LA wedding early May - holiday ideas please!
Discussion
I'm attending a wedding in Palm Springs at the start of May and am considering turning it into a bit of a holiday - maybe 1-2 weeks. I'm sure I'll be hiring a car of some sort. What's the best way of hiring an interesting car? I don't want want to be stuck with something dull for two weeks. Last two times in the US, I had a Nissan something or other with a CVT that was totally forgettable apart from the horrible noise it made, and a Chevy Traverse that was spacious and surprisingly decent to drive.
First and last time in California was a business trip to San Francisco in 1999 so I didn't get to see and do very much. We took a day trip tour across the Bay bridge into the Napa valley to visit a company we had dealings with. I also squeezed in a boat ride in the bay, but not as far as Alcatraz. The rest of the trip was marked by hanging around the Moscone Center.
What are some must-see things to see and do within a few hours drive of Los Angeles or Palm Springs? I haven't decided whether to base myself in one spot or just travel from place to place like a road trip. I have a cousin who lives near Santa Barbara, so I might go and visit. It might be nice to see if I could get to the Grand Canyon and perhaps some national parks with epic landscapes. I'm a keen amateur photographer but won't be equipped to hike off the beaten path to get epic photographs of desolate places. That's okay. I love street photography too. Which bits of which west coast towns and cities are worth seeing? I would have loved to go and see a space shuttle but Endeavour at the California Science Center is not on display currently and won't be for several years. I will likely want to visit The Getty Center and the Natural History Museum in LA.
I'll be travelling alone and have no interest in anything Disney, Hollywood, celebrity or sports related. But anything automotive, maritime, aerospace, or science-related is up my alley. Las Vegas itself holds little interest, but maybe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience it's worth a visit? Any must-sees or don't-bother-with recommendations much appreciated. Thanks!
First and last time in California was a business trip to San Francisco in 1999 so I didn't get to see and do very much. We took a day trip tour across the Bay bridge into the Napa valley to visit a company we had dealings with. I also squeezed in a boat ride in the bay, but not as far as Alcatraz. The rest of the trip was marked by hanging around the Moscone Center.
What are some must-see things to see and do within a few hours drive of Los Angeles or Palm Springs? I haven't decided whether to base myself in one spot or just travel from place to place like a road trip. I have a cousin who lives near Santa Barbara, so I might go and visit. It might be nice to see if I could get to the Grand Canyon and perhaps some national parks with epic landscapes. I'm a keen amateur photographer but won't be equipped to hike off the beaten path to get epic photographs of desolate places. That's okay. I love street photography too. Which bits of which west coast towns and cities are worth seeing? I would have loved to go and see a space shuttle but Endeavour at the California Science Center is not on display currently and won't be for several years. I will likely want to visit The Getty Center and the Natural History Museum in LA.
I'll be travelling alone and have no interest in anything Disney, Hollywood, celebrity or sports related. But anything automotive, maritime, aerospace, or science-related is up my alley. Las Vegas itself holds little interest, but maybe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience it's worth a visit? Any must-sees or don't-bother-with recommendations much appreciated. Thanks!
I'm pretty sure both Hertz and Enterprise have a selection of "Premium" cars. I saw a row of them when I picked my Mazda up at the airport, ranging from Macans to C8 Vettes and Caymans etc. Plus Mustangs of course.
You've got the Peterson museum in LA which has a vast selection of cars, well worth a visit.
You've got the Peterson museum in LA which has a vast selection of cars, well worth a visit.
As I am sure you appreciate, the GC is a fair old drive from Palm Springs but well worth it imo! We did Vegas to San Diego easily in an afternoon.
If you are looking at a road trip, then I would also suggest Death Valley, some amazing things to see there and if you haven’t been to Vegas, then it is something to do for a night or two for the experience.
Yosemite is also worth a look although a long drive but doable as part of a road trip - we did San Francisco to LA in 2 weeks and that included 3 nights in Vegas and 2 in San Diego so doable.
