Los Angeles - Day and a Half in LA

Guys,

A mate and I will be spending a day and a half in LA en-route to Barbados and we are after some suggestions.

We arrive into LAX (from MEL) mid-morning on Sunday 1 April and leave for MIA on an early flight on 3 April.

Our preference would be to see only the major big ticket tourist things, spending the majority of time eating (and drinking :p) around the place. Attending a sporting event of some description would be a bonus!!

At this stage, we haven't booked accomodation - searching this forum has advised that where you stay on such a short trip is important - and we have lots of flexibility with hotels (Hyatt, IHG etc.).

Any ideas as to how to spend our time in LA would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

GB

There are a number of major tourist attractions near LAX. Closest is the Venice beach boardwalk with a vibe that is uniquely southern Californian. Hollywood is not far. Between the walk of fame, universal studios, and the sign itself, you can easily spend all your time in that area.

For sports, look for either the Lakers or Clippers playing basketball downtown. April is the start of baseball's regular season, so there may be a Dodgers game too.

Start at Venice cafe for coffee or brunch. Should be in full swing on Sunday morn. http://waterfrontcafe.com/

Walk up and down oceanfront promenade in Venice. Will take a couple of hours.

Then hit Santa Monica Third St. Promenade which is a couple of miles from Venice but very different.

Hit Hollywood in late afternoon or evening.

Remember, you will need a car.

Attending a sporting event of some description would be a bonus!!

The Lakers are hosting the Golden State Warriors on April 1 (tickets (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2C0047369FF445A9?brand=lakers&CAMEFROM=NBALAKERS_SCH)).

The Dodgers are playing the Angels in Anaheim (near Disneyland) on the 2nd.

).

The Dodgers are playing the Angels in Anaheim (near Disneyland) on the 2nd.

Just be aware that this is considered a pre-season Spring training game.

The Anaheim Ducks will be hosting the Edmonton Oilers 4/1 5pm at Honda Center, also near Disneyland.

Remember, you will need a car.

Depends on how many tourist things they want to do in a day and a half. The problem with getting a rental car is they'll waste time being stuck in traffic and paying for parking. If they are here only for 36 hours, it's debatable if a rental car will really save them time and money.

I would suggest our Australian friends stay at a hotel in Downtown LA. It's easy to get there by public transportation from LAX and there are lots of eating and drinking establishments all within reasonable walking distances from any hotel.

And public transportation to all the "big ticket" tourist things in the region (e.g. Hollywood, Venice/Santa Monica, theme parks etc.) are easily accessible from Downtown LA as well. Not to mention the big sporting venue in LA in April... Lakes and Clippers play at the Staples Center in Downtown.

Thanks for the replies so far.

As there is sport involved (seeing the Lakers may be possible) Downtown seems to be the place to stay....we won't be getting a car for many of the reasons mentioned above, plus the drinking factor. :p

Are there any eating/drinking recommendations - sports bars etc. - that are not the gimmicky, touristy places that we see advertised in Australia?

Thanks again...

GB

The area around the Staples Center where the Lakers play is called LA Live and is full of bars and restaurants. There's an ESPN zone restaurant there and the LA based ESPN radio talent is on air there. A number of celebrity chefs also have restaurants there. Plenty of options for pub crawling before and after a game.

The area around the Staples Center where the Lakers play is called LA Live and is full of bars and restaurants. There's an ESPN zone restaurant there and the LA based ESPN radio talent is on air there. A number of celebrity chefs also have restaurants there. Plenty of options for pub crawling before and after a game.

First time visitors don't normally stay in downtown, IMHO (more head to Santa Monica, Hollywood,etc.) but if you do stay there, we liked the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Almost next to the Pershing Square subway station. Walking distance to the Staples Center (though there are some hotels closer). Acadey Awards ceremonies took place there in the early 1930s. Look at www.metro.net to see public transportation options. You can get from LAX to Union Station via FlyAway bus and subway or taxi from there to most downtown hotels. You can also get to Hollywood and Unviversal Studios by subway. Do allow plenty of time to get back to LAX on your last day.

Thanks for the replies so far.

As there is sport involved (seeing the Lakers may be possible) Downtown seems to be the place to stay....we won't be getting a car for many of the reasons mentioned above, plus the drinking factor. :p

Are there any eating/drinking recommendations - sports bars etc. - that are not the gimmicky, touristy places that we see advertised in Australia?

Thanks again...

GB

Downtown LA is divided into many sub-districts and some of them are a lot more touristy than others.

Here is a brief description of districts that you may be interested... it is by no means all encompassing - you can find out a lot more about these districts and others on the internet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Los_Angeles and http://discoverlosangeles.com/guides/neighborhoods/downtown/downtown-los-angeles-guide.html

The area around Staples Center/LA Live is call Southpark (Figueroa/Olympic). LA Live is pretty touristy but you will find a lot of locals hanging out before and after basketball games. The Nokia Theater is there too (concerts) so depending on what event is going on there, you may find very different groups of people/vibe. ESPN Zone is a good place to watch sports and drink at the same time... but it doesn't have that "neighborhood sports bar" feel.

The Metro Center area (7th/Grand) has lots of great restaurants and bars and because it is close to the subway station and Financial District, you will find lots of people hanging out after work.

The Old Bank District (4th/Main) is my favorite area in Downtown. Lots of old ornate bank buildings (hence the name :D ). It's a bit sleepy during the day but lots of bars open after dark. This is where most of the locals do the drinking... not the ESPN Center and celebrity chief restaurants at LA Live.

Little Tokyo (2nd/Central) has great food for late night munchies and some interesting bars.

Art District (between 4th and 6th St, east of Alameda) is also known as Warehouse District... a bit rough around the edges and not many tourists go there. But some of LA's most interesting restaurants and cafes are located here.