You should probably give us an idea of what exactly you're looking for. There's more stuff to do in LA/Socal than almost anywhere in the country and we could list pages and pages of suggestions.
What kind of money are you looking to spend? What do you like to do? What types of restaurants do you want to eat at, etc?
The wife and I visited our daughter in San Diego last spring and she took us to tour the aircraft carrier Midway. It cost $15 per head but well worth it. I highly reccomend. She also took us to the bars and cafes downtown at night but I did'nt fit in to well in my cowboy clothes.
No kids, we definitely want to eat somewhere nice. I am staying with friends in LA and in San Diego. Mainly will be in LA most of the time, ini south LA. I am definitely taking some cash to have a good time so this is my first vacation out there since the Rose Bowl but I didn't have that much time outside of the football game.
I am easy to please and we have a few things planned but want to try to get some other things we should do. I think we will check out a beach or two, maybe Santa Monica Pier, some of the touristy things for sure. Is Disneyland worth it?? What restaurants would you guys recommend? I am definitely willing to spend some money for a nice dinner. Thanks!
When you are San Diego, I would highly recommend going to Brockton Villa in La Jolla for breakfast. If you make reservations you can assure yourself a table overlooking the Pacific Ocean. www.brocktonvilla.signonsandiego.com/
My daughter also took us to a place called Old Town. It was pretty neat with all kinds of shops and such. You could not buy beer and walk around with it however, so I did'nt last long there.
I'd like to also mention the daughter took us to the BBQ joint that had some scenes from Top Gun filmed in. I can't remember the name, all I can remember is how crappy the BBQ was. When looking at the menu, it did'nt say brisket, it just said smoked beef. I asked the bartender what kind of meat it was, and he said top round. WTF! Anyway, avoid that place at all cost.
"I'd like to also mention the daughter took us to the BBQ joint that had some scenes from Top Gun filmed in. I can't remember the name, all I can remember is how crappy the BBQ was. When looking at the menu, it did'nt say brisket, it just said smoked beef. I asked the bartender what kind of meat it was, and he said top round. WTF! Anyway, avoid that place at all cost. "
Dont worry about visiting this place in SD...heard it burned down
If you're into art at all, consider a visit to The Getty. Both locations have fantastic collections and they're free except for $8 parking. These are popular places to visit so you need to plan ahead and get your free tickets in advance. It's funded by the largest arts endowment in history ($3B) so they can afford a very nice collection. Also, The Getty Center location has a fantastic view of LA.
lots and lots of fru fru places to eat in LA. mastro's in bev hills has really good steak. 2 people with wine will cost about 200 bucks.
if you're an adult i'd save disneyland for when you have kids.
santa monica pier is very touristy and really not that great but what the hell you might as well go. 3rd street promenade is right there and has plenty of shopping.
Almost forgot. The Crab Cooker at Newport Beach is my favorite casual seafood place ever. Absolutely fantastic seafood served on paper plates and reasonably priced for what you get.
Hit the Gass Lamp district at night in SD. The MaiTai bar and Blue are good places. Moose's is always hopping at night too.
The Spot and Jaimies in LaJolla are local places, always crowded. There is also a Chart House in LaJolla that is good food and scenery.
Try the Point Loma Seafood market during the day, you will love it.
In-N-Out Burger is off the 5 just in Pacific Beach (Imperial exit) and a great breakfast place is called - The Broken Yoke off Garnett in PB..think Kerbey Lane like place.
SD is also home to Fish Tacos- Rubios being the most famous- check them out, all over SD.
Take the wife down to Mission beach one day and check out the Wave House right there on MB.
I am a native of Orange County so if your plans change and you are going to do Newport/ Laguna i can give you some other places. As mentioned above; the Crab Cooker is a great place in Newport and just down the street from Sharkee's and Woodys Wharf- two rocking bars.