ph0t0bug

I will be going to Los Angeles for the 1st time in May. I was wondering if the zoo there is any good? I know there will be plenty of beautiful scenery,but what other photo tops would you suggest? We will be staying downtown.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens are beautiful http://www.lazoo.org
located in Griffith Park which includes several really cool attractions
http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk/attractions.htm
- Merry-Go-Round, the Griffith Observatory, Southern Railroad, Live Steamers Railroad Museum and Travel Town Museum
You can hike to the Hollywood sign http://laist.com/2012/02/18/three_ways_to_hike_to_the_hollywood.php

Downtown LA can be beautiful at night, but there is so much more to see during the day.
Grand Central Market http://www.grandcentralsquare.com
Angels Flight Railway http://angelsflight.com
Union Station http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Station_(Los_Angeles)
Olvera Street http://www.olvera-street.com
Walt Disney Concert Hall http://www.laphil.com/philpedia/about-walt-disney-concert-hall
City Hall (go to the 26th floor observatory for free and you will get uh-mazing views of the city) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_City_Hall
the Library http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Public_Library
flower district (get there by 6am on a saturday) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Flower_District
The Bradbury Building http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradbury_Building
and SO much more http://www.downtownlawalks.com/?f=maps and http://golosangeles.about.com/od/losangelestours/tp/Los-Angeles-Walking-Tours.htm

On the other side of town is
The Getty Center http://www.getty.edu
Santa Monica Pier http://santamonicapier.org
Santa Monica Promenade
http://www.santamonica.com/visitors/what-to-do/shopping/downtown

I could go on and on.

Carl A Loc: Homosassa FL

If you can go to the San Diego zoo it beets LA zoo out
by far .

ph0t0bug

Thank you both SO MUCH for all the wonderful info! Should keep us busy for a while! Can't wait!

macc Loc: Ventura, Ca.

Just about nailed it. With a little more leeway, north, south and east, you can expand your potential even farther (Malibu coastline, Palos Verdes, and Long Beach, L.A. Harbor, San Jacinto, Palm Springs Tram, Gold mining towns, Big Bear and snow/ski/ lake shots) etc. etc. etc. Macc

ph0t0bug

Boy, would I love that! But will only have 4 days and parking where we are staying is $40 a day, so we may only rent a car for 1day. My sister is going on business, so she will be travelling with co-workers.

Remoman Loc: Someplace Remote Near LA

I did not see links for LA Union Station, the downtown LA city Library, several amazing museums in Exposition Park, Olivera Street, China Town, Little Japan - all of which are within walking distance of LA City Hall. Just Google them.
Aquarium Of The Pacific, Long Beach http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/
A link to things to do in LA: http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=2&gs_ri=hp&gs_mss=what%20to%20see%20in%20downtown%20la&tok=wRkB1grFZPC9WMzIzGLRyg&cp=26&gs_id=t&xhr=t&q=what+to+see+in+downtown+la&es_nrs=true&pf=p&newwindow=1&tbo=d&sclient=psy-ab&oq=what+to+see+in+downtown+la&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41867550,d.cGE&fp=10c21c28c454948f&ion=1&biw=1120&bih=635

Since you may only rent a car for one day, here are some transportation links.
Both have weekend passed at greatly discounted rates and senior fares.

Trains covering a wide area: http://www.metrolinktrains.com/
Discounts: http://www.metrolinktrains.com/ticketspricing/page/title/discounts
Weekends: http://www.metrolinktrains.com/howtoride/page/title/weekends

Busses and light rail:
http://www.metro.net/
Fares page, seniors and day and weekend prices and discounts:
http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/

I do have one question, since the LA area is so spread out, why are you staying at a place that charges $40 to park when there are so many places that offer free parking? As a suggestion, many rental car companies will deliver the car to the hotel daily at no charge and you will get the benefit of lower rates and they assume the parking.

As an aside, my son travels the world for his business and he tells me that high end hotels charge an arm and a leg for services such as wi-fi and parking that slightly lower priced inns provide free of charge.
Good Luck

ph0t0bug

Wow! A lot of great info. We are staying in a very expensive place because my sister's employer is paying as she will be attending meetings and classes there. I am going to be staying in her room. At any rate I will have plenty of time on my own, and understand there is a lot to be seen within walking distance. Sounds like such an exciting place! Thanks so much for the advice.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

If transportation is the issue there are walking tours linked above and the bus system is very good. Go online or ask the hotel concierge for a schedule. Some hotels offer transportation or know cheap tours for the area also. You should have a great time!

ph0t0bug

Perfect! Thanks a mill!

Remoman Loc: Someplace Remote Near LA

Specifically, where are you staying?
I worked downtown for UPS and I believe I could give you some area specific things to do.

ph0t0bug

What great friends I have made here! I will post it tomorrow. I don't have the name on hand right now.Thank you!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Depending on where you are from it can be a real experience. One thing most tourists do not take into account is the traffic. Google Maps does a good job predicting it for you, but keep it in mind.

Remoman Loc: Someplace Remote Near LA

When you send the info, I do not need a specific name, if you do not wish, the street and cross street will do.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

LA has some of the best tours for photographers in the country. Look at:

http://www.starlinetours.com/los-angeles-tours.asp?gclid=CNWU9cyenrUCFYl_Qgodd1IAVg

If and when you talk to them, let them know if you are an experienced photographer. Starline has staff members who are or have been professional photographers, and they can assist you as to which tours are best (you want to tour with photographers, not googly eye tourists) and optimal equipment for each tour.