Non-diving: what to do in LA for 3 days

[Layla]

Hi Everyone

I'm staying with a friend in Pasedena for three days, four nights in May on route to Socorro

But, I don't know what to do
I don't really want to do Disney and don't like shopping
Any thoughts on what I can do for three days

Thanks

L

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

The list of things to do in LA is virtually endless. Give us a hint of what is of interest to and you might get some good responses.

Personally, I would dive, the Channel Islands are awesome for at least one day. Then hit the Norton Simon or Getty Art Museums. Both are world class and I do not use that term lightly. The Getty is more well known and requires tickets in advance last I checked. The Norton Simon is a bit smaller and easy to access, still awesome and in Pasedena to boot.(FWIW: I am not normally an artsy type, but both of these are stunning).

 

[HiQPen]

^^The Norton Simon is awesome. There is also the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.

What else do you like? Hiking? Architecture?

 

[surfinusa555]

Huntington Library and Gardens
http://www.huntington.org/huntingtonlibrary.aspx?id=210&linkidentifier=id&itemid=210

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I'd consider doing Catalina Island for a day. Dive the Underwater Park at Casino Point.

A day in Santa Monica or on Venice Beach would also be fun.

I second the recommendation to check out the Getty Museum. Fantastic place.

 

[enigmata]

There's a lot of places to check out in LA! Personally I like the food, but for more topside stuff as mentioned there's the Getty LA and it's smaller cousin the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Both require advance booking but are free and during the weekdays you won't find crowds. Santa Monica Promenade/Pier and Venice Beach are good touristy beaches to see.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is kinda pricey but so is Disneyland, I suppose. It's a nice sampling of different ocean habitats.

Griffith Observatory may be a good place as you're nearby in Pasadena already. There's also plenty of walking trails behind the observatory if you're into hiking.

Depends on what you're interested in, but three days is a nice amount of time to spend in LA. I would second going over to Avalon for a day and diving the underwater park there if you can.

 

[ScubaSam]

Don't forget the La Brea Tar Pits and its museum. Less known but well worth a visit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Brea_Tar_Pits

http://www.tarpits.org/

 

[mselenaous]

+1 on Catalina Island (lots to see there, don't leave out a Casino tour), Griffith Observatory, Page Museum/Tar Pits, & Aquarium of the Pacific.
When I lived in the area, I usually took my visitors to these places.

If you are traveling with kids, there are the theme parks: Disney & Knott's Berry Farm.

 

[diversteve]

There's:

or:

Spent a nice night in Long Beach recently. After the Aquarium there's nearby restaurants/bars, many with outside dining right on the water. And a couple of Long Beach shuttles that run around the area for free. This looked fun also:
http://www.segwaylb.com/redkey/index.html

 

[fnfalman]

Shop at Rodeo Drive?