Expert: Steve Summers - 7/28/2006

Question
Hey Steve,

My cousin and his girlfriend are from Denmark and will be visiting the US in mid August.  We are planning a trip to LA, but being from NY, I haven't the foggiest idea about where to stay, what to see, or how to travel.  The only thing that they have on the agenda is a trip to Rodeo Drive and Universal Studios.  Where is a good area to stay, and specifically, do you know of any nice, but moderately priced hotels?  Are there any other places that you recommend seeing?  Maybe we can get some inside information on the local scene (food, hotels, clubs, hangouts).  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Scott

Answer
Hi Scott,

In the LA area, everyone has their top ten list of things to do. Here's mine, so you can pick and choose:

Universal Studios: A theme park that grew out of a studio tour. Yeah, more bucks. But check out ebay. You can find some discouneted tickets there. Definitely worth visiting once. And Universal City Walk is a fun place to hang out in the evening after your day inside the park.

Hollywood: Hollywood Boulevard is ready for its closeup, thanks to years of urban renewal and renovation. Enjoy the Walk of Fame, Entertainment Museum, Mann's Theatre and more. New to my top ten list is the Hollywood & Highland complex, which houses the Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards.You can see a lot for free. I like the El Capitan theater, because it has been restored to its former glory, unlike the Chinese, which was essentially gutted and turned into a multiplex.

Rodeo Drive, 90210: Packed with exclusive shops, full of gawkers. They all came to enjoy the excess. Free, unless you intend to buy something.

Venice Beach: Los Angeles kitsch and over-the-top culture at its best. Here you'll find Muscle Beach, street performers and tacky shops galore. Fun, VERY interesting, but I avoid it after dark, when it gets a little TOO interesting for my taste. And it's a short bike ride from:

Santa Monica Beach and Pier: Great beach scene and a classic seaside amusement park, complete with antique carousel that has been in a lot of TV and movies. (The Sting and "Three's Company" come immediately to mind). After visiting the pier, you can ride a bike south a couple miles to Venice Beach.

Santa Monica Third Street Promenade - Downtown Santa Monica's shopping promenade is often the scene of movie star-sightings. Just a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier.

Sunset Boulevard: Perhaps one of the world's most famous streets, it began as a route between the stars' posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the "Sunset Strip" on its way. It makes for a fun drive. Along the way, you see a lot of different neighborhoods. Hollywood, West Hollywood, Bel Air, and Pacific Palisades. When you get to the ocean, stop at Gladstone's for Fish.

Queen Mary: Once the largest ship afloat, she's been docked in Long Beach for longer than she sailed, and her elegance never fails to impress. Free to visit. You can actually stay on board, for a price.

Farmers Market and The Grove - A new shopping complex right next to a Los Angeles landmark, The Grove and Farmers Market coexist. Enjoy a movie or shopping, then take the trolley to the Farmers Market for lunch or dinner. Farmer's Market is right next to CBS, so walk across the lot to see if they are taping "The Price is Right". You might even get in.

Griffith Park - Home of the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park Observatory, Travel Town, the Greek Theatre, and Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage.

Getty Museum - The Getty's architecture is so beautiful that it keeps me fascinated. No matter whether you like their art or architecture better (or maybe you'll just enjoy the view), the Getty is sure to please. Free.

Attend a TV taping - You can get free tickets at audiencesunlimited.com, or see the booth at Universal City walk. It's very interesting to see a show being taped. The most popular, by far, is the tonight show. Check the NBC web site for all the details there.

As for a place to stay, I've been recommending the Hollywood Celebrity Hotel. It's located close to Mann's Chinese Theater, a block from Hollywood & Highland.
Considering the location, it's a steal. Check out the reviews on tripadvisor.com and travelocity.com. If that's not available, the Hollywood Orchid Suites is close by.


I'm not much into the club scene, but you can get some excellent info on about.la.com. However, since I am food-driven, I also like to include a list of must-eat places, in order for you to get the “true LA experience”:

Phillippe’s: Located on Alameda St near Olvera St and the train station, they are famous for serving roast beef sandwiches on French rolls. Watch out for that mustard, it’s hot!

Tommy’s: LA is a hamburger town, and Tommy’s is where you can try the ultimate gastronomical challenge: They make a chili burger which can be quite messy if you aren’t careful. There are a number of locations all over LA, but my favorite is the original on Beverly Blvd and Rampart Ave. No tables here, you eat standing up. Figure out what you want before you get to the front of the line, too. They like to serve ‘em fast.

In-N-Out Burger: LA’s favorite burger, hands down. Get the double-double (ask for grilled onions), it’s their signature burger. There are also a number of items on the “secret menu”… just do a Google search for them. For your first time, though, just stick with the double-double. You won’t be sorry. There are a number of locations in LA and surrounding areas, any will do.

Canter’s Deli: An LA institution. Food is a little pricey, service is a little sassy (but that’s what people come for), but it’s famous and good. Located on Fairfax, near Beverly. As good a place as any to see a celeb.

Pink’s: Lots of different types of hot dogs, take your pick. Also a good possibility to spot a celeb.

The Pantry: Located in downtown, on 9th Street and Figueroa, just a couple blocks from the Staples Center. Continuously open for over 60 years, people line up for the LARGE breakfast portions. Great place for steak and eggs, or any other breakfast for that matter.

Have fun!

Steve