If you are looking at a road trip, then I would also suggest Death Valley, some amazing things to see there and if you haven’t been to Vegas, then it is something to do for a night or two for the experience.
Yosemite is also worth a look although a long drive but doable as part of a road trip - we did San Francisco to LA in 2 weeks and that included 3 nights in Vegas and 2 in San Diego so doable.
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
As I am sure you appreciate, the GC is a fair old drive from Palm Springs but well worth it imo! We did Vegas to San Diego easily in an afternoon.
If you are looking at a road trip, then I would also suggest Death Valley, some amazing things to see there and if you haven t been to Vegas, then it is something to do for a night or two for the experience.
Yosemite is also worth a look although a long drive but doable as part of a road trip - we did San Francisco to LA in 2 weeks and that included 3 nights in Vegas and 2 in San Diego so doable.
We went from San Francisco to Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Vegas and Death Valley and back to San Francisco in a week about 20 years ago.If you are looking at a road trip, then I would also suggest Death Valley, some amazing things to see there and if you haven t been to Vegas, then it is something to do for a night or two for the experience.
Yosemite is also worth a look although a long drive but doable as part of a road trip - we did San Francisco to LA in 2 weeks and that included 3 nights in Vegas and 2 in San Diego so doable.
M
marcosgt said:
We went from San Francisco to Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Vegas and Death Valley and back to San Francisco in a week about 20 years ago.
M
Did the same +LA/Disney in 2 weeks, brilliant trip. Scenery is just stunning around that area.M
Rented a car from Hertz, there was a guaranteed model option where you could hire V8 Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes etc, I'm sure other rental companies will also have a similar thing.
Hi LunarOne,
My thoughts based on having lived next door to Palm Springs and elsewhere in Southern California, and holidaying there for 20 years prior to that, are these.
The good news is you’ll be spoilt for choice for photography wherever you go. The landscapes are stunning, and the light quality is on another level, especially around late afternoon/early evening.
I’d be tempted to spend your time around the south of the state - a few days around Palm Springs and then working your way across to the coast and up to Santa Barbara. But if you fancy doing some of the big sights as already mentioned - Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite etc - that’s also fabulous, but will involve big miles too with a lot of time spent behind the wheel. I personally would save that for a bigger future trip if you can, especially given your visit is only a few months away and would benefit from a lot more planning.
As you’ll be there in May it will already be getting hot in Palm Springs, easily nudging 100 degrees or more a lot of days. I wouldn’t advise basing yourself around Palm Springs or anywhere else in the Coachella Valley as a result if you’re not used to extreme heat. It topped 120F when I lived there. A linen suit would be my choice for the wedding day!
Palm Springs itself is lovely, with an old-world charm that feels so different to anywhere else in that part of the world, much of it down to the mid-century modern architecture which I’m sure you’ll appreciate from a photographic perspective (there’s some lovely neighbourhoods). It’s certainly worth exploring for a day or two.
Slightly farther afield I’d recommend driving up to Joshua Tree National Park via Route 62. Very scenic, and a taster of what the larger parks offer. You can follow the main route through to the other side of the park, where you’ll find the outdoor General Patton Memorial Museum, and then loop back to Palm Springs, all easily doable in a day.
Palm Springs also has its own air museum with some great exhibits.
The other area I recommend around there is driving up the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway from Palm Desert where I lived that takes you up into the mountains with great views of the Coachella Valley below. A relatively short drive but rewarding.
You can carry on along this route to the coast and drop down to San Diego. Lunch outside at the Hotel Del Coronado on neighbouring Coronado Island is a great spot, and a very scenic building to boot with a lot of history.
Travelling up the coast, La Jolla/Bird Rock are lovely, before you work your way up Pacific Coast Highway through coastal communities (Laguna Beach is a favourite) towards LA (that’s a whole different story for another time), and beyond up the most scenic part of PCH so far to Santa Barbara that is quite special.
I could go on, and have probably imparted too much info already!
Please reach out if you want any more nuggets.
