San Diego/LA Ideas?

[WDWSageoftime]

Hello all, as I prepare for my 9 day stay at Disneyland in December, I was hoping you guys could give me some suggestions. =) (It's a large group of people going so I'd like to prepare things as early as possible)

First....
We are planning on going to the San Deigo Zoo. We're going to leave the zoo around 5 or 6. What are some things to do in San Deigo after? Any side attractions, shows, or not to miss "themed" restaurants that are must sees?

Second...
I'll be driving a group of people through LA. I've only been to LA once and that was on a tour. They don't want to take a tour because they mostly go to malls and beaches..even in December. The only place I know of in LA is the Chinese theater. Can anyone help me with suggestions as far as driving around that area, including Beverly Hills....it would be an all day driving/walking event...around 8 hours...so what are things we should drive to and stop at....Thanks!!!!!!! (Also, what's the deal with looking at celebrity homes....are those maps I hear about really a hoax?)

[Piglet]

In San Diego, you have to go to Sea World!! It is right on the water and it is beautiful there! There is a sea Lion show that is hilarious and an Orca show--plus several others. You will love it there! Coronado Beach is beautiful and right there is Hotel del Coronado, an old and amazing hotel--actually Marilyn Monroe was there when she filmed "Some Like It Hot." Seaport Village is cute, too. And don't forget to check to see if the Padres are in town, Petco park is a beautiful new ball park! Hope you all have a great time!

[adrianne]

In Los Angeles, you have to see the Griffith Observatory. Nice views of the city, and good for movie buffs - several scenes of "Rebel Withouut A Cause" were filmed there.

Also, hit up Olvera Street -- cool open-air market and wonderful history of LA.

[NaviMap]

San Diego:
Expect very heavy traffic on the I-5 from around Cannon Rd in Carlsbad (legoland exit) until about Via de La Valle (Del Mar Fairgrounds exit) about a 17 mile stretch (weekends too).

A great way to get to San Diego Zoo is by going South I-5, South I-805, South SR-163, exit Park Blvd on the right lane. SR-163 Fwy is the scenic route that goes right through Balboa Park to the San Diego Zoo.

As far as eating and walking around. You can go to the parking structure in Horton Plaza in Downtown San Diego (4th and F street) or park around there. You can visit Horton Plaza and/or walk along the Streets to the east/southeast which is the historic/refurbished Gaslamp Quarter. Plenty of places to eat.

La Jolla or Torrey Pines State Park has beautiful cliffside beaches, the only problem is probably the parking and you may even see some Sea Lions.

Great Malls in Orange County:
South Coast Plaza (the largest in the county, Bristol and I-405)
Fashion Island, Newport Beach (Mac Arthur Blvd or Jamboree Rd, 1 mi south of SR-73)
Irvine Spectrum (I-5/I-405 merge)
The Block at Orange (mostly aimed toward teens and younger generations, I-5/SR-57/SR-22 Interchange off The City Drive)

[xfkirsten]

I second NaviMap's reccommendation of Torrey Pines State Reserve. Gorgeous area and some great hiking trails. I'm not sure what time of the evening they're kicking people out of the reserve itself that time of year (5:00?), but it's worth it if you have the chance. I've seen dolphins there a number of times as well, and gray whales during the migratory season (late December through March). They do charge for parking if you drive up to the trails/visitors center, though, so be aware of that. I think it's $6-8 depending on what day you're there. There's free parking with beach access just outside the reserve.

[lovesdisney]

BOO, SEA WORLD! Well, I speak as a CA native, I can only stand going there once every 10 years, but if you've never been there, it'll be cool to go.

I SECOND THE IRVINE SPECTRUM, it's freaking awesome. Universal Studios is pretty cool, too, as is the Griffith Observatory (is it still open? Did they close it permanently or just for renovation or... something? I remember hearing something about it being closed, anyway). And of course, the beach! San Diego has some good beaches... oh wait, December is bad beach weather, never mind. haha.

The Grove is really nice too, it's in the same general vicinity as Hollywood and Highland... hmm, you should visit Hollywood and Highland, too. Britney Spears and Celine Dion's stars on the Walk of Fame are right in front of it, and the El Capitan is across the street.

[maharet97]

Don't know where you're coming from, but with the WDW monniker, I assume you're familiar with the Orlando area. If so and you're a fan of Universal and IOA, I'd skip Universal Hollywood. It just can't compare unless you just really want to say that you've been. If you're interested in museums, check out the Getty Center, it's beautiful and FREE! Just pay parking ($7). http://www.getty.edu/visit/

[debijeanm]

I love Sea World but it's too much money to spend for just a few hours. I would second Horton Plaza, especially if you're into architecture. They've incorporated a lot of the architectural elements of the city's old buildings into the plaza here and there. (It's just a shopping mall, though).

