California Vacation
The first time there, I did the star tours around Hollyweird and the rest. One of the 'good' things I suppose is you stay in every place such a short time that it maintains the 'fantasy' of Hollyweird and California.
The second trip out there, we did not do any of the tours. We went back to some of the same places to spend more time, and explore a bit more. Once you do this, the 'magic' will wear off.
Venice Beach: Bums, pot heads, and black dudes chasing you to sell you CD's.
Malibu: Nice area. Long drive for nothing.
Grumman Chinese Theatre: Bum's dressed as Darth Vader charging you for a picture.
Walk of Fame: Star Tours guide stalkers trying to sell you tour bus trips for $15.00+
Studio Tours: Nice for the Behind the Scenes stuff. But on the whole, over rated.
Downtown: A bunch of Mexican/Indian souvenir shops
Santa Monica Pier: Nice to visit and say you've been there, but more for kids.
Huntington Beach: Nice area. You should check out if time allows.
Laguna Beach: Another nice area. Especially if you like art shops.
Griffith Observatory: Long drive up hill for nothing. Think back to your 6th grade field trip.
Disneyland: Nothing close to the awe of DisneyWorld in Florida.
Farmers Market: Amazing place. Make sure to visit, and eat there. Bring cash.
Beverly Hills: Overrated. We did see a few celebrities here and there though.
Summation: Tourist Money Trap.
The first time out there, we made the mistake of using the highways for almost everything. Most of which were backed up half the time. This second time we stuck the the main drags, and it was faster we thought by comparison to last time. The bad areas are not as bad as made out. The good not as awesome as made out. All in all, a nice trip.
I'm heading to San Diego to check out a data center in two weeks. So we'll see how that area is by comparison. I have heard the weather is perfect year around. Although only Sea World comes to mind for entertainment.
The second trip out there, we did not do any of the tours. We went back to some of the same places to spend more time, and explore a bit more. Once you do this, the 'magic' will wear off.
Venice Beach: Bums, pot heads, and black dudes chasing you to sell you CD's.
Malibu: Nice area. Long drive for nothing.
Grumman Chinese Theatre: Bum's dressed as Darth Vader charging you for a picture.
Walk of Fame: Star Tours guide stalkers trying to sell you tour bus trips for $15.00+
Studio Tours: Nice for the Behind the Scenes stuff. But on the whole, over rated.
Downtown: A bunch of Mexican/Indian souvenir shops
Santa Monica Pier: Nice to visit and say you've been there, but more for kids.
Huntington Beach: Nice area. You should check out if time allows.
Laguna Beach: Another nice area. Especially if you like art shops.
Griffith Observatory: Long drive up hill for nothing. Think back to your 6th grade field trip.
Disneyland: Nothing close to the awe of DisneyWorld in Florida.
Farmers Market: Amazing place. Make sure to visit, and eat there. Bring cash.
Beverly Hills: Overrated. We did see a few celebrities here and there though.
Summation: Tourist Money Trap.
The first time out there, we made the mistake of using the highways for almost everything. Most of which were backed up half the time. This second time we stuck the the main drags, and it was faster we thought by comparison to last time. The bad areas are not as bad as made out. The good not as awesome as made out. All in all, a nice trip.
I'm heading to San Diego to check out a data center in two weeks. So we'll see how that area is by comparison. I have heard the weather is perfect year around. Although only Sea World comes to mind for entertainment.
Comment