| Author | Message | ||
     Themagster |
I am in the process of planning our summer sabbatical which will include a visit to see our daughter and granddaughters in San Diego. While there I would like to visit Hollywood. We have never been there and since we will be so close, I thought it should be included in the plans. I have absolutely no idea what I want to do while there, ride down Hollywood Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, maybe Rodeo Drive just for kicks, spend a small fortune on a meal, take a couple pics. I can check it off the RBL (ride bucket list). I have heard that LA traffic is to be avoided at all costs. I am thinking if we avoid the freeways we can sort of sneak in the back way and it may not be so bad, but that is a small town girl way of thinking I know. Not sure yet if it will be on way to San Diego from the North-East or if we will head to San Diego first, then just take a day trip up. I have looked at some of the 2ndary roads around LA, but Google street view of traffic present is often misleading. So to those who live there, or near there - tell me I'm out of my mind, that there is no chance of avoiding a 3 hour commute trying to get someplace that I am totally unfamiliar with. That parking is impossible, crowds are too huge and surrounding neighborhoods are not safe to ride through for southern tourists. Or....that it is worth visiting, where to ride, where to park and the best places to visit. Thank You for your inside information. Also if y'all ever make it to Florida...I can return the favor. Happy Trails.... | ||
| Nuts4mc |
San Diego is land locked from the north...there are only two escape routes I-5 up the coast (congested traffic can begin as soon as you get near Del Mar and stay congested as you pass Camp Pendleton Marine core base/Oceanside) ...the border check point at San Onofre ( just north of the Marine base) (aka Dolly Parton...google images of San Onofre ) can cause some real issues...San Clemente is next up (the west coast white house for Tricky Dick) with two strikes against it: (1) age of the drivers living in the area, (2) new construction to widen the freeway...as you leave San Clamente...you enter Orange County and the heavily populated area of Mission Viejo/Irvine... Orange County is just an extension of LA traffic...what is worse, the I-5 is under construction ( to make it wider) at the OC/LA county line (Fullerton/Buena Park). The secondary escape route is I-15 north to the inland empire ...except they is a massive construction project going on right at the first east/west freeway (I-91). New ramps, bridges and center dividers are being built...they also tend to close the freeway at night ( I-15) when they are moving heavy equipment/prefabbed bridge components. Back up on the I-15 can add 1 - 1.5 hours to the commute. so what you gonna do???...suggestion: fly into LA and use Uber to get around...once your done... look at taking Amtrak down to San Diego...or vis-a-versa. the train runs next to the coast once you hit Dana Point ( at the end of Orange County) and it's very scenic...The Amtrak Terminal ends a block or two away from the bay in SD. if you decide to drive it ....two apps for your smart phone I recommend: 1) SIG Alert (named after a famous radio announcer when the freeway system was first opened...he pioneered traffic conditions working with the CHP on the scene) 2) Cal Trans (http://www.dot.ca.gov/) our version of the department of transportation...you can check on construction/road closures...a good memorable adventure is never easy!...hope this helps | ||
| Nuts4mc |
Last Year the SCMA ( Southern California Motorcycle Association) started it's 40th edition of the 3 Flags Tour in San Diego. The ride goes from the Mexican Border to Canada over the Labor Day holiday...I along with my local club helped with the start of the event and wifey (as pillion) and I rode it... (this was our third time in the event). What follows is a posting on the 3 Flags Forum for those who participated, and were planning to come into San Diego early. Might give you some ideas as to what SD has to offer. Things to do while in San Diego If you’ve come early to San Diego, the SCMA 3 flags crew did a great job of securing a start hotel near some great attractions and restaurants. If you didn’t pack some walking shoes, you can hire a pedi-cab (a rickshaw/bicycle…a real hoot to see at night as many are decorated with colorful LED lights) and see most of the bay front attractions without wearing out the soles on those new touring boots! 1) Wednesday, September 2nd, SCMA’s Touch the Fence ride ( 8am-noon). Down to San Ysidro for a small ceremony, brand name outlet shops for some great deals along the border, along with some local restaurants for breakfast! 