What to do with a day alone in LA??

[Kristilyn1]

I'm visiting my sister in the LA area for the weekend of Oct 12-14. I have the Friday (12th) to myself. I can drive if needed--but need some ideas of something to do. I'm not really into the lot tours or other movie fan stuff---any special events that day or even night? I'm not sure what the heck I want to do----maybe some suggestions of sites might help?

I like to shop, mild interest in art and music. Outdoor ideas might be fun? Hiking, fishing, etc.? Help???!

Kristi

[Hammster]

Can you give a more specific idea of what area of LA? It's pretty darn big so it could help to sort of know where you will be heading from.

[Kristilyn1]

first off, I'm an idiot. It's the 5th I'll be in town. She lives in Westlake Village (NW of LA). I'll drive up to an hour or two away--so distance isn't that great a shake--though of course an event that avoids the worst of rush hour is certainly a better bet for my sanity.

Kristi

[Cookin4Love]

How about a visit to the jewelry district. I had a VERY productive day of shopping there when we went over the summer. :D

[Laura]

If I remember correctly, I think it is the J P Getty Museum in Malibu that is free and you could easily spend a day. Plus, the location is so spectacular, I could just sit in the garden and read a book all day and look out on the ocean every so often. I just looked; they say it is now the Getty Villa in Malibu. I *think* that is the same place. Maybe the locals can help out here.

[Libra20]

You mentioned hiking. How about this... From Westlake Village, take the freeway, south. Exit Kanan to the ocean. Go south and then stop at the Pt. Dume nature preserve. It is overlooking the ocean, so you can both hike and go to the beach. http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=137

Then, continue south on Pacific Coast Highway and in Malibu, stop at the Getty Villa. http://www.getty.edu/visit/ It is a museum that specializes in Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. There are also gardens. Tickets are free, but you need to pre-order them as they sell out.

If you like, after that, you can continue south to Santa Monica and wander the Third Street Promenade, which is a walking street with shops and restaurants. http://www.downtownsm.com/bshopping.html

[funniegrrl]

There's also the LA County Museum of Art. I believe that's the museum featured in the fabulous Steve Martin movie LA Story.

[MaryH]

If you're up for a day of browsing through an "all things cooking" type of place, visit Surfas. It's in Culver City off the 405 and just a bit south of the Getty. If you go to www.surfas.com you can get an idea of what they carry (the store has more stuff than what's listed on the web page). I LOVE this place and always make a point to visit if I can when I'm in LA.

[Kristilyn1]

If you're up for a day of browsing through an "all things cooking" type of place, visit Surfas. It's in Culver City off the 405 and just a bit south of the Getty. If you go to www.surfas.com you can get an idea of what they carry (the store has more stuff than what's listed on the web page). I LOVE this place and always make a point to visit if I can when I'm in LA.

Is it me or does that link actually go anywhere? When I go to your link, there's nothing there but the words........

Kristi

[Kristilyn1]

You mentioned hiking. How about this... From Westlake Village, take the freeway, south. Exit Kanan to the ocean. Go south and then stop at the Pt. Dume nature preserve. It is overlooking the ocean, so you can both hike and go to the beach. http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=137

Then, continue south on Pacific Coast Highway and in Malibu, stop at the Getty Villa. http://www.getty.edu/visit/ It is a museum that specializes in Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. There are also gardens. Tickets are free, but you need to pre-order them as they sell out.

If you like, after that, you can continue south to Santa Monica and wander the Third Street Promenade, which is a walking street with shops and restaurants. http://www.downtownsm.com/bshopping.html

I'm actually planning on doing a race at Pt. Dume on Saturday. Thanks for the other suggestions---I've been to Santa Monica but didn't really get a chance to look around. The Getty sounds very interesting as well. Any lunch recommendations for Santa Monica?

Kristi

[petitechef]

if you are by yourself you can stroll down hollywood boulevard...see the hollywood walk of fame and check out all the stars names on the sidewalk. there's all kinds of different shops and stores to check out. and the people are pretty interesting too.

Giada (on her weekend getaway show) did a day of eating in LA and started out at an open market in venice beach that looked really cool.

stroll through rodeo drive and check out all the fancy stores and maybe treat yourself to something little.

check out Santa Monica and the pier...or find Pinky's, I hear they are the best hotdog stand on the West Coast!