Enjoy the wedding!
My thoughts based on having lived next door to Palm Springs and elsewhere in Southern California, and holidaying there for 20 years prior to that, are these.
The good news is you’ll be spoilt for choice for photography wherever you go. The landscapes are stunning, and the light quality is on another level, especially around late afternoon/early evening.
I’d be tempted to spend your time around the south of the state - a few days around Palm Springs and then working your way across to the coast and up to Santa Barbara. But if you fancy doing some of the big sights as already mentioned - Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite etc - that’s also fabulous, but will involve big miles too with a lot of time spent behind the wheel. I personally would save that for a bigger future trip if you can, especially given your visit is only a few months away and would benefit from a lot more planning.
As you’ll be there in May it will already be getting hot in Palm Springs, easily nudging 100 degrees or more a lot of days. I wouldn’t advise basing yourself around Palm Springs or anywhere else in the Coachella Valley as a result if you’re not used to extreme heat. It topped 120F when I lived there. A linen suit would be my choice for the wedding day!
Palm Springs itself is lovely, with an old-world charm that feels so different to anywhere else in that part of the world, much of it down to the mid-century modern architecture which I’m sure you’ll appreciate from a photographic perspective (there’s some lovely neighbourhoods). It’s certainly worth exploring for a day or two.
Slightly farther afield I’d recommend driving up to Joshua Tree National Park via Route 62. Very scenic, and a taster of what the larger parks offer. You can follow the main route through to the other side of the park, where you’ll find the outdoor General Patton Memorial Museum, and then loop back to Palm Springs, all easily doable in a day.
Palm Springs also has its own air museum with some great exhibits.
The other area I recommend around there is driving up the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway from Palm Desert where I lived that takes you up into the mountains with great views of the Coachella Valley below. A relatively short drive but rewarding.
You can carry on along this route to the coast and drop down to San Diego. Lunch outside at the Hotel Del Coronado on neighbouring Coronado Island is a great spot, and a very scenic building to boot with a lot of history.
Travelling up the coast, La Jolla/Bird Rock are lovely, before you work your way up Pacific Coast Highway through coastal communities (Laguna Beach is a favourite) towards LA (that’s a whole different story for another time), and beyond up the most scenic part of PCH so far to Santa Barbara that is quite special.
I could go on, and have probably imparted too much info already!
Please reach out if you want any more nuggets.
Enjoy the wedding!
Thanks very much all. I'm very much in favour of avoiding the U.S. due to the current political situation, but at the same time I very much want to attend the wedding and that will hopefully be a once-in-a-lifetime event. But since the event is in California which is probably the state which is least likely to be sympathetic to the current regime. If I'm going to be there anyway, I may as well make the best of it.
Don't know the area that well, only been once but the outstanding thing to do would be helicopter trip from LV to the Grand Canyon, stunning and well worth it. They'll pick you up from your hotel in a limo and drop you back after
https://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.flights
https://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.flights
Lots of really good ideas here, if around Santa Barbara this is a great experience, we used these guys, had never done it before, was great fun
https://www.paragliding.com/
https://www.paragliding.com/
OK I've booked my flights for the 27th April, returning on the 9th + landing on the 10th.
I will arrive in LAX on Monday evening and will be free before I need to be in Palm Springs for Friday afternoon. So that gives me Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to explore the city, if there's anything to see there. I'm trying to work out whether I should stay in the centre of the city or maybe on the outskirts for cheaper prices. I'll have a car for my entire stay so travel should be easy.
The wedding party disbands on Sunday after lunch, at which point I have until the following Saturday afternoon at my leisure to explore further afield. Maybe do some national parks or museums. I gather that entrance fees for non-US citizens can be quite steep now. Nice way to encourage tourism, folks!
So my question to you is where to stay for the 4 nights around LA before I venture further afield? I'm not on a tight budget but I don't see the need for luxury. Just comfort and security. The first hotels that popped up were in Pasadena, which I think is where they had a lot of properties on fire a year or two ago. Also famous if you're a Van Halen fan as I am.