2) Across the street and north a little ways is the San Diego maritime museum (http://sdmaritime.org/) about $16 (open from 9am-9pm) will get you on many of the ships/boats moored along the bay front (but be prepared to do some walking). The Star of India a iron hulled sailing vessel is claimed to be the oldest active sailing vessel in the world, built in 1863 at the Isle of Man, it portrays the life and times of sailing the high seas in the late 1800s. Down the way from the Star are a couple of subs, one a Russian built boat ( B-39) used to film the 2013 movie “Phantom” starring Ed Harris, a US diesel/electric sub ( USS Dolphin) is also on display and provides an interesting contrast as to the equipment used by both navy’s during the cold war. 3) Across the street and south a little ways; Horn Blower tours (https://www.hornblower.com/port/overview/sd+harbor tour?mkwid=sJ0L5TM1v&pcrid=67908331338&kw=san%20di ego%20sightseeing%20cruises&mt=b&gclid=CjwKEAjwxYG uBRCtoqjkrIPDqDwSJAAnd-rCm3Yo4zMNwf9hw8-B6G-s1p32j fIHeBEGlCdnusj33BoCAtTw_wcB) about $25-$30 ( open from 10am-4-5pm…but you gotta buy your tickets early as they sell out quickly during tourist season) see the bay , North Island, marinas, submarine pens/station, sea lions, and Point Loma. 4) Across the street and south; The U.S.S. Midway Museum…about $20, open 10am-5pm…a lot of walking!...the café on the fan tail is kinda neat, the flight deck is very good if you want to see some historical Naval aircraft, more info here: http://www.midway.org/hours-tickets 5) Past the Midway and the tuna boat marina is Seaport Village…kind of a tourist trap…some small souvenir type shops, a few good restaurants…again a lot of walking: more info here: http://www.seaportvillage.com/ 6) If you’re afraid of heights , may want to avoid this one, the Manchester Grand Hyatt bar/restaurant ( just south of Seaport Village on the bay) , 40 stories up, offers a great view (especially at night) of the San Diego bay and as far south as Tijuana, Mexico. Open 3pm – 1:30am…more info here: http://www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dini ng/TopoftheHyatt.html 7) Missing your local sports team scores? You may need a pedi-cab for this one as you’ll be getting into “The Gas Lamp District” of downtown San Diego, the Yardhouse is a upscale sports bar about 12 blocks up Broadway, more info here: http://www.yardhouse.com/locations/ca/san-diego/sa n-diego-gaslamp-district/8305 8) For those of you from the icy north and enjoy that game played by real men with big sticks and blades of steel, take a taxi to “Stout Public House”, although described as an Irish Pub, that game played on frozen ponds rules at this establishment! Good food, cold beer, Open from 11am – 2am, more info here: http://www.stoutsd.com/ 9) Speaking of “The Gas Lamp District”, it is where the night life of San Diego happens; here is more info about the restaurants and bars in that area of San Diego, taxi-cab suggested. http://www.sandiego.org/discover/gaslamp-quarter.a spx 10) Not a big fan of the down town nightlife?, Balboa Park, with its many museums ( they have both an Aerospace as well as an Automotive Museums, you’ll need a taxi, or at least a GPS to ride there) might be what you’re looking for: http://www.balboapark.org/ 11) If you have a desire to ride over that big bridge to the south over the bay, the Coronado Bridge ( SR 75)can be reached via the I-5 freeway going south. The bridge is the main route for sailors and sub contractors who work in the Navy’s North Island base, so be careful if you head over ( or back) during rush hour! If you like old (1930’s) architecture and grand old hotels built from wood, then the Hotel Del Coronado is a must see (http://hoteldel.com/) . The hotel has many shops and restaurants all at the high end of the dollar scale, parking is costly, but you may find a spot along Ocean Blvd. if you venture over to the island. 12) Last but not least is the world famous San Diego Zoo, the place can be a “zoo” during the day and especially during the tourist season. Right next door to Balboa Park and bordering the 163 freeway (which you’ll take on your way out of town to start your 3 Flags adventure) the zoo has many animals and things to do and see. If you visit during the day, suggest you take a zoo tour bus to save walking, as the zoo is built on many hills and the elevation changes can get your heart pumping! The zoo can also be enjoyed at night, but the buses don’t run into late night so plan on a lot of walking if you venture into the zoo at night. Open from 9am -9pm every day, free parking, about $50 ( includes the bus tour), more info: http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/ Restaurants near the start hotel: a) Hazelwood’s Bayside Deli within the hotel, Happy Hour from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 6:00am to 7:00pm. b) Late Night places nearby: a. Mexican- Los Panchitos, off the street behind the hotel (Pacific Hwy) about 2 blocks North at W Cedar St. open from 7:00am to 3:00am (late night snacks!) more info here: http://lospanchitos.com/ b. Fast Food- Jack in the Box, just across the street( W Cedar) from Los Panchitos on Pacific Highway, open 24 hours, since Jack in the Box corporate headquarters are in San Diego, their fast food restaurants tend to be a little bit better than most in the area. http://www.jackinthebox.com/locations/90?utm_sourc e=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=localmaps&u tm_content=90 c) Steak and potatoes type? Ruth Chris Steak house next door to the hotel, Happy hour 4:30-6:30, suggest reservations, more info here: http://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/san -diego d) One Fish, Two fish…across the street; Anthony’s Fish Grotto, both booth type seating as well as “family style”…good value, suggest reservations, but can’t wait??. Just left of the main dining room entry is their delicatessen type ( fish) restaurant where you walk up and order and they give you a number…find a table on the dock side seating…not bad if you don’t have