LA, What, Where, When, and How, during Spring Break 2011

GGEEZZZZZ, having a choice of airlines in a small area really pays off and makes it hard not to plan a trip. I just got back from Vegas $79 one way and now I'm planning a trip for spring break with my wife and little girl. I booked flights for $99 one way to LA, I would like your ideas on where to stay to capture the true LA experience. I plan on one day at Disney, we have been there 3 times in the last 5 years, I also plan one day at Universal. I really appreciate the  travel knowledge and dedication and passion of the members of this site, thanks for all the help you have given me on past trips. I will also be looking for Roadfood restaurant ideas and suggestions, I would also like to pick your brains on Hotels and resorts that may be a great place to place a family atmosphere vacation......................Thanks for your help, you guys and Gals are great...................BillyB

First thing to consider is that Universal is, under the best conditions, an hour away from Disney. With normal LA traffic, even more. If you plan on doing both, I would stay at a hotel near Disney and then relocate to the Valley for Universal. You could also maybe stay in Santa Monica or West LA which are about a half hour from Universal, as well as close to the beach, Malibu and Beverly Hills (all tourist places depending on how much time you've spent in LA). If you give me length of stay, areas which you'll be in or like to visit, etc. as well as the kind of food(s) you like, I'm sure myself and some of the other LA posters will be happy to help you out.

Hi Ed, we stayed near Disney two years ago at the Residence Inn about  a mile from the Disney gate, down the street from the new deserted Mall with all the restaurants. The only thing I know is they want to go to Disney and Universal. The rest is up in the air, I like to book Hotels that are family friendly, nice pools and breakfast included (because of the 9yr old) breakfast is hard to do at Roadfood places. If I had to pick restaurants they would be hole in the wall, mom and pop, small, friendly, it doesn't really matter about the kind of food.........I will avoid the traffic at all cost, I also have a limo service for some transportation and touring..................Thanks for the help...................BillyB

Unfortunately, traffic is a fact of life here, especially in those areas. Howard Johnson's near Disney is a good choice from what I understand and I believe they have a shuttle service to the park.
When you travel from Disney to Universal you'll pass thru downtown LA which would give you a good chance to stop at Phillipe's the Original, the creator of the french dip sandwich in 1908 and a Roadfood favorite. Universal is the harder one----outside of the studios there is really nothing to see in that area. That comes back to my suggestion to stay in the West LA/Santa Monica area. From there, you can get a limo or shuttle one day over to Universal. On the way back, maybe they can take you to Pink's Hot Dogs for dogs and possibly celebrities too. In the meantime, from WLA/SM you have easy access to a drive up to Malibu, Beverly Hills for shopping and walking, Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade and Venice Beach. Farmer's Market is an amazing place that's been in the heart of LA since the 1930's. Lot's of food choices there such as my favorite, the Gumbo Pot, as well as Dupar's, an old coffee shop with great homemade pies, plus everything from Korean, Mexican, Chinese, health food, funnel cakes, sandwiches and more. Lot's for kids to see there. Another great place is the Griffith Park Observatory-----great view of LA and it's been just remodeled and renovated so it's pretty amazing. I'll give it some thought about places to stay there as well as places to eat that are kid-friendly and let you know.

We had fun, and a decent meal at Mel's in Hollywood.  kitschy, but the kids really enjoyed it.
 
Also, tale the ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island.  Rent a golf cart and tour the island.  Great relaxing day trip.

