A question for the Angelenos...

[cryptique]

We will be in Los Angeles for a couple of days in late June, and need to book a hotel for two nights (a Monday and Tuesday, checking out on Wednesday). We will be doing some sightseeing, but little or none of the usual touristy stuff (we'll likely go to Griffith Observatory, but we'll steer clear of the usual Hollywood/movie studio tourist traps). This is a brief stop on a trip that begins in San Diego and ends in San Francisco, with a drive up the coast in between.

 

I've been to L.A. once, when I was 15 years old, and don't know it at all. Is there a particular area where I should be looking for hotels? Are there areas I should avoid? We'd rather be in L.A. than Orange County, because I believe the things we're likely to do are in L.A., and because Wednesday morning we want to get an early start up Highway 1.

 

Any guidance that you L.A. natives (or those who know the city well) are willing to provide will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Oh, and if you have specific recommendations for vegetarian restaurants, those would also be greatly appreciated.

[anthony]

I'd recommend staying the the Third Street Promenade area in Santa Monica. Great location with lots of stuff nearby.

 

For veggie eats, I like VeggieGrill and Native Foods. Two of my favorite low-key vegan restaurants. Not fancy, but good food.

[alison the wilca]

it depends what you want to spend and what you wanna be near. If I had a chunk of change and were going to LA, I would want to stay at the Chateau Marmont on Sunset. If you wanna be close to that area but (way) cheaper, there are some good places in Universal City. If you are interested, the start (or end, depending how you look at it) of Mulholland drive is in/near Universal City area. This is a really fun, curvy drive if you want to see the Hollywood Hills, fancy houses and great and scary views of the valley and the city. I've also heard that downtown LA is being revitalized- you may get a good deal on a nice hotel there.

 

I also HIGHLY recommend the Getty Center. It is an incredible free museum but so much more. It is perched on a hilltop above Bel Air and the view is outstanding.

 

I was just in LA and visited the Griffith for the first time since it was remodeled- it was great! Keep in mind that museums are often closed on Mondays- that might be a better Tuesday activity.

 

Santa Monica/3rd street is a great area but if you stay there, don't attempt to drive to the Griffith in rush hour- what a pain in the ass that would be.

[ms. yvon]

great call on the getty, alison!

 

tom, what part of town you stay in really depends on whether you want to be on the coast or in town. if you're wanting to be close to the water, then staying on the westside/santa monica is your best bet. therer are some hotels on wilshire blvd that are 15 - 25 blocks from the ocean that would be cheaper than staying at the water.

 

if you're looking for more of a city experience, come east! there are a couple terrific movie theaters: Arclight Cinema Hollywood, Vista Theater, great vegetarian & vegan restaurants: MIllie's (this is my fave spot. a little rough around the edges, great food), Local (love this place!)

 

also in the Los Feliz/Silver Lake/Hollywood area: Rockaway Records, Amoeba Records. (Amoeba is next to the Arclight Cinema. it's a cool 1-2 punch for Hollywood.)

 

also, check out the schedule for Largo to see if there anyone playing you'd like to see. a terrific place to see a show! it's in West Hollywood.

 

if you're into books or comix, let me know. there are a few very cool shops in Los Feliz/Silver Lake/Echo Park/Hollywood.

[cryptique]

I hadn't thought about record stores! We'll end up in the Bay Area (again) later on this vacation and I'll go to Amoeba there, but I should definitely hit Rockaway and Amoeba in L.A. too.

 

 

I'm looking at a place on Santa Monica Boulevard about 1½ miles from the beach. Among other amenities, it has free parking

[ms. yvon]

dude, i don't have to tell you, that is key!