Hey L.A. Peeps!

[averygoodun42]

My parents are going to have a 12 hour layover in LA in a month or so. Assuming the weather is good (which actually isn't a safe assumption, given that my dad takes odd weather with him), what's the best nearby beach to walk on or lounge by?

And do you know of any decent/good eateries around there?

My dad HATES (HATES! HATES!!!) driving in cities, so either reasonable taxi distance or laid-back driving experience places only, please. If possible. If not possible... *shrug* Someplace close enough to minimize the trauma?

Thanks in advance!

Comments

[keladry_lupin]

LAX itself is not a laid-back driving experience, nor are any of the roads leading to it, but once you get outside the airport hub and the nearby roads, it gets better. Are your folks willing to rent a car for those twelve hours, then?

I ask because boss-man JD lives in the general vicinity of the airport, and I want more info before I ask him for advice.

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

I don't know that they know yet. I think so, though. They certainly aren't going to walk out of the airport! ;-D

[bonsaibetz.livejournal.com]

They are having a layover at LAX? Because there are three other airports in the "L.A." area: Burbank and Orange County/John Wayne Airport. I can tell you about LAX and Burbank.

For LAX, they'll have to get a taxi as L.A. is a car only town. Do not count on public transportation. It's notoriously the worst in the world. There is nothing to walk to from LAX. L.A. Is like London in that it is very spread out, but without the benefit of a good Tube system to get you around. Near LAX is Venice Beach to the north, which if your dad likes looking at anorexic girls rollerblading around in bikinis and the smell of pot wafting from all the medical marijuana dispensaries, they should go there. Marina Del Rey I have a feeling is much more their speed. There are lots of sailboats heading up and down the channel and restaurants with views of all the nicely kept docks where thee are sailboats and yachts (it's not a shipping port if that's what you're thinking). Lots of walking and bike paths, and probably some bike rental places around the Marina. Bit farther south of LAX is Manhattan Beach/Redondo Beach which is much more chill and laid back beach community than Venice. Or there is the boardwalk at the Santa Monica Pier, which has been spiffed up and there are carnival rides and games, but I'm guessing Marina Del Rey will be a better fit.

If they are flying into Burbank get back to me and I'll give you idea for there. Hint, he'll still need a taxi.

[averygoodun.livejournal.com]

Yes, LAX.

Which beach/area do you think my dad won't get hissed at for smoking a cigar?

[bonsaibetz.livejournal.com]

Marina Del Rey, for the cigar. Not near a park where kids may be playing, but some bench along the bike/jogging path. You have a slightly older set in Marina Del Rey, as you need money to own a boat/yacht. Marina Del Rey is also just two to three miles north of LAX.

There is a park/bike path right across from Tony P's grill:

4445 Admiralty Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 823-4534
tonyps.com‎

I haven't been down to Marina Del Rey in years, but from 1991 to 1995, my mother owned a sailboat down in MDR, and after she moved back to Cheyenne around 1992, we'd go down there and spend the weekend on the boat while checking up on it, checking the bilge, fire up the engine, so on until she sold it.