Expert: Steve Summers - 5/31/2005

Question
Hi ,
I am Francesca from Italy. I will spend a week in California next July and I would like to ask you three questions:
1) I will stay in LA, which area do you suggest me? I usually prefer nice, quiet and charming areas near the see.
2) It' easy go around in the city with public means of transport or is better to rent a car?
3) I'll be there the 4th of July and I would like to spend this day in the ‘american way' what do you suggest me?
Thank you very much

Francesca


Answer
Hi Francesca,

1) My two favorite areas are Santa Monica and Huntington Beach. There are many beachfront hotels and condos in these areas, which will provide beach access. However, there isn't really any area that is quiet near the beach. Everyone LOVES the beaches in LA in the summer, so expect a lot of company. Just do a search on travelocity.com to find a hotel near these areas.

2) Public transportation in LA is terrible, mainly because LA is so spread out. For example, it's 35 miles from downtown LA to Disneyland. DEFINITELY rent a car.

3)The American way to spend the 4th of July is to spend the day at the beach, have a barbeque, and watch the fireworks somewhere. There are many fireworks shows in LA. Here are some:

Santa Monica
Santa Monica College's “Celebrate America”
1900 Pico Blvd.
Corsair Field
Entertainment and Picnicking start at 5:00 p.m.
Fireworks at night
Admission is FREE
Parking $5
310-434-3000

Long Beach
Queen Mary Fireworks Show
1126 Queens Hwy
Long Beach, CA. 90802
Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

Marina Del Rey
Marina Del Rey Annual Fourth of July Fireworks
Marina Del Rey's Main Channel
Viewing Spots:
- Chace Park – Mindanoa Way
- Fisherman's Village – Fiji Way
Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
310-305-9545

Pacific Palisades
5k & 10k Race @ Palisades Park – 8:00 a.m.
851 Alma Real Dr.
July 4th Parade Down Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades – 2:00 p.m.
Grand Marshall Rafer Johnson (Olympian)
Fireworks Spectacular at Palisades High School
Gates Open at 6:00 p.m.
Entertainment at 7:00 p.m.
Fireworks at 8:45 p.m.
15777 Bowdoin St.
Bowdoin and Temescal Canyon Rd.
310-459-7963

Pasadena
Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Carnival starts at 10:00 a.m.
AmericaFest starts at 5:00 p.m.
Fireworks at night
Tickets $20 (Half-price Coupons Available at Subway Restaurants)
Children Under 5 in FREE
Tickets may be purchased at the Rose Bowl or TicketMaster Outlets
818-566-2805
http://www.americafestla.com

Have fun!

Steve