Base outside LA?

[Miasmum]

Considering west coast for next year, where would be the best place to base ourselves to do the sights, Universal, Walk of fame etc, without actually staying in LA?Dont really like the look of LA itself!

[Bad Pink Tink]

The most obvious is one of the two hotels at Universal Studios, The Sheridan or Hilton. Both are walking distance to Universal Studios and Citywalk as well as being down the street from Universal City stop on the Red Metro underground line.

After that it depends on whether you will have a car or not, and how you will get around.

The general Burbank area is within easy driving distance of Hollywood.

Old Pasadena is further away, but still drivable and so totally unlike the stereotypical LA / Hollywood areas.

Santa Monica is another really nice area, again not the stereotypical LA / Hollywood areas.

[landandword17]

'LA' doesn't really exist, it's an umbrella term encompassing many different neighborhoods. Where were you looking that you didn't like. That may be a good place to start.

[jdouds]

Yes awkward one really , LA area 100 miles across. Some love it others do the basics and go and see the other many highlights in California. There is so much to do and see check out what else might take your fancy

[MsSparkles]

We've stayed in Hermosa Beach a couple of times and found it quite easy to drive to touristy places such as the Farmers Market, Walk of Fame, Warner Studios and Griffith Observatory. Never been to Universal in LA though but would imagine it would be ok too.

Hermosa is one of the three beach cites (other two are Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach) and you can hire bikes to ride between them. It has a small pedestrian only bit by the beach with restaurants and a few shops. It's other bonus is that it's only about a 25 minute drive from LAX.

[daytonababe]

Burbank is decent enough , as is the Sheraton Universal ( you can walk to the park and city walk )


LA , I assume you mean Hollywood for the walk of fame etc, And no I wouldn’t stay there either , It’s fine for a few hours but that’s enough for me .

Some lovely beaches that come under the “LA” bracket, Huntingdon Beach, Santa Monica, Long Beach etc

[enjibenji]

We stayed in Santa Monica and visited all the sites with our car hire.
Wouldn't hesitate to stay there again 😊

[Bozza]

We stayed here: hilton/en/hotels/bur...e-meeting-ctr/

...and I'd have no hesitation doing so again...

- Great location for Universal, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign and main Hollywood sights. Santa Monica was a bit further but not a dreadful drive. We also went to the California Science Centre (great place and has a space shuttle) from here too.
- Lovely bar for evening drinks.
- Fantastic breakfast - well worth paying to have it included.
- Nice pool area to chill and have a splash about it.
- Nice modern rooms with a great view towards the mountains if you're high up.

[Bozza]

Originally Posted by MsSparkles

We've stayed in Hermosa Beach a couple of times and found it quite easy to drive to touristy places such as the Farmers Market, Walk of Fame, Warner Studios and Griffith Observatory. Never been to Universal in LA though but would imagine it would be ok too.

Hermosa is one of the three beach cites (other two are Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach) and you can hire bikes to ride between them. It has a small pedestrian only bit by the beach with restaurants and a few shops. It's other bonus is that it's only about a 25 minute drive from LAX.

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We stayed there with a friend of mine who has an apartment in Hermosa Beach - it's a nice spot.

Did you know that The Lighthouse Cafe - thelighthousecafe - was in La La Land? We spent an evening there, drinking far too much!

[MsSparkles]

Originally Posted by Bozza

Did you know that The Lighthouse Cafe - thelighthousecafe - was in La La Land? We spent an evening there, drinking far too much!

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I didn’t know that! We’re hoping to go back to California next year and so I will look out for it if we go back to Hermosa. Thank you!