Whats up ya'll!?!

Obviously i'm from TX... and my wife and I plan on coming out to LA for a extended weekend an a month or two...
My main reason for visiting is to tour the Petersen Automotive museum.

But we're considering making it like a 3 day thing so we can take in more of.... well we don't know what. But we want to take it in damn it.

So, I know this is sometimes tough for locals (I couldn't tell you whats cool around here and there is tons to do..), but what does an out of towner do when in Cali???
My wife said "I want to do things that I can't do here."
I'm just a car guy, so anything aftermarket related is intresting to me. (mini-trucker for life!)
We're talking about going to LA ink, just cause its a big deal right now.
We'll have to visit the beach I guess..., but I mean... then what??? do we just stare at the water and say, "yep, thats the ocean..."
Anyway.... enough about what we want to do....
Hopefully you get my point...

We get people posting in the Dallas Owners Club forum asking these sort of questions all the time, so I figured i'd hit up my G35 brethren in sunny Socal, see what you had to say.

What should we do????

-Swapmeet

 

I'd go to SuperAutobachs!

It's like an entire mall for tuners!

 

getty museum
getty villa (book in advance)
3rd street promenade in santa monica
drive really fast along Sunset Boulevard between Pacific Palisades and the Sunset Strip
cruise along the pacific coast in palos verdes
magic castle (if you can get in)
griffith observatory
the whole hollywood thing (chinese theater, walk of stars, hollywood sign)
day trip to wine country around santa barbara (if you have time)
day trip to san diego (if you have time)

i'll think of some more i'm sure

....and come to one of the g35 meets - there's one seemingly every week

 

The Peterson Museum is very cool! I highly suggest going to "The Stinking Rose" to eat while you are there... it's right around the corner: http://www.thestinkingrose.com/

There’s also a Lawry's - but I prefer Stinking Rose (if you love garlic, it's a must!)

 

been to the peterson a few times, if you get lucky his bugatti will be on the floor, they transition it between the other super-rares as the entrance piece. The rest of the museum is old school stuff.

 

it's not all old school... the link below is the current exhibit info... Hot Wheels FTW!!!!
http://www.petersen.org/default.cfm?docid=1001

The Bugatti is amazing!

 

Venice boardwalk for sure.

 

There's tons to do in the LA area. If your staying in the LA area....I would recommend.........

-Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills)
-Santa Monica Pier/3rd Street Promenade (Shopping, tons of restaurants, a pier with games, rides, etc.
-Hollywood/Manns Chinese Theather/Walk of Stars
-Downtown LA is pretty ghetto....nothing much to see there.
-Venice Beach
-If you want to have a nice dinner (Japanese food with an AWESOME view of LA. It's located in the hills. A bit pricey.) Yamashiros http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...Los+Angeles+CA
-Bonaventure hotel. (Awesome rotating bar/lounge area that overlooks LA). Or you could eat there as well. A bit pricey as well. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...ropertyID=1004
-Getty Museum
http://www.getty.edu/museum/
-Koreatown (If your into Korean BBQ)

What are you into doing?

 

^^^^
What do I like to do?

Thats a tough question to answer.
Obviously i'm a big fan of anything automotive related, and I know Cali is home for alot of that. I also enjoy senic views (long walks on the beach, wait..nevermind)... I'm excited about the Peir with the boardwalk and all that, sounds like fun.
Anyplace that provides a great opportunity for memorable photos etc.
I like food, so I'm stoaked about the resturant suggestions..

Of course, since my wife is being a good sport about the automotive intent of our trip, i'm kinda trying to round it out with some fun stuff for her.

She's a big fan of music, photography, art.

I want to do as much as we can everyday, but have it be relaxed.
Thats why i'm trying to plan out as much as I can in advance so we can just start checking off our list when we get there...

BTW, thanks for the advice so far ya'll.... this stuff is priceless for someone who hasn't been to cali in like 5 years. (and that was ButtonWillow Race way...great if you like dust.)
I think it would be sweet to check out a local G meet tooo... just to thank you guys in person..

So what else?
Any good 'nature' ideas? Hiking, biking etc?

 

The Wiltern Theater is not for from Peterson... you can balance the car stuff with music or comedy (or whatever is going on there during your visit) to make the wife happy... Might be a bit much for one day though… where are you staying?

 

^^^
I have no idea.

 

Bump for suggestions for a place to stay, and any more destinations...

 

http://www.millenniumhotels.com/mill...les/index.html

one choice in LA

redondo beach/King harbor = many clubs/restuerants/beach ,ocean views...
http://www.hotelportofino.com/portofino_home.aspx

 

whats up Peter! Where ya been?... We have a group going to CA Speedway the 8th for 1/4 mile drag... you should join! Theres a link in the meeting/events section

 

Old Town Pasadena is nice....lot of stores, lot of resturants.

If you like amusement parks you can always go down to Disneyland & California Adventures, or just walk around Downtown Disney.

Pinks Hot Dogs is famous - food is alright.
Roscoes Chicken & Waffles is good eats.