time. More info here: http://www.gofishanthonys.com/ e) Red Fish, Blue Fish…just “next door” (south) of the U.S.S. Midway, is a small park dedicated to sailors, a large statue (“Unconditional Surrender”), and a tribute to Bob Hope and his work with the USO. At the end of the parking lot, right on the water is “The Fish Market” restaurant, my favorite when I crave something from the ocean. Recently rebuilt after a kitchen fire, the restaurant has a great bar, outdoor seating (watch out for the hungry sea gulls!) and some great views of the bay. Try a table outside (kinda small) but rather unique in all of San Diego (open from 11:00am till 10:00pm). More info here: http://www.thefishmarket.com/default.aspx f) Just south of Seaport Village in the old “Headquarters” of the San Diego Police it has been converted into a shop and dine center that offers all different types of food (8 restaurants) and (9) unique shops. This is a ways south from the hotel on west Harbor Drive, but a pedi-cab or a taxi may make it worth the trip, More info here: http://theheadquarters.com/shop-dine g) Want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of Harbor Drive?... take a short taxi ride north, past the airport to “Tom Ham’s Lighthouse” a converted lighthouse, now a bar and restaurant at the end of Harbor Island Drive…good food, great views, get a table outside for some super views of the city, harbor, and north island, especially at night. More info here: http://www.tomhamslighthouse.com/ | ||
| Themagster |
Thanks y'all. I have already added Top of the Hyatt to my ride book for the journey. Will raise a pint to toast you when we get there. | ||
| Teeps |
If you are driving a car, expect lots of time spent in traffic, it's everywhere you go in L.A. To get an idea just google LA traffic and select a link. If you are riding motos traffic is not as much a problem, as "filtering", "lane sharing" or "lane splitting" is permitted if done safely. | ||
| Swampy |
Magster I'm not sure where EZ is but you would need to look him up if he is anywhere close by | ||
| Themagster |
Hey Swampy old friend - hope you and the family are well  I will make sure to find out where EZ is situated. I'm not a car person, so that option is off the table. Not sure I wanna test my skills at filtering, as I'm in very unfamiliar territory and have never attempted that skill before, it is not allowed here in the sunshine state. My idea of a sabbatical is not sitting in traffic and I wanna ride pretty roads more than I wanna see some famous place on a map, so LA is not that high on the priority list. Thanks again for all the help. And it was great to see your name Swampy! | ||
| Teeps |
Themagster Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2016 - My idea of a sabbatical is not sitting in traffic and I wanna ride pretty roads more than I wanna see some famous place on a map, so LA is not that high on the priority list. Well if you find yourself in L.A. here are a few "Roads" I recommend in the area: Angeles Crest Highway (better during the week) food & services at both ends. Mulholland Hwy (better during the week) The Rock Store in on that ride. California State Route 1 There are also dozens of secondary roads in the Malibu Mountains that are tight and twisty and are low speed <55 mph. If you're into vintage bikes there is a small motorcycle museum in Solvang, CA. http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.motosolva ng.com/&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwi915 u61vLLAhXhuIMKHdy8DREQFggVMAA&usg=AFQjCNFzohX8rgyV 5xudS5kkxW90BijV4g I'd be up for a ride to the museum... | ||
| Nuts4mc |
The Solvang museum is neat...the area that it is in can be overrun by tourists so make reservations early in the town of Solvang if you plan on visiting ( www.motosolvang.com) as you come down from Solvang may want to head into the upper desert and stop by Willow Springs Raceway: http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/ Another gearhead's musuem in LA is the Peterson Museum ( think Peterson Publications, the guys who published Hot Rod magazine)...on Wilshire in LA http://petersen.org/ there is also Fontana Speedway (Autoclub Speedway) east of the city: http://www.autoclubspeedway.com Kinda across the street is the LA County Museum of Art ( if your into art) There are tours of Hollywood: ultimatehollywoodtours.com and tours of Los Angeles/Hollywood: discoverlosangles.com and if you're a baseball fan....you should go to Dodger Stadium: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/ballpark/stad ium_tours/ east of the city is Pasadena...the museum you'll see on New Years day parade: http://www.nortonsimon.org/ west of the city is Venice Beach... http://venicebeach.com/ if you drive/rent a car...be prepared for traffic jams and difficult parking availability ( especially at the beach in summer time!) Hope this helps...good luck | ||
| Slaughter |
You should ping our SCAB (Southern California Association of Buellers) meetup board: http://www.meetup.com/Southern-California-Area-Bue llers-SCAB/ Very road-savvy group... especially in Sandy Eggo area and nearby. | ||
| Tbowdre |
Best motorcycle roads around- Palomar mountain, montezuma grade. Palomar gets pretty crazy on the weekends and the road is a bit work out... Montezuma is epic and worth a couple of runs up and down. Borrego springs is right there at the bottom of montezuma for lunch/gas/rest |