[Wendi]

depends on what you really love to do. you could continue north-west from westlake and go to the santa barbara/ santa ynez area for wine tasting, gorgeous surroundings, picnic etc. that would probably be more driving than you want to do... but if you make a l-o-n-g day of it, you would miss the commute traffic on both ends.

the getty villa in malibu is free but you remember to make parking ressies in advance... i too love the grounds there, but don't find the collection that captivating; you could spend a lovely couple of hours there enroute to another spot in malibu, santa monica or culver city.

i also love surfas (culver city) and it's in an area of lots of stores, art galleries, restaurants etc.

i did a quick scan at the big performance venues and didn't see anything fab. there's a restaurant in the westlake area calles leila's that has some of the best food i've eaten in my life! great for dinner.

santa monica (and venice too) is home to some of the best restaurants in southern california... what type of food/ ambiance are you interested in?

i realize, i haven't given you anything solid... but i'll keep thinking... i'm very close by, familiar with westlake and everything in it's surrounding area. will get back to you.

wendi

[Libra20]

Any lunch recommendations for Santa Monica?

Kristi

What kind of food do you like? Atmosphere? Outdoor? Views? People watching? etc....

If you want, you can PM me with your phone number. Sometimes a quick chat is easier than posting back and forth. Either is fine with me, though.

If you do decide to spend the day at the Getty, the food isn't half bad for a museum.

[Libra20]

or find Pinky's, I hear they are the best hotdog stand on the West Coast!
I, personally, find Pink's over-rated (back when I was eating meat). The chili is kinda orange and the hot dogs are ordinary. But, it is an attraction... The line is huge, even at 2am...

Here's the correct link for Surfas:

www.surfasonline.com

[Kristilyn1]

how about the farmer's market and the grove? Worth a visit?

If it's like a big nasty flea market even, it would be up my aisle. If it's all Gap stores and au bon pain.......ehh, not so much.

Kristi

[Libra20]

how about the farmer's market and the grove? Worth a visit?

If it's like a big nasty flea market even, it would be up my aisle. If it's all Gap stores and au bon pain.......ehh, not so much.

Kristi
The Grove is pretty much chain stores. The Farmer's Market is a little less so, but food-wise. The stores are still a bit chain like. The food is a bunch of little stands all mushed together. Some people love that, but, I personally, like a more pleasant atmosphere to enjoy my meal than a crowded, loud patio of stands. Check out their website for a list of stores, etc. http://www.farmersmarketla.com/

For less chain stores, try places like Abbot Kinney in Venice or Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood/Hollywood or Main Street in Santa Monica.

This link has some shopping suggestions. http://www.la.com/shopping_and_beauty

Sometimes Daily Candy lists some good stuff, too.

[MaryH]

Is it me or does that link actually go anywhere? When I go to your link, there's nothing there but the words........

Kristi

Sorry that was brain fade on my part. The link Libra20 posted is the correct one. :p

[cminmd]

Another vote for the Getty- villa or big museum. Highly recommend. And if you go alone you don't have to feel like an a** for listening to the audio!

[cangoss]

You could combine the Getty Center (http://www.getty.edu/visit/) (rather than the museum/villa) with time in Santa Monica easily - they're pretty close. I saw the most amazing exhibit there when I was in LA on business earlier this summer but it looks like it's closed now. At the Getty Center, the architecture and gardens are just as fascinating as the art. They have several good restaurants too.

[memartha]

Personally, I'd try to find Patrick Dempsey and a dark alley. :cool:

[Kay Henderson]

If you do decide to spend the day at the Getty, the food isn't half bad for a museum.

I am no expert on LA, but I agree. DH and I had an EXCELLENT lunch with beautiful views they day we visited the Getty.

Have fun!

Kay

[Minky]

Personally, I'd try to find Patrick Dempsey and a dark alley. :cool:

*snort* I concur:D

It's been years since my sis lived in LA, hence years since my last visit. I'm not sure this is doable drive-wise for you, but I enjoyed seeing La Brea Tar Pits (OK, so I'm a science dork:o )

Enjoy your trip!



Sheila

[Kristilyn1]

Personally, I'd try to find Patrick Dempsey and a dark alley. :cool:


well....yeah. He's probably busy with those twins of his, more's the pity.:D

Kristi

[Libra20]

Kristi - You are already staying in Westlake Village. If you feel like splurging, there is a new Four Seasons that is supposed to have an absolutely amazing spa. http://www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/spa.html

[Kristilyn1]

Kristi - You are already staying in Westlake Village. If you feel like splurging, there is a new Four Seasons that is supposed to have an absolutely amazing spa. http://www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/spa.html

it's funny you mention this, it's walking distance from my sister's house. That sure would be nice---I'll consider that as well!!! We noticed the construction last time we were there and wondered what it would be.

Kristi