Jade

I have one "free" day in LA for sightseeing in early Feb...I have been to LA once before, so I've seen some of the typical tourist sights (Chinese Theatre, Farmers Market..). Any ideas how I can spend my day? Not too interested in the Universal Studios tour. I will be based in Beverly Hills...so any tips on restaurants would be great!

cg

Will you have a car? My husband and I were just out there last weekend for a day and a half. A couple things we liked:

The drive up to Griffith Observatory (if you haven't already) to check out the view.

Hanging out at Venice Beach - lunch at the Sidewalk Cafe.

Highland Ave. and the pier in Manhattan Beach (great town to walk around in - lots of shops and restaurants).

Gamble House in Pasadena (great example of arts & crafts architecture).

3rd Street Promenade and Pier in Santa Monica (a little more touristy. Blueberries is a great breakfast place on Santa Monica Blvd. near 5th? St.).

Didn't spend too much time in Beverly Hills so can't give advice there, but I'm sure there are plenty of folks who can. Have a great time!

xxx

FYI - Griffith Observatory just shut down for a few years for a major renovation.

xx

jade; (I love your name) cg's suggestions are good. There's also the botanical garden in Pasadena which is lovely and the Southwest Museum. Or, you could rent bicycles near Santa Monica Pier and ride the bike path, stopping to have lunch at the beach. Sidewalk Cafe is good and very characteristic of the area. Or, this would be my preference,drive up to Topanga Canyon for lunch at the Inn of the 7th Ray (make a rez) and a hike or walk around Topanga State Park--beautiful... Then, have a look in the shops on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, and dinner in Beverly Hills.

xxx

Based on the recommendation of another Fodorite, the Getty Center was one of the highlights of my recent visit to LA.

Jade

Thanks for all your tips! Wow, I just wish I had more than one day - anyone know what the weather will be like in early Feb?.....also....another request...any great restaurants (sure there are!) in the Beverly Hills area. Staying at Beverly Hilton and have to take a party of approx. 20 persons. Shouldn't be too fancy, something down to earth and fun! Thanks in advance!

jr(aka xx)

Down to earth and fun? How about"Thai Dishes". They have several restaurants all over the area and are all good and fun. Bring a sweater or light leather jacket for the evenings. Bring light layers for the day. Closer to the beach it may be a bit foggy and cool. Have fun!

xxx

Chin Chin
PF Changs
Cheesecake Factory
All popular casual places for a good meal in LA.

mary

PF Changs
Cheesecake Factory
Popular places for a good meal in NY too

joe

Trader Vic's next door to the Beverly Hilton is always a good bed.
The Getty Center is my definite choice for spending a couple of hours, not far from the Beverly Hilton.

There is a restaurant row of sorts along Beverly Drive, Cathy Moriarty's Mulberry Street Pizzeria is fun and delicious, Cheesecake Factory is great for sharing lots of inventive dishes.....California Pizza Kitchen has a small private room I believe.

Jade

Thank you all so much! You've been really helpful...I'm sure I won't be disappointed in LA! Keep smilin' ;-)

Barbara

20 people at Cheesecake Factory might be hard since they don't accept reservations. There's an El Torito Grille on Wilshire and Trilussa (Italian) just up the street. I guess it depends on what type of food you want .