Just returned from a trip to southern CA- Rose Parade (initiated by one family), mainly Orange County (some of H’s relatives). Have been there many times and have seen most of what interests us over the decades. I would not waste time getting to and finding parking at the La Brea tar pits with your limited schedule.
Definitely go to the Getty center! Even when cool and cloudy the views are spectacular (the city and ocean), as is the architecture (adult son was even impressed). Pasedena sites are also well worth the time.
Be prepared for rain- the drought is finally ending!
Yes, next street over is Beverly DRIVE…there is a BEVERLY BOULEVARD but the second goes east/west but Beverly Drive is north/south. Rodeo Drive does have a lot of international stores (read: expensive chains). Beverly Drive has a few local stores…the Cheese Store, Geary’s…restaurants like Nate and Al’s,.Cresent drive (one block east of Beverly) has a lot of good restaurants: Xian (Chinese with a lunch menu) excellent and fresh. LOTS of Italian restaurants Il Pastaio, La Scala, Piccolo Paradesio (on South Beverly)…And you do not have to break the bank going out to eat
We were in Santa Monica recently and rented bikes on the beach (near the pier) and rode south on the boardwalk as far as it went (to Venice Beach or was it Manhattan Beach?). Then we continued south on a few side streets and did end up seeing the Venice canals. Agreed that the canals were not that interesting. The morning seemed like a better time for this because the boardwalks started to get crowded later.
We enjoyed walking around UCLA because we had never been there before.
A side note is that we were surprised to see all of the California Pizza Kitchens because they have completely gone out of business in MN.
Hi – I went to Bestia a few years ago, right after it opened. It is good – very good salumi (charcuterie) and pasta. It is in a very sketchy neighborhood – on the outskirts of the industrial “arts district.” You definitely would not want to walk around the neighborhood at night. It is not in the main part of the arts district. It was very loud. Trendy crowd. Fun place but there are lots of good restaurants in LA!
I’ve eaten there a few times. It’s very good. Creative and traditional at the same time. However if you are a party larger than 4 people the seating situation can be awkward. If you can’t get into Bestia try the Factory Kitchen (also in DTLA)
@nottelling, thanks for getting back. Based on what your saying, I think Bestia would be best if just me and friends vs. my hubby and kids. We have a backup at Wolfgang Puck’s at LA Live where we are staying so I think we may stick with that.
