coming to america

[aussiejules]

Hey all im planning a trip to the states next year with my missus and want some advise. I have been over a few times and always as a tourist. We are looking at coming to la las vegas and hawaii, my girl has never been over seas and i want her to see vegas, but flying into la i want her to see disneyland, and i love hawaii. What im asking of you guys and gals, is things we miss as tourists, your little secrets, thats going to make her(our) trip better than most rubber necks. I plan to stay in anaheim, the strip and waikiki, any info on nice food best buys and good fun, please help me plan a better than normal trip to your country, thanx. Sorry heres some extra, best weather, when is holiday time, im thinking of hiring cars so overload me with ideas, ta.

 

[OZXJR]

I've been to Waikiki mate,loved it .But I did the standard tourist stuff .

 

[aussiejules]

hey, ive done the states 4 times now one for work in dallas, saw nothing but the training centre, one when 10 with mum to hawaii, one when 15 with grandparents to la san fran orlando and hawaii, and one with x wife to la vegas san fran orlando and hawaii.

 

[jazzpaintball]

First thing to know about Vegas is that the strip is not the only thing there. Make sure to go down town and some of the smaller casinos off the strip are great. Ohh, and make sure to see the Blue Man Group, it was very entertaining. Also, if you like the arcade, last time i was there, you could go to GameWorks. It is a giant arcade (i think it was about 10,000 sq ft) and even has a 8 person indy-racing game that you sit in a moving full sized indy car. I enjoyed it for it was 35 bucks for all day gaming .

Tourist stuff is good, there is a reason why people go to see it

 

[teeter]

If you like pinball, you really should check this place out. It is off the strip in Vegas.

The Pinball Hall of Fame

They aren't just for show. You can play every one of them.

 

[Wolfman]

If you like pinball, you really should check this place out. It off the strip in Vegas.

The Pinball Hall of Fame

They aren't just for show. You can play every one of them.

As a person who is a dedicated pinball addict....this place looks like Heaven on Earth!

Awesome......Jules, do you think they would notice me in your luggage!

 

[madmanmaigret]

When in Vegas.......don't let the cabbies take you on the highway! It is a ripoff.

I think everyone in Vegas or Hawaii is a tourist (sorry Vegasrider!) so don't feel bad about doing the touristy stuff. Those are the reasons Americans go there! There are too many things to do in most of those cities to see it all in any amount of time, so check out some websites dedicated to each and have a decent plan of action before you get there. I loved the wax museum (still talking Vegas) but wasn't too hip to the blue man group. There is also some of the worlds greatest golf courses there and I say everyone has to see the fountain at the Bellagio (I think that is where it is) I would also have to think you are a little of a thrill seeker (being a biker) so check this stuff out while you are there: Vegas Strip Hotels, Reservations - Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel On The Strip
To each his own I guess!
Have fun! :thumbup:

 

[Have2BeFree]

When I went to Vegas I rented a Harley (couldn't find any other dealer to rent from) and rode down to the Hoover Dam and then back up to Red Rock Canyon. Both are worth seeing in my opinion and why not take advantage of the beautiful weather - it was November when I was there, 65 and sunny. :thumbup:

 

[rider1a]

Hey all im planning a trip to the states next year with my missus and want some advise. I have been over a few times and always as a tourist.

I saw the title and thought of:

Enjoy the US.

Fred

 

[MarinaFazer]

I'll try to get the lowdown on Disneyland since my housemate is an Annual Pass holder who is a Disneyland expert! I'll keep you posted.

 

[fast blue one]

going to have to save some of these for the next time I get the chance to come over.

 

[Tailgate]

I think that it would be a mistake (if time allowed) to skip San Francisco since you're already in California.

free photo from: Help Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com

 

[VEGASRIDER]

My advice:

Fly into LAX and rent a car for the entire trip, picking and returning it in LA. (there is usually no mileage when it come to renting cars, drive as much and far as you want)

Southern California is so spread out, you will want to have your own transportation. That way, you can go to Disneyland, Universal Studios, even down to San Diego which is only 2 hours south. After spending 3-4 days you can..........

Then drive to Las Vegas which is only about a 4 hour drive. Again, having your own transportation will allow you to visit other areas of Las Vegas besides the strip such as Hoover Dam and even up to Zion National Park in Southern Utah.

When in Las Vegas:

1. Contact Vegasrider
2. Take a helicopter ride out to the Grand Canyon http://sundancehelicopters.com/ don't let the prices scare you, I can save you some money.
3. Rent a FZ6....Yes you can rent a 2007 FZ6 or other sportbikes, or rent a BMW. Dont make the same mistake as Have2befree, and not call Vegasrider for some good information about this city, otherwise you will get stuck riding a Harley.

After about 4 days..........

You can head back to LA in a very roundabout way, heading up north and go to Yosimite National Park and maybe hit San Francisco and head back south to LA along the coast.

Not sure what your time table will be, but for you to do the above you will need 10-14 days.

 

[FZ1inNH]

Waikiki? Inexpensive place to eat and a very nice walk from the beach... South Shore Grill - Home - Lunch & Dinner, Honolulu, HI I've gone to Oahu twice and eaten here at least 6 times. Best fish tacos and chicken I've had! We stayed at the W on the beach and this was an easy walk.

We always ask the locals where THEY go to eat. They always point us to some of the best food for the cheapest prices and keep us away from the tourist traps and chain eateries.

I can't help with LA or Vegas. Never been to either of them myself.

 

[MarinaFazer]

if you want to do some cheap knock off shopping: Santee Alley in Downtown LA is a goldmine!

 

[wrightme43]

Wear pants. Its very important in America that you have on pants.

LOL

Sorry I couldnt resist it.

Hook up with Kenny in Vegas. Have fun.

 

[chunkygoat]

If your going to be in L.A. - near Anaheim. I go and visit my brother in Torrence every summer - which is located a mile or so from
Rhodondo and Hermosa beach. I would suggest renting some cruiser bicycles and ride the bike paths along those 2 beaches. There's
some good sushi places around there too.

The aquarium near there is amazing too. There's a bunch of free ones if you walk the piers.


There is also this place called Topanga state park that has a 5 or 6 mile (1 way) nature hike to a place called Skull Rock. It is a
wicked fun, and beautifully scenic hike.


Skull Rock


More from Topenga State Park


Down the Topenga rabbit hole


Definitely hit up the In and Out (burger place) as they're only on the west coast U.S. Ask for it monster style - trust me.

I also had a blast, surprisingly, just driving around Laguna Beach and Malibu as they are all RIDICULOUSLY nice houses, with
Bentley's, Porches, Lamborghini's, Ferrari's parked everywhere.

Most of all, look out for Jesus driving this van around.



Those are some of the things I like to do when in the L.A. area.

 

[MarinaFazer]

all good calls - although what's monster style at In N Out? I get animal style...same thing?

 

[aussiejules]

Thanks so far all ive been to msan fran before, definately doing hoover and grand c, will definately keep in touch closer to time, we will be doing the touristy stuff but yeah was looking for locale advice on hidden secrets and eating places. I wasnt going to drive at first but agree its got to be the better way to go.

 

[chunkygoat]

all good calls - although what's monster style at In N Out? I get animal style...same thing?

I assume its probably the same thing. It comes with, don't quote me on this because it looks like a monster or an animal of some sort - but its got like cheese with fried onions, maybe bacon or something just like slopped on top. Its the tastiest way to order a burger in my opinion.

You can't get that here in PA though.