Off Topic Hitting the left coast

[oddjob]

I am starting to work on the family travel plans for this summer (July) and am heading for the smaller MouseHouse and then onward to SanDiego. I was hoping for some input on other, non-touristy things to do, places to eat, etc. (we are spending a day going north to SLO, I bleeb, might have to swing the girl by the factory so she can see where Kermit came from). Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[TNT]

Ritch,

After you hit SLO keep driving north to the Bay Area. We can do some jammin', plus there are "unlimited" things for you and your family to do.

 

[T-bone]

Hey Rich,

PM me with your dates as I might be able to help with some tickets into Dizkneeland.

Also, if you're in LA, The Ghetty is a must see. Truly a world class museum.

tbone

 

[Smakbass]

I am at mouseland right now..we were at knotts yesterday and honestly could of skipped that I think there were like 300 ppl in the place, although the wooden rollercoaster is great.

 

[silverburst]

You could stop by my house for a cookout, if you'd like. PM if you need some ideas.

Rex

 

[syciprider]

First stop:

In and Out Burger!

Let me know what your sked is like via PM OJ. I'm constantly out to sea (like tonight for example) but it will be good to meet up with you if my ship happens to be inport and I don't have duty.

 

[midopa]

+1 on in n out.

... well that's about as fine dining as i get.

oh, also 'the hat' in pasadena or simi valley for some nice pastrami burgers


oh also tommy's (beware imposters "tomys" "tomies" "tommies" and all variations thereof) for some coma-inducing chili cheese burgers and fries. try their new breakfast Thing. it's got like chili, burgers, sausage, egg, cheese, bacon, and a turducken (i think).

if you're in east los angeles there's a boooooomb taco cart that only comes out at night* on the intersection of cesar chavez and gallardo. much better than king taco imo.
* i also heard you need to collect all four crystals and activate the ancients' airship and fly to the entrance of the doomsday zzot tower but that's a job for mythbusters

 

[oddjob]

This is all great stuff... I really appreciate the info!!!

 

[paranoid70]

Venice Beach! Not quite as cool as say 15-20 years ago, but still can be fun.

 

[RobertB]

For the best breakfast in San Diego County & a cool/laid back vibe, hit the "Beach Break Cafe", in Oceanside: 1902 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054 (760) 439-6355

Even though it's kinda touristy, if you have young kids, Legoland is much cooler than you might expect, even for adults. The lego cities their staff build (likenesses/models of cities around the world) and which are on display throughout the park are amazing.

If you're a beef eater, and more specifically if you like Brazilian style food/cooking, you gotta hit Rei do Gado downtown (http://www.reidogado.net/). Kinda pricy, but you'll leave there fat, dumb & happy. For a flat price, they just bring you different excellent cuts of meat until you can't stand any more.

If you like fresh fish, gotta hit Fish House Vera Cruz (http://www.fishhouseveracruz.com/). They have a few locations, but might as well check out the one in Carlsbad, if it's not too outta your way, so that you can check out Carlsbad Village itself (actually just south of Oceanside). GREAT fresh fish, and a casual atmosphere.

My favorite chill spot in all of San Diego ... the meditation gardens on the Self Realization Fellowship grounds/property in Encinitas. This spot overlooks the ocean from a few hundred feet, and the gardens themselves are a place of almost otherworldly beauty. I'm certain you'll see trippy & exotic things growing there you've never seen before. The vibe there is amazing. There are also several koi ponds in the gardens with HUGE, gorgeous koi that are over 50 years old. Just a REALLY cool spot to cruise through & a very well kept secret - not touristy & no one will bother you. It's open to the public only until 5PM daily. It's also right above a section of public beach that's particularly cool to check out, called "Swami's" (so named for the "swami" who used to live on the property above, where the mediation gardens are - a dude named Paramahansa Yogananda). A cool "combo" is to check out both the gardens and "swami's" beach (which has its own convenient parking). If you want more info/location details on these, lemme know. It's hard to emphasize/convey what a cool spot this is.



Have fun!

 

[oddjob]

Robert, thanks for the heads up... sounds uber cool.

 

[midopa]

leeeeeeeft syiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide

doesn't quite sound the same
(strong side)