Expert: Steve Summers - 7/10/2002

Question
Hi,
I am from Maryland, but I'm staying in San Diego for the summer with a friend.  I would like to drive up to LA just for the day.  What should we make sure that we see if we're only there for one day?  There will be three of us traveling and we're all in our 20's.  
Thanks!

Answer
Normally I would say to visit the beach, but there are plenty of nice beaches in SD. So I would say that Hollywood is the place to go. To start, take I-5 to the Hollywood (101) freeway. This will take you right past downtown LA and into Hollywood. Exit at Highland Ave and turn south. At Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave, take a look at the new complex that includes the Kodak Theater. Turn right (west) on Hollywood Blvd and go to Mann's Chinese Theater to check out all the footprints in the cement. You can also walk along the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Blvd and see all the "stars". Across the street from the Chinese is the El Capitan theater, which is currently playing Lilo & Stitch. It's worth the money to see the movie at the El Cap, which offers a little extra experience after the movie. The theater itself it old style Hollywood.

However, I understand that you may not want to be cooped up in a theater, so you can get back on Highland Avenue and go north to Universal Studios and City Walk. If you are into the whole "Hollywood" thing, Universal has a pretty good tour and theme park. Also, City Walk is a very fun and hip place to be. Check them out at universalstudios.com and universalcitywalk.com. Hard Rock Cafe, Cafe Tu Tu Tango, and Buca di Beppo are great places to eat. If you go to Buca, ask to eat in the kitchen. Yes, the kitchen.

If you want, you could go on the "Driveways of the Rich and Famous" tour offered by Gray Line Tours, but I don't recommend it unless you REALLY like looking at driveways and houses formerly owned by celebs (mostly dead ones).

Other ideas:

Venice Beach, a combination of beach and street fair. Can get pretty wierd, though.

Santa Monica Pier- they film a lot of shows around here. But EVERYBODY goes there, and it's very crowded in the summer.

Skip Olvera Street. If you have been to Old Town SD, it's a lot better than Olvera Street.

Maybe see a show being taped. Check out www.audiencesunlimited.com and tvtix.com. These can be a lot of fun. Maybe you can even get on "Price is Right" and win a NEW CAR!

Have fun,

Steve