Then of course there are countless places that sound familiar, because of TV and film. Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, verious places with names ending in Beach, and at some poitn I definitely want to visit La Jolla/San Diego for personal reasons.
I will arrive in LAX on Monday evening and will be free before I need to be in Palm Springs for Friday afternoon. So that gives me Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to explore the city, if there's anything to see there. I'm trying to work out whether I should stay in the centre of the city or maybe on the outskirts for cheaper prices. I'll have a car for my entire stay so travel should be easy.
The wedding party disbands on Sunday after lunch, at which point I have until the following Saturday afternoon at my leisure to explore further afield. Maybe do some national parks or museums. I gather that entrance fees for non-US citizens can be quite steep now. Nice way to encourage tourism, folks!
So my question to you is where to stay for the 4 nights around LA before I venture further afield? I'm not on a tight budget but I don't see the need for luxury. Just comfort and security. The first hotels that popped up were in Pasadena, which I think is where they had a lot of properties on fire a year or two ago. Also famous if you're a Van Halen fan as I am.
Then of course there are countless places that sound familiar, because of TV and film. Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, verious places with names ending in Beach, and at some poitn I definitely want to visit La Jolla/San Diego for personal reasons.
LA is vast and IIRC there is no centre per se. Therefore you need to decide what you want to see and stay in that general vicinity.
We stayed in Santa Monica which worked well for Hollywood, Beverley Hills and Little Venice.
Given that you want to go to San Diego then I might be inclined to do this en route to the wedding with an overnight stay before heading off from Palm Springs or in reverse depending on what you do for the second week.
After the wedding maybe Joshua Tree NP unless you fancy a trip to Vegas and/or the Grand Canyon?
Just as an aside, have you got your ESTA sorted and as this is PH what car have you booked?
We stayed in Santa Monica which worked well for Hollywood, Beverley Hills and Little Venice.
Given that you want to go to San Diego then I might be inclined to do this en route to the wedding with an overnight stay before heading off from Palm Springs or in reverse depending on what you do for the second week.
After the wedding maybe Joshua Tree NP unless you fancy a trip to Vegas and/or the Grand Canyon?
Just as an aside, have you got your ESTA sorted and as this is PH what car have you booked?
LunarOne said:
OK I've booked my flights for the 27th April, returning on the 9th + landing on the 10th.
I will arrive in LAX on Monday evening and will be free before I need to be in Palm Springs for Friday afternoon. So that gives me Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to explore the city, if there's anything to see there. I'm trying to work out whether I should stay in the centre of the city or maybe on the outskirts for cheaper prices. I'll have a car for my entire stay so travel should be easy.
The wedding party disbands on Sunday after lunch, at which point I have until the following Saturday afternoon at my leisure to explore further afield. Maybe do some national parks or museums. I gather that entrance fees for non-US citizens can be quite steep now. Nice way to encourage tourism, folks!
So my question to you is where to stay for the 4 nights around LA before I venture further afield? I'm not on a tight budget but I don't see the need for luxury. Just comfort and security. The first hotels that popped up were in Pasadena, which I think is where they had a lot of properties on fire a year or two ago. Also famous if you're a Van Halen fan as I am.
Then of course there are countless places that sound familiar, because of TV and film. Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, verious places with names ending in Beach, and at some poitn I definitely want to visit La Jolla/San Diego for personal reasons.
We stayed in Pasadena last year, the Westin specifically and the area is lovely. Quiet, easy to get to everywhere, spotlessly clean. The main street had loads of bars and restaurants. I think the fires you mentioned were more in the hills so not really close by (didn't see any hint of it). I will arrive in LAX on Monday evening and will be free before I need to be in Palm Springs for Friday afternoon. So that gives me Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to explore the city, if there's anything to see there. I'm trying to work out whether I should stay in the centre of the city or maybe on the outskirts for cheaper prices. I'll have a car for my entire stay so travel should be easy.
