Help Me Plan My California Vacation

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Carmel! That's it. Thanks!

[berkeley]

whatevah ya decide to do... do not drive down hwy 43

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by CC1

I have been to Malibu but not Laguna so I can't compare the two.

If you are a fan of President Reagan and / or a political junkie then the Reagan Presidential Library / Museum is a must!!!

It is also a very pretty 30 minute or so drive out of LA / Hollywood. The museum is high on a hill with a great view.

I was there about three weeks ago and since I was there last they have added the Air Force One jet that Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter , and Reagan flew on. It is a Boeing 707 that was replaced just when Reagan left office with the 747 used now. You can actually walk through the airplane. It is in a giant room mounted facing giant glass windows overlooking the valley. It looks like it could soar out of there any moment!

The museum is very user friendly with a lot of short video's explaining displays and things that happened during his Presidency.

I have never taken one of those "Homes of the Stars" tours but I should. I have driven around Beverly Hills and stumbled across some wonderful mansions. I think that tour would be interesting as they know exactly where to go to see some really cool homes.

Have you visited Nixon's library? It's great also.

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

whatevah ya decide to do... do not drive down hwy 43

Berk, Do tell me why someone would plan a 98 trip through the backside of nowhere?

[Sherri]

Actually you should visit Azusa Street and hear the history. Pretty interesting! We also went to Rodeo Dr. and to the Chinese Theater. It was all OK, but nothing real exciting.

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by BoredOutOfMyMind

Berk, Do tell me why someone would plan a 98 trip through the backside of nowhere?

haha

[Thad]

Originally Posted by Hesetmefree238

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Now for a few more specific requests.
For taking in beautiful beach scenery (I'm not referring to the ladies in bikinis ) do you prefer Malibu or Laguna Beach.
Also, have any of you did one of the guided Beverly Hills tours? I'm talking about the ones where you get on a bus or van and they drive you through
some of the Beverly Hills neighborhoods and point out homes of movie stars.
Also, have any of you been to the Ronald Reagan library?

I'm a southland Expert lol
I am down there about every other month on average.

you are never going to get all that done in 6 days. the reason is the traffic. the reagan LIbrary is well worth the drive. it's on a mountain and the view is Awesome! you can see the city and the ocean .

take in santa monica on a weekend evening if possible. there is an outdoor mall 3 blocks from the ocean. it is packed with people , great acts, musicians , all kinds of wild and wacky people ( it never gets old!), good shops and stays open till about 1 am on weekend nights. there is about 2 miles of parks and walk ways in front of the ocean. It's really nice and right next to Malibu.
If you decide on Lugna, also check out New port Beach area. there is an out door Mall overlooking the bay that is awesome! and from Laguna, take the highway 1 drive down to dana point. If you're going to shop, you must go to the garment district. also, the ontario mills outlet mall. it's mear riverside.
also, the reagan Library is in north L.A county which is not too far from BUrbank. some people try to go to the Jay Leno show. it's hard to get tickets I've heard. not something i'd be into but mentioned it just in case.

Originally Posted by Hesetmefree238

I am going to be in the LA area for 6 nights/ 5 days at the end of April.

I'm sorry.

I will be visiting my sister who lives in the Riverside area.

Visiting family is good.

I'm travelling with my family (the wife and 2 teenagers).

Traveling with two teenagers; well, I guess it could be worse.

Give me some ideas on some things we should do or see. We will be spending most nights at my sister's house, but could go on a short excursion to either San Diego or Santa Barbara for a one night stay.
Here are some of the things we have considered. Please give me opinions or share any experiences you have had.

Don't go to California at all! Seriously, though, since you're going to be in the Riverside area, there's no need to defile yourself by going to the city of Lost Angels (Los Angeles). You should definitely go to San Diego. Palm Springs is nice. When I lived in the land of the Californicators (as people in Washington State used to call them), I often drove across the desert from San Diego to Yuma, Arizona for a Sunday drive.

LA Dogers game (will be attending with my brother who lives in area)

I'm sorry.

Ronald Reagan Library

It may be of historical interest.

Guided tour of Beverly Hills (a see the homes of the stars type tour)
Hollywood walk of fame and Grauman's Chinese theater
Coastal drive into the Santa Monica / Malibu areas
Visit Laguna Beach (spend the night on beach?)

Why would you want to do any of these things? Los Angeles is the modern-day Sodom. Why would you want to pitch your tent in Sodom even temporarily?

Overnight excursion to either San Diego or Santa Barbara
Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead
Wild Animal Kingdom Park (north of San Diego)

Santa Barbara is too close to Lost Angeles. The other places would be worth seeing, especially the Wild Animal Park. If there's time, perhaps you could drive down to Tecate, Mexico.

We do not plan on going to any of the theme parks. We have been to
Disney World and Universal in Florida many times. A long shot could be to
go to California Adventure.

Try Knott's Berry Farm.

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Thad

I'm a southland Expert lol
I am down there about every other month on average.

you are never going to get all that done in 6 days. the reason is the traffic. the reagan LIbrary is well worth the drive. it's on a mountain and the view is Awesome! you can see the city and the ocean .

take in santa monica on a weekend evening if possible. there is an outdoor mall 3 blocks from the ocean. it is packed with people , great acts, musicians , all kinds of wild and wacky people ( it never gets old!), good shops and stays open till about 1 am on weekend nights. there is about 2 miles of parks and walk ways in front of the ocean. It's really nice and right next to Malibu.
If you decide on Lugna, also check out New port Beach area. there is an out door Mall overlooking the bay that is awesome! and from Laguna, take the highway 1 drive down to dana point. If you're going to shop, you must go to the garment district. also, the ontario mills outlet mall. it's mear riverside.
also, the reagan Library is in north L.A county which is not too far from BUrbank. some people try to go to the Jay Leno show. it's hard to get tickets I've heard. not something i'd be into but mentioned it just in case.

If your going down to Santa Monica Blvd.. make sure you wear some blinders... you will need them for the Flesh parade as the weather warms...

I wondered why Thad spent so much time down south.. then I remembered his "Beach" ministry.. He is sooooo dedicated!!

[Thad]

Originally Posted by revrandy

If your going down to Santa Monica Blvd.. make sure you wear some blinders... you will need them for the Flesh parade as the weather warms...

I wondered why Thad spent so much time down south.. then I remembered his "Beach" ministry.. He is sooooo dedicated!!

Awww now I see how you are !
now let me clear this up. we went there for Cmas, then in january I went to the winter camp meeting, last week I bought 1,300 yards of fabirc along with some other items at the garment district.
another thing, I take 1-10 till it dead ends at the ocean NOT santa monica Blvd!!! you Big Over ripe Tomato You !