What to do with two 60 year olds for a week in LA?

Hi Louis,

This is a pretty open-ended question. Have they been to LA before? Are they okay to walk around for longer periods of time?

Here are a few suggestions assuming that they haven't really explored LA:

For museums there's the LACMA, which always has really cool exhibits, Petersen Automotive Museum is nice if they are into cars or the La Brea Tar Pits are cool to see. The Getty Villaoffers great views and areas to sit outside. 

If they are a little adventurous, he can take them to Venice Beach Boardwalk. Lots to see and you can choose how much you want to walk. Or the Santa Monica Pier (it's a little less hectic).

For a great view of Los Angeles you can go to the Griffith Observatory, you can drive up and park so there isn't really too much walking involved.

If they are looking for a nice place to catch some sun and grab and ice-cream you can head to a cafe in Santa Monica or Marina Del Rey. For a more relaxed environment where you can practically drive up to a beach, you can head to Malibu Beach. 

If you're looking to get out of town, but don't want to go too far, Catalina Island is a great choice. The ride isn't too expensive and you can make it a day time affair. Great place for a nice stroll on Avalon, some food and lots of sun.

Hope this helps,

Kristal

LA Art Museum LACMA, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Blvd. Chinese Theater. Mann's Chinese Theater, La Brea Tar Pits, Catalina Island,The Queen Mary, and Venice Beach Boardwalk to name a few.

Getty Museum is both a wonderful setting and one of the most unique art collections in the country, if they're into art.

A concert at Hollywood Bowl is a great way to spend an evening if the weather's pleasant (well, when isn't it?).  A picnic dinner with deli food and wine goes well.  Walt Disney Concert Hall has many good concerts in an excellent and unique indoor setting. 

I'm 60+, so I'll give you my opinion as to what oldsters like in LA.  I should say that I usually plan vacations emphasizing food and drink, so that affects my choices.  I also lived in LA 35 years ago, and although I've been there many times since, my recommendations may be a little dated.

As far as Hollywood goes, I would recommend a quick driving tour down Hollywood Blvd between La Brea Avenue and just past Vine Street.  Veer off and drive by the Capitol Records building.  Then double back and park near the Mann's Chinese Theater (Now TCL owned) to see the hand and foot prints of the stars, and check out as much of the Hollywood Walk of fame as they can tolerate.  Finish the tour with the highlight- a martini at the bar at Musso and Frank Grill.

Other sights in the Hollywood area are the Hollywood Bowl, which is a great place for a picnic and concert, and Yamashiro, which has a fantastic view of LA on a clear day or night and beautiful gardens.  The food there used to be pretty bad, but recent reviews indicate it is now quite good, and dinner or and drink in the bar there might be an option.  

Not far from Hollywood, I would go to the Griffith Observatory for the view and a quick look.  If they are baseball fans, take in a game at Dodger Stadium.

Santa Monica has some things to see, do and eat.  The Santa Monica Pier  and Palisades Park are nice places to walk, even if the pier is touristy.  There are a number of good restaurants in the area.  Blue Plate Oysterette across from the park is nice for lunch.   If you want the classic dive bar with a restaurant, check out Chez Jay Restaurant across from the pier.  It's been there for more than 50 years and hasn't changed much.  Small bar filled with regulars when you walk in and tables on the right, peanuts shells on the floor,  jukebox playing, and a lot of history.  The food isn't gourmet, but it's pretty good steaks and seafood at reasonable prices.  Santa Monica has a great Farmers Market, one of the best in LA. 

A little farther south, Main Street has shops and restaurants.  The Galley is another old-time restaurant (founded in 1934) that has a lot of history and good, relatively inexpensive food, along with a tiki bar and a fun time. Venice Beach is a bit of a zoo, but a brief stop might be entertaining for the folks.  Abbot Kinney Blvd has restaurants and shops.  I like Joe's Restaurant which has great food in a relaxed atmosphere.  Hopefully, the parents will pay if they want to go for dinner, although he should pay if they go for weekend brunch.

Finally, a ride up to Malibu Beachwould be nice for lunch with a view.