Expert: Steve Summers - 1/2/2006

Question
Hi Steve,
We will be driving down the coast and will have two full days in Los Angeles. Staying at the Marriott in Manhattan Beach.  Hope to get to visit Getty, Hollywood sites, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del rey Farmers Market and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.  Anything else we should check out?  Can this be done in our time frame and what would be the best routing for driving? Planning to stop at Malibu and Pepperdine on our way to the Marriott.What's to see in Malibu? Can we still get on Pepperdine's campus as visitors?  We were in LA 6 years ago for two days,but the couple who is with us has never been to California.  If you could recommend some restaurants close to our hotel [not pricey but not fast food] that would be greatly appreciated.  Finally, we will be driving from LA to San Diego. What should we explore in Orange County on our way? Thanks for any and all help and advice.
Helen

Answer
Hi Helen,

Looks like you have your hands full for the two days you will be here. There is a lot to see in LA, so that should take care of you for the two days you are here.

One day, you can go to Marina Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica (they are next to each other), and probably the Getty in one day. I think that I would start at the Getty, since it would be MY top priority for the day.

For your other day, you should go to Beveryly Hills, Farmer's Market, Hollywood, and then the Cathedral. There is a lot in downtown, including Olvera Street, Chinatown, and Disney Concert Hall. We love to eat at a place called Phillippe's on Alameda, near Olvera Street and Union Station. They have served French Dip Roast Beef sanwiches since 1910, and it's a great place to get the flavor of LA.

You can get campus tours from Pepperdine by calling the University. Just follow the link to their web page and call the appropriate school: http://www.pepperdine.edu/admission/tours/

As for Malibu, the main draw is the beautiful coastline. There are a lot of Malibu beach homes, but in my opinion they detract from the scenery. Gladstone's for Fish is a seafood restaurant at the intersection of Sunset Blvd and PCH. It's a little pricey, but you are paying for the view.

In Manhattan Beach, I haven't been to many restaurants. However, the Acapulco serves decent Mexican food for a decent price. I recommend Wahoo's Fish Taco's, which serves Mexican-style seafood. If undecided, get the fish tacos.

On the way south to SD, you might want to stop by the Block at Orange, which is at the intersection of the 5, 22, and 57 freeways. Exit State College. There is shopping and movies here. Actually, the Spectrum at Irvine is just as good, if not better. You can shop, eat, and even catch a movie or a ride on a ferris wheel.

Just for fun, try a meal at a restaurant in the Downtown Disney District or the Grand Californian. I like Rainforest Cafe and Naples.

Gotta go play uno with the family.

Hope this helps,

Steve