California - Help with 8 day LA area & LV area trip suggestions

Hi there,

My wife and I are flying into LAX on March 10th and out of LAS on March 18th ... looking forward to 7+ days of site seeing and tourist stuff (have a car rented to pick up at LAX and drop off at LAS). Our first trip to that area with our only plans so far being front row seats at Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas the night before we leave. That leaves the rest of the time open. Assumed we would hang around LA for a couple of days and the the tourist thing ... Hollywood, studio tour, maybe catch a taping (already have made some inquiries). I also assume we will spend a couple of days on the other end in Las Vegas ... just seeing the sights .... although we are not big gamblers. What I'm not sure about is what we will do for 3 days in the middle. I beleive the drive from LA to Las Vegas is about 3 hours ... and we don't have to drive right there. A couple of options we have thrown around is to 1) find a nice country resort/spa where I could get a round of golf in and my wife could do the massage thing - nothing too expensive ... but relaxing, and/or 2) drive to the Grand Canyon. This option is of particular interest to my wife - and that makes it of interest to me :-). I believe it is probably a 5 or 6 hour drive from LA (is that close?). An option where we could do both 1 and 2 would be great. The good news is that we are completely open to do whatever we want as long as we are in Las Vegas the night of the 17th. Also thought about either driving up or down the California coast and finding a nice little spot to stay for a couple of nights. Any specific suggestions and links would be appreciated... thanks!

I will also post this in the Nevada/Las Vegas forum.

Dave

You've given some pretty broad options. Here are some random thougths and answers to your questions:

In general there is so much to do at either destination that you should narrow your request somewhat by specifying likes and dislikes. Driving up the coast is a considerably different vacation than going to a resort to play golf, for instance.

There are many desert resorts in California and Arizona. You could probably find one close to the grand Canyon, if that is what you decide to do.

You have underestimated your driving times by about an hour to an hour and a half.

One suggestion, based on what I do know about your plans would be to drive to Palm Springs or Palm Desert and stay at one of the golf resorts there. This will get you a couple hours closer to the Grand Canyon. Then travel to Arizona for a couple days. From the Grand Canyon head to Las Vegas. The only down side to this itinerary is that your entire vacation would be in the desert.

Why don't you post some more specific interests and we will try to help you out.

I'l second the Palm Springs/Palm Desert option; it's close enough to the freeway intersection you can use for Vegas (10 and 215), and has plenty of spa resorts, golf resorts, and general "slowness." Lot's of good old (by CA standards) architecture too.
Throw in some outlet shopping (Cabazon) and the drive to Vegas, you've got 2 days filled up.

Here's a sample itinerary:

Wed. Mar 10 - Arrival in LAX
Thr. Mar 11 - LAX Touring (including movie studio tour)
Fri. Mar 12 - Drive LAX to Palm Springs (110 miles)
Sat. Mar 13 - Palm Springs
Sun. Mar 14 - Drive PS to Grand Canyon Area (420 miles)
Mon. Mar 15 - Visit Grand Canyon
Tue. Mar 16 - Drive to LAS (275 miles)
Wed. Mar 17 - LAS (including Cirque)
Thr. Mar 18 - Flight Home

This is of course just a suggestion and can be altered. It tries to spread the long drives over the 8-day period.

For the movie studio tour, I very strongly recommend NOT going to Universal (a glorified amusement park "controlled experience") and instead going to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, where you will get a much more realistic view of moviemaking. The studio is in Burbank, and is close if you decide to got to a taping at the NBC Television studios:

http://wbsf.warnerbros.com/home.html

(click on "VIP Studio Tours" on the left)

Thanks to everyone for you comments! I need a few minutes to look over the comments in detail and perhaps provide some addtional feedback that would be helpful to those who which to provide more suggestions. I'll try to do that tonight!

Thanks again!

And I would say unless you're really into the movie studio thing, don't bother and instead do something else while in LA.

Perhaps lunch at the Lobster in Santa Monica (overlooks the pier) or Gladstone's4Fish in Malibu (right next to the water), or go up to the Getty Museum which, besides the wonderful art, has breathtaking views (on a clear day) from Catalina Island to downtown Los Angeles. It also has a nice restaurant.

If it were me I'd probably spend 2 days in LA, but that's just me. You've got a lot of ground you want to cover in 8 days.

Palm Springs since it will get you closer to Vegas & Grand Canyon is a good option (be aware you'll be there during 'high' season & prices are also high).

