Things to do in LA

There are lots of things to do in Los Angeles that don't involve driving and parking, but, sorry, most of the cool things involve some driving and parking. Here's a list we put together of some of the fun things to do if you have a little more time in Los Angeles. If you need any further suggestions (or want to know where to eat--because we're really good at those suggestions), just email one of us.

Disneyland--of course!
You can spend lots of time here--there are two parks (Disneyland and California Adventure), and we know them like the back of our joined hands (awww).

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/?name=HomePage&bhcp=1

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/landing?name=DisneysCaliforniaAdventureLandingPage


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A real favorite is the Griffith Park Observatory. You drive or take a bus to the top of the hill and can hike up even further to get some really beautiful views of Los Angeles. On a clear day you can see all the way out to the Pacific.
It's also a great place for a picnic and the Observatory itself is beautiful and features a newly-renovated dome and high-powered telescope.

http://www.griffithobs.org/vshuttle.html

The Griffith Observatory is part of Griffith Park, which is HUGE (just check out the map). If you are feeling adventurous, then you can hike to the Hollywood sign, play tennis, ride the merry-go-round, fly a kite, golf, barbeque, jump in a bouncy house, visit the site of the old zoo, visit the new zoo, see the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, see some old trains, have a picnic, or ride some horses along many trails:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32655-d272718-Reviews-Griffith_Park_Horse_Rentals-Los_Angeles_California.html


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Santa Monica pier is a taste of old Los Angeles--it has classic rides and a great view to the ocean (and fun people-watching). The beach here is too crowded and can get a little dirty, so best place to swim is up a few miles past the Getty Villa in Malibu (and if you are a shopping fan, one of Erica's favorite outdoor malls, the Malibu Lumber Yard, is up there: http://www.themalibulumberyard.com/)
http://www.santamonicapier.org/


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If you are feeling very touristy, then you can hit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and pass the Kodak Theater (where the Oscars are held) and Grauman's Chinese Theater (where big movies were premiered during the golden age of Hollywood) http://www.seeing-stars.com/Immortalized/WalkOfFame.shtml, This is just down from the Hollywood Bowl, which will just have ended it's summer run even though, yes, the weather is still nice at night in Los Angeles in October! http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/calendar.cfm?yr=2011&m=10


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There are several theaters in LA, but the Pantages usually runs family-friendly shows (i.e., musicals):
http://www.pantages-theater.com/


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Or there is the very sleek (just ignore the hideous carpet inside and think of how the acoustics are near-perfect) Disney Concert Hall that Frank Gehry designed, home of the LA Phil during the winter and spring: http://www.laphil.com/tickets/calendar.cfm?yr=2011&m=10(classical, world, jazz music) and adjacent Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, http://www.musiccenter.org/about/venue_dcp.html, (Opera and Dance) and Mark Taper Forum,http://www.centertheatregroup.org/theatres/mtf/, (theater)


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If you want to shop, Disney-style, The Grove, just south of Hollywood, is great for walking:
http://www.thegrovela.com/

The Farmer's Market is very old Los Angeles, and it's right next to The Grove, with tons of delicious food (we recommend the Singaporean food at the Banana Leaf), all outdoors:

http://www.farmersmarketla.com/restaurants/index.html


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If you want to learn a little more about the history of LA and get some exercise at the same time, these guys give great tours that don't feel like you are on a tour:
http://laconservancy.org/tours/tours_main.php4#holiday

There are tons of other things to do, so if you don't see something listed, don't dispair! There are sports, restaurants, concerts--anything you can imagine. Just contact one of us if you have any specific activities in mind. And if you don't want to plan anything, don't worry, we'll keep you busy;)