Leaving for LA tomorrow...

[Mr. Pedantic]

Any recommendations for things to see/do/eat? I'm there for 4 weeks, but I don't know how much free time I'll have. My friends who have been to LA before say I have to go to the Cheesecake Factory, and In-N-Out, etc.

Also, I'll need a SIM card and a plan, and I'm tossing up between these plans:

http://ultra.me/g

http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/individual.html (Unlimited plan)

I'm planning to travel to San Fran, around Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, so coverage is pretty important. Also, is there a LTE cap for T-mobile, where above that they'll throttle or charge you? The T&Cs are pretty vague, so what's it like in practice? And in general, if you go over on data, do they charge you extra, or throttle?

Anything else I need to know? I'm hiring a car as well, so it'll be kind of interesting adjusting to driving on the other side of the road. And I hear California (and the US in general) is a little different in terms of road rules and fines compared to other countries.

 

[holden j caufield]

depends on how you like crowds. If you like really crowded places you could see venice beach, hollywood walk of fame etc. Maybe hike to the hollywood sign, and visit the griffith observatory since that's the same area. There is visiting Disneyland if you come down to the orange county area. There a number of beaches here to visit, newport, corona del mar, salt creek, laguna beach all very nice and less crowded than LA. Maybe visit San Diego also since that's only about 1.5 hours away from Orange County.

If you go north there is solvang and santa barbara. Very pretty, we like the walk up State street, then there is wine country and the Hearst Castle if you travel north. I'd definitely recommend seeing the Hearst Castle, maybe visit the Redwoods trees since you are up there.

Actually we took some of these bus tours. It was so cheap. Something like $200 for 3 days/night and they did all the driving, no need to rent a car, also included hotel.

 

[crowdfinger]

For me Hollywood would always be the place to be in California. San Francisco is also a perfect spot to go when you are going for a honeymoon.

 

[rudder]

Deja warp

 

[IronWing]

Tar Pits and leave.

 

[JManInPhoenix]

If happen to go by Durango CO, the Ore House has the best steaks I have ever eaten. It is pretty pricey (about $125.00 with tip for me and the wife, no alcohol on the tab) but the beef comes right in that area. The narrow gauge railroad between Durango & Silverton is pretty cool (if you like trains) - the last car has bar service and is more comfortable than the rest of the train.

 

[Exterous]

My friends who have been to LA before say I have to go to the Cheesecake Factory, and In-N-Out, etc.

Eh - not exactly what I would call 'Must eat at places' unless you want to participate in the 5 Guys vs Inn-N-Out burger argument threads here. Here's my take on Inn-N-Out: Its good for a somewhat-fast food place. You'll get better burgers elsewhere but it is better than McDonald's Wendy's etc

Cheesecake Factory is nice for its phonebook sized listing of menu options and the food was good but, again, nothing I would put on my 'must have' list for food but rather a place to add to a checklist of 'I've been there'.

I have had great luck with the Manhattan Beach area for food during my frequent trips to SoCal.

For things to do other than what was already mentioned:
If you like ships the USS Iowa (WWII battleship decommissioned (again) in 1990) is in the area
http://www.pacificbattleship.com/

I found the Ronald Reagan museum quite interesting as well - particularly the Air Force One exhibit. (They have the first internationally used Air Force One plane there for you to walk through. Its a bit north of LA though

Anything else I need to know? I'm hiring a car as well, so it'll be kind of interesting adjusting to driving on the other side of the road. And I hear California (and the US in general) is a little different in terms of road rules and fines compared to other countries.

You'll get used to it quickly - or at least I did. The only thing that I can really think of (other than obeying the signs for stopping, speed limits etc) is to not talk on your phone. CA is a hands free state.

If you are renting for that long you might want to look into the car rental loyalty programs of the company you are renting from. You can generally credit rentals towards free rentals or airline miles (sometimes both). I am not sure if any of them partner with Air New Zealand but I know Avis and Budget partner with Qantas so you may have some options.

 

[lupi]

This is the second thread I noticed today. Timewarps back?

 

[Fenixgoon]

This is the second thread I noticed today. Timewarps back?

fusetalk is being resurrected from the dead!

 

[SamQuint]

In California it is ok to turn right at a red light. (unless a sign posted forbids it) However you must come to a complete stop first.

Also just be careful parking. There are signs that limit parking in all kinds of ways. The larger cities like LA and San Fransisco have no parking during rush hours, not only will you get a ticket but you car will get towed away. Read the signs carefully before you leave your car anywhere.

San Francisco's parking is difficult. Last time I went I put my car in the hotel's parking garage and used public transportation the entire time. San Francisco's public transportation system is great. Everywhere else in California you need a car.

Also we call it RENTING a car, not HIRE. If you ask where the car hire place is people will look at you funny. So you RENT a car from the CAR RENTAL company.

 

[purbeast0]

cheesecake factory is nothing special at all. there are better restaurants all over for that price. it's a good restaurant but not worth the wait and the menu is way too big. it's probably the best chain restaurant though.

 

[SamQuint]

cheesecake factory is nothing special at all. there are better restaurants all over for that price. it's a good restaurant but not worth the wait and the menu is way too big. it's probably the best chain restaurant though.

Yes, Cheesecake factory is overrated (except for the actual cheesecake, go there just for dessert)

Others I would avoid

Planet Hollywood
Hard Rock
California Pizza Kitchen
Bubba Gumps
Red Lobster
El Torito
Olive Garden
PF Changs

But if you have never been to a Hard Rock it is worth a visit just to check out the music memorabilia.