In Vegas (besides all the strip & show stuff), there's the Red Rock Canyon which is just outside of town & definitely worth driving through. Also, Hoover Dam (anyone know if you're still allowed to visit post 9/11?). I'm sure the Vegas forum can give you more ideas on what to do there - just do a search.

The comment on your driving time being underestimated is accurate.

------------------
Sharon

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SkiAdcock:
And I would say unless you're really into the movie studio thing, don't bother and instead do something else while in LA. </font>I understand this statement, since NOVAGOLF's time in L.A. is limited.

However, when considering what to recommend to a person I don't know, I try to think of things that are (fairly) unique to the locale.

I don't think that there's anywhere else that offers a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking than the L.A. area (and I make a clear distinction from the amusement park atmosphere of places like Universal in either L.A. or Florida). The Warner Studios tour is NOT a kiddie attraction - but to be fair, it does take a certain amount of time to complete.


I went to college in L.A. and love it's natural beauty. I also greatly admire the architecture of Richard Meier and agree that the Getty (both for its buildings and for the art contained within) is a outstanding suggestion (and the price is right, too - free, other than parking) http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif


Also, if you're considering a stay at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, here's the website of the company that runs the accomodations there:

http://www.xanterra.com/properties/grandcanyonnationalparkslodges.htm

I think only one lodge is open in March, and rooms are quite limited, so reserve soon!


[This message has been edited by Non-NonRev (edited Feb 10, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SkiAdcock:
And I would say unless you're really into the movie studio thing, don't bother and instead do something else while in LA...

</font>


Well, as usual Sharon, I agree with your comments. I work for Warners and I wouldn't take my relatives on the tour. The tours are not really that interesting unless you really are just amazingly star struck and hoping to catch a glimpse of someone who will probably be annoyed to have been recognized.

Personally I would try to stay 2-3 days in L.A. then mvoe on to the rest. The Getty is an excellent choice too.

Keith


[This message has been edited by kef0913 (edited Feb 10, 2004).]

I always take first time visitors up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu Canyon Road and drive Malibu Canyon or Topanga Canyon to the SF Valley. Pick up the 101 to the 405 and stop at the Getty. This drive really gives a sense of how vast and sprawling Los Angeles is. I agree with others that I would forgo studiio tours. For star-spotting, try lunch at The Ivy, Hotel Bel Air, or Grill in Beverly Hills. Park your car on Montana Avenue around 14th street in Santa Monica and walk to the Palisades Park (the bluff over the Pacific). There are great little cafes on Montana and it is a great people-watching street...everyone seems to be quite beautiful on Montana Avenue. Have a coffee at Peets at 14th and Montana and you'll see what I mean.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kef0913:
I work for Warners and I wouldn't take my relatives on the tour. The tours are not really that interesting unless you really are just amazingly star struck and hoping to catch a glimpse of someone who will probably be annoyed to have been recognized.</font>Wow - what a disappointment - consider my recommendation stricken http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

I took the tour in the early 1980s and have to say it was nothing like the present description. They went into considerable detail about things like sound looping, synchronizing of the score to the footage, lighting and the use of miniatures (we were allowed to walk through the miniuature skyline of Hollywood Blvd. that was used to film one of the airplane chase scenes in the Stephen Spielberg movie "1941". I have no interest in star-spotting - the technical part was the compelling part for me (and come to think of it, a lot of these effects are now probably done on computers - darn do I feel old). http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

Thanks again for the heads-up.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Non-NonRev:
Originally posted by kef0913:
I work for Warners and I wouldn't take my relatives on the tour. The tours are not really that interesting unless you really are just amazingly star struck and hoping to catch a glimpse of someone who will probably be annoyed to have been recognized.</font>Wow - what a disappointment - consider my recommendation stricken http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

I took the tour in the early 1980s and have to say it was nothing like the present description. They went into considerable detail about things like sound looping, synchronizing of the score to the footage, lighting and the use of miniatures (we were allowed to walk through the miniuature skyline of Hollywood Blvd. that was used to film one of the airplane chase scenes in the Stephen Spielberg movie "1941". I have no interest in star-spotting - the technical part was the compelling part for me (and come to think of it, a lot of these effects are now probably done on computers - darn do I feel old). http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

Thanks again for the heads-up.




Yeah, its not the same as it used to be. Nowadays the studio tours are little more than some free one on one marjketing time for the studios. They throw a few techinical tidbits in but nothing you couldn't learn on the internet. Stars aren't as gracious as I think they used to be. With many (but not all) there is definitely a "I'm at work so leave me alone" vibe when meeting the public in a non-public situation (as opposed to, say, a premiere where they know they need to put their best face on).