HI Joe, I was happy to see you enjoyed your trip to Seattle, it's a great town, easy to walk, North and South anyway. Did you make it to Monterey and your thoughts on that town if you did. I like the idea of Catalina Island, is a over night a good idea ????? I thought about hiring a Limo tour and have it end at the Dock, then take the ferry over for the day or over night, how long is to long with a 9yr old ?????????........Thanks for the help...........Bill
 
Hi Ed, thanks for your time & info, how is the Gumbo pot ????  I read a review on "Market Burger" located in the old Dupar bakery, I guess it's the Burger for all burger lovers, The Gal worked as a line cook for WG Puck. I have been trying to get to Phillipe's, I have to make that a priority.   THanks...........Bill
P.S. I hate when there are two many great choices in one Market, drives me nuts 

 
update.........I guess the Burger place didn't open yet, it was going to be "Market burger", then "Short Order" and now "Grass Burger". GGGEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.....I may as well skip this one, I raise Grass feed Black Angus.

BillyB,
Yes, the Farmer's Market can take a big chunk of time but it is a fun place for all ages.
I've been to Catalina several times and it does make a good overnight. Travel in the city of Avalon is strictly by golf carts which are available for rent. The tours primarily go out to the scenic areas, the Casino and away from Avalon but if you've never been there could be nice. Depending on where you leave from (San Pedro or Long Beach) there are plenty of good places on the way, including my favorite Gaffey Street Diner which I did a review here on several years ago and which has appeared since on DD&D.
Avalon itself is very touristy but fun and can be walked in less than a day. If you can find the cruise ship schedules for Catalina and avoid the days that they show up it might be less crowded. The Pancake Cottage is probably the closest to Roadfood. Be warned that Avalon is very touristy and you'll pay a premium for average food. That said, it is a fun place to visit and there are some nice places where you can have a drink while looking over the beach/bay on the main street in town.
ED

Ed
I noticed you're now in Downey- you used to be in Long Beach? Yes?
 
Have you been here?
http://www.aguastijuanas.com/
 
I enjoyed my stop there when I was in LA a year and a half ago. Wish I could find stuff like that here...
 
 

In Downey on Friday.....I will try to check that out, Dale.

that's an interesting economical menu.
 

Hey Bill, This is a classic Vegan Ceviche, not allowed in your area.

BillyB


Hey Bill, This is a classic Vegan Ceviche, not allowed in your area.

not true. Ashland is Vegan/Organic central.
Lots of Raw food/Juicing locavore stuff.
+my new Mexi cart find Alvarado makes Pineapple Juice and Horchata and sometimes fresh Melon Juice. Wonderful. + exquisite Adobada. 

EdSails


BillyB,
Yes, the Farmer's Market can take a big chunk of time but it is a fun place for all ages.
I've been to Catalina several times and it does make a good overnight. Travel in the city of Avalon is strictly by golf carts which are available for rent. The tours primarily go out to the scenic areas, the Casino and away from Avalon but if you've never been there could be nice. Depending on where you leave from (San Pedro or Long Beach) there are plenty of good places on the way, including my favorite Gaffey Street Diner which I did a review here on several years ago and which has appeared since on DD&D.
Avalon itself is very touristy but fun and can be walked in less than a day. If you can find the cruise ship schedules for Catalina and avoid the days that they show up it might be less crowded. The Pancake Cottage is probably the closest to Roadfood. Be warned that Avalon is very touristy and you'll pay a premium for average food. That said, it is a fun place to visit and there are some nice places where you can have a drink while looking over the beach/bay on the main street in town.
ED

Hi Ed, I like the idea of going to the Farmers Market, I just have a hard time choosing a restaurant with that many choices. I have stayed at the Howard Johnsons many times over the years, I would also recommend this hotel for families and easy access to the park.

Mr Voss, I figured you could chop up some seafood and throw it into that " Cheviche whatever" and make it something good.........I see Taylor's Sausage has a Pub & Deli with some good special prices.............Pork Adobada is my first choice at my local taco truck...............BB

BillyB,
For many years I worked for various studios right near the Farmers Market. The toughest part of a lunch there was making the decision. I found out after a while that it was easier (and saved me time on an hour lunch break) if I knew which place I headed to first. Of course, many times that got messed up when walking to the chosen place and seeing another and saying"hmmmm......that looks good....".