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Going to California, need things to do.
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I'm going with my family to California for a week, and then I'll have 2-3 days over there on my own before I head back myself. My aunt lives in San Diego, so we'll be staying with her (traveling to stay overnight in a few other places for a few days as well). My parents are asking me to find stuff to do, since I've wanted to go to California for the past 5 or so years.
So, with that said, what are some obvious things my family can enjoy in southern Cali? I know we already intend to go to Hollywood and see whatever it is that's there, but beyond that I don't really know. We want to go to some sort of filming for a show or something, but I have no idea how I'd be able to look up what's filming and where.
Secondly, what are things I should do personally around San Diego? I want to try and find surfing lessons, but that's all I can think of. I'm getting a nice camera before the trip, so photography sites would be cool.
In short: I need things to do with my family for a week in southern California, and then things for me to do on my own for 2-3 days in San Diego.
So, with that said, what are some obvious things my family can enjoy in southern Cali? I know we already intend to go to Hollywood and see whatever it is that's there, but beyond that I don't really know. We want to go to some sort of filming for a show or something, but I have no idea how I'd be able to look up what's filming and where.
Secondly, what are things I should do personally around San Diego? I want to try and find surfing lessons, but that's all I can think of. I'm getting a nice camera before the trip, so photography sites would be cool.
In short: I need things to do with my family for a week in southern California, and then things for me to do on my own for 2-3 days in San Diego.
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The beach isn't far off either. Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu beach are all within 45 min of LA and are great places for some sun and shopping/strolling.
You might also want to visit the Griffith Observatory. It recently reopened after several years of renovations. If you're into amusement parks, there's Dizzyland (which is south of LA in Anaheim) and Magic Mountain (20 min north of hollywood).
Hollywood/LA is about 2-3 hours from San Diego depending on traffic/time of day so prepare for a drive when you do head down there. I don't have any destination suggestions for SD though.
Just north of there is Malibu, which an interesting drive. Very scenic. Farther north is Zuma Beach, which is my favorite place to go swimming.
Show tapings are great.
Driving along Mulholland is nice if you don't mind the slight scary heights and twisty road.
The Grove/Farmers market is a nice mall.
La Brea tar pits.
Getty Center
In San Diego, check out the gaslamp quarter and Coronado island.
The harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun.
I also appreciated Venice beach, but that was mostly to watch people.
Really, Seaworld was fun for the whole family.
Yourself: downtown @ night/ Gas Lamp.
Also, Coronado and Mission Beach @ night is gorgeous.
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The only really good thing in San Diego, in my opinion. Sea World is ok too, I suppose.
Also, given that you are visiting and only 18, I suspect you won't have a rental car, so driving to LA would be moot anyways, yes?
Anyways, check out the gaslamp anyways, its fun, but after you see it, head over to Mission Beach.
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The harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun.
As mentioned, there are a number of amusement parks, but be prepared to pay a premium for entrance. I believe the cheapest one-day park entrance fee is at Six Flags Magic Mountain, but I'm not positive on that. It is also the farthest park from San Diego.
Definitely check out the zoo and Balboa park, or the Wild Animal Park if you have a means of transport.
What dates will you be out here? Knowing that will help to find specific events you might be interested in.
Do check out Balboa Park though, it's where parts of Anchorman were shot
Also hit up downtown for some window shopping with the parents, parts of downtown are pretty upscale and its just cool to walk around, get some Gelato @ Mondo Gelato! And you'll prolly get to see a couple of Ferrari's/Astons/Bentley's, especially at night.
OOHH which reminds me, if you're in to cars at all, go to Symbolic Motors in La Jolla, it's an exotic car dealership. Ask for Jim and tell him you just wanna look around for a bit, if he's not busy, he'll give you a little tour, you won't regret it.
Anddd check out Old Town, I personally haven't been there yet but everyone always talks about it.
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Done all three and can definitely recommend (wish I had known about the exotics dealership thing when I was there though). Try and be a La Jolla for the sunset, it's gorgeous.
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Maybe drive around Beverly Hills to get the feeling, but Hollywood is total crap.
Disneyland is good for some nostalgia Americana kicks. I like Pasadena and Santa Monica for little walks or whatever.
BTW, Monteray Bay is about 7 hours drive from LA, so I don't recommend that
Translation: It's like being trapped in an Escher Staircase painting.