Anyway, I guess I've gotten off topic. Back to our regularly scheduled program...

You have too little time to do much, given LA and LV on the same trip. More random ideas.

Might as well eliminate LAX and fly on to LV. Then a good tour of the grand canyon and some touring of the Vegas area, the many free attractions.

If changes are not in the cards, then golf and spa are available in LA. Also LA ZOO, which shares a parking area with the Gene Autry Museum (nice display of cowboy stuff and guns). Decent zoo, although not as great as San Diego or Wild Animal Park.

A walk along Hollywood Blvd is certainly different, as is the shopping on Rodeo Drive. A stay downtown LA could include a play.

Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm are favorites of many. The Holicost Museum is worth of a trip if you have such an interest.

A night at the beach for dinner can be quite romantic.

On to Palm Springs...it is very expensive in March. Golf is really expensive as are the hotels. You might want to skip there. If not the Hyatt in Indian Wells is very nice and has a decent mass of golf holes to chose from. Clubs can be rented too.

Las Vegas can be had on two levels. The cheap and the expensive. I usually do the former. Before you get into vegas there will be a bunch of casinos and a roller coaster. In the back is a welcome center. Lots of 2-4-1 coupons, maps, and information on things to do. Huge hot dogs and beer are available several places for a buck each or slightly more. Activity books are available at most hotels. The often include a free drink, 2-4-1 gambling coupons etc. There are free show outside on the strip and the light show downtown.

Golf and spa are also readily available in Las Vegas.

The grand canyon is well worth seeing. Lots of alternatives and time choices. Might want to spend the night. Try some web sites for more details.

Enjoy your trip.

Thanks for all the comments. Based on things said here .... and comments by others, we are almost certain that going to the Grand Canyon is on the list. The day-by-day suggestion above (thanks!) is probably close to what we might do. If we decide not to go to Palm springs ... but go further and stay somewhere 1/2 way or 3/4 of the way to the Grand Canyon (from LA) any suggestions on where to stay (I assume we go east on 40 and then North on 64 just past Williams, Arz?)

It is probably looking like:

Day one - Arrive LA
Day two - sight seeing LA
Day three - sight seeing LA
Day four - leave LA and travel 3/4 way to Grand Canyon
Day five - Drive rest of way to Grand Canyon
Day six - Grand Canyon - then Drive to LV
Day seven - sight seeing - Hoover Dam and LV
Day eight - sight seeing LV and Cirque
Day nine - leave LAS

Thanks for the comments and I welcome more.

At what hotel will you be staying in LA? LA is very spread out, and it can take 2 hours to drive from the LAX area to the San Fernando Valley (i.e. Universal Studios, Warner Bros. studios) during peak rush hour.

Are you a culture vulture, a beach bum, or would you prefer to do the kitschy Hollywood thing? If you can prioritize your interests, we locals can help you plan a sightseeing itinerary for LA which makes the most geographical sense.

Again ... thanks so much for the comments. Although we're not exactly sure what to do for all the time in LA or LV, here is what we are looking at:

Wed, March 10th - Arrive at LAX (evening)
Thur, March 11th - Sight-see LA
Fri, March 12th - Studio tour and taping of "8 simple rules" (Disney Studios)
Sat, March 13th - Drive to Williams, Arizona (7.5 hours)
Sun, March 14th - Get up and drive to Grand Canyon (1 hour) - spend day in Grand Canyon. Drive back to Williams
Mon, March 15th - Drive to Las Vegas (4 hours) - relax once get there
Tue, March 16th - Hover Dam & LV sight seeing
Wed, March 17th - Las Vegas sight seeing and Cirque show.
Thur, March 18th AM - depart.

Someone asked where we are staying ... I hope it will be the Renaissance Hollywood ... although interested in other comments people might have. Have reservations at Golden Nugget downtown but hoping to get Venitian on Priceline in a couple of weeks)

A couple of questions:

1. Mixed comments about studio tours. Which one is the best?
2. Suggestions for round of golf if we wanted to stop from LAX to Williams? I assume it would be at the LA end as it gets cold at the Williams end?
3. Have one full day in LA with nothing planned.... thanks for the suggestions so far .. any other comments would be appreciated!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SS255:
At what hotel will you be staying in LA? LA is very spread out, and it can take 2 hours to drive from the LAX area to the San Fernando Valley (i.e. Universal Studios, Warner Bros. studios) during peak rush hour.

