Whats the best thing to do when visiting SoCal?

Question

We are going to disneyland. Any other suggestions?

No beaches, I come from Hawaii. Is Magic Mountain better than Knotts? How long is the drvie from Disneyland to Magic Mountain? Hit me up with questions about Oahu.

Answer 1

Knotts Berry farm.
Don't forget to get a Tommy burger before you leave..

Answer 2

Magic Mountain and Disneyland are not close. The time would depend on the traffic....I would say at least an hour and probably more like 90 minutes. Knotts Berry Farm is more like 20 minutes from Disneyland.

At Disneyland try to be there when it opens. It's not nearly as crowded for the first hour or 2. Go on the most popular rides first if you go early. These would be Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Splash Mountain. Be sure to get fast passes when it starts to get crowded. The last hour or 2 it is open are also not as crowded. We usually take a break in the middle of the day, go to our hotel and come back after dinner. (Tip: Some rides such as California soaring have single rider lines that let you go to the front of the line. Ask at the gate....Space Mountain may have this line as well.)

If you want to shop, the City Block is a fun shopping mall not far from Disneyland. You would need to drive, but you don't need to get on the freeway.

If you have time, visit San Diego. There are lots of things to do there: http://www.sandiego-romantics.com. It's probably a 90 minute drive from Disneyland.

Answer 3

If you like faster, wilder roller coasters, go to Magic Mountain. Magic Mountain and Disneyland are far from each other. Magic Mountain is in Valencia while Disneyland is in the south in Anaheim. If you want to go to Knotts, it's very close to Disneyland. So if you want to save some gas, go to Knotts. Their coasters aren't too bad but obviously Magic is much more for the thrill seeker.

Also, if you don't want to do really touristy things, you can always visit Pasadena, home of the Rose Parade. It's such a beautiful city and a great place to eat! Colorado Blvd. is the hot spot. Also the houses in San Marino are beautiful, but, of course, not as extravagant as Muholland Dr.

Answer 4

I think all the suggestions are good but in my opinion Magic Mountain is best, with more big thrill roller-coasters for sure. But disneyland can be fun. I went there last year in March and had a great time with my son which was his first time.
Knotts berry farm in Buena Park is a great one too with less high thrill roller coasters but great with kids for that one too.
I agree Disneyland is good to get in early as possible and go on rides that usually will have long lines (which means many of them).
They do have the fast pass there which is a ticket you get in each section of the amusement park for a ride where you can get right on without being in the long line.

But, the only fast ride that didn't have the fast pass option is Matterhorn bobsleds ride which is the white mountain in middle of the park. You may want to ride that one first, I did and man it's as fun as I remember.

I live in Portland, Oregon now so visits down to LA isn't as often, maybe once a year but I still take advantage of the amusement parks in LA cause they can all be great fun and make for awesome memories.

But another one I would say is, if you love boating, then go to Long Beach and check out the boat ride to Catalina Island. Its great and only about 26 miles across the sea to the island and you can spend the day there, and have fun in the various shops and play games and get on the glass bottom boat tour they have there and other things like that and then take the boat back to Long beach at the end of the day.

But remember to be aware of times it leaves to go back to the mainland unless you plan on spending an evening in a local motel on Catalina Island, which can be fun too. Either way, that can be great fun too!

Answer 5

Disneyland, CA Adventure, Downtown Disney, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studio, Universal Studio Walk, the Star Tours in Los Angeles (tours of the wealthy areas and stars homes), the beautiful coast (which is where I live), SeaWorld, Corondo Island, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Los Angeles Rodeo Drive, The Farmers Market also in LA. If you go far enough up the coast, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, and many other amazing places. Enjoy!

Answer 6

Go to Hollywood and Highland... look it up! Shopping, museum of wax and Ripley's believe it or not, Kodak theater, clubs, eating. Also maybe studio city... City walk/ Universal Studios. There are lots of things to do there. How about the beach? Santa Monica has a cool pier with things to do. Magic Mountain?

Answer 7

knott's vs. mm depends on you and your companions.
younger kids will enjoy knott's. and it's closer to disney.
mm is more for teens and young adults, but an county away.

universal studio is fun. maybe the hollywood walk of fame and surrounds. drive around beverly hills or take in any of our numerous museums.

and don't knock venice beach. you ain't got nothing like it in Oahu.

Answer 8

Go hiking at Vasquez Rocks. It is such a unique place- and if it looks familiar, it's because they filmed many Star Trek episodes there, in addition to the Flinstones movie. But it's not a set, it's a park. They also have grills, etc., for Bar-B-Q's.
Here are the directions and info:

http://parks.co.la.ca.us/vasquez_narea.html

Answer 9

it depend on what you like to do. Huntington Gardens, the beach, museums, tour of the movie star homes, farmers market and of course the real reason you travel anywhere: To get the best hot dog in town PINKS