So it looks like I will probably be in SoCal in early February - specifically Los Angeles, and possibly San Diego too, for a maximum of 10 days (possibly less), but not consecutively (5/6+3/4 most likely - I have a personal event to attend to with about a week beforehand and a few days afterwards for my own travels). I will be flying in and out of L.A. and do not want to fly elsewhere. I know that L.A. is not on the top of most people's bucket lists, but since I will be there I'd like to make the most of my time there since I'll probably never head that way again.
Some places are definitely on the to-do list, like the Walt Disney concert hall and Freestyle Photographic and a couple of cemeteries since that's another interest of mine. Will probably head down to Santa Monica/Venice as well to do some photography along the boardwalk. Although I'm sure I could fill my days with many touristy things to do, I'd prefer to know what other places you would recommend - interesting (safe) neighbourhoods/buildings to photograph, possible day trips or an overnight trip (death valley for example, which seems doable in the winter - I don't mind longish drives to get out of the city), museums/galleries with photo exhibits, other events/activities that are interesting/fun to do, etc. I have done a search here on APUG but the few threads that exist are quite old so I'm not sure if the information is still valid.
I've read on this forum that people do not recommend driving in and out of L.A., but on other travel forums I have been treated with derision for asking about doing L.A. with public transit. I am reluctant to rent a car since I don't drive that often (once every 2 years when I go home(!)), but I've done it in many places/cities around the world - not sure why L.A. worries me more than any other place I've been to. That said, I've already come to terms with the fact that I'll have to rent while I'm there.
I also know that people will suggest northern California, and while I would love to go up there, it's not feasible for this trip. This trip will not be photographically-based, in that I'll be bringing minimal photographic gear (in all likelihood just one camera, 2 or 3 prime lenses, and no tripod). Of course, I will be doing some photography when I'm there. But grand vistas that require stopped-down lenses and a tripod are not in the cards for this trip.
Alright, that's enough info for now I think. Looking forward to any and all suggestions. I'll probably be purchasing my airline tickets later this week, but I wanted to get some last minute information before I hit the buy button.
Some places are definitely on the to-do list, like the Walt Disney concert hall and Freestyle Photographic and a couple of cemeteries since that's another interest of mine. Will probably head down to Santa Monica/Venice as well to do some photography along the boardwalk. Although I'm sure I could fill my days with many touristy things to do, I'd prefer to know what other places you would recommend - interesting (safe) neighbourhoods/buildings to photograph, possible day trips or an overnight trip (death valley for example, which seems doable in the winter - I don't mind longish drives to get out of the city), museums/galleries with photo exhibits, other events/activities that are interesting/fun to do, etc. I have done a search here on APUG but the few threads that exist are quite old so I'm not sure if the information is still valid.
I've read on this forum that people do not recommend driving in and out of L.A., but on other travel forums I have been treated with derision for asking about doing L.A. with public transit. I am reluctant to rent a car since I don't drive that often (once every 2 years when I go home(!)), but I've done it in many places/cities around the world - not sure why L.A. worries me more than any other place I've been to. That said, I've already come to terms with the fact that I'll have to rent while I'm there.
I also know that people will suggest northern California, and while I would love to go up there, it's not feasible for this trip. This trip will not be photographically-based, in that I'll be bringing minimal photographic gear (in all likelihood just one camera, 2 or 3 prime lenses, and no tripod). Of course, I will be doing some photography when I'm there. But grand vistas that require stopped-down lenses and a tripod are not in the cards for this trip.
Alright, that's enough info for now I think. Looking forward to any and all suggestions. I'll probably be purchasing my airline tickets later this week, but I wanted to get some last minute information before I hit the buy button.