Are you a culture vulture, a beach bum, or would you prefer to do the kitschy Hollywood thing? If you can prioritize your interests, we locals can help you plan a sightseeing itinerary for LA which makes the most geographical sense.</font>

Forgot to comment.... we are not real culture vultures or beach bums. This is our first time to LA so we are focusing on the "hollywood thing" - despite how "touristy" that is. Have already written to the tonight show for tickets and if that comes through will probably try to squeeze that in (taping around 5:00 I think).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by danpic:
I'l second the Palm Springs/Palm Desert option; it's close enough to the freeway intersection you can use for Vegas (10 and 215), and has plenty of spa resorts, golf resorts, and general "slowness." Lot's of good old (by CA standards) architecture too.
Throw in some outlet shopping (Cabazon) and the drive to Vegas, you've got 2 days filled up.</font>

As we might not make our way to Palm Springs, any other outlet shopping suggestions in the LA area, on the way to Williams (I-40), or outside Vegas?

Thanks one more time!

There are multiple outlett malls in Barstow, which is where you will transition from Interstate 15 to Interstate 40. The malls are near each other, making it very easy to visit each one in turn.


http://www.factorymerchantsbarstow.com


http://www.tangeroutlet.com/centers/frameset.html?i=/centers/index.html?center=BST



Even before leaving the Greater L.A. area, there is Ontario Mills - it is at the junction of I-10 and I-15, so it will (generally) be on your way to Barstow:

http://www.ontariomills.com



In the Las Vegas area itself, there is a very large outlet mall on the very southern edge of Las Vegas itself - it is on the southernmost part of Las Vegas Boulevard ("The Strip"):

Information on Belz Las Vegas (http://www.nytimes.com/top/features/travel/destinations/unitedstates/nevada/lasvegas/shopping_outlets_discountstores.html)




Additional information and opinions of the studio tours:

http://brawbit.com/LA/html/tours.htm


http://www.seeing-stars.com/StudioTours/index.shtml



To whet your appetite, copy and paste this photo link into a separate browser window:

http://www.sportsshooter.com/rsullivan/mm001.jpeg







[This message has been edited by Non-NonRev (edited Feb 15, 2004).]

If you need to be in Burbank on Friday at 5PM for the taping, you may as well take the Warner Bros. studio tour beforehand. Warner's & Disney are practically down the street from each other.

Since you're into the Hollywood thing, you can spend Thursday walking around Hollywood Boulevard & see the Walk of Fame. There are some interesting museums, and the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel is worth checking out. It's supposedly haunted by the ghost of Marilyn Monroe. You can also catch the Star Tours (tours of movie stars' homes) from Hollywood Boulevard. If you're really brave, buy a star map & drive around yourself. You may also want to walk around Beverly Hills. The BH Chamber of commerce used to have trolley tours. Not sure if they still do.

For 'Tonight Show' tapings, even with tickets in hand, you need to be in the line by 3:45 pm. The studio doors open at 4:00 pm and the taping itseld begins at 5:00pm. They sometimes distribute more tickets than there are seats, but outside of the summer and pre-Rose Bowl times, or when a popular rock act is on the guest list, most ticket holders will get in. You still may want to get there a couple of hours early. More info at:

http://brawbit.com/LA/html/tickets.htm#

Well, if you are going to do the studio tour and The Tonight Show you might as well go all the way.

Have breakfast or lunch at Bob's '49 - the original Bob's Big Boy. On Friday nights the parking lot is filled with classic cars. It's on Riverside Drive right near Warners and just down the street from NBC.

http://www.bobs.net

Then have lunch before the Tonight Show or dinner after at Dalt's. Many star sightings here. It's practically connected to Warner Brothers.

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Dine2/Dalts.shtml

Drew Carey hangs out at both. People have seen Kevin Costner at Dalts, as well as a zillion other mid to high level stars.

Another kitschy old Hollywood place is the Formosa Cafe. It's pretty famous.

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Dine2/Formosa.shtml

Enjoy your trip!

[This message has been edited by kef0913 (edited Feb 17, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Non-NonRev:
There are multiple outlett malls in Barstow, which is where you will transition from Interstate 15 to Interstate 40. The malls are near each other, making it very easy to visit each one in turn. </font>

I'd skip the outlets in Barstow; I stopped by right before Christmas and the place was a ghost town - many of the stores were closed and vacant. In the not-to-distant past, this place would be very busy with traffic backed up onto the freeway. No longer the case, it would seem.

There is a very nice outlet mall at the CA/NV I-15 border at Primm, about 45 min south of Las Vegas.

I would vote for Ontario Mills. Lots of outlet stores, on the way and at least the architecture is interesting.