I posted this in the Off Topic forum but figured I'd get a better response here

Hi All,

My wife and I are planning a trip to Cali (LA area) this July and I'm looking for some opinions on different things to do in the area. We have a couple of things planned already (Red Sox/Angels game, a beach day) but I'm looking for more insight. What are some cool places to see? What are interesting things to do?

A little info on us, we like TV's and movies so I was thinking maybe go see a taping of a TV show. Anyone done this? Is it hard to get tickets? Neither of us are big partiers so bars and clubs are probably on the low end of our list (unless there is a must see place). We were both thinking about going on a hike or renting some bikes. Any opinion on parks that might have some trails? Looking for some opinions on some good restaurants, we are planning to have one expensive dinner so we are looking for a classy place. Any suggestions?
Also would like some opinions on hotels (not looking for five star but don't want to stay at a dump either.

We are also thinking of maybe doing a couple of days in San Diego (I heard it was beautiful). Sorry for so many questions but any opinions would be welcome.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Welcome to So Cal section. There's actually tons of threads about the same questions. Sorry.....too lazy to type/search right now. I'll update you later on.

 

Go see a Padre game in San Diego. Stadium is way nicer and you have the Gas Lamp District right there. Lots of cool places and good restaurants. Fun atmosphere.

Also check out Coronado Island in San Diego. (Its pretty)

And maybe try:
-Disney Land
-Sea World
-And the beaches ofcourse.

Have fun bud!!!

 

Here you go. I found one thread for ya.

https://g35driver.com/forums/showthr...=201520&page=3

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh what da hell.......

How long do you plan on staying in So Cal?

Things to do in So Cal:

Eat at In-in-out! So Cal's #1 Hamburger joint.
http://www.in-n-out.com/

Check out the beaches.....LA area (Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, etc) I'd say go with Venice or Santa Monica. OC area (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach)

Hollywood area....walk of stars or whatever its called. Manns Chinese theater.

Getty Museum
http://www.getty.edu/

Restaurants.....I'd say check out a nice restaurant with a view of LA area.
Just to name a few.....
Bonaventure Hotel
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...ropertyID=1004
The food was ok from what I remember.
Yamashiros
http://www.yelp.com/biz/yamashiro-re...ery:yamashiros

Best hole in the wall Mexican joint in LA.
El Taurino
http://www.eltaurino.com/

Ok.........I'm done for now.

 

+1 on this thread:https://g35driver.com/forums/southern-california/201520-what-do-la-socal.html

it's recent and has lots of good ideas for you...

 

Go visit the beach @ La Jolla. It is an amazing sight. Well worth the drive from SD (it's not TOO far)

 

Thanks for the info so far all. Keep it coming.

 

I posted my suggestions for you on your other thread.

 

+ 1 for In N Out. It's a must. Get a double double with both types of onions, animal fries, and your beverage of choice. If you're in SoCal for a good amount of time, I'd make a 3 1/2 hour drive and spend a night or two in Las Vegas. Gambling, excellent restaurants, shows, etc its all there. And if you go to Vegas, surprise your wife by taking her to the Moonlight Bunny Ranch.

 

Tons of things to do in LA......but thumbs up on the Angel game visit SD, Temecula (Pechanga, Winers), If your going to the Angel game you will be near Disneyland....the zoo....Seaworld, daugther loves that place...Swing by Carlbad, Ocienside, Mission Inn at Riverside, Irvine...Cruise up PCH......If you have the time take a cruise up to Pismo beach......Enjoy your stay!!!!!!

 

before or after the Angels game - go to JT Schmidts, on Katella right down the street - bicro-brew and good food!

I just re-read your post… I don’t think your can watch the taping of TV shows unless you know someone in the industry… however if you are into game shows, The Price Is Right seems pretty easy to get on, a girl I used to date has been on contestant row as has a few of her family members – you can definitely get in the seats, getting on contestant row is by chance I guess… Or you can try to get tickets to the Tonight Show (Jay Leno) – I would check out NBC website for ticket info. Generally the Hollywood and Studio City stuff isn’t really worth it (but I’ve been here all my life so maybe it’s worth something to a visitor?)

 

Are you planning on staying in Orange County or LA county? 2 different worlds and sites to see in those places. One thing you have to remember is that Socal is a huge place to visit. It's best if you keep things local to where you are staying to maximize your sight seeing. All the places mentioned above are good places to go to, but are very far from each other. You also have to consider traffic even if it's not rush hour it is a PITA to drive around. If you are local to Socal then you would know short cuts or places to avoid during mid day driving, if not, then you're screwed. So plan your trip well and make sure to keep things local so you can accomplish twice as much. Visit Universal Studios lots of things to see they show how they shoot movies and special effects. Lots of good places to eat and you can walk around for hours and not get bored. Goodluck and happy trip guys hope you guys enjoy your stay.