LA is a fast pace, sprawling city. While you are there no one, I mean no one, will give a shit. I’m no Frommer travel guru but have way too much time in LA than should be allowed by law. Really.

So with that said, here are a few things you might consider.

Entertainment:
Universal Studio’s City Walk – they always host events for teams and offer a number of options for all ages. I took my son their in ’05 and we had a ball.

Disneyland…meh. I’d find a bar and hole up before attempting a visit to this park. Same with Hollywood unless grandma is asking for pictures.

LA Lakers will be in town during game week. You can check out a basketball game at the Staples Center. Be ready to pay through the nose for tickets though.

However, I recommend finding that special Tide gathering and spending time meeting fans and starting new relationships. A much more rewarding and long-lasting experience.

Eats:
Lots and lots of options from your standard corporate fare to upper crust linen dining. I would pass on the latter as this trip should be about hangin’ with your Nation. And they will not be at the silver and linen establishments.

But you should try the hamburgers. While In-And-Out is arguably the best fast food hamburger going (I do recommend trying one), if you have time, the Apple Pan experience is hamburger heaven. This long-standing restaurant is counter eating at it’s finest. I don’t think you will get out of there eating just one either.

If you have never tried one, please eat a Fish Taco. Of course there are two camps on this delicacy but you’ll find this a staple at most Mexican themed eateries. And speaking of Mexican, not a big fan of the offerings in LA. It is authentic Mexican and fairly bland, IMO. Save your Mexican explosion for your next trip to San Antonio, IMO.

As for the high-brow options, pick one. Beverly Hills offers several and usually not too difficult to get a table. I like The Grill off Wilshire Blvd. Kinda old old school with an alley entrance.

Shopping (not asked but answered):
Really? Stay with Bama themed tees and sweatshirts. If you must, drive down Rodeo Drive for a look and gawk but save your money. If your $ is burning a hole in your pocket, take a drive out east to Ontario Mills. And eat lunch at the new Bass Pro Shop near Victoria Gardens. This area is a shopping mecca.

Avoid freeways during rush hour at all costs, especially if it rains.

As for Pasadena, it’s too bad the game is played the 7th instead of closer to New Years day as the Tournament of Roses Parade is definitely a “don’t miss” event. If you can get there this is 5-star venue even if you have to put up with obnoxious Buckeye fans (read:, not including Buckeye player families who are some of the most gracious people I have ever met).

Pasadena:

The community of Pasadena is primarily residential. So the Beach Boys “little old lady…” lyrics apply as this is a bedroom community. If you are into architecture, a casual tour of neighborhoods will be very rewarding. The homes are unique and majestic. Like with all places, there are hit and miss areas. But Pasadena is the destination…not the hub.

You better get in line early for parking, too. The area around the stadium is tight. You will need to pack a lot of patence in the morning. Don’t get in too big a rush. It will be a long day.

Can’t wait to see you guys there. Will be a great party!

Downtown off of Figueroa is a place called “The Original Pantry”, didn’t get in there as the line to get in was out the door and down the block, but was told a great place to try as evident by the line. Also, there are some nice restaurants around the staples center/espn zone. Nice places and I saw Michael Irvin at the Zone, so you might see a celeb. if you are into that thing. A really nice place for dinner is the “Daily Grill” off flower and 6th. Not what you would think as far as a Grill goes, I had their Filet and it was one of the best. If you are looking for expensive: L.A. Prime is excellent but be prepared to pay about $100/person. It is in the Westin Bonaventure hotel. There is a lot of nice areas to walk around by the Staples Center/ESPN Zone. Also be sure to check out Santa Monica Pier, another cool place to walk around. Melrose Ave. another cool place to shop and walk around. Wasn’t there very long but got to see some cool things. Traffic is pretty bad and I suggest a Nav unit if you have never been there before.

http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/travel_and_culture/watch/v18237786XPgnEwq3

 Is putting on jeans and an Alabama t-shirt and walking on Rodeo. You will get looks like you have never seen, and for a moment know what it is like to be an Auburn fan and looked down on by all… :)

Just kidding, but you will get some looks. I made sure to go to the ocean so I could atleast say I’d been to the Pacific ocean. The Griffin observatory is a must if you are a movie buff. We did San Diego for a day and it was nice. We fit as much in 4 days as possible since I doubt I’ll ever go back to Cali. Just walking from the hotel in to some of the residential areas of Beverly Hills was fun.

BCS National Championship website.

You know, you could go to LA ink and get a BCS NC logo tattoo by Kat.

APPLE PAN – excellent burgers!

…but there’s already a tickets and travel thread for the game.

some thing about a clown themed strip club in the “little Armenian” section of Hollywood. it’s wiki states " Some of the interior and front of the Jumbo’s Clown Room building is shown on the video for Let me Go by 3 Doors Down. The front of Jumbo’s Clown Room building is also shown on Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, season 4, episode 8, entitled “Manners”.
It was funny it is more Burlesque then any thing else here’s a link