Is LA worth a visit? (not for working)

[Holly Taylor]

I'm going to be visiting a friend in San Diego in February, but I was thinking of stopping in LA for a couple of days if it's worth a visit. I actually don't know anything about it except for the fact that they make a lot of movies there. And I know it's huge.

I have driven through it before, but never made a stop (as I was headed to San Diego to visit the same friend).

I will be traveling with one friend, and we are not planning to spend a lot of money on hotels or entertainment. I might splurge on one good restaurant though.

So, is there anything worth seeing or doing in LA in February (while being relatively cheap)?

Thanks in advance

 

[chuckanut]

u could always visit the 5-star resort area... y'know... compton. haha.

but if u wanna do some celebrity spotting, the area of l.a. called the grove apparently has some of the highest concentration of celebs just wandering around shopping etc. this is from a friend in the movie industry down in l.a..

as for sights.. can't go wrong with venice beach.

-chuck
**retired**

 

[hunsperger]

http://discoverlosangeles.com/...

or...

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/ballpark/tours.jsp...

 

[*emmanuelle]

For some reason a verse from Goldfinger comes to mind: You can't really surf/unless you wanna get hepatitis

But no seriously, LA is a neat place. It's the most unique city in the States that I've ever been to. A lot of big cities around the world are almost indistinguishable from one another, but I have yet to see another city like Los Angeles. I don't think it's a beautiful place by any means, but the wild and eccentric characters that are drawn to the city make LA what it is. I spent about a month down there a few years ago surfing and hanging out, so pm me if you want any advice (I don't know anything about the club scene though, I was only 20)

Oh by the way, it was February / March when I was down there. It was usually about 25 degrees inland, but always cooler down by the water

 

[*emmanuelle]

Okay one more thing I thought of:
Make sure you don't mind gaining at least 5 pounds while you're down there, because it wouldn't be LA without piles and piles of deliciously fatty MexiCali food! Alternately, you can work off the calories by rollerblading down on Venice Beach every morning (I met Slash while I was rollerblading down there - yes, motherf***ing Slash!!)

 

[porcelianprincess]

For some reason a verse from Goldfinger comes to mind: You can't really surf/unless you wanna get hepatitis

But no seriously, LA is a neat place. It's the most unique city in the States that I've ever been to. A lot of big cities around the world are almost indistinguishable from one another, but I have yet to see another city like Los Angeles. I don't think it's a beautiful place by any means, but the wild and eccentric characters that are drawn to the city make LA what it is.

I have now decided that I have to make a trip to L.A. asap! I love people watching, probably one of my favorite things to do.

 

[vince_chase]

La

I'm going to be visiting a friend in San Diego in February, but I was thinking of stopping in LA for a couple of days if it's worth a visit. I actually don't know anything about it except for the fact that they make a lot of movies there. And I know it's huge.

I have driven through it before, but never made a stop (as I was headed to San Diego to visit the same friend).

I will be traveling with one friend, and we are not planning to spend a lot of money on hotels or entertainment. I might splurge on one good restaurant though.

So, is there anything worth seeing or doing in LA in February (while being relatively cheap)?

Thanks in advance

Southern Cal is a world by itself - different from the rest of california.
LA has tons of interesting places to see ,please check out following link:

http://www.visitcalifornia.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=explore_california&ContentID=12571

you can pick something that suits your taste.

however, i was thinking beach is the place to be and if you are heading to San Diago, make sure you stop by
Venice,Huntington beach and Laguna Beach, all are quintessential sourthen cal beaches with different styles.
Languna has some stunning cliff top cafes/bistros with fantastic views of the pacific.

I am heading down also in April - looking forward to sunshine and the beaches.

btw, i was there in Dec few years back and the temp was warm about high teens. feb, should be even better.

have a great time!!

 

[Thatotherguy]

Okay one more thing I thought of:
Make sure you don't mind gaining at least 5 pounds while you're down there, because it wouldn't be LA without piles and piles of deliciously fatty MexiCali food!

I have to agree with this. Most of my memories of LA involve either eating or drinking, or both. Usually both. Of course the last time I was down there it was Cinco de Mayo, so I really had no choice but to eat loads and loads of Mexican food, and drink lots of Coronas, Margeritas, and Tequila.

 

[hunsperger]

(I met Slash while I was rollerblading down there - yes, motherf***ing Slash!!)

who is Slash...

 

[thuggoe]

along the beach is good, downtown no

 

[*emmanuelle]

who is Slash...

You CAN'T be serious!

 

[87112]

La the actual city is one of the ugliest big cities in North America. Just drive by a little bit and you will might now want to go back. By all means go to the areas near the water and in Orange County. You have been warned.

