traveling to LA

[Wee Mite Miniatures]

I am going to be traveling with a friend to LA in less then two weeks. Once we get there my friend will be busy with business I will be staying part of the time at a hotel near LAX, part in Pasadena, and then a few days at a friend's in San Clemente.

I am going to have three days at near LAX and one day in Pasadena all to myself. My question is if I want to do things on my own is there public transportation? Say if I want to go from LAX to San Monica? I am planning on meeting a friend for lunch on Friday, not sure where yet.

Are there places a woman along should not go to or areas I should avoid?

Any suggestions on things to do? or see? The end of the week when my friend is available we will be doing some of the Hollywood things since that is what she wants to do.

I have never traveled alone before other then to horse auctions so this is a whole new thing for me.

 

[Hosscrazy]

Hi Susan -

I'm a native Angelino (still here, though I'm not quite sure why!!!) Anyway, hope I can be of help.

One of the biggest problems with LA is how huge it is. I've lived here my entire life, and unfortunately, it is very hard to get around. It's huge, it's spread out, and nothing is close by. Actually, our biggest joke is if someone asks you how far away something is, we always reply with "oh, it's about 20 minutes away" :bgrin

There's not a whole lot to do near LAX. The bus system is horrible here and no, you do not want to ride the buses. Your hotel might have shuttles that go to certain places - you may want to look into that. Otherwise, you should either rent a car or take cabs - cabs might be the best way to go. If you go to Santa Monica, you could easily make a full day out of it - there's the pier, the boardwalk, and there's an awesome shopping area called the Third Street Promenade.

There's a lot to do in Pasadena, too. There's an area called Old Town Pasadena, with really cute shops. There's also a lot of historic buildings, museums, wonderful restaurants. If you're here on the weekend, there is a swap meet at the Pasadena Rose Bowl which is a lot of fun, too.

We're in the middle of something called "June Gloom" - very thick marine layer that hangs on until mid afternoon. So definitely bring a sweater and light jacket.

Enjoy!

Liz R.

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

I agree.. bite the bullet and rent a car really the best and safest way to get around. Santa Monica is tons of fun and with a friend Venice Beach is pretty unforgettable as well

 

[Wee Mite Miniatures]

Thank you both.