stream is my cousin is a chef there and the online special price was only good for those 3 days. We may keep it just to experience the luxury, switching the remaining 5 nights to one hotel.
In answer, the "young teens" are: boy-14; girl-15. They are both adventurous diners. We are not on a strict budget, but do have to watch the spending since there are five to lodge, feed, entertain, etc. for 8 days & nights. (Out-of-state UCLA tuition doesn't leave much disposable income.) We want to spend the money where it will bring the most pleasure.

Someone mentioned a while ago a $79 rate at the Holiday Inn Express in Marina del Rey. If you can find that, it would be a great deal for you. You could visit Disneyland, Venice and Santa Monica from there and then switch hotels if you want. Your kids will get a kick out of Venice Boardwalk and the Marina is a nice area--not too difficult to get to UCLA from there if you avoid peak times. Have a good time. I always loved traveling with my teens.

I have to kind of disagree with Gary about the Metro. First of all he is correct when compared to other subway systems (London's Tube, or NYC subway) it's not really practical in terms of touring the entire city, but if you want to visit, Universal City, Hollywood and Downtown it's only $2.70 per person RT and to get from Universal City to Downtown only takes about 20 minutes as opposed to over an hour if you take the Hollywood FWY two hours before or after either rush hour. Add to that Parking for many Downtown attractions or at Universal City (up to $16.00) it's not a bad option if you get sick of driving.

Welcome to LA and UCLA. Plan to have lunch or dessert at one of the coffee houses at UCLA, maybe up near the top of campus. In N OUT Burger is right in Westwood. Your daughter has probably already been there. Then take a stroll through the sculpture gardens. Our student store has great though pricy UCLA stuff. Don't miss the Farmer's Market on third and fairfax. Great people watching, lots of outdoor food stalls, and usually a few movie stars. You could go for brunch and then LACMA is very close by. If your daughter brings her Bruin student card then you don't need parking reservations at the GETTY. The whole car is allowed in without a reservation (I think 5 bucks to park). Don't miss it.
Have agreat time.

Molly - Rent bicycles for everyone and ride along the ocean or take a bicycle tour. You can rent them at Blazzing Saddles or Perrys at the ocean. If you want a guided bicycle tour, you have to call LA Bike Tours. They have guided bicycle tours that are aimed for families with teenagers.

I need help from you experienced Angelinos!:

I am flying into Palm Springs to visit my parents, and one day during my stay, I would like to take them to L.A. for the day. They've seen the Getty, so I need to come up w/something else that would be appropriate. They're not into walking a great deal (e.g. walking in Venice Beach), and none of us are into theme/amusement parks. Any suggestions for nice museums/historical things that might work? Even something related to entertainment would be nice.

Also, would like something kind of west of town, as I would like to take them to Beverly Hills (or even up PCH to Malibu) for lunch...

Many thanks for your help!

Rich:

You might want to start your own thread for this--it's an interesting question. Anyway...a couple of quick ideas:

1. Museum of Tolerance--at the Simon Wiesenthal Center. http://www.wiesenthal.com/
Incredible museum located at the corner of Pico and Roxbury--it's just south of Beverly Hills.

2. MOCA (Museum of Contempoary Arts)--Great museum right downtown at First and Grand (250 S. Grand).
http://www.moca.org
Within walking distance is the Music Center--three auditoriums hosting the symphony, opera, musicals, etc.

3. A studio tour? But that might require some walking. I haven't taken it, but the Warner Brothers VIP tour is supposed to be pretty good. Riding and walking for two hours. About $30 apiece and reservations are required.
http://wbsf.warnerbros.com/
cmp/addition.htm
Don't confuse it with the Universal Sudios tour held in part of the same lot. Also, Paramount has a two-hour walking-only tour--$15 for the tour. Some television shows are taped there as well.
http://www.paramountshowtickets.com/

Gary:

Thanks for the responses. Those sound like possibilities.

I have also heard that the Norton-Simon museum in Pasadena is very nice, as well (I know that Pasadena isn't exactly west L.A., but nevertheless. . . !). Any info. on that?

Thanks!

Dear Molly,

Sarah and the many others who responded all had great suggestions. Yes definitely go to Gladstones & In-n-Out. And Westwood will have tons of teen friendly stores theres a great music store). Do forget about Magic Mountain. And you will just love the Getty (the architecture and gardens rival the art, & the main garden is serene and wonderful!).

Re: staying in one location & the Queen Mary. Here's one more reason to dump the big ship: the LB Aquarium of the Pacific is pretty terrible. Skip it.

Really overcrowded, you will pretty much just be looking at the back of people's heads. And the exhibits are so not impressive, this being California. If you go on a weekday, expect to be mobbed by thousands of 8-12 year olds packed into the place like sardines. It's a big tourist rip-off. (PS I've loved aquariums, just not this one)

If you were wanting to go to Disneyland, you might want to stay just one night at a hotel neighboring the park. After walking around all day, it is sooo nice to not have to drive 1 hour back to your LA hotel. Of course, that's if you have a rental car.

If not, your hotel can probably arrange a shuttle bus/tour package to drive you to Disneyland and pick you up. My out-of-state cousin did the reverse (took a shuttle van from an Anaheim hotel to visit Universal Studios). He enjoyed it - it was great not worry about stressful LA traffic, and to wind down a bit on the return drive.

Enjoy your time in LA!!