Review A Los Angeles Vacation

When visiting Los Angeles don't stay downtown.  People that live in LA hardly go to downtown, only people that really do are people with manufacturing businesses or those who work for various legal and accountancy firms that have headquarters downtown.  We promise, if you go downtown, you are going to be disappointed.  It's gross and I bet 75% of Angelenos have never even been there.

Come to Los Agneles and become a star, at least that is what they say about Hollywood. You'll have to go but keep in mind this - it's the same as the French Quarter is to New Orleans or Times Square is to NY. Is it beautiful?  Ummm.... Is it safe?  Ummm.... Is it something you should go see keeping in mind that Hollywood really isn't a place but a fantasy?  Yes.

To give you more information about transportation.  Read a few reviews about our cabbies and transportation.  We don't take the cabs, why should you?  We also don't take the buses or the metro rail.  We drive cars.  Coming to LA and not renting a car would be well... you shouldn't come here if you don't plan on doing a lot of driving.  And traffic?  Yeah it stinks but I've seen just as bad of traffic in San Francisco and Chicago.  Account for it and people watch while you are stuck - make some fun out of the experience.

Where should you stay?  Most tourists seem to greatly enjoy Santa Monica and the Sunset Strip.  For good deals on the better hotels check these sites, otherwise expect to shell out $200 + for a decent room.  If you have a car and want to be in a good area but not necessarily close to the sites, try the Valley - specifically Sportsman's Lodge in Studio City or any of the chain hotels in Universal City - quick 10 minutes over the hill and you'll probably save $75 + a night.

If you want to know what to eat?  No visit to Southern California is complete unless you try some of our joints - hamburgers?  Try In-and-Out burger or The Apple Pan. hot dogs?  Try Pinks (but be prepared to wait 45 minutes or so).  Want old Hollywood?  Try Musso & Frank's. Want to see what the healthy industry types eat?  Try the Newsroom Cafe.  There's an unbelievable amount of great food in Los Angeles from all cultures.  The In and Out Burgers are the best in the country.  I have tried to buy a franchise and bring it to Central Florida, but they are only in California and Nevada.  And they make their own french fries in front of you.  I wish I had a couple now.

If you want to know what to see?  Ok, so you are going to go to Hollywood and you are going to check out the expensive homes in Bel Air - that's a given.  There are lots of other things to see here.  The Getty Museum is a great, free attraction.  Farmer's Market & The Grove on the corner of 3rd and Fairfax.  Marina Del Rey is fun to take a trip to. Don't forget our beaches like Malibu - but if you think Santa Monica is a beach to see - well... you'll be likely disappointed, go there for the shopping but skip the sunbathing.  Don't forget Universal Studios, Disneyland, the Original, Knotts Berry Farm, or shopping or Rodeo Drive.

Hope this helps - this is a terrific city, unlike any east coast city - appreciate it for what it has to offer that you don't have at home and you won't be disappointed.