Ok, so in about a month my mother and I are going to California for a few days, actually our last day there will be my birthday, but thats irrelevant at the moment.
Whenever we go somewhere we just go and stumble upon places to eat and shop, but never really plan anything. Which was all good and well until we went to New York a few winters ago, and got back home only to find the Chanel Exhibit was going on at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art while we were there, and we missed it! Boo.
So I am asking my wonderful readers for a little advice or suggestions on what to do/see/eat/shop while in sunny California. We'll be in Del Mar and Laguna Beach (yeah, that Laguna Beach) and hopefully Long Beach to visit 4th st, which I am told is a vintage heaven. So anything in or around those areas would be much appreciated :)
xoxo
22 comments:
LAGUNA BEACH??? I live in laguna beach! there is a BUNCH to do ... but if i were you... I would go to beach combers. not so much for the food but to check out the restored 1930's beach bungalow cottages you can rent out http://thebeachcombercafe.com/_crystalcove/index.aspx plus its a GREAT place to take photos. Eat at Wahoos fish tacos... my friend did a post on some good thrift stores around orange and costa mesa http://handmadebrigadeofoc.blogspot.com/2010/01/thrifting-we-will-go.html uummm I cant think of anything else right now but email me if you have any questions!!! brookowens@gmail.com San Juan where i work is also really nice to see.
Oh! How fun!!! I absolutely love CA--hope you'll have loads of vintage fun there! ;)
♥ Casey
blog | elegantmusings.com
I have never been before! I really need to see it one day! I hope you are having lots of fun!
Ooh, I used to live in California, but it was San Francisco.
I'd say if you hit up Long Beach you have to see the Queen Mary. Or even stay the night. ooo haunted shiiiiip.
I think Kooza from Cirque du Soleil should be playing somewhere down there too, go see it. Or Ovo.
Oh, I'm so jealous! My grandpa just got back from CA yesterday- but it was a business trip :( Happy early birthday, darlin'. Have fun!!
http://vavoomvintage.blogspot.com/
OMG you need to go to 4th street ; NEED . trust me , you won't regret it .
ahh this makes me miss living in long beach so much :{
Yes! if in Long Beach, 4th street is a must, and so is a visit to the Queen Mary! If you get a chance to go to L.A. visit the vintage clothing store, "Play-clothes" in Studio City. She has some divine things. Also the Cicada Club on Sunday nights is a perfect way to step back in Deco heaven, in the absolute ambiance for the nightclubs of yesteryear!
Have fun!
~Syd
4th St is a lot of fun....but don't go with a ton of expectations...the area has changed a lot in the last 5-6 years, with stores changing all the time. I think you'd enjoy the Queen Mary much more and you'd definitely spend more time there than all the shops on 4th.
Here's a link to the monthly Antique market, too, which is great: http://www.longbeachantiquemarket.com/
You should definitely check out The Derby just above L.A. Here's the website: http://www.clubderby.com/ You see bits of it's art deco goodness in the movie, Swingers.
If you feel like taking a road trip, I highly recommend Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which is halfway between San Francisco and LA.
But if you're sticking close to LA and Long Beach, then definitely visit the Queen Mary!
I think you'll like 4th street in Long Beach. Definately see the Queen Mary it is quite beautiful. I live here in Long Beach and left once to live somewhere else for a year and I wanted to come back SOO BADD! I like the diversity and culture. Another place I think you would like is Old Town Pasedena with its grand Craftman Style homes and they have great shopping too. When ever I go there I feel like I have stepped back in time!
When you are in Del Mar, you should go 5 minutes north on the 101 to Encinitas. I'd say it has a much more authentic beach town feel to it. While you are there hit up Coast Highway Traders for awesome international accessories and Flashbacks for vintage fashion.
:) Have fun!
I was in Laguna Beach last year! I found the old bungalows and buildings really interesting, but I'm afraid I didn't find anything vintage-y to recommend ... of course, I did go as a tourist and only spent two days there, so that's hardly a surprise. So there you go, that's my deeply unhelpful comment. You're welcome. ;)
A xx
P.S. Word verification is 'dosed', which is what I need to be this morning - dosed with coffee!
Hi! Native San Diegan who works in Del Mar here! Hopefully I can help you a bit by suggesting some things to see/do/eat around town.
One of the nicest things to do in Del Mar is take a stroll or car ride up historic Coast Highway 101 - there are some really cute antique shops on the highway.
If you're willing to drive 20 minutes south of Del Mar you'd be in the heart of Downtown San Diego, and there are so many interesting sights to see in that area. Also, you might want to stop by the San Diego Zoo and/or Balboa Park - Balboa park is one of my absolute favorite non-beach places to go in San Diego. I'm blessed to live within walking distance.
I can recommend a ton of great restaurants in and around San Diego, but I can't think of anything off the top of my head (right now) in Del Mar - I may comment later with some rec's.
I'd also suggest taking a little trip down to La Jolla Cove area - it's gorgeous and only a short drive from Del Mar.
Hopefully this will get you started! Hope you enjoy your visit and just let me know if you have any questions. :)
How fun! I hope you have a great time!
Laguna Beach does have a ton to offer.... While it won't be perfect weather (temperature-wise) to bring your bathing suit to the beach, you definitely should spend some time on the beach - it is absolutely gorgeous! Go to Las Brisas for brunch (you can sit and look over the ocean there) or The Cottage for breakfast or lunch.
For something fun to do, the Wyland Museum is there, and while it is not huge, the artwork is incredible.
Otherwise, just walking around the little shops all around is a lot of fun... so much to offer! Have a good time and let us know of any spectacular finds you come across!!!
Uncle Mav and I used to shop at Meow in Long Beach, 15 years ago they had terrific dead stock. In San Diego is Wear it Again Sam. I think that is where my honeymoon suit was from. I also recommend the Queen Mary.
as normal as it sounds, don't count out the walk of fame and the chinese theater. all the old hollywood stars there, i loved it!
im born and raised long beach so if you have any specfic questions like the best place to eat let me know! i could even give you and your mom a tour if you want!
What a glamorous post, I'm loving it! Sharon (UK) xx
Woo-hoo! Yes fourth street is a MUST. And there is a great vintage nighttime scene.
Let me know if you're interested
oh if your going down to san diego area make sure you go to Coronado.... Hotel coronado is amazing... you will LLLOOOVVEEE it! Everything about it is fabulous. they have pictures from the 20's and the same elevators and everything...
I absolutely love CA--hope you'll have loads of vintage fun there!
Work From Home
Post a Comment