It is the stinky smelly smoggy asshole of California.
1) See Balboa Park - there are lots of museums there and it's really just an awesome place to walk around. On weekends, there are usually some street performers. You will probably want at least two hours to spend in the park and more depending on how much you want to see at the museums. The museums include:
San Diego Art Museum
Museum of Natural History
Museum of Man
Aerospace Museum
Science Center with IMAX
2) Go the the San Diego Zoo - it's amazing and very close to Balboa Park and I'd schedule about 6 hours to see most of the zoo, depending on how good of a walker you are.
3) Go the the San Diego Wild Animal Park - I recommend this if you're more interested in animal behavior versus seeing lots of different animals - it's a bit of a drive north so allow for 1 hour each way, especially if there's traffic.
4) Seaport Village - yes, it's a tourist trap, but it's really pretty and even locals enjoy going there on occasion - great to hang out there in the evening as the sun is setting. There are lots of different kinds of shops - one store is dedicated entirely to hot sauce, and there's a carousel. You can even take the trolley down there if you don't want to drive (and your aunt lives near the trolley).
5) Water sports - you mentioned surfing lessons, you can also go kayaking on the bay or get lessons in another sport of your choice - sail boating, wind surfing, etc.
6) Disneyland
7) Huntington Gardens - gorgeous plants and just a beautiful place to walk around for an afternoon, if you have allergies, take your medication before going
8) Santa Monica Pier and Promenade - shops and night life. Great for a Friday or Saturday night.
9) Griffith Observatory - I recommend going in the afternoon so you can see the surrounding park and then staying in the evening. They used to do cool laser shows up there, but I'm not sure what's going on now since the re-opening. Incidentally, you'll probably see some remnants of the fire, although most of the park was protected.
10) Drive up the 101 from Hollywood to Santa Barbara and explore the beach town - it's a beautiful drive, especially if you're able to avoid traffic (go on a weekday and avoid rush hour)
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UTC Mall in SD has the "Bodies" exhibition going on through the summer.
I went to it with my brother today because he's interested in being a surgeon.
It's basically a bunch of dead bodies(well preserved) positioned in normal activities, with the skin/certain-bones ripped off.
It was INSANE, definitely not for the weak stomach but a cool experience.
Site: http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/bodies.html
Edit: Also, go to San Clemente if you end up in Orange County somehow.
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I can say without question that the things I miss most from SD are the WILD ANIMAL PARK and BALBOA PARK. They are seriously awesome awesome awesome awesome.
Other than that, witch_ie's list is fantastic, I'm actually going to print it out as a reminder. I get my digital SLR camera in a week or so, which means I'll be in serious picture mode by the time the vacation comes around.
Comic-Con is a isn't likely, because I'm not a huge comic fan. Would it still be fun?
Other than that, keep 'em coming. I'm starting to get an idea of things.
Since you post here I'm gong to assume you at least read PA at one point. Most of the popular web comic authors/illustrators are going to be there, along with all the regular people. They have booths for art, video games, anime, flash cartoons (The year I went I got to see The Happy Tree Friends booth. I still have my Flippy badge.) Also, at least a dozen forumites are going to be there hanging out.
Traffic was horrible, however. There were 3 construction zones and 2 accidents coming home, and a potential 2.5 hour drive ended up being 4 hours.
Coincidentally, I have an extra ticket if the OP or anyone else wants to buy it. But they're relatively cheap even if you buy them directly (cheap as theme parks go, anyways); I think the current rate online is $30 or $35, compared to $50+ for Disney, Sea World, etc.
The harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun.
My favorite places in Los Angeles are:
The Griffith Observatory (http://www.griffithobs.org)
The Getty Villa (http://getty.edu/)
Grauman's Chinese Theatre (http://www.manntheatres.com/chinese/index.php)
If you are a fan of movies, television, literature or any popular form of media, it will still be fun. The only comics I read are a few webcomics, and I don't even visit their booths or panels. I go for the huge movie previews and announcements, meeting the casts and directors of movies or TV shows I love, and the free shit. You should atleast go for Friday or Saturday, there will definitely be something that interests you.
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No I recall specifically hearing stories of actual gang problems at Six Flags. The more I think about it I seem to recall they instituted a dress policy that forbid wearing of gang colors or something to get it under control.
The harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun.