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Going to L.A.
Matt Dean, Student/Intern, Photographer
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West Palm Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 4:38 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> I'm headed off for a quick get-a-way kinda trip tommorow to LA, Santa Barbara, and Las Vegas and was just curious if anyone had any "must see's" or "must do's".
I've never been out there before, I'll be w/ a buddy of mine, and we'll be driving around quite a bit. The only thing weve got planned so far is just getting there. So we're really playing it by ear. I was thinking about maybe picking up a Holga while was out there for some fun street photo's (any camera shops in the LA area?) and maybe trying to get to a winery or two on the way to sana barbara. Anyways looking for some fun things to do out there, I'd love to hear some ideas. |
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David Hudson, Photographer
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Redondo Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 4:57 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> LA's got tons o' stuff to do... YMMV, but here's a few things to consider:
Camera Stores:
Samy's (SS Sponsor to boot!)
http://www.samys.com
Museums:
The Getty, LACMA, MOCA, Natural History Museum, Peterson Automotive, Norton Simon, plenty of others...
Disney Hall is a cool building to see - of course, that probably won't take long.
Beaches: take your pick: Santa Monica Pier, Venice (for the "flora and fauna" of LA), Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo
Head to Hollywood and do the usual tourist trap stuff
Get a hot dog at Pink's off La Brea and Melrose
Check out Olvera Street in downtown LA
See a movie at the Arclight in Hollywood
Much, much more... |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 5:12 PM on 05.16.06 |
| ->> If you are still in L.A. for Memorial Day weekend you can take in the bodybuilding and figure competition at "Muscle Beach" at Venice Beach on Sunday and Monday. It is free and there also will be an F-16 flyover on Monday morning and vendors giving things away both days. I'm the photographer for the event so look for me if you are there. |
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Robb Sepulveda, Photographer
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Newport Beach | CA | | Posted: 5:14 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> Ok go native,
Pink's Hot Dog's, Tommy Burgers (best chili in town just celebrated their 60th,
I would say try Beverly Hills, Manse's and Rodeo Drive..just to ooooo and ahhh.
Hollywood is close by.. Samy's is on Fairfax near the farmers market and Canter's Bakery. There are lots of clubs and cool bars, Viper Room or the bar @ top of Chateau Marmot for celebs.
Take the pacific coast hwy to Santa Barbara and Malibu on the way up is really a must stop.
Try Chase's Bar and Grille on State st. if you like Italian,ton of places to have fun.
Enjoy |
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andrew wilz, Photographer
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Aspen | CO | usa | Posted: 5:22 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> go check out Cha Cha Cha in Long Beach... great carribbean grinds..
go surfing...
House of Blues... for tunes.. |
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Zach Honig, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 5:24 PM on 05.16.06 |
| ->> Definitely check out Venice Beach and the Arclight. When I lived in LA I visited the Arclight at least once a week - every few days they have a Q&A with directors and actors after showing their films. I saw Stan Lee, Brett Ratner, the cast of Detroit Rock City and many others. It was funny seeing people bring in handfulls of DVDs to autograph to sell on eBay. There's an Amoeba Music store right around the corner - definitely worth checking out. |
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Matt Dean, Student/Intern, Photographer
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West Palm Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 5:34 PM on 05.16.06 |
| ->> uhg, I wish I was leaving now, sounds so much fun. Can't wait. Thanks guys. |
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Lucas Jackson, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 5:35 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> Yea, L.A. has some stuff to do but traffic sucks so do it all during the middle of the day, head north on the 1 from Malibu or Santa Monica before the evening, after work rush so you can enjoy the scenery. Stop off at Bucatini's on State St. in Santa Barbara if you want some really good itailain, I think it's the best i've had down here yet. There are some neat wineries near Santa Barbara too and if you want an excellent Steak head up the 154 from Santa Barbara and go to Cold Springs Tavern which is just to the left before crossing the BIG BRIDGE on that highway. Its actually an old stage stop and has amazing steaks, it's the perfect cap after a day of wine tasting in the wine country.
Good luck.
Lucas |
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Jon Austria, Photographer
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Roseburg | OR | USA | Posted: 5:43 PM on 05.16.06 |
| ->> don't forget to grab a tommy burger on your way out of town! |
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Dave Amorde, Photographer
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Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 6:39 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> Two mentions of Tommy's and not one for In & Out - that is a freakin' crime!
And if you like pastrami, check out The Hat. |
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Bill McGuire, Photographer, Assistant
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Granda Hills | CA | USA | Posted: 6:41 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> Dude,
Gotta have In-N-Out..... tell them that you want a 5x5 animal.. its really what you want to eat... or another good place for a burger is fat burger.. both are everywhere.. If you want, give me a call when you are in town and maybe I can show you a great place to take a picture of the hollywood sign...
I put a pic of it here..
http://www.sportsshooter.com/bmac820/hollywood/ |
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Chris Williams, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Rancho Cucamonga | CA | USA | Posted: 7:29 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> Yes, In-N-Out and Tommy's. That's a must have!
If you venture inland, Legend's is a great place as well.
Chris |
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Josh Thompson, Photographer
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Ontario | California | USA | Posted: 7:43 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> If you're headed to the beach and need a bite to eat, check out Ruby's Diner at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier. It's literaly 1/4 mile from the shoreline. Also, I put votes for In-n-Out and Tommy's for burgers.
In Vegas, don't forget to stop by the Palms, Hard Rock and Rio hotels, and make sure to drive down the Las Vegas Strip at night. |
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Eric Isaacs, Photographer
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Santa Barbara | CA | USA | Posted: 8:47 PM on 05.16.06 |
->> Tommys or The Habit for burgers... I truly don't understand the fascination with In N' Out, they are inferior burgers! (hehe, can't wait for the flame-war on that comment)
Starting Friday AVP Volleyball at East Beach in Santa Barbara, most of the wineries are north of SB.
State Street has tons of eateries and nightlife within walking distance. And hey, bring some Florida sunshine with ya! We've had way too many overcast days here in SB. |
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David Honl, Photographer
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Istanbul | TR | Turkey | Posted: 1:43 AM on 05.17.06 |
->> What about Fatburger?!
Mo Better Meaty Meat Burgers (yes really) was my fav 10 years ago but I don't think they exist anymore.... |
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Jon Austria, Photographer
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Roseburg | OR | USA | Posted: 3:14 AM on 05.17.06 |
| ->> ok so a dozen tommy burgers and in-out (gotta try the animal fries) but how we can't forget PINKS hot dogs? now that's the joint. 1 of my personal favorites is the Huell Howser Dog. just cuz Huell Howser is a true california hero |
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Dave Amorde, Photographer
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Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 3:26 AM on 05.17.06 |
| ->> PINKS? wow; haven't been there in awhile. But Jon, I'll trade you an afternoon fishing in the Umpqua for a lunch and one our burger or dog joints any day. |
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Lucas Jackson, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 5:30 AM on 05.17.06 |
| ->> ever seen fast food nation? Thats why In-n-out is so good. Everything in that movie is set up as .............'s is bad, they use bad food, ........'s uses nasty ingredients, and every one of them says "except in-n-out" |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 2:14 PM on 05.17.06 |
->> "I'm headed off for a quick get-a-way kinda trip tommorow to LA, Santa Barbara, and Las Vegas and was just curious if anyone had any "must see's" or "must do's"."
If you're a big "Buffy The Vampaire Slayer" fan the Paramount ice skating rink is where they filmed a famous scene and Torrence High School was used as Sunnydale High through most of the series. Really. I took my daughter on a Buffy Tour of LA a few years ago.
The movie screens in the big thaters at Universal Studios are amazing.
Pink's is great for hot dogs.
A walk along Venice Beach is very interesting.
If you haven't booked a room ask the Chateau Marmont for the "John Belushi" bungalow.
They have valet parking at some supermarkets.
Get a car with SatNav and use it to avoid the Interstates. |
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David Honl, Photographer
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Istanbul | TR | Turkey | Posted: 2:22 PM on 05.17.06 |
| ->> I lived across the street from Torrance High School, and it was a big hit for all my under-15 year old cousins. They also shot BH 90210 there back in '93. |
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Margaret Bowles, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | | Posted: 2:57 PM on 05.17.06 |
| ->> As far as Vegas goes, it's a gawker's paradise. You will walk your socks off checking out the fabulous interiors of the Bellagio, Paris, and other amazing casinos. The main thing is to park your car and either walk the strip or take public transportation. Driving the main strip is impossible in the evening. If you must drive, take one of the parallel back streets. Also, if you don't have a room in Vegas, it might be tough to get one on the strip. There's a huge real estate convention starting Sunday that runs through Thursday. |
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David Honl, Photographer
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Istanbul | TR | Turkey | Posted: 3:07 PM on 05.17.06 |
| ->> Vegas? |
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David Honl, Photographer
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Istanbul | TR | Turkey | Posted: 3:49 PM on 05.17.06 |
| ->> I think the Rio had a great buffet last time I was there, and the Cirque Du Soleil was great too (not sure which version they're showing now). |
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Jon Austria, Photographer
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Roseburg | OR | USA | Posted: 6:32 PM on 05.17.06 |
->> ok my advice as a former UCSB Goucho...(Santa Barbara) if you happen to stop by Isla Vista (the college town about 5 miles north of Santa Barbara head out to Goleta) , be sure to check out Sabado Tarde, and Del Playa Streets (best time around 10) on a Friday or Saturday night (BEWEAR DO NOT DRIVE YOUR CAR DOWN THESE STREETS). see how may underaged freshmen and sophmores are out drinking ( hint, they have their cups turned upside down) probably the closet thing you can get to Mardi Gras on the west coast (haven't been there in 5 years so things might have changed). State Street on the same night is just as wild, but more calm. State Street is family friendly in the day, and at night well that's where all the 21 and over college kids and locals hang out...
ohh yah, if your in Isla Vista near graduation time, you might wittness the streets of fire. "the traditional burning of the couches".
as for midnight eats in LA, The Pantry in Hollywood... ask to get your bread toasted
and Chanos always my favorite mexican joint after a wild night with my SC's friends.
SB Also has an amazing skate park by the pier, and the pier is cool too. |
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Dave Amorde, Photographer
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Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 8:54 PM on 05.17.06 |
->> If you go to Isla Vista as Jon recommended, watch out for cops patroling on bicycles. If you happen to... "catch their attention"... be assured that the Isla Vista "jail" is small and informal, and you can expect an O.R. release from them for all but the most serious of crimes.
Don't ask, 'cause I won't tell. :-) |
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Larry Aronat, Photographer
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Bakersfield | CA | USA | Posted: 11:49 PM on 05.17.06 |
->> Excellent suggestions by all!
Matt,
My only comment would be to utilize a GPS to explore all these Southern California destinations. I use my Treo 650/Tom Tom setup whenever I travel down south and it makes 'on the fly' itinerary changes a snap (as long as you have an address or cross street info). It will save you time and stress.
I lived on In-n-Out burgers through college because it was so cheap. They were a little different back in the early 80's; the burgers seemed bigger, greasier, and 'less healthy' back then. But they still rock in my book, especially their fries. However, I would not leave LA without trying an Original Tommy's Burger. Its true heart attack fare.
LA |
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Ron Erdrich, Photographer
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Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 11:54 PM on 05.17.06 |
->> Go to Alberto's and get a chorizo and egg burrito with cheese. Totally cheap and totally unhealthy but sooooo good. Their chicken tacos were pretty good too, as I remember.
There is also, of course, El Pollo Loco which I miss so much, even more than In-n-Out.
-Rrr- |
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Ron Erdrich, Photographer
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Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 11:55 PM on 05.17.06 |
->> You know, a guilty pleasure for me is also Disneyland. I go every couple of years.
Yes, I'm a nerd.
-R- |
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Maxwell Yedor, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Oxnard | CA | USA | Posted: 3:31 AM on 05.18.06 |
->> In L.A. the Peterson Automotive Museam is alway high on my list, Pink's is a must. Felip's wich is the home of the french dip sandwich is right over by union station and Olvera St. Also the main Samy's camera is in L.A. and is well worth a visit, especially if old Lieca's are your kind of thing.
On your way up to Santa Barbara on the 101, take the 33 east and get off on Shell Rd. if you turn left onto Ventura Ave. you will see Maggie's on the right hand side, accross from the Pepsi plant, and conected to the minimart. Well worth stoping and grabing a burrito.
Las Vegas is just a crazy place, but there is plenty of street photography to be done there. |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 4:26 PM on 05.18.06 |
->> "and the Cirque Du Soleil was great too"
The one time I was in Vegas (about three years ago) I insisted on seeing Wayne Newton. Great show. REALLY wierd. Very Vegas. |
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Robb Long, Photographer
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Northfield | MN | USA | Posted: 5:26 PM on 05.18.06 |
->> Yeah, all those places are great, but if you are in for a road trip I would do this.
Take a day and travel to the Hoover Dam, don't need to stop or anything, just drive right through. After the dam you will be in AZ, stop by a place called Rosie's, its the best place to eat and very interesting as well. After Rosies, hop on Old Route 66 and head to a little town called Oatman, they have Burros running through the streets, they also have a shoot out and things like that. Keep going and you will eventually come back around to little vegas or Laughlin (spelling). That place is a great joint to gamble, its like a little vegas. Anyway I went and played at the steamboat and played $2 blackjack for hours. Its a fun day trip and the views are incredible as well as the people. You could probably even make it to Red Rock, pretty cool to see.
Then, when you get back into Vegas it will be the perfect time to hit up the Olympic Garden, probably the best strip club in Vegas. |
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Jeff Gritchen, Photographer
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Long Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 6:16 PM on 05.18.06 |
| ->> Sorry - but Cha Cha Cha in Long Beach is now just Cha Cha's... and the good food left with the extra Cha |
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Max Waugh, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 6:23 PM on 05.18.06 |
->> I have a hard time endorsing In-N-Out, especially the fries... but you have to say you've tried it at least once so the Californians can get off your back. ;) OTOH, a Fatburger with egg and one of their shakes really hits the spot at 2am in Vegas...
It takes eons to walk the Vegas strip, because the casinos are so big. Save your outdoor exploration for a cooler time of day, or you'll be roasted alive. Night is a great time with everything lit up.
Assuming you don't mind gambling a bit, try some different casinos and different games, and don't be afraid to dabble in some very low limit poker. You should be able to find $1/2 or $2/4 Hold 'Em games in some of the smaller casinos. If you are going to splurge on a show, I suggest "O" at Bellagio. Stunning.
Max |
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Jeff Lewis, Photographer
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Long Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 2:55 AM on 05.19.06 |
->> I can't believe you guys left off Johnnies Pastrami on Sepulveda.
YOU MUST STOP THERE AND GET A FRENCH DIP PASTRAMI SANDWICH.
Best thing in LA........ it will give you a heart attack eventually but its that good.
Fatburger is also good.
Visit the Mission in Santa Barbara and bring a camera.
In Vegas, whatever you do, let it stay in Vegas.
Jeff |
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Ron Erdrich, Photographer
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Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 4:01 AM on 05.19.06 |
->> Don't forget Henry and Harry's Goat Hill Tavern in Costa Mesa.
-R- |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 9:52 AM on 05.20.06 |
->> matt, if you eat at half the places suggested on this thread you'd better pack an extra bag with tums, rolaids, pepto and alka seltzer.....8)
heck I had to gobble a couple of tums just from reading the thread. have fun. vegas is surreal, you'll never look at life the same again |
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Louie Traub, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Las Vegas | NV | United States | Posted: 2:53 PM on 05.20.06 |
->> I also have to throw in a vote for In-N-Out Burger. It's a must visit for non-NV, CA, AZ residents.
While it's been hotter than heck in Vegas lately, you'll probably do the strip thing, which always offers photo opportunities. If you want to escape the madness, hit up Red Rock Canyon, which is just west of the city. It's about 10 degrees cooler and has some of the nicest rock formations/colors you'll find in So. Nev. |
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Bryan Oller, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 11:03 PM on 05.20.06 |
->> Alright, I'll join the fray. I haven't been to LA in a while but I remember this great sushi/seafood restaurant that I believe was in Santa Monica or nearby. It is (or was) called Todai or something similar. Does this ring a bell for anyone? You walk in, pay at the door like a buffet and gourge yourself on anything and everything seafood. I remember actually having a soft shell crab sandwich.
I'll be in LA in June for 10 days while my wife finishes her masters and graduates. We are staying in Marina Del Rey. Any suggestions in this area would be appreciated. While she's in school it'll be just me and the kid. And I can't wait to have a Tommy Burger again. It's been way too long.
By the way...how the hell are you Jon Austria? |
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Dave Amorde, Photographer
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Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 11:27 PM on 05.20.06 |
| ->> Yes Bryan, there is Todai. It is a small chain of restaurants. There is one in Huntington Beach as well. |
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Steven Walker, Photographer, Assistant
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 12:58 AM on 05.23.06 |
->> If you make it to Downtown L.A. don't miss the Bradbury Building - it has an amazing interior - featured in 'Blade Runnner' and hundreds of photo shoots.
http://www.pbase.com/zeroscan/bradbury
An album of pics (not mine) |
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Matt Dean, Student/Intern, Photographer
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West Palm Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 11:27 AM on 05.23.06 |
->> Hey guys Again Thanks so much for the response and Im sure it'll be useful to a lot of people going out there. I just wanted to let you know I've updated w/ my shots from California and Nevada. The trip was fun but it had it's problems as well, which is explained on my member page.
I did get a chance to eat at in and out and man, they could really use a chain like that over here in FL. Again thanks.
http://www.sportsshooter.com/mattd |
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Wendi Kaminski, Photographer, Assistant
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La Mirada | CA | USA | Posted: 4:44 PM on 05.23.06 |
| ->> Sorry to hear about your experience. Next time you're out this way look me up and I will take you around the towns. |
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