zlo said:
My parents will be visiting for the first time in Sept/Oct and wanted to put together a list of places that I could take them to see and eat. It will be for me as well since I have only been here for a year and still haven't explored the area as much as I'd like...
Any suggestions? So far I can only think of going to San Diego, Catalina island, check out LA and maybe Disneyland...
They love gambling so might take them to some of the casinos around the area and we might even make a trip to Vegas. Any recommendations on which local casino is great?
How well can your parents handle hot weather? If not then I'd suggest planning outdoor activities earlier in the morning or later in afternoon/evening.
If they enjoy gambling, I'd take them to Las Vegas as none of the local casinos really compare.
South Coast Plaza (indoor) and Newport Fashion Island (beach breeze) may be better shopping experience than Outlet malls. Some restaurant suggestions:
- Plums Cafe (http://plumscafe.com/) for brunch in Costa Mesa
- Marche Moderne (http://www.marchemoderne.net/) for lunch or dinner at South Coast Plaza
- Mastro's Steakhouse (http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/) kobe steak
- Fig & Olive (http://www.figandolive.com/) at Fashion Island, Roy's and Fleming's is also nearby
For Disneyland, I'd suggest skipping CA adventures and just visit the main park, eat at a theme restaurant for lunch then go elsewhere for dinner:
- Anaheim White House Restaurant (http://www.anaheimwhitehouse.com/) very close to Disney, call and ask if the dessert tower (Jackie O?) is avail.
- The Ranch Restaurant (http://www.theranch.com/) order the cowboy ribeye
Take them for a nice stroll around Laguna Beach on weekday (not weekend)
- Sapphire (http://www.sapphirellc.com/) has nice patio with ocean view
Many other good places to eat and visit
Other obligatory tourist destinations include Rodeo Drive, Universal Studios, The Getty, Huntington Library rose garden tea (http://www.huntington.org/WebAssets/Templates/content.aspx?id=16103), etc.
Non typical tourist destination... if you're taking them to San Diego, stop by San Juan Capistrano, walk around the Mission then have tea and scones at the Tea House on Los Rios, or brunch at Ramos House:
http://www.theteahouseonlosrios.com/http://www.ramoshouse.com/
You can also take them to Artesia for a stroll around Little India, stop by Cerritos Public Library to relax and watch the giant fish tank, then have tea and light meal at Cafe Maji (http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-maji-artesia).
