<p>We’re off to California, leaving on Thursday afternoon. Going to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs for a few days of R&R, then Pomona, CMC, Chapman, Occidental, Loyola Marymount, and USC. We’ll have most afternoons for fun. We’re staying in Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Claremont, Orange, and Santa Monica. </p>
<p>Any recommendations of can’t miss things to do, restaurants, hikes, etc. would be appreciated. I have a special affinity for ethnic restaurants, those special local dives are my favorite. No amusement parks this trip. I will be alone in Santa Monica Thursday night, as DS will be staying with a Freshman friend at LMC, (uh oh), so suggestions there would be appreciated also. </p>
<p>wrldtravlr, Hi. One of my favorite restaurants is called “The Ivy” in Hollywood near Beverly Hills. It is a tiny little place (used to be a house) with a little patio in front. Stars used to frequent it. But…the food is incredible along with the ambiance and decor. Check it out online and read the menu. If you decided to try it, make reservations. I live too far away to go every weekend or I think I would. Bon apetit!</p>
<p>I’m from Palm Springs. You should hike the Indian Canyons…they’re beautiful and the hike to the waterfalls isn’t too difficult. For restaurants, in downtown Palm Springs try Birba. It’s all outside and has a very cool vibe. The pizza is delicious. Spencer’s at the base of the mountain near Baristo is also a great restaurant. There are so many amazing restaurants…in Palm Springs, Las Casuelas is considered one of the best. Matchbox is also a great restaurant. It’s right on Palm Canyon and is right above the Sonny Bono statue. You can sit on the patio and look out on Palm Canyon. The salads and sliders there are especially good.</p>
<p>I was just in Palm Springs last week. One of the most interesting things I did was spend an afternoon at [Palm</a> Springs & Palm Desert’s only Zoo and Botanical Garden - The Living Desert](<a href=“http://www.livingdesert.org/]Palm”>http://www.livingdesert.org/). If you’re not used to desert flora and fauna, it’s fascinating.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for this information; I have this bookmarked and will refer to it when we are down there. It looks like it is going to be pretty chilly in the LA area next week; more time for eating and hiking, I guess. Anything would be better than here right now, though. I live in Oregon and we just had a big (rare) snowstorm last night. I have two trees down in my backyard due to the wet ground and the heavy snow. Time to go rent a chainsaw and dream of the desert.</p>
<p>The area around Chapman in Orange is very cute with lots of cute, unique restaurants. Some favorites are Bruxie (gourmet waffle sandwiches) and the Filling Station. I live in Orange County and Crystal Cove is nice for hiking and the beach. There is a restaurant on the beach there which is fun (The beachcomber). For shopping in Orange County there is South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and Fashion Island in Newport Beach.</p>
<p>worldtravlr, I don’t know if you’re a female, but the one caution I would make about LA/Santa Monica is, don’t be out alone after dark if you are. It’s a sad reality. </p>
<p>If you need fast food on the journey, Rubio’s Fish Tacos is a healthy choice, Del Taco is a tasty not as healthy one (but the best Mexican fast food chain), and you probably ought to eat at In & Out Burgers at least once.</p>
<p>If you have the time in OC it would be great to drive to the beach, Crystal Cove state park is nice, Newport Beach pier, Huntington Beach pier, any are good, but you will be taking the 55 freeway S to the beach and it is horrible! Be sure to use the diamond lanes and avoid rush hour if you can. Especially, don’t assume your trip will take the same amount of time each way, if you hit the rush, you will be parked for a while.</p>
<p>Depending on your loop, you could take the 405 N to LA after visiting Chapman and the beach in OC. If you are at the Newport pier and looking for a snack, Perry’s Pizza has some nice sandwiches, great bread.</p>
<p>If you are stuck needing a chain meal, Mimi’s Cafe is a French style Olive Garden, decent & moderately priced, great onion soup, amazing bran muffins.</p>
<p>In Orange there is an old Chinese restaurant, Yen Ching that was always popular when I lived there. It’s been a long time, though, so I no longer know the hole in the wall places.</p>