 

[sdw]

http://www.slashonline.com/

 

[Big Dog Striker]

La the actual city is one of the ugliest big cities in North America. Just drive by a little bit and you will might now want to go back. By all means go to the areas near the water and in Orange County. You have been warned.

This is true. Plus, every city even Van has its set of good and bad. However, the City of Angels is surely worth the visit. It's not called the Entertainment Capital of the World for nothing. The good would always be the bright lights, surf, beaches, palm trees lined up as seen in the Hills or Entourage. If you love the water then you'll like Orange Country especially Laguna and Newport. Awesome beaches and a much friendlier population. OC delivered the votes to keep Arnold as Governor. Santa Monica and Malibu is much closer though.

If you get the chance, try driving to Santa Barbara ( French Riviera of the West Coast ) and Monterey. There's this 17-Mile Drive in Monterey to Pebble Beach, it's beautiful and priceless.

btw, just in case you haven't visited it yet, the best nightlife in San Diego is the 3-level Stingaree Club and the Eden Rooftop of the posh IVY Hotel.

 

[Krustee]

Yes LA is definitely worth the visit.

How could you think otherwise?

The best of LA is as stated before - the beaches.

But that is a pinnacle which at the top of a tall mountain of reasons to visit LA & many other Cali cities for that matter.

I personally do not find the beaches to be the biggest draw but the sheer scale of things to do & places to go in the greater LA area.

You cannot POSSIBLY comprehend all the things you can do in LA.

You could eat at a different restaurant for breakfast, lunch & dinner everyday for 5 years.

You can play different sports at different venues everyday for over a year.

You can see new sights & historic places in LA everyday for at least 3 years.

You can go to amusement parks like Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain & LEGOland.
You can go to Hollywood Wax museum, KODAK Theatre, Paramount Pictures Studio, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium & Aquarium of the Pacific.

For more major attractions go here:
http://www.smartdestinations.com/attractionList.ep?filters=_d_Lax_Att&pass=go

Is LA worth a visit??

You should be slapped for even having the unmitigated gall to ask such a question!!

The only thing I can say is if you really wanna see LA spend about a month there so you can see a small fraction of what LA has to offer.

Don't get me started on everything outside of LA.

 

[Big Dog Striker]

When it comes to celebrity spotting for the TMZ generation, the coming two weeks starting this weekend is pretty good with the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild happening. Then during the start of March again when the Oscars come. The LA Fashion Week during the end of March is also worth going to.

 

[treveller]

If you are following the coast plan a day for Hurst Castle and if you like a little nature viewing stop at Point Lobos, near Carmel. Great marine life including sea otters.

Not LA, I know, but other than the beach and the amusment parks LA sounds like any large city to me.

If you want interesting accomodation in California, the youth hostels on the coast have some of the best properties. North end of the golden Gate bridge is a hostel on a huge military base, great hiking. The two hostels just south of San Francisco are at lighthouses that have been automated. You couldn't find finer locations at any price. I had a room to myself on the cliff top for $30 per night.

 

[JaJaBinks]

I'm going to be visiting a friend in San Diego in February, but I was thinking of stopping in LA for a couple of days if it's worth a visit. I actually don't know anything about it except for the fact that they make a lot of movies there. And I know it's huge.

I have driven through it before, but never made a stop (as I was headed to San Diego to visit the same friend).

I will be traveling with one friend, and we are not planning to spend a lot of money on hotels or entertainment. I might splurge on one good restaurant though.

So, is there anything worth seeing or doing in LA in February (while being relatively cheap)?

Thanks in advance

U don't have to splurge on any restaurants. there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants that locals eat at. Try Johnny's Pastrami in Culver City, and tito's next to it. Tommy's burger if you like em greasy and great tasting. Go to venice beach, other than the outrageous parking cost, its a hoot to visit and free. Catch a Lakers game. Or a NHL game, it will be a lot cheaper than watching the Canucks in vancouver. And u have to check out the Garment district near DT. Unbelievable bargains on clothing there. Try $6 for a dress, for example. When I am in LA, I stay at the Doubletree Hotel in carson. Its a convenient location and quite reasonable for a nice hotel. PM me if u need any specific info.

 

[exuberanttoki]

Just came back from LA trip. The weather was OK, but had an awesome time. If you go there, you need to go to Rodeo drive where Julia Robert was shopping in the movie, "Pretty Woman". Not only you will see many fancy shops, but you might get to see some famous movie stars if you get lucky. Make sure you dress nice when you go there. Otherwise, they will treat you like a homeless person!