What to do in Universal area for 1/2 day?

[mattR]

Any suggestions on things to do in the Universal Area for a 1/2 day? Not Universal Studios itself as we will do that the following two days. 2 adults and to kids (4)+(9)?

[Splinter]

Will you have a car? You are not far from Griffith Park, and could go to the newly remodeled Griffith Park Observatory (which you will recognize from many films...from Rebels without a Cause to THX1134).

 

You could also drive down to Hollywood and do the Walk of Stars (watch out for the sleeze element) or visit Mann's (formerly Grauman's) Chinese Theater to see all the foot/hand prints of stars from days past.

 

If you have a car, you could also go a little further and visit the Getty Center (near UCLA).

[DonLou]

I would suggest taking the Metro Red Line subway from Universal to Hollywood and taking in the sights there - i.e., Kodak Theatre, El Capitan Theatre, Graumann's Chinese, all at the Hollywood/Highland stop. You can also stroll up and down Hollywood Blvd. and see the Walk of Fame and various other attractions (and oddities). There are plenty of places to eat. The subway is $1.25 for a one way trip. It only takes about 5 minutes from Universal to the Hollywood/Highland station and the subway train comes by about every 15 minutes.

[JJ2sail]

Also the Farmer's Market is fun to check out! And I am thinking of going to the LaBrea tarpits/Museum, has anyone done that?

[mattR]

Yes we do have a car. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Also the Farmer's Market is fun to check out! And I am thinking of going to the LaBrea tarpits/Museum, has anyone done that?

Here's museum info:

 

Natural History Museum

http://www.nhm.org/

Dinosaurs and such, but I think they're remodeling, so check out the schedules of what is available...

 

La Brea Tarpits

http://www.tarpits.org/

Actual current active and being excavated Tar Pits.

Again, check the website for specifics...

 

California Science Center

http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/

They're having this cool Star Wars interactive exhibit coming up that I think is going to be up and running when you are here.

Again, check out the website for specifics...

 

I personally think that the Tar Pits and museum is one of the most unique in LA. How often do you see active tar pits and excavations?

If you are interested in that kind of thing, it's really unique.

CJW

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Yes we do have a car. Thanks for the suggestions.

mattr,

Also on Hollywood Boulevard, there are quite a few kid friendly attractions...

The El Capitan Theater, which would be great if you are there after March 30th when the new animated movie opens...

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/

also you could decide at the moment...

Hollywood Wax Museum:

www.hollywoodwax.com

or Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum:

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ripleyshollywood/mainmenu.html

There are coupons for this online...

There is also usually people dressed in character costumes (different depending on the day) in front of the Chinese Theater that your kids can take pictures with...

CJW

[JJ2sail]

Here's museum info:

 

Natural History Museum

http://www.nhm.org/

Dinosaurs and such, but I think they're remodeling, so check out the schedules of what is available...

 

La Brea Tarpits

http://www.tarpits.org/

Actual current active and being excavated Tar Pits.

Again, check the website for specifics...

 

California Science Center

http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/

They're having this cool Star Wars interactive exhibit coming up that I think is going to be up and running when you are here.

Again, check out the website for specifics...

 

I personally think that the Tar Pits and museum is one of the most unique in LA. How often do you see active tar pits and excavations?

If you are interested in that kind of thing, it's really unique.

 

CJW

 

 

Thanks CJW! Will check it out!;)

Jen