Recommendations on things to do in California?

[onearmedbandit]

Right I'm in Cali for the next 6wks, Laguna Niguel, Orange County to be exact. Staying with a friend here, but as she's busy with work a lot of the time I've got a lot of free time. So hit me up with some good ideas of what to do. I want to head into LA and maybe stay there for a couple nights, as it's my first time here I have no idea where I should stay, where the best places are to go etc. I haven't got use of my own transport here and have heard public transport in LA isn't that great, but then I don't know if renting a car is the way to go or not.

Yes I've googled LA etc but would like to hear from people who have been here before as to what's the 'must see' rather than who has paid the most money to Google. I'll probably head down to San Diego as it's quite close and we're planning on driving to Vegas as well. Would like to see San Fran. as well but it's around 8hrs drive away so either I'll fly there or do a road trip.

Thanks in advance.

[Gremlin]

San Fran at 8hrs drive is Interstate. You'll see bugger all and think USA only consists of boring straight roads (because that's what Interstates are). San Fran does have the historic trams (exact change fucken required) and I went to Alcatraz.

Alternative route would be to use PCH101 or 1, Pacific Coast Highway. Stunning views and winding roads. Can be covered with fog some days (so you'll see less, but the coastal road temperature can be 10 degrees lower than further up and inland (when the fog is in).

Can't tell you where to stay, the hotel I stayed at has closed down (hmmm ). If you want to walk around an old cruise ship the Queen Mary is docked at Long Beach permanently. Can even walk outside the hull and see what's left of the propeller.

I only went as far south as Long Beach, so can't tell you anything beyond there, did a little touring of Hollywood and crazy mansions etc. I do remember that within 6 hrs of touching down, I'm standing in a mobile shop arranging a plan, and I've been advised that my salesman can't hear too well from firing his cousins guns, and since I'm single, after 11pm, down a certain street a block away, I can have my choice. Don't cause a fight or anything otherwise it gets crazy. Uh... it's different to NZ

[Drew]

Cali girls. What else is would you want to do?

[AllanB]

Shag a hot American gal?

[Ender EnZed]

There are some nice empty, winding roads through Death Valley if you do get some transport. Plus it's a pretty interesting environment.

It's sort of on the way to Vegas.

[TheDemonLord]

http://www.twistypedia.com/roads/usa...lland-highway/


I went to the Queen Mary when I went there (20 years ago) - I also went to Disney Land and Universal Studios (which were both awesome)

If I were to go back to the US - I would go to an Las Vegas gun Range - and fire some full Autos

[jim.cox]

Yosemite

Disneyland (worth a visit, believe it or not)

[Virago]

...Would like to see San Fran...

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.

[oldrider]

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.

Well Scott MacKenzie said it quite well and then vanished - might be a dangerous place!

[Hitcher]

If you don't fancy hiring a Harley, at least hire a convertible. It never rains in southern California. Find some coast and drive along it.

[EJK]

Knock on Jay Leno's garage.

[trustme]

I've been to the US a few times but can't get into LA. You have to see the Hollywood sign but Hollywood is seedy. Rodeo drive & Beverly Hills is worth a look . Santa Monica is nice. The drive up the coast is great. The Rock Store on Mulholland Drive would be cool on a weekend , not open during the week as I found out.

If I was you I would find some wheels, drive up The PCH1 to SF, I'd rate SF over LA any day easy to get around the central city, book ahead for Alcatraz . Cross over to Yosemite, spend some time there, I've been 3 times & would go again in an instant , through Death Valley to LV, try to time LV for mid week accommodation is less of a battle , then back to LA.

Rental cars can be pretty cheap but make sure you are insured to the eyeballs.

[Moi]

In LA the Bradley Building and the Disney Music Hall are worth seeing - Bradley of 1890s with amazing atrium and Disney Hall is a Gehry building - google both

If you go to Vegas then the Grand Canyon is well worth a visit...

PCH is probably better south bound...

[TheDemonLord]

Knock on Jay Leno's garage.

You must spread etc.....

[Gremlin]

If you are going to Las Vegas, definitely Death Valley. Bad Water Basin is below sea level, the whole environment is crazy. Bike topped out at 53 degrees.

Recommend a tour of the Shelby Factory in LV... that was super cool.