 

[KeithTalent]

Please do not go to the Cheesecake Factory, that place is awful. The in-laws always want to go there and I never understand why.

KT

 

[JulesMaximus]

Any recommendations for things to see/do/eat? I'm there for 4 weeks, but I don't know how much free time I'll have. My friends who have been to LA before say I have to go to the Cheesecake Factory, and In-N-Out, etc.

Also, I'll need a SIM card and a plan, and I'm tossing up between these plans:

http://ultra.me/g

http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/individual.html (Unlimited plan)

I'm planning to travel to San Fran, around Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, so coverage is pretty important. Also, is there a LTE cap for T-mobile, where above that they'll throttle or charge you? The T&Cs are pretty vague, so what's it like in practice? And in general, if you go over on data, do they charge you extra, or throttle?

Anything else I need to know? I'm hiring a car as well, so it'll be kind of interesting adjusting to driving on the other side of the road. And I hear California (and the US in general) is a little different in terms of road rules and fines compared to other countries.

Cheesecake factory? Don't waste your time or money.

Definitely go to In-N-Out though. What's your budget for dining? I'd avoid all of the chain restaurants personally, they are all average at best and complete garbage at worst.

Fleming's is good
Mastro's is good
Pacific Dining Car is supposed to be excellent but I've never been there
Water Grill is supposed to be excellent (this is in downtown L.A.)

Depends on your budget and where you're staying really. Do you like the beach? Do you like the mountains? Do you like to do touristy stuff? Do you like culture? L.A. has a lot to offer.

Personally, I'd stay away from Hollywood at night especially on Friday and Saturday night. It is a bit of a freak show, unless you like that sort of thing. There are a ton of nightclubs in the area if that's your thing.

 

[Ns1]

Any recommendations for things to see/do/eat? I'm there for 4 weeks, but I don't know how much free time I'll have. My friends who have been to LA before say I have to go to the Cheesecake Factory, and In-N-Out, etc.

get new friends because cheesecake factory is NOT a destination restaurant.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Since you are there for 4-weeks -

Griffith Park Observatory
La Brea Tar Pits
Tranny's in WeHo

Eat at:
http://www.originaltommys.com/ - get a Tamale slathered in chili with extra tomato & pickle

http://www.thehat.com/ - Pastrami burgers

 

[Ns1]

Since you are there for 4-weeks -

Griffith Park Observatory
La Brea Tar Pits
Tranny's in WeHo

Eat at:
http://www.originaltommys.com/ - get a Tamale slathered in chili with extra tomato & pickle

http://www.thehat.com/ - Pastrami burgers

Langers. (although hat pastrami chili cheese fries are pretty damn epic)

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Mastro's
Sapp Coffee Shop
The Varnish
Public School 612
Animal
800 Degrees

 

[Ns1]

but srsly OP, just go here then use google + yelp pictures to make an informed decision.

WHERE TO EAT

Eater's 38 Top Restaurants MAP
Heatmap: Where to Eat Now MAP
Heatmap: Where to Drink Now MAP
Heatmap: Where to Eat Brunch MAP
LA's Best Chinese Outside of the SGV MAP
LA's Best Sushi Spots MAP
LA's Best Korean Cuisine MAP
LA's Best Ramen Shops MAP
LA's Best Pastry Shops MAP
LA's Best Coffee Shops MAP
A Guide to LA's Best Late Night Dining

http://la.eater.com/

 

[Mr. Pedantic]

For all those people poo-pooing the cheesecake factory etc, there's nothing like that in New Zealand, and I just want to try it. It's not like I'm forced to eat chain restaurant food or anything.

Thanks for your suggestions guys. Can anyone give me some advice about the phone situation?

 

[purbeast0]

For all those people poo-pooing the cheesecake factory etc, there's nothing like that in New Zealand, and I just want to try it. It's not like I'm forced to eat chain restaurant food or anything.

Thanks for your suggestions guys. Can anyone give me some advice about the phone situation?

i'm not sure what you mean "like that". there is absolutely nothing special about cheesecake factory though, other than having good deserts. it's your run of the mill chain restaurant but it actually has good food. it's just highly overrated. they are not bad by any means and have good food, but to act as though cheesecake is "something special" just isn't true compared to the other offerings you will be able to have, especially in LA.

that said, there really isn't anything special about in-and-out either, other than for fast food it has some good burgers. their fries are good too. but it's a quick meal and cheap, whereas cheesecake factory will not be either of those, especially because they don't take reservations (unless they have changed this).

 

[JulesMaximus]

For all those people poo-pooing the cheesecake factory etc, there's nothing like that in New Zealand, and I just want to try it. It's not like I'm forced to eat chain restaurant food or anything.

Thanks for your suggestions guys. Can anyone give me some advice about the phone situation?

They don't have cheesecake in New Zealand?

If you want good cheesecake order one from Junior's in NYC. Not sure if they ship internationally but man is it good.

http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/juniors_cheesecake/Juniors_Cheesecake_Home/Our_Collections.php

 

[KeithP]

Slaters 50/50 is about the best burger you can find in So Cal. They have a variety of locations. Also, you might want to check out Pink's Hotdogs.

http://www.pinkshollywood.com/
https://slaters5050.com/

-KeithP

 

[manimal]

play the Led Zepplin song "Going to California" before you leave really loud!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN5XevNGuus

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Slaters 50/50 is about the best burger you can find in So Cal. They have a variety of locations. Also, you might want to check out Pink's Hotdogs.

http://www.pinkshollywood.com/
https://slaters5050.com/

-KeithP

I wouldn't say best but its good.

You also have Father's Office, Plan Check, and Umami (not my personal favorite but people love it)