Beaches / Other Beach Cities, Los Angeles

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Favorite thing: Venice Beach was beautiful.
Be careful when walking the boardwalk you can be pulled into over priced items which you could find cheaper when you walk futher down the path.
EXAMPLE: At the beginning of the boardwalk I paid $8 for a henna tatto but a few minutes of a walk down the road I got it for $5. Also, don't be scared to bargain...
Beware of Pot heads and homeless people. They will obviously ask you for money.
You will see a lot of stores with weed symbols but Venice Beach is known for that kind of stuff.
Live entertainment occasionally.
If you like to pump iron, get this... there is an outdoor gym! Tan and get a little tone. ;-)
Get a henna tattoo. It will last about 1-3 weeks. Great for the Summer.
It's a little cooler in Venice Beach too, so bringing a light jacket wouldnt be a bad idea.

Fondest memory: I will definately miss the beautiful tan which the sun burnt into me.
If you would like a tan, lay out in the sun for an hour or 2...
I will miss the palms down the roads.

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Favorite thing: It’s easy to see why Santa Monica is considered the first choice for a Southern California beach vacation. This seaside city blends the charm and appeal of a coastal getaway with an unforgettable beach and the sophistication of an urban center—a magnetic combination.
Santa Monica's stunning beach is the city’s greatest natural asset. Blessed with 3.5 miles of broad sandy coastline and more than 340 days of sunshine per year, Santa Monica serves as the perfect backdrop for the sun-kissed, fit California beach lifestyle

Fondest memory: With manned lifeguard stations, casual eateries, equipment rental spots, public fitness and activity facilities, a fabulous bike trail, wooden pathways for beachgoers with disabilities and warm days (daytime temperatures average mid-60s to low 70s F in winter and 80s F in the summer), it's not hard to see why Santa Monica State Beach is a favorite destination for people of all ages.

Fondest memory: While I was in LA, I went hiking on the rocks overlooking the beach for about 5 hours. It was awesome. The thrill of jumping, reaching or climbing from rock to rock combined with the crashing waves below made for a great day. I would like to mention that this was actually north of LA, closer to the Camarillo outlets and Zuma beach. We took this winding highway (the 21, I think) and just parked the car and walked down to the rocks.

Favorite thing: Los Angeles is a wonderful city. For all those who believe it’s simply comprised of freeways, pollution, and immense crowding is definitely mistaken. If you want to get away from all those three things –STAY AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN! It’s just that simple. From L.A.X, simply take one freeway—the 110 south. Explore the beach areas, visit Palos Verdes (which is known for being quiet, VERY SAFE, and very green), play some golf at Ocean Trails in Palos Verdes Estates, horseback ride, go to the botanical gardens, and if you have some money—go shopping at the small, but high class, mall. You will notice it is not what Los Angeles is typically thought as…If you aren’t in the mood, visit a similar community—Newport Beach. A better shoppong selection (Costa Mesa and Fashion Island)—but beware, of you don’t have money you will be lost. The surrounding areas around Palos Verdes are much more affordable (has everything from small inns to best westerns to the Hilton—located throughout the cities surrounding Palos Verdes). For those who want to visit those tourist attractions—there is EASY freeway access.

Favorite thing: Check out the Pacific ocean southern california style! There are beaches from San Diego to San Francisco, but the warmer waters are located south of Malibu.

Fondest memory: Meeting people of all colors, LA is an ethnic melting pot. And everyone alway's finds themselves staring out at the pacific ocean.

Favorite thing: Head for the shore. If you are in the city for one day do not make the mistake of spending it in the downtown area. The action for the shot stopover tourist is on the westside, meaning Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice, etc.. There is a lot to see all over LA, but if time is short, that's where you go.

Favorite thing: Everyone know the tourist spots (Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Disneyland, Universal Studios, etc) but to really enjoy the city, go up to Yamashiro above Hollywood for a beautiful view of L.A. with or without smog. Drive along PCH, past the beautiful houses on Malibu to one of the many secluded beaches.
Soak in the energy of the Sunset Strip at night, driving on Sunset still gives me a rush, you get to see interesting people, huge billboards, exclusive stores, clubs and restaurants and the mansions in Beverly Hills.

Favorite thing: There's so many things. Most are obvious and kind of geeky like Universal Studios and Disneyland, but you should check out (in no particular order) Jay Leno, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Long Beach, Laguna Beach, Downtown, Pasadena, Westwood, Melrose, Chinatown, Olvera Street.

Fondest memory: My friends from Pasadena, Orange and Long Beach. Ohh and the warm winters (November).

Favorite thing: I loved the Beaches, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Palos Verde. Also Six Flags Magic Mountain has a ton of great Rollercoasters. I saw a Game at Edison Field (Where the Anehiem Angels play) it was a lot of fun. Even if you dont like baseball this place will keep your attention.

Fondest memory: I cant think of a place where I had a bad meal. And also great coffee everywhere. Hiking in the Hollywood Hills and driving up Mullholand Drive at night and see the city, breathtaking.

Fondest memory: My fondest memory?

Catching up with colleagues and friends..... who in turn brought me out shopping and dining at their neighborhood - GLENDALE, SANTA MONICA, MARINA DEL REY and LONG BEACH...

My worst nightmare?

Definitely, HOLLYWOOD! Hollywood is NOT what you see in the movies/ TV, believe me.

Photo Below: A glimpse of smog-filled Downtown.

The traffic jams on the freeways in the evenings are also legendary! There was an eventful day when we were caught in the jam for over 4 hours (!!!) because one guy threatened to commit suicide by jumping off the bridge. By the end of the 4th hour, I swore I heard some drivers yelling at him 'jump! jump!!' Sigh...

People do the strangest things when they get frustrated.