[Sinsen]

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Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sinsen, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park are two different places. I've been to both, and while the zoo is nice, the Wild Animal Park is spectacular. Here's the link: Welcome to the Wild Animal Park! They recreate an African savannah and let the animals roam over a huge area - it's just like seeing them in the wild. A tram circles the park and it is absolutely fascinating. As for Vegas, it's fun now and then. If you haven't been, there's plenty to see. Be sure to read up on the restaurants - there are many excellent ones. The Liberace Museum is a kick, too. Forgot to mention a favorite in Los Angeles, as well. If you end up in Beverly Hills, have brunch at the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel. It's an old Hollywood hangout with top-notch food and service. You might even catch a celeb or two eating there. If you go, be sure to wander the hotel to see the ballrooms, bungalows (some with a rich history) and grounds.

Ah, I see, great, thanks, did not know about that place. Looks good.

 

[Sinsen]

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Originally Posted by deadie /img/forum/go_quote.gif Few recommendations from a guy who's lived in San Diego for 13 years: 1) Eat In-N-Out - can't say that enough. Get both of these for the whole experience: a) "Double-double, grilled onions, animal style. Well done fries" b) "Double-double, grilled onions". Regular fries" 2) Eat fish tacos - it's our national, er, city food. I personally like Fins better than Rubios, and Fin's shrimp tacos are way better. 3) Addressing your 4th: spend the whole day at either a) La Jolla Cove b) Downtown / Embarcadero If you're staying at a hotel downtown, then it's a no brainer. Visit the aircraft carrier, eat on the patio at the Fish Market. Watch as they shoot fireworks from barges in the bay. 4) Order your headphones from a reputable source like Music Direct and have them ship it to a UPS Store somewhere near your hotel. 5) Eat at Extraordinary Desserts. Awesome decadence. 6) Balboa Park is where both the Zoo and the Museums are located, just north of downtown. Both activities are at least one day trips. 7) Visit Point Loma a) Stop at Point Loma Seafoods for an early lunch, before the crowds arrive and the madness starts. Get the scallop sandwich, some smoked fish, some chowder, a draft Sierra Nevada (from California) beer, and you're loving life. b) Visit the Cabrillio National Monument at the tip of Point Loma. Wonderful viewing spot. c) Then drive down the hill to see the tidepools and the lighthouse. 8) See a San Diego Padres professional baseball game. We suck this year, but hey, it's a new stadium right downtown, and it's cool to visit especially since you're from out of country. 9) Almost forgot about your PC request: Along with Frys, check out "PC Club". They're a chain of computer stores that are more geared toward the geek set, rather than a wide swath Best Buy or Circuit City. Enjoy your trip!

Fantastic Deadie! Thanks a lot. It's really nice to have a few(a lot of tips) from you guys on where to go. 16 days is not that much, so it's good not to waste too much time deciding where to go "on site".

 

[Sinsen]

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Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Disneyland for the Fourth? No way. The park will be crammed and it won't be much fun. The place to be is in Avalon on Catalina Island for the Fourth. I've lived here most of my life and that's a great place to be. Passage over is cheaper than Disney tickets and the food is better, too. There's a fireworks display over the harbor, music, people, boating, and plenty to see and do. If not there, come on down to Manhattan or Hermosa Beach and roam the beachfront. There are plenty of smaller hotels, great food and lots of fun. For those who hate LA, you don't know it. Some areas are bad - do you want your city judged by its worst parts? What's good here is wonderful. I'm partial to the South Bay. It doesn't show up in many tours, but life is good here. Also, work in a trip to the Getty, old town Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles. Try to visit the Huntington Gardens and Descanso Gardens, too. Seeing the sites, going to the beach and visiting tidepools are well worth it in Palos Verdes, too. I've been to the Chinese Theater, Hollywood and the other tourist areas. They're alright, but those are not where the natives go for fun. If you would like recommendations for anything, please ask.

Uncle Erik. We will be staying for five days in Los Angeles. Could you reccomend a nice area to stay in?

 

[deadie]

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Originally Posted by Sinsen /img/forum/go_quote.gif Fantastic Deadie! Thanks a lot. It's really nice to have a few(a lot of tips) from you guys on where to go. 16 days is not that much, so it's good not to waste too much time deciding where to go "on site".

It's my pleasure - don't forget to post pics when you get back!

Few more tips:
One thing you'll surely notice in California is that we're very much a no smoking state. Can't smoke in hotels, restaurants, bars, offices, some beaches, etc.

This is in stark contrast to Vegas, where you can smoke anywhere, carry a 3 foot long margarita down the street - a vice lovers paradise. It's def an escape from the everyday life.

I say all this in case you're concerned about staying in a hotel filled with smoke. I'm in Vegas about 2-3x a year at tech shows and always try to stay at the Renaissance next to the convention center. No casino, no slot machines, no smoking.

The down side to this location is that it's off the "strip" where all the main hotels are, but the good thing is that the Renaissance is right next to the monorail which will drop you off at, say, Ballys, which is right across from the Bellagio lake / water show - that is a must see.