pgh1974

Has anyone ever been on a vacation to LA. If so how was it and what are some must see sightseeing places. I am thinking Hollywood and Venice Beach. I never been there and it seems like so much I dont know where to begin as far as planning just getting some advice.

TTess

Go to the search area and type in Los Angeles and then L.A. You'll find your answers already listed.

5alive

Also go to the Destinations section of Fodor's.

http://www.fodors.com/world/north%20...les/index.html

Besides the usual listings, there are two recent columns about Los Angeles.

What surprised me when I moved there was how rich Los Angeles is culturally.

atrevido

I live in LA and friends and family come to visit me all the time. I'm a fantastic tour guide. Things to do that are must sees....

1) Venice Beach, walk, shop, have lunch
2) Santa Monica Pier, 1) and 2) can be combined. Also,nice to walk bluffs above SM Pier

3) Hollywood Walk of Fame, because, well, you have to do it once.....
4) If you're into it, visiting famous stars gravesites, with the best and smallest cemetary being located in Westwood, see this link http://testpattern.msnbc.msn.com/arc...15/283744.aspx Marilyn Monroe is here among many, many others...
5) Getty Center on the hill. Love this place. Go on clear day, great views, beautiful garden and well, there's the art....Kid friendly too
6) Then there is the requiste theme parks if you're into that, Disneyland, Universal Studios, etc, if you're not into theme parks then the Univeral City Walk is nice, take subway (yes, we have a subway, it just doesn't go anywhere....) from Hollywood to City Walk.
7) Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, gorgeous, you can have a fantastic high tea there if you're into that.
8) ANd the list goes on and on....
9) Surf lessons
10) golf
11) Concert at the Hollywood Bowl or Disney Hall, must do depending on time of year.

Let me know what interests you

pgh1974

Thanks for the advice. Hollywood walk of fame is something I want to see no doubt. Venice beach is that the closest beach to LA also is downtown LA the best place to stay that is neutral to things. I dont know where to begin. What is the main part of LA to stay in to get to things. I might try Disney. (not sure yet)

5alive

Los Angeles area is very spread out. Especially if you include Disney, You may want to choose two lodgings for your trip, based on what you come up with for an itinerary.

tbbeach

I live in LA some ideas for side trips
1. Santa Barbara with a stop in Carpenteria (lindon Ave) 1.5 to hr drive

2. Newport or Hunnington Beach

3 Great to plan a trip to Catalina Island out of Long Beach 1.5 hr express boat ride (if you like to hike and want to see unspoiled beauty go to the istmus on Catalina)

4. Malibu drive north up PCH stop and picnic at either Leo Carillo State Beach or El Matador State Beach.

5. Hollywood Bowl concert

6. Take a bike ride from Manhattan Beach to Santa Monica (about 25 miles round trip) along a bike path that runs all along the beach
stop along the way.

Just a few ideas...I wanted to help out someone since I am planning a trip to Europe and the people on this site have beeen great!

elnap29

There's also a Venice Beach area bike tour that's pretty cool.
Griffith Observatory is an amazing stop - if only for the view.
Maybe a cool movie theater like the Arc Light.