Must See/Do in So-Cal 8/8-8/16?

[DusterRT]

Having never been to sunny so-cal before in my life, yet wanting to move out there after I graduate (and find a job.. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?p=182303#post182303 :look: ), I am taking a short trip in August before the fall semester starts. I'll be there the 8th through the 16th and am going to stay with family in Lakewood (might stay elsewhere for the weekend?).

Basically I'm looking for suggestions of things to see and do out there..seems like there is a lot that goes on, but I have no idea where to start! Museums, track events, open houses, shows, swap meets...I'll be rockin' an economy rental car so I won't have anything to show off or race in though. If you've got a shop and wouldn't mind a visitor, let me know! I'm looking to make the most of my week out there. Cars are my main obsession, but variety is the spice of life so I'm not restricting myself to car-related things.

Well, I think that's it. Thanks in advance for any input!

[DusterRT]

Btt...

[ProStreet R/T]

Hmmm what kind of stuff do you like? Coming alone or bringing a chick?

There is the NHRA Museum located right by the Pomona dragstrip (fairplex, where they run the winternationals and finals) About an hour from Lakewood if traffic is tolerable.

Saturday morning (6:30-9ish) there is a big exotic car hangout @ the Crystal Cove Promenade in Newport Beach. Absolutely fantastic group of people, cars that can only be topped via pebble beach, and the area will make you hate your life that you have to leave. :smoke:

There is the typical touristy stuff, downtown disney, shopping @ southcoast plaza, etc.

You'll be pretty close to West Coast Choppers if you're into that stuff at all.

Going north up to the Beverly hills (most of it is a chit hole), Malibu area is cool for people watching. Lots of stuff to do, all the places you've heard about over the years are located in the area. If you're into the celebrity peeking thats the area you will mostly run into them. Stop by Mortons and enjoy a $25 burger, head up to skybar for a little night life action.

There is always something going on down here, just all depends what you want to see.

[rockdogz]

I haven't been there in a long time but Universal Studios is fun to go to once if you want to see some famous movie sets.

The Montage Hotel (http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/index.html) has an awesome view of the sunset with some great ($$$$) restaurants or you can just walk on the public path right in front of it above the beach.
Another favorite of ours is Las Brisas restaurant in Laguna as well - another good sunset view above the beach.
These places are in Laguna beach though, probably a 45 minute drive or so. Check out http://www.longbeach.com/ - it has some good ideas close to you. The Queen Mary is interesting, Aquarium of the Pacific is cool.

This site http://www.socalcarculture.com/cruise_nights.html will tell you when different regular cruise nights are and where.

[Steve1968LS2]

Is that Labor Day? If so there's a HUGE show and cruise in Orange County.

Also on Sat Mornings there's a deal called Donut Derilicks.. more musclecars than exotics.

The obvious choices are Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is pretty cool if you like that stuff.

[DusterRT]

Awesome. Thanks guys!

I'm letting my older sister tag along (lol). She'll be helping me navigate and will sure make the rental car a heck of a lot cheaper..

[AAW]

(waiting to see how long it takes Zbugger to ask for a picture of the sister. Should be any minute now...) :squint:

[Larry Callahan]

Lol!!!!

[Chucks73]

Check out the "Non Racing Events" section. I have two things happening on the weekend of 8/12-8/13.

Saturday Guldstrand Motorsports shop in Burbank with a tour by Mr Guldstrand and Sunday a visit to Petersen Museum. Maybe I'll see you there.

[Bob Johnson]

Peterson Museum is good. All kinds of good stuff around it..Rodeo Drive..Beverley Hills..beautiful homes and landscape..The big farmers market right up the street from the museum..good food..fresh vegetables, fruits, etc. Venice Beach is cool.Sat and Sundays especially..lot of people watching. Get a bike and ride forever say Santa Monica south on the sidewalk right on the beach..wonderful breeze and the sidewalk goes on forever. L/A has so much to see and do it's unreal. Is Pamona or Long Beach swap meets during that week? My daughter lives in Playa del Ray and has some bikes. My other daughter lives in Culver City. They know what goes on around there..just not so much into cars.

[rockdogz]

Unfortunately the next Pomona swap meet is 8/27 so he's going to just miss it...

[Bob Johnson]

Having never been to sunny so-cal before in my life, yet wanting to move out there after I graduate (and find a job.. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?p=182303#post182303 :look: ), I am taking a short trip in August before the fall semester starts. I'll be there the 8th through the 16th and am going to stay with family in Lakewood (might stay elsewhere for the weekend?).

Basically I'm looking for suggestions of things to see and do out there..seems like there is a lot that goes on, but I have no idea where to start! Museums, track events, open houses, shows, swap meets...I'll be rockin' an economy rental car so I won't have anything to show off or race in though. If you've got a shop and wouldn't mind a visitor, let me know! I'm looking to make the most of my week out there. Cars are my main obsession, but variety is the spice of life so I'm not restricting myself to car-related things.

Well, I think that's it. Thanks in advance for any input!
a blind hog could find an acorn in Los Angeles..

[DusterRT]

Hmm..still scratching my head on that on Bob! Are you trying to say there are a lot of nuts out there? LOL.

Thanks again everyone...I can't wait to get out there. From what I hear, I might think about not making that plane back home!

[Bob Johnson]

it's true that is the land of fruits and nuts..but that wasn't what I was refering to. Basically what I am saying in native redneck is there's so much to do, you will stumble into something despite your lack of knowing whats going on..

[DusterRT]

Ahh, gotcha!