Posted on 01/05/2011 10:01:36 AM PST by Roses0508
I'm attending a Symantec thing in Culver City, CA. The way the travel arrangements work out I'm going to have a free afternoon and evening one day and a free evening (until late) another day.
I'm interested in things I can do during those two periods of time. This is a group thing, but I'm traveling on my own.
But if she did want to drive 3 hours, nearby Solvang would probably be a fun (but long) day trip.
The Getty has a great garden, amazing architecture, good art and a very nice restaurant - to say nothing of the views. It’s an easy drive up the 405 from where you’ll be.
There are nice gardens and interesting architecture of all kinds (ESP the expensive kind) in the canals.
It’s a little bit of a drive but if you plan it right the traffic shouldn’t be too heavy...go North into the valley and visit the Reagan Library. I was just there on Labor Day. You will never forget it. I’ve been to a number of the Presidential Libraries and this one is fantastic.
The other poster is correct there are too many bad areas in LA so getting off the freeway late at night and or being lost on surface streets is not a good thing.
If you want to experience the Pacific ocean go west to Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH) down to Redondo Beach or Manhattan Beach. Have a nice seafood dinner at the Pier at Redondo.
A daytime trip could be Olvara Street which is origins of LA. It is a little known quaint cobblestone street with little shops with and great Mexican food. Eat at the place to the right of the fountain at the end of the street. Park at the Amtrak station ($$ but safe) then walk up the hill to the fountain park area.
If you want to do some fascinating window shopping Rodeo Dr is only about 5 miles from Culver City.
I can Freep mail you with many more ideas. I grew up in the So Cal (Orange County)area, but have spent much time in LA.
Tito’s Tacos on Washington and Sepulveda is good. I was there last night.
Also, The Kingshead Pub on Santa Monica Blvd. just inland from Ocean. It is a true British Pub.
My favorite and, from what I have heard, Sandra Bullock’s is Chez Jay in Venice/Santa Monica. The Sand Dabs and Banana Augraten (sp?) Potatoes is a great dinner. I know, it makes you cock your head like a labrador but it works! ‘Jay’ died a couple of years ago but it is really good.
Hope this helps!
The Getty Center is a good bet considering your time limitations (afternoon and early evening). You should have no trouble getting there in the early afternoon by driving north on the 405. Getting back to Culver City will take a bit of time as you sit in some traffic on the 405 south.
The Reagan Library may be too much of a shlepp, and you’ll get back to your hotel later than you may like. Universal Studios and CityWalk USED TO BE good, but have gone too ghetto for my taste. The Downtown Farmer’s Market and The Grove are far nicer.
If you like gardens, the Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena are good, but this time of year may be a little brown. Again, it’s a bit of a drive. If you like architecture, try either the Hollyhock House (Frank Lloyd Wright), or better, the Gamble House in Pasadena (Greene and Greene).
If you like a really great BBQ type dinner then you would really enjoy “Gaucho’s Village” http://gauchosvillage.com/index.php in Glendale. It’s pretty easy to get to and the driving is easy in the evenings.
I’ll have to look up the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I definitely want to see the La Breat Tar Pits.
I’ll have to look up the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I definitely want to see the La Brea Tar Pits.
The Getty Museum is closed on Monday - which is the day I have the most time and the other days I don’t get out of testing sessions until just minutes before it closes. What a shame as I would really liked to have seen it.
I read a series of books that centers around the Venice canals. Sounds like a great walk with gardens and all as well as close at hand.
Thank you! My Mum was British, I have a weakness for things British, especially food, which is comfort food to me.
I visited all three of the Frank Lloyd Wright works in Oklahoma in fifth grade: Price Tower and Howard Price Residence as well as Westhope. As a kid I wanted to live in a Frank Lloyd Wright house, but as an adult I am not so sure. I would like to visit every one of his works I can.
I’ll look up Huntington Library and Gardens to see if they are a feasible trip.
Here's info on the tar pits which are literally just a few blocks down Wilshire from LACMA La Brea Tar Pits Hope you have an enjoyable visit.
Are you good at yard work?
If not.
The Ronald Reagan Library is not to far away in simi valley
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