In LA I'd skip the star homes but I have it on good authority (I'm teaching a class of Italian teenagers for a couple of weeks; they were there earlier this week) that the walk of stars is still a thrill (Johnny Depp AND Orlando Bloom). I haven't been to the El Capitan Theater since its renovation but how about taking in the latest Disney movie? Disney owns the theater - complete restored, organ music and Disney's latest. Old fashioned Mickey-themed soda fountain next door. I'm going sometime before summer is over to see Pirates. Google the theater to find the particulars and to see what's going to be playing when you are here.

Have a fun trip!

[Rtoups]

I personally like sea world. But it is very expensive. As far as San Diego goes, i would suggest the Wild Animal Park. It is much more open and you can see the animals in the "natural" habitat.

L.A. Now were talkin. I live 20 mins away so i know some things about it. The Chinese theater is definetly a must see. Also around that area is the Ripleys Odditorium (if you like that kind of stuff). A great mall to go to is Del Amo Mall. It is huge. In 1998 it held the record for most retail space in america.

[reillysix]

Originally Posted by Piglet

In San Diego, you have to go to Sea World!!

Yes, SeaWorld is a definite "must-do."

[Zach]

yes going to the wild animal park is fun, i just went there a few days ago but because of this heat we din't get to see most of the park but you are lucky your going down here in december. Also what parts of San Diego are you going to because living here i know almost everywhere in San Diego. Maybe check in to something at the Sports Arena or maybe go to Belmont Park. Also near the zoo is Balboa Park where there are museums, the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center. Well there are lots of fun things to do down here but i can't name all of them.

I've only been to L.A once and telling you right now, BEWARE THERE IS TRAFFIC!! But there are lots of things to do there like going to downtown and Santa Monica. If you want to take a side trip to go to Universal Studios Hollywood, do it. The Movieland wax museum is a great wax museum but it is near Knotts berry Farm which i know it's not in L.A but it's on the way if you are driving up to L.A from San Diego. You should go to hollywood to but do not go to east hollywood, if you do you'll find out why. Well that's all i have to give about L.A

[disneygurl05]

I live in L.A. so there are many great things to do while you're there. You mentioned a lot of malls and beaches. The Grove at Farmer's Market (www.thegrovela.com) is a great place to go and shop. The historical Farmer's Market is right next door and is a fantastic palce to eat as you have such a great variety to choose from. Century City Shopping Center at Westfield is another great place to shop as it is never crowded and is very calm and relaxing. If you're looking more towards Hollywood, Mann's Chinese theatre and El Capitan are great places to catch a movie. However, like in all areas of L.A., there will be traffic so be sure that you'r not going to tour during rush hour period (4:30-6:00 p.m. is usually traffic-heavy). And no, those celebrity home tours are not hoaxes (at least I don't think :D). If you need more info about what to do in L.A. during your visit, try www.la.com. Hope this helps!

[debijeanm]

Originally Posted by debijeanm

I love Sea World but it's too much money to spend for just a few hours. I would second Horton Plaza, especially if you're into architecture. They've incorporated a lot of the architectural elements of the city's old buildings into the plaza here and there. (It's just a shopping mall, though).

In LA I'd skip the star homes but I have it on good authority (I'm teaching a class of Italian teenagers for a couple of weeks; they were there earlier this week) that the walk of stars is still a thrill (Johnny Depp AND Orlando Bloom). I haven't been to the El Capitan Theater since its renovation but how about taking in the latest Disney movie? Disney owns the theater - complete restored, organ music and Disney's latest. Old fashioned Mickey-themed soda fountain next door. I'm going sometime before summer is over to see Pirates. Google the theater to find the particulars and to see what's going to be playing when you are here.

Have a fun trip!

Well, I can speak from experience. I went to see Pirates at the El Capitan and it was fantastic! The entire theater is a Pirate experience. Workers in costume, costumes and props from the movie on display. A special pre-movie pirate experience that is short but still something you won't get anywhere else. And one of the country's best organists will play a spectacular organ for about a half hour before the movie (all Disney songs, of course.) Parking is easy off Highland (use the big lot next to the Kodak Theater at $10 for the day.) All in the same block is the Chinese, the stars and the El Capitan with the Disney Soda Fountain next door. It's a little pricey (my VIP tickets were $23 each which included a bottled drink and souvenir popcorn holder with popcorn) but well worth it. Plan on about four hours just for that experience. Oh yeah, and if you stand outside the El Capitan and look toward the walkway with the Egyptian figures, the Hollywood sign shows through a space. makes a great picture.