Things to do!

We have had many questions regarding sight seeing and things to do while visiting Los Angeles for our wedding. Here are some suggestions.

South Bay - Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beach. The Portofino Hotel is located in Redondo Beach, one of the 3 beaches that make up the South Bay.
Redondo Beach Pier - Just south of the Portofino, it's the pier time forgot. Take the kids to the arcade, walk the beach and have a pint at KillKenny's. A of couple restaurant suggestions right around the hotel include Ruby's dinner, The Cheesecake Factory and Blue Water Grill.
Hermosa Beach Pier - a short walk to the north from the Portofino, the closest thing you will find to Baywatch. Whatever you do, make sure you walk the Strand (boardwalk).
Coffee - visit Java Man on Pier Ave. or have a cup at Starbucks at the pier.
Restaurants - There are a bunch of good Italian restaurants on Pier Ave. Club Sushi is the best raw fish around and for excellent down home Cajun food visit Rajun Cajun up the street on Pier Ave. from the HB Pier.
Manhattan Beach - The MB Pier is about 3 miles north of the Hotel. The surrounding business district also includes many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques. The beach is perfect and the houses are huge and mostly modern. The best way to describe MB is, Beverly Hills on the Beach. Take your car and drive through the tree district of MB located 4 blocks east of the beach.

Los Angeles
Sight Seeing:
Malibu - surfs up and so are the stars. A beautiful drive up highway 1.
Venice Beach - Muscle Beach and lots of kooks, everything you've heard about LA can be found here.
Hollywood and Highland - Chinese Man theatre, the Kodak theatre (think Oscars), boutique shopping and the Hollywood sign
Getty Center - Museum on the hill, the best views you'll find of LA can be found at this slice of serenity.
Sunset Strip - Rockstars / clubs / bars on this main drag. Or venture off and drive the hills to see were the stars live.
La Brea Tarpits, Natural History and Metropolitan Art Museums - Mid Wilshire area From Van Gogh to dinosaurs.
Disney Land - not Disney World, make sure to ride Pirates of the Caribbean and visit the Haunted House.
Universal Studios - Another awesome theme park for the kids. Check out the Back Draft ride and the outdoor mall - City Walk.
Santa Barbara - Marie's favorite place and her college town. An awesome 1 1/2 hour drive up highway 1. Great restaurants, boutiques, beautiful beaches, the old mission and huge houses. Make sure to check out State street.
Huntington / Newport / Laguna Beach - Beach communities worth visiting in the O.C.- 1 hour south of LA.
San Diego - 2 hour drive south of LA. Check out the Gaslamp district, La Jolla and Pacific Beach.

Shopping
Santa Monica Promenade - outdoor shopping mall with tons of people watching 3 blocks from the SM Pier and the beach.
Beverly Center - close to the Museums, the Grove and Rodeo Drive, indoor mall with high end shops.
Rodeo Drive - walk the streets of Beverly Hills and see were Paris Hilton shops.
The Grove - a very nice outdoor mall with an adjacent farmers Market.
Melrose / Beverly / Robertson - from hip clothes to modern furniture, interesting things can be found driving this area.
Century City - beautiful open air mall with a gourmet food court and lots of shopping.
South Coast Plaza - the ultimate mall in the O.C.
Old Town Pasadena - Colorado Blvd is a street packed with stores and restaurants.

Outdoors and athletic activities
Griffith Park - Inland park with many activities.
Runyon Canyon - off Hollywood blvd, hike uphill with the stars and get a great view of the Hollywood sign.
Pacific Palisades - Will Roger's Park offers up beautiful hikes and views of the Santa Monica mountains.
The Strand - Start at any of the beach piers - jog, rent a bike or rollerskate/blade along the beach.