We're going for 2/2.5 weeks, so not as long as i'd like. Last time I was in LA I was about 8, and only thing I remember was going to Disneyland in the pouring rain. We, along with a massive group of Japanese businessmen, were the only people there.

Timing-wise, do hotels generally get slightly cheaper the further away from high summer, or is it negligible?

As for spending money on food, what better thing is there to spend it on. Will be booking into the French Laundry as soon as I know our dates (I'm aware of the 2 month booking rule) - other restaurant ideas welcomed.

And thanks for all the tips!

Wow - when I read the first few comments I was amazed. How can anyone recommend time in LA compared to all the other great places on the West coast.

It is full of smog cars and traffic jams. THe heat can be oppressive mixed with carbon monoxide.

Other than good weather by the coast it has no redeeming features

Thanks you BBB for a reality check. I'd hate someone to waste a 2-4-1 on LAX

In to SF and out from LA puts you on the best side of the PCH for the view.

Have a good trip.

11277m

With that much time you could easily spend at least 4-5 days down here in San Diego. Weather in SoCal in Sept and Oct can be beautiful or brutal depending on location. That is prime time for the Santa Ana winds and heat. Get 5-10 miles from the ocean and you can easily be in 100 degree heat but at least it isn't the steamy, gagging heat. I find that in SAN it literally will go up a degree every mile you go east during those times. Downtown San Diego will be 85 and you take a 15 min drive east to say, El Cajon it it is over 100 degrees. Luckily almost everything you would probably want to see or do is within a couple miles of the ocean. But overall it is the best weather time to be here. Sunny, cloudless days and wonderful nights. Overall with 2.5 weeks, if you really wanted a sample of California, you could do SAN, LAX and SFO spending 5 days in each place.

http://www.cecconiswesthollywood.com/ and maybe Nobu malibu for dinner ^

http://www.koirestaurant.com/home.html :)

LA has some stunning Architecture, must sees are Union station, the Disney concert hall (Frank Gehry) and the amazing (built in the 1970's) Westin Bonaventure hotel (John Portman).

If you are there on Saturday go on the Art Deco walking tour around the central business district which takes in gems such as the William Fox, Guarantee & Trust, Oviatt and the Edison company buildings. The walk starts from the Biltmore hotel early am. The jewellery district (for a pimped Rolex) is worth a visit as is the historic core and old bank areas.

I would not bother with Beverly hills (designer shops full of Russians) or Hollywood. Marina Del Rey, Manhattan and Venice beaches are worth a look but as others above have said - two days is time enough - get on an aircraft and get up to San Francisco.

Because the OP asked for reccommendations in LA not the West Coast ;)

Having visited the West Coast many many times but always neglecting LA for some perceived reason, I actually quite liked it when we finished up there a few years ago after a 4 week tour. Only problem being the traffic, so we went there earlier this year, planned properly and had a good time. Yes, LA covers a massive area, but there are pockets of delight (e.g. Pasadena, Santa Monica) and I wouldn't put anyone off trying it out.

a few recommendations:

2 'classic' evening routes I do with visitors:

1. drinks at Bodega (Lincoln & Broadway), cool wine bar (bit hidden so you can easily miss). stroll down broadway for dinner at the Lobster. after dinner drinks in the Viceroy.
2. drinks in the Skybar on Sunset Strip. Dinner in Foundation Room (if you can get in somehow via a member - there are a few other good restaurants around). after dinner drinks in Bar Marmont / Chateau Marmont (possibly via the Standard).

other good drinks / dinner places:

- the Standard downtown (and the roof terrace)
- Katsuya in Brentwood (my local and fav Japanese place - must book ahead!!! (their 7 course tasting menu is heaven).
- the Penthouse in the Huntley hotel in Santa Monica
- Moondshadows in Malibu
- Main Street in Venice / Santa Monica including brunch at World Cafe
- Abbotkinney Road in Venice (Joe's is good for dinner, OtherRoom good for drinks).

drop me a PM if you want more detail.

you'll have a great time.

:eek::eek:

I'm surprised that our friend from Dana Point has not mentioned Orange County, which is more than Disneyland. Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal town with good restaurants. South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is the largest mall West of the Mississippi and is gorgeous. It has all the top stores that we've seen in London, Paris or New York-all newer and nicer. Marche Moderne is its top floor, top French restaurant. There is a first class Performing Arts/theater complex. Newport Beach has the outdoor, Mediterranean Fashion Island with an ocean view. Crystal Cove state beach has a 1940's theme with a cafe. We have a whole coastline of beach down through San Clemente. You could see it in two days and it's closer to LAX and better than San Diego, in my opinion. Have a good vacation!

I visited LA in early September and again in late October, way back in 2004 (seems like yesterday) and I liked it - there's plenty things to do and the beach is a great place for people watching. I remebered it got a wee bit chilly in the evening at the beach after sunset at end October. I preferred LA over SF.

Would go back there, but I can't see that happening until the US relaxes its inspection rules at immigration whereby they can keep a copy of my data indefinitely.

Full disclosure -- I live in LA, actually in the Venice canals -- an area well worth visiting that many tourists miss (very near Santa Monica). I would also suggest flying to San Francisco. It is the most beautiful city in America, one of the most beautiful in the world. Then drive down the coast -- it's a great drive! Rent a convertible. Be sure to get one with a nav system! Take a few days, maybe spend one night in Carmel or Big Sur and another in Santa Barbara -- a very beautiful California city with classic Spanish colonial architecture. Then down to LA -- I'm prejudiced, but I'd say stay at the beach -- It can be very hot in September or October, but if you're at the beach -- Santa Monica is best -- you will be very happy. Then fly to Vegas and back. It's a short commuter hop. Not worth wasting the time driving there and back IMHO. Not an interesting drive. And I agree with a previous poster -- Sept/Oct is the ideal time to do it. Hope you have a great trip.

Since most Americans holiday at home after Labo(u)r Day, Sept 7th this year,
vacancies should shoot up.

I agree with everything except the recommendation to fly to Las Vegas. Here's why:

LAX/LAS is a one hour flight. Getting to the airport from anywhere in LA is a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic. Depending on the airline and your elite status, you'll want to get to the airport at least one hour before your flight and, preferably more, to ensure you clear security (and that assumes a taxi that drops you off at your terminal -- if you drop off a rental car or park in one of the outlying lots, you'll need even more time for the shuttle to take you to the airport. At LAS, depending on the time and day you arrive, you can wait up to an hour for a taxi. When all is said and done, the time to drive to LAS is only slightly more than the time to travel there by air. I do think it is an interesting drive. Half of it is through broad desert vistas which are quite unique, particularly for someone from the UK.

I lived in LA for a good part of 15 years, but I still remember my first visit. It was quite disillusioning. Nothing like what I had expected. After a few months of living in West LA, I quickly changed for Long Beach, which was much more friendly and real and easier to get around.

However in later years I did learn to find the good in LA. It can be a great place if you know where to go and what to avoid. The problem is that you will not really know that on your first visit. So I recommend a local guide or friend who knows LA.