The wedding party disbands on Sunday after lunch, at which point I have until the following Saturday afternoon at my leisure to explore further afield. Maybe do some national parks or museums. I gather that entrance fees for non-US citizens can be quite steep now. Nice way to encourage tourism, folks!
So my question to you is where to stay for the 4 nights around LA before I venture further afield? I'm not on a tight budget but I don't see the need for luxury. Just comfort and security. The first hotels that popped up were in Pasadena, which I think is where they had a lot of properties on fire a year or two ago. Also famous if you're a Van Halen fan as I am.
Then of course there are countless places that sound familiar, because of TV and film. Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, verious places with names ending in Beach, and at some poitn I definitely want to visit La Jolla/San Diego for personal reasons.
The hotel we stayed in wasn't bad, main attraction was very reasonable rates and cheaper parking (they had their own underground lot) as well as the location. It was a little dated, perhaps a better word was it had "character"
but it was perfectly fine. The outside seating area at the bar was nice and the staff were all very friendly. A few random pics from the hotel and surrounding area
I really liked it, good mix of places to get something to eat from really high end to bars, independent places and chains. Plus a Wallgreens right around the corner.
+1 for Pasadena. It's a great place to stay. That would be my first choice unless it puts you too far away from any specific places you want to visit.
If you want to be nearer the theme parks then I would go for Buena Park. Handy for Disney and Knotts Berry Farm, with plenty of restaurants and hotels to choose from. There's a pretty good car scene round that area too, so there should be a cruise or drive-in going on.
For cars, I would go with Hertz Adrenaline Collection, so that you are guaranteed to get the model you book.
https://www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/productservice/in...
If you want to be nearer the theme parks then I would go for Buena Park. Handy for Disney and Knotts Berry Farm, with plenty of restaurants and hotels to choose from. There's a pretty good car scene round that area too, so there should be a cruise or drive-in going on.
For cars, I would go with Hertz Adrenaline Collection, so that you are guaranteed to get the model you book.
https://www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/productservice/in...
CSR Performance said:
+1 for Pasadena. It's a great place to stay. That would be my first choice unless it puts you too far away from any specific places you want to visit.
If you want to be nearer the theme parks then I would go for Buena Park. Handy for Disney and Knotts Berry Farm, with plenty of restaurants and hotels to choose from. There's a pretty good car scene round that area too, so there should be a cruise or drive-in going on.
For cars, I would go with Hertz Adrenaline Collection, so that you are guaranteed to get the model you book.
https://www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/productservice/in...
If you want to be nearer the theme parks then I would go for Buena Park. Handy for Disney and Knotts Berry Farm, with plenty of restaurants and hotels to choose from. There's a pretty good car scene round that area too, so there should be a cruise or drive-in going on.
For cars, I would go with Hertz Adrenaline Collection, so that you are guaranteed to get the model you book.
https://www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/productservice/in...
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
Just as an aside, have you got your ESTA sorted and as this is PH what car have you booked?
I've booked a "Dodge Durango or similar". I've seen enough videos of people getting their cars stuck in various parks and I have no idea what the terrain will be like everywhere, so figured something AWD would be nice.I did look at the exotics from Enterprise and the Hertz Adrenaline Collection but it seemed to cost about three times as much and no ability to choose what car you'll get. It just says Ford Mustang or similar, and I don't want to end up with an Ecoboost Mustang when I would want a Challenger!
LHRFlightman said:
If you fancy a drive out into the desert, I can highly recommend Pappy & Harriet's BBQ restaurant.
Best ribs I've ever eaten and an old wild west film set to wander through too. Occasionally they have live music too.
I’ve just come from Joshua Tree national park having spent yesterday before and after sunset near Skull rock/split rock and today I’ve done Hidden Valley. Now I’m taking your advice and am having some Ribs and Mac n Cheese at Pappy & Harriet’s. Took a gratuitous selfie…Best ribs I've ever eaten and an old wild west film set to wander through too. Occasionally they have live music too.
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