Los Angeles

[Ian Mackie]

Hi all, especially our cousins in the USofA.

I am off on holiday in May to California and will be spending a few days in Los Angeles. Will be accompanied by other half and 14yo daughter.

When in LA we will do Universal Studios and the Queen Mary.

My question is, given some bad reporting you hear, are there any specific districs/areas we, as tourists, should avoid?

Thanks in advance.

Ian

[tomservo51]

Originally Posted by Ian Mackie

Hi all, especially our cousins in the USofA.

I am off on holiday in May to California and will be spending a few days in Los Angeles. Will be accompanied by other half and 14yo daughter.

When in LA we will do Universal Studios and the Queen Mary.

My question is, given some bad reporting you hear, are there any specific districs/areas we, as tourists, should avoid?

Thanks in advance.

Ian

Hi Ian, I have lived in the LA area most of my life. It's like most big cities. Just keep your wits about you and you will be fine. Here is a bonus tip not many people in Los Angeles know about. This resort has a great little restaurant overlooking the ocean and it's not too expensive. There are some nice paths to walk along the ocean and great photo ops. Might be a good stop after you visit the queen mary as it's not too far from Long Beach. Luxury California Oceanfront Resorts | Terranea Resort | Eco Resorts in Southern California

Edit: Restaurant is called Nelson's

[Doug Pardee]

You shouldn't have any trouble. Reports are, well, reports. The L.A. metropolitan area has about 20 million people living here, and every day, almost every one of them gets along just fine. As long as you don't join one of the street gangs, or try to rip off some drug dealers, you'll be pretty darned safe.

The biggest hazard here is driving, and even that isn't that big a deal. Almost all of the drivers here are experienced in dealing with traffic and tourists. It might be stressful at times, but it's not really all that dangerous.

I hope you enjoy your visit here. I haven't been to Universal in many years; it's at the far side of the basin from me, and probably an hour and a half (minimum) drive each way. The Queen Mary isn't a major attraction, and you won't be spending too much time there. You might want plan to also drop by the Long Beach Aquarium which isn't far from there.

Of course there's always Disney, but the pricing there has gotten way beyond my means. There's also Knott's (aka Knott's Berry Farm), which is mostly thrill rides (roller coasters and such).

Gasoline (petrol) prices will be up pretty high in May by US standards. Expect to be paying somewhere around $5 (US) per US gallon. By European standards, though, that's probably low.

[tomservo51]

Dear lord I hope it's not $5/gallon in may!!

[Krusty79]

I wouldn't want to be near the USC campus at night. Nice campus in the middle of a bad neighborhood.

[graciousness]

Yeah, not around USC at night. Could be really frightening for people who are visitors, esp from another country.

When you drive at night, esp in areas that you feel is dangerous, don't whip out your map in the car. Dead give away that you are a tourist.

Don't leave your bags or personal belongings just lying around. Always keep them with you at all times.

If you are doing public transport, good luck It can be a very frustrating experience, especially on the bus. Just keep your whits about you. If you use bagpacks, hold on to them and don't put anything of value in them. Very, very easy for pickpocketers to get into your bag and grab your wallet. Trust me. That has happened to me and I wasn't even a tourist at the time.

I know I'm probably makign it sound so dangerous, but it's not that bad, really. Just always be aware of your belongings and where you are and you'll be fine.

A great place to eat and shop is at Farmer's Market on Fairfax. Great shopping 'mall' and great places to eat at Farmer's Market. I highly recommend the Gumbo Pot for some nice New Orleans creole food. Cheap, yummy, and would suit well with your Spanish taste pallets.

Venice Beach is great but go there late afternoon to catch the golden sunset. Get your camera ready as you will get lots of fabulous shots there at that time.

Santa Monica Beach is good, too, and walk along the pier, take shots, do some shopping at 3rd street Promenade, etc.

You MUST visit the Getty Museum Spectacular views from there. Bring picnic food if you can, otherwise, there is a place to eat there. It's just nice to sit on the lawns and have a picnic for a break.

Sky's Tacos http://www.skysgourmettacos.com/- I think they are so divine with their mexican food. Lovely, lovely family that run this little place. I always crave for their food as it's so bloody delicious. Get the shrimp tacos as a start - don't forget their iced teas and lemonades!

Some people would disagree with me, but I love In N Out burgers. Just try it. Best fast food burger joint around in my opinion.

By the way, in regards to coffee, don't get large. Always small as they do massive servings there. If you like your coffee stronger, don't get a latte; stick with cappuccino's. Latte, in the US, has more milk than caps.

Errr...I think I've written enough. I could write ten pages, but you only have a few days.

Have fun!!

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by tomservo51

Dear lord I hope it's not $5/gallon in may!!

You can hope, but I'm afraid it won't do much good. Last year, the average L.A price for unleaded gas was $4.28/gallon (cash price) in early May. Right now, L.A.'s average price is at $3.73/gallon, about 40 cents/gallon higher than this time last year.

Once the mandatory changeover to the Summer Blend hits about a month from now, you can expect to see a rapid climb up toward $5/gallon. If you need anything better than 91-grade, I'll just about guarantee you'll be paying over $5/gallon at some point in May.

Also, L.A. gas prices haven't yet reflected the approximately 25% increase in crude prices since last October. Surprisingly, gas prices have been dropping while crude prices have been rising. I don't think that's going to continue for long.

[Peach]

Originally Posted by tomservo51

Dear lord I hope it's not $5/gallon in may!!

$5/gallon? You guys are spoiled LOL!

[tomservo51]

Originally Posted by Peach

$5/gallon? You guys are spoiled LOL!

Peach, we have never hit the $5/gallon mark. I need a new car!

[mosgood]

To the OP: Don't drive during rush hour. Freeways are clogged with bumper to bumper vehicles. Anytime between 6:30-9am & 4-6pm it's best not to be on any road, but the freeways are notoriously packed. The 101, & 405 are some of the worst for traffic jams & it's that way pretty much daily. If you find yourself on the 91, well that one is a crap shoot. I'd say it's bad more often than not.

Good luck!