Itinerary Suggestions for LA and Vegas

[wmclarenf1]

Hi All,

Am thinking of a family trip to LA and Vegas after our ski thing in Whistler. Will have 3 teenage kids. Probably will only have 3 to 4 days in each town. Haven;t been to either for over 10 years now so have really lost touch. Looking for suggestions on where to stay, places to chow down (3 teenage kids so 15 course degustation menus not required :-), stuff to do and in Vegas, what shows to catch etc. Normal touristy stuff.

For LA, 2 days will be taken by theme parks one being Six Flags Magic Mountain and the other either Disney or Universal. Thiniking of a place called The Grove after Six flags which closes at 6pm for dinner and a night stroll. What would you guys do for the other full day in LA? Mann's Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame, Rodeo still a must do for first timers? Will have a rental so transport not an issue or with the La traffic, perhaps that's the issue LOL. Must eat at places? Any outlet malls near LA worth visiting? Thinking of some hotel near the Chinese theatre and walk of fame for convenience. Safe enough location?

For Vegas, will probably spend half a day at the Premium Outlet North. Any good? What about Barstow (spelling)? Thinking of a half day thing to Hoover dam as well. For shows, looking at the Blue Man Group, Copperfield and a Cirque Du Soleil either O or Michael Jackson. Food wise, I heard Strip Burger or In and Out is good, the Cut or Wolfgang worth the coin and also Cheese Factory for an afternoon snack. Nights will be spent at shows and strolling the strip for the lights and enjoying (for us from hot humid Asia at least) the winter cold. Thinking of staying either at Bellagio or the Mirage. Ok or best to consider some other place?

Looking for suggestions and if anyone can help with itinerary planning, that would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

You need to get with me for Vegas! I got an extra set for you, rounds on me on a very nice track.

The outlets are cool, very good deals to be had. Restaurants man there are so many, what sort of food you like? Japanese? Fine dine? Steaks?

let me help you with the room & shows also. Lots of people like the Cosmo, Bellagio is very nice and so is the venetian or palazzo & wynn. deals can be had here as well. I like Bellagio.

As far as shows go Cirque "O" most people like that one the most, your kids might like blue man group or jabawokee's. I like Terry Fator comedy show a lot.

Restaurants, my friend is partner at strip burger, good stuff. Echo & Rig is great, Raku, and tons of fine dine in the hotels. I can go on for days. In & Out, Fat Burger, Five guys are popular but imo not as good as strip burger. depends on what you like.

PM me the dates, whatever you need man. I'll send you home with goodies.

[wmclarenf1]

Thanks for the offer Chris. Will pm you. As much as I would like to get in a round or 2, I think it's gonna be tough due to the winter weather although Vegas being a dessert could be less drastic and also due to the fact that I have family with me.

Will pm you for advice on stuff to do. Strip burger sounds like its on!

[+TourSpecGolfer]

In the winter I play with 2 of these in the cup holder.

[wmclarenf1]

In the winter I play with 2 of these in the cup holder.

I bet they help a lot. I've played light rain, heavy winds in the Melbourne Winter and not fun….for me. about 7-8* C but lower with wind chill. 3 to 4 layers of clothes, fingers felt frozen, can;t feel a thing. Was fun .. for a while LOL. My drives were either 300 meters or 150 meters depending on which way the wind blew.

[tokidoki1986]

I've been there once when I was an exchange student which is long time ago and i'm thinking of making a trip to Vegas sometime this year and there're many useful information here, thank to your reply Chris.

[freehb04]

I'm a leave the family at home, never sleep, get a room at the Barbary Coast and play at shadow mountain kinda guy when in Vegas but I'm sure Chris does it right...when having to go w family, we've always enjoyed the Venetian....in la la land I would suggest Matsuhisa and hitting the kogi truck...that said, do yourself a favor and skip LA....Carmel / monetary then head up and play one of my fab tracks (San juan oaks) on you way to frisco....

[freehb04]

I've lived in both LA & San Jose, nor cal is where it's at baby

[freehb04]

In the winter I play with 2 of these in the cup holder.

Chris, I can't make out the brand name on that heater, that would be real handy on these north fla winter mornings...

[wmclarenf1]

I'm a leave the family at home, never sleep, get a room at the Barbary Coast and play at shadow mountain kinda guy when in Vegas but I'm sure Chris does it right...when having to go w family, we've always enjoyed the Venetian....in la la land I would suggest Matsuhisa and hitting the kogi truck...that said, do yourself a favor and skip LA....Carmel / monetary then head up and play one of my fab tracks (San juan oaks) on you way to frisco....

Thanks! I love Nor Cal and spent my undergrad days at USF! I think given the short time we have in the US this round, LA from Vegas may be better.

Thanks for chiming in.

[wmclarenf1]

Any reliable online sites to air tickets to recommend?

Need LA to Vancouver to Vegas to LA

Thanks in advance.

[Duffer19]

Expedia?

[+TourSpecGolfer]

It's a long flight man and for an entire family so I suggest you find the airlines that you would use most in the future and create a strategy of gaining the highest status possible.

Also another suggestion is to apply for TSA pre-check for your entire family if it's available.

TSA Pre-check + high status + access to lounges = a happier family when you arrive safely at your destination.

[Mjr. D]

Chris, you're in Vegas? I'm in Santa Barbara and go to Vegas quite often. Lets play a round next time I'm there!

[wmclarenf1]

It's a long flight man and for an entire family so I suggest you find the airlines that you would use most in the future and create a strategy of gaining the highest status possible.

Also another suggestion is to apply for TSA pre-check for your entire family if it's available.

TSA Pre-check + high status + access to lounges = a happier family when you arrive safely at your destination.

Thanks Chris. These internal flights will be no where close to long compared to where we are originating from but I get your point. I've gone onto expedia (thanks Duff) and United and AA have come up but they charge per check in luggage? Have they gone the budget route? Budget airlines here do that and I can't stand that.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

Chris, you're in Vegas? I'm in Santa Barbara and go to Vegas quite often. Lets play a round next time I'm there!

Yessir, Would love to play! Your a cool dude I follow you on Instagram!

[Duffer19]

Haha, A, you probably haven't travel much in the US or North America in the past few years. Unless you have high airline status, it's 10, 20 or higher per check in luggage. You are no longer in Kansas. They also charge you for seat assignment and meal on flight. If you have high Star Allaince or One World Status, it might help with luggage charge and lounge access. If you have Patinium American Express or higher, it would get you in some lounges.

[Mjr. D]

Right on. I'll let you know when I'm there next.

[Golflifer369]

The hoover damn is a great place to bring the family and is one of the largest american constructs in history. They have a small/simple restaurant inside so if the kids get hungry you'll be able to snack on something while your there. Its a truly beautiful attraction if your in Las Vegas and is only about an hour from the strip. I rented a car with a friend when i was there and it was really easy to get to! I also recommend checking out the Neon Boneyard, which is an outside museum of all the retired Neon signs from the old Vegas casinos! It's really cool looking and you'll have tons of photo ops!