Thread: Southern California Points of Interest

For those of you who are planning to spend a few days pre or post cruise in the Southern California area, here are few points of interest for you:

J. Paul Getty Museum - a wonderful day to spend part of the day for art loves. The museum has a wonderful view (on a clear day) of the LA Basin and West LA. there is some great art work there and the architecture is beautiful. Reservations are not required. There is no admission fee, only a parking fee.

Farmer's Market/The Grove - LA's original farmer's market is a charming way to spend the lunch hour. Located in the Fairfax district, there are some nice eateries, a farmer's market, and some merchants. Its located right next door to the new outdoor shopping area known as the Grove which has some upscale restaurants, a movie theater, and shops!

Santa Catalina Island - for those not stopping at Catalina on their cruise, its just a short 1 hour ferry ride from Long Beach to Santa Catalina Island. Its a great way to spend a day strolling along the main walk, renting bikes for a great tour of the island, hiking, kayaking or other watersports.

Disneyland - this is more for someone who has 2-3 days to spend exploring Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. For those who just want to come for the evening or for lunch for some dining, Downtown Disney is a nice place to be. And its free!

3rd Street Promenade/Santa Monica Pier - walking 3rd Street Promenade is quite entertaining. 3rd Street, adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier is closed off as a pedestrian shopping zone for 3-4 blocks. There are street performers, great restaurants, and lots of shopping. When you're tired of walking the shopping area, you can come over to the Santa Monica Pier and watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean.

Venice Boardwalk - famous throughout the world for its shopping, dining and street entertainment. Its a 1-2 mile stretch of boardwalk at Venice Beach.

Hollywood Walk of Fame/Mann's Chinese Theater/Hollywood & Highland - this seems to be a must for most tourist visiting the area. I personally think its a bit overrated, but you can walk along Hollywood Blvd and see thousands of starts on the Walk of Fame. Walk from the historic Mann's Chinese Theater all the way to the more hip shopping area of Hollywood & Highland where the Kodak Theater is, home to the Academy Awards.

Oops, forgot about the Getty museum in my thread right below this one. And I was even there in June, taking some second graders around (brave of me).

I know several cruisers like to drive up the coast and see Malibu. After the first of the year, the other Getty museum in Malibu will re-open, and from what I've heard it's going to be really beautiful. The only drawback might be if they require reservations, but it still will be worth looking into, assuming you have a day to spend on the coast.

Just heard a newstory that the Tail of the Pup will be demolished.

Universal Studios and City Walk Also Down Town Disney

Debbie, both great suggestions for a stroll or if you're looking for a place to eat! Both have some good restaurants!

Just bumping this up for all our new members!

I have some!

1. The Griffith Observatory. (once it opens though) I think its scheduled to open this summer.

2. The La Brea Tarpits.

3. La Placita Olvera

I'll try to think of some more...

If you are active and outdoorsy, hike up the Mt Wilson Trail. I used to live right at the base of the trail and went up there all the time. You can see Catalina from up there...and there is a waterfall about halfway up! Gorgeous!

If you are heading to San Diego there is the Wild Animal Park, The Zoo, Sea World. Old Town San Diego. La Jolla Shores is a great beach. Scripps institute (renamed to something else can't think of it right now) Many other things too.