Fun stuff for the day after Luftgekuhlt for my boy and me?

[speeder]

Originally Posted by aigel

Is your kid big into amusement parks, movies etc.? Is that what he is really interested in? I find that a bit of a shame considering what else there is to do in LA!

Why not hit the roads with the car and visit some of the sightseeing spots overlooking the city, the HOLLYWOOD sign, Santa Monica pier, Malibu, Mulholland, Nike missile base, Getty Museum etc.? Further south you can go to San Pedro Cabrillo Aquarium (free), Long Beach, see the harbor, Battleship Iowa... in LA there is a ton to do as well - you can go to the La Brea tar pits (any interest in prehistoric animals?) and LA county museum of art on the same campus, hit Koreatown and hit a traditional restaurant there... endless options ...

G

I agree except that he would need to pick one or two of these things. Since he's starting @ Universal, the beginning of Mulholland is right there on Cahuenga, he could drive Mulholland all the way to the 405 where that stretch effectively ends and hit the Getty Museum, (or just drive past it), take 405 a short burst to Sunset and turn right towards PCH which will take him to Malibu. Once in Malibu, he could stick to the coast/beach or shoot up into the Malibu canyons, which of course could eat up as much time as you want to carve corners.

Just the drive from Universal to the 405 on Mulholland and Sunset Blvd. to PCH is more nice curves than most entire states in the U.S. have to offer. Mind-blowing beautiful drive on a perfect May afternoon, as well.

[aigel]

Yes, Denis, that was just a memory dump, not intended to do it all in one day. I only lived in LA for a few years and these are some of the things I remember.

I still think an amusement park is a waste of time if you are in LA for one day. Even for a kid, there is so much impressive and beautiful stuff to see that will be a lot more lasting than the latest ride. I do realize that Universal is NOT just an amusement park - you can see the actual studios and learn how movies are made and you get to see some of the classic movies' props and have Norman Bates run after you with a big kitchen knife! I would center my US visit around this part and don't spend it waiting in line for the latest fad ride there.

Have fun and post some pics!

G

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by aigel

Is your kid big into amusement parks, movies etc.? Is that what he is really interested in? I find that a bit of a shame considering what else there is to do in LA!

Why not hit the roads with the car and visit some of the sightseeing spots overlooking the city, the HOLLYWOOD sign, Santa Monica pier, Malibu, Mulholland, Nike missile base, Getty Museum etc.? Further south you can go to San Pedro Cabrillo Aquarium (free), Long Beach, see the harbor, Battleship Iowa... in LA there is a ton to do as well - you can go to the La Brea tar pits (any interest in prehistoric animals?) and LA county museum of art on the same campus, hit Koreatown and hit a traditional restaurant there... endless options ...

G

Really, that's the problem. A drive to anywhere is going to be tough unless at the crack of dawn on Sunday. I think I'd do as TRE Cup suggests and then plan on a drive tomorrow, but by noon I would be tired of it all, don't know about Billy. One thing I would surely do on a quick trip to L.A. is to find some high ground and take in the whole basin. You don't even see how big the joint is from a plane because of the restricted view. There are not many 'big picture' views from Mulholland.

Disneyland would be at the end of my list. The beaches and the ocean are what makes SoCal the place it is along with — well — "endless options."

[look 171]

All these guys are correct. We have it all in LA. Plan accordingly because we have freaking weekend traffic. Its worst then the weekdays. The 405 is usually backed up. We have the observatory that over looks the city. I think its a pretty cool place, and there's the planetarium you can visit. 30 min to an hour is plenty to see the LA basin from high ground. Your kid may not like that? Its 15 to 20 min to Universal. I am not sure an 8 year old is really interested in the Getty or museum stuff or see another car at Peterson's after a long morning of cars?

[look 171]

if you make it out to the ocean, do a harbor cruise and have dinner on the boat. Its kinda cool, even for the little one

[scottmandue]

Is your child into Harry Potter (I know he is probably too young) but if he is universal has a HP section.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by look 171

All these guys are correct. We have it all in LA. Plan accordingly because we have freaking weekend traffic. Its worst then the weekdays. The 405 is usually backed up. We have the observatory that over looks the city. I think its a pretty cool place, and there's the planetarium you can visit. 30 min to an hour is plenty to see the LA basin from high ground. Your kid may not like that? Its 15 to 20 min to Universal. I am not sure an 8 year old is really interested in the Getty or museum stuff or see another car at Peterson's after a long morning of cars?

The route I described would be a breeze on a weekend day. The only traffic would be on PCH just north of Sunset before you get to Malibu. 405 would be going 70 mph in that direction at that time and place.

Griffith Park is way cool, there are just too many choices here and it's not fun to try to see too much in a short time. Managing a visit to L.A. is tricky, it's a great place to live but not a great place to visit, IMO.

[unclebilly]

I think I’m going to spend and extra day to take in the Tar Pits etc. Clay is big time into cars so Peterson museum may be an option.

Thank you for the suggestions.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

I think I’m going to spend and extra day to take in the Tar Pits etc. Clay is big time into cars so Peterson museum may be an option.

Thank you for the suggestions.

The latest exhibit at the Peterson