MBnancy

Let me tell you the way it took me 45 minutes last week to get to Pasadena from Manhattan Beach.

You avoid the 10 min. it takes to get on the 405, the south bay curb and interchange in Santa Monica. Paula's way works too.

If you are staying at the MB Marriott, you will be at Aviation Blvd. and Rosecrans. Go north toward LAX on Aviation Blvd. for a quick 2 miles, and you will run into the 105 Freeway at Imperial Blvd. Take the ramp east to the 110 and go all the way until the freeway. You will be using the car pool lanes, and at that early time you will just sail, until you get to the parade area.

Please let us know what you decide.

paula1470

MBNancy-You're right. There isn't much reason to get on the 405N to get to the 105. I just figured if the hotel was close to the 405 and Cherish wasn't really familiar with the South Bay then hoping on the 405N would be easier. At least at that time of morning there wouldn't be much freeway traffic. Obviously during a non-Holiday time period, I avoid the 405 as much as possible!!

lvk

Cherish,

The fireworks show goes off at midnight at Burton Chase Park. If it is not too late, maybe you could make dinner reservations somewhere in the Marina, and watch them from the outside seating area? You can check www.visitmarina.com for more information.

Also, if you do choose to spend NYE in the Marina, you might look at lodging there. The MdR Marriott, Foghorn Harbor Inn, Courtyard by Marriott are usually reasonably priced.

mlgb

Hermosa Beach is having their annual NY's Eve concert at the pier, with an outdoor band but no fireworks.

Time: 8 p.m. - 12:15 a.m. Complete Description:
Ring in the New Year...beachside! The City of Hermosa Beach welcomes you to Pier Plaza for a special New Year's musical performance. The band will entertain an outdoor crowd of spectators. Please note that there will NOT be a fireworks display. The concert is free.

Cherish

mlgb, thanks for that info, I think my 3 DD's would just love that.

How far is Marina del Rey from Hermosa beach? Could I have dinner and watch the fireworks, while my kid's hang out at Hermosa Beach and still be able to pick them up shortly after midnight? Or is that area too congested or too far to even try that?

mlgb

It's not far but it could be quite congested after midnight.

Maybe you could have dinner in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa and find a spot up in Playa del Rey where you can see the fireworks (at least you'll be on the south side of Ballona Creek). Or give the girls cabfare!

lvk

I would just have your daughters take a cab and meet you back at the hotel. There are usually plenty of cabs lined up at Pier Plaza.

MBnancy

I was at the Christmas Fireworks over the MB Pier last night. Everyone comes out for it and the traffic was terrific, as it will be NYE in Hermosa. Have the girls take a cab back to the hotel. You'll never find them.

If you are at a restaurant in Marina del Rey, be sure and make your reservations now, as it is crowded there too. We were in the decorated boat parade, and thousands of people come out for these events. I think the distance might be 10 miles, between the two cities.

lvk

Hi MBNancy,

That's exactly what I had in mind when I responded this morning. It was a zoo down there last night. Weren't the fireworks wonderful, though? We were at a friend's house on The Strand for a Christmas party, and were watching the throngs of people walk by. Even thought we were well south of the pier, near the border of MB and HB, it was still crazy.

Cherish, in addition to the crowds, there will probably be street closures which will make it very difficult to drive down to the pier area.

MBnancy

Ivk, We were at the VIP area at the base of the pier, in the parking lot in front of Beaches restaurant.

Cafe Pierre catered the delicious dinner, and we had nice seats and round tables to sit at during the evening.

The Fireworks were great, but the grand finale was fantastic. The ground shook under us, it was so loud. Could you hear the music that went with the show?

Anyway, we went to the Kettle for a late breakfast, driving two cars. Left one in the parking structure, and went home in the other. We used a shuttle system for our family and guests at 4 PM, because by then there were no parking spaces to be had near the pier. I only had to walk up a couple blocks to get my car at the end, and our grandchild and dil got a ride, and 2 drivers who we drove over to get the other cars, so they could go pick up the rest. Yes, streets were blocked off, but we knew the back streets to take.

Cherish, it is worth the trouble, as the people attending are so nice at these events. Did you decide on a hotel yet?