I thought it would be a good idea for some of us SoCal locals to offer some tips for travellers, although Texas has played so much in SoCal the past several years, that many of you are now seasoned pros. Anyway, I expect this to be a bit of a rambling thread, with tips posted, questions posted, discussion of same. Starting with the obvious, air travel. You can fly into the following airports and get to the Pasadena area fairly easily. Los Angeles (LAX) Long Beach (LGB) Ontario (ONT) Burbank-Bob Hope (BUR) Orange County-John Wayne (SNA) Each of the above is within an hour's drive into Pasadena. San Diego (SAN) 2-3 hours away, off-peak traffic. You can also take the train up (Amtrak or commuter train metrolink/coaster) from San Diego to Los Angeles. Much better than fighting rush-hour traffic. Also, Palm Springs (PSP) is an option...expect 2 hrs. plus (off peak) into Pasadena. It's also possible to fly into Las Vegas (LAS)...expect a 5 hourish drive to the game from there. Phoenix (PHX) is also do-able (about a 7 hr drive) and may be an option to anyone that wants to combine a golf vacation with the game.
Big, I haven't made hotel reservations yet. Should I book ASAP or is lodging plentiful? I'm still thinking of driving out there instead of flying.
Greater LA is a big mofo. Also, last time isn't relevant, because this game is after the holidays and doesn't concur with the Rose Parade. It really depends on where you wish to stay. If you want to "party" then you should probably make a reservation in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood,etc. If you just want a clean place to crash and don't mind being a short drive from Pasadena, don't worry about it. If you want a hotel near Disneyland or something like that, then pull the trigger on a reservation.
Any bar suggestions downtown for the night before the game (staying at the Sheraton)? I'm not a playa', would like to hang out around other fans but realize LA is huge and most people out there probably don't give a **** about the game...in Austin terms, I'm much more a Tavern guy than a Warehouse District guy...
downtown is somewhat limited on the nightlfe. It's really a business zone, and not as much happens after dark. I'm sure that there are spots, but I don't know of any. The Hollywood and west side areas are more friendly to night life. Unless you like strip clubs.
For the Michigan Rose Bowl, I flew into San Diego and landed about ten or eleven p.m. PST, then drove to LA. No problems.
I haven't checked their schedule yet, but how difficult is it to score Laker tickets from scalpers outside of Staples?
Never done it, but I have seen them out there. They are also available on craigslist, and if you are staying at a decent hotel, check with the concierge.
Disneyland is pretty far away from Pasadena - in fact a county away. Not sure how many would want to drive there after the game. Cabs are very expensive, so you will want to consider a rent-a-car. Get a GPS as the freeway system can be difficult to navigate.
We got 8 of in our group and we're staying in Marina Del Rey. We're considering hiring a driver or 2 to take us to the game and then pick us up afterwards. Doesn't have to be a true limo, hell a van would work. Familiar with any of those options?
Downtown: Bar scene. hmm. Standard hotel is maybe a place to start (and from there you can ask the bartenders). The standard has a roof top bar, with a pool. Used to be a hip happening place. Still very LA swanky, but I dont know any other bar downtown. Ask the concierge for help. food wise, try fat burger. I have never been, but my LA colleagues swear by it. I have eaten at Drago, Takami, Cuidad, and Ciao Trattoria. Cuidad is the only one moderately priced. If you are on an expense account and like Japanese food/ sake this is a great place. Its set at the 21st floor of an office building and is usually a good scene. I don't live in LA, so this is just from work trips out there. Other places I have been are STK: west hollywood (great food, great scene pricey), shutters on the beach in Santa Monica (good food, more of country club upscale).
Lakers play mavericks at 6:30 sunday night, Houston on Tuesday night, Clippers (home team) on Wed night. i'd check ebay or ticketmaster for tickets.
Don't confuse downtown Standard with Hollywood Standard. As for the van to and from the game,The Link is one.
I scored a ticket to the NBA finals at Staples for $100 about 10 minutes before tip...I'd bet you'll find tickets outside for every game.
Thanks about the Lakers info. I found a hotel in Rosemead. Is that a safe place to stay or is it too close to East LA? Or do I watch too much tv?
All I know, is I have to do two things....Katana on Sunset for Sushi on the night before the game...and Mel's for Breakfast the morning of the game. Did both two years in a row. So, can't break the streak.
Rosemead is OK but not the best. If fact it's barely OK. Hispanic/Asian neighborhood. Decent restaurants. Nothing to do.
Clarification: Downtown LA is limited on the nightlife relative to the size of the city. I can't think of another city this size with such a dead nightlife in the downtown area. Are there clubs and bars? Sure. San Diego has 10 times the action downtown than LA, and is less than half the size. Same for SFO, etc.
Will..didn't mean to step on toes, was just trying to help out with options other than the Standard (great place on the right night - mentioned by several). Personally I love how different downtown is from 10 years ago - great progress has been made down there. Agreed - the venues downtown are more spread out..nothing as centralized as SD or SF...but there are choices. One place not mentioned - LA Live LA Live I've never been myself, but it seems to be centralized "entertainment campus" near Staples and Nokia. Trader Vic's, Katsuya, Rock-N Fish, and The Farm all have restaurants there - among many others. I know in the summer they also had some outdoor concerts, but doubting thats the case in January. Might be a good spot to check out for those staying downtown. As always - bring your wallet...you'll need it there. $$$ Looking forward to having all the Horns back in town!!
no offense taken. I really need other locals to contribute here, and I appreciate you doing so, and hope others will too.
Will, and others - Thanks for the helpful tips. One other question; I booked a room practically across the street from Staples. Will that be okay or do you suggest somewhere safer? I'm old school; I can sleep under a bridge, but I'm taking my daughter with me. I don't want her in the slums. I can cancel the room.
across from staples is business district, and is fine. Now, if it were across from the old "fabulous forum" or LA Sports Arena you would have a problem. What's the hotel? There are still some old SRO's down there.
