IM HEADING TO THE USA IN JUNE 2013!

sheldonsteyn
sheldonsteyn Posts: 483 Member
in Chit-Chat
Ok peeps heres the deal...
I'll be heading to America in June and need feedback, advice, recommendations etc.

I arrive @ LAX 9th June, Universal Studios 10th, Disneyland 11th, Adventure Park 12th.
Head to Sea world in San Diego 13th, Explore San Diego 14th (is the zoo & safari worth seeing?)
15th-19th Im in Vegas: seeing DL Hughley 15th, Eddie Griffin 17th. Anything else I should consider?
20th-25th NY: site seeing and need suggestions!
26th-29th: Explore Miami 26th & 27th, attend my bros bodybuilding comp 28th & 29th. Afterparty at Club LIV.
30th-6th July: Caribbean Carnival Cruise.
7th: Return to Gold Coast, Queensland Australia!

What have I missed that HAS TO BE SEEN in USA?!!
Whos gonna be my tour guide?
Who has the hook ups for Theme Park tix or VIP nightlife experiences?
Anyone been on the Carnival Breeze Cruiseship?

All input/feedback/suggestions/info/hook-ups will be greatly appreciated!
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Replies

  • _noob_
    _noob_ Posts: 3,306 Member
    I like the Rockies and pacific NW in the summer...
  • abbyrae1
    abbyrae1 Posts: 265 Member
    NY you have to go to the statue of liberty! Also check out www.vegas.com for cheap tickets to shows! Have a blast!
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    The SF Zoo is one of America's coolest things - you should def check that out!
  • MidwestAngel
    MidwestAngel Posts: 1,897 Member
    What have I missed that HAS TO BE SEEN in USA?!!
    Um, you forgot to check out the corn fields of Indiana. Geez, they are epic and they have their own children.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    The only place I've been on your list is New York. If you're going to Manhattan (I'm just assuming that's what you mean) I recommend the Natural History Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art or Museum of Modern Art (if you like art). I didn't have high expectations for the Natural History Museum but it was awesome. Eat some New York style pizza while you're there. I personally like Big Nick's, which is near the Natural History museum, but you'll find a ton of different opinions on that. :) There's also a great restaurant called Cafe Frida behind the Natural History museum that's kind of a gourmet Mexican place-- the gaucamole is to die for.
  • violinkeri
    violinkeri Posts: 212
    When you are in NYC, head to times square and find the TKTS kiosk--half price broadway show tickets for day-of performances. OH, and pick up some cupcakes from Crumbs.

    I recommend a day trip to Philadelphia too--bolt bus tickets are pretty cheap. lots of great museums in both places too. You have to get cheesesteaks in Philly. Also there are some great Eastern PA local theme parks--nothing on the scale of Disney, but Dorney park has great coasters, and Hershey park is all about CHOCOLATE. seriously. you can tour the factory and everything.
  • cuterbee
    cuterbee Posts: 545
    If you are in Vegas, the Hoover Dam is not that far away (and seriously cool). The Grand Canyon is also a nice day trip from Vegas, and I'd highly recommend it.
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    If you are in Vegas, the Hoover Dam is not that far away (and seriously cool). The Grand Canyon is also a nice day trip from Vegas, and I'd highly recommend it.

    That's a dam good recommendation! :)
  • PamelaGatorMom
    PamelaGatorMom Posts: 348 Member

    What have I missed that HAS TO BE SEEN in USA?!!

    ummmm....THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!!!! nuff said :wink:
  • PRMinx
    PRMinx Posts: 4,585 Member
    I NYC, there's the usual places: Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Empire State Building, etc.

    Definitely go to the MOMA and/or the Metropolitan Museum of Art if you are into art and museums. They are my favorite by far.

    If you get nice weather, walk around Central Park and stop for a drink at the Boathouse. It's lovely.

    Chelsea Markets is a fun place to pop into for a foodie tour. Also, just walking around Greenwich Village (about 5 blocks South and a few East of Chealsea Markets) makes for a fun day .

    Let me know if you need restaurant/bar recommendations!
  • SlickFootAnna
    SlickFootAnna Posts: 611 Member

    What have I missed that HAS TO BE SEEN in USA?!!

    ummmm....THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!!!! nuff said :wink:


    Haha Texas. Yeah, Texas is cool. Houston has the Menil, NASA and New Orleans is a drive a way!

    But don't go to Dallas, the only thing worth seeing there is the Kimball museum designed by Louis Kahn and the Museum of Modern Art designed by Tadao Ando, just the most amazing Architect ever.
  • sheldonsteyn
    sheldonsteyn Posts: 483 Member
    Thanks for all the responses so far!
    LA/Anaheim/San Diego is pretty much all planned. Left 1 day spare in San Diego in case I decided to see the Zoo and Safari Park which I think I will def do!

    Vegas will be all about stand-up comedy, partying, shopping and casinos. Has anyone been to any certain casinos or nightclubs that you highly recommend? I will be staying on the strip, any1 wanna come party with me n show me around is more than welcome to stay the night as I have wherever I book all to myself. My cuz n his gf will be staying somewhere close by.

    NY I will def visit places like Times Square (will be staying 2-3 blocks away), Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty etc. anyone know what the status of Jersey Shore is? Really want to see the place and check out clubs such as Karma that I see on MTV's "Jersey Shore". Met Mike 'Situation' and Pauly D when they came to Aust. (I do security/bouncer/bodyguard work so was on the job when I met them).

    Miami will mostly be relaxing, shopping and seeing whatever sites are there. I have 2 days free there so any suggestions on what tourist attractions are in Miami would be great! Most of 28th and 29th will be taken up by bros bodybuilding comp.

    So I need suggestions for:
    2 nights in Vegas (Days I will do tour type things like Grand Canyon n Hoover Dam)
    2-3 days in NY (other than the obvious attractions I mentioned)
    2 days in Miami

    Thanks again, y'all are much appreciated!
  • sheldonsteyn
    sheldonsteyn Posts: 483 Member
    I NYC, there's the usual places: Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Empire State Building, etc.

    Definitely go to the MOMA and/or the Metropolitan Museum of Art if you are into art and museums. They are my favorite by far.

    If you get nice weather, walk around Central Park and stop for a drink at the Boathouse. It's lovely.

    Chelsea Markets is a fun place to pop into for a foodie tour. Also, just walking around Greenwich Village (about 5 blocks South and a few East of Chealsea Markets) makes for a fun day .

    Let me know if you need restaurant/bar recommendations!

    I will add those to my "Things to do list" Thanx =)
  • sheldonsteyn
    sheldonsteyn Posts: 483 Member

    What have I missed that HAS TO BE SEEN in USA?!!

    ummmm....THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!!!! nuff said :wink:


    Haha Texas. Yeah, Texas is cool. Houston has the Menil, NASA and New Orleans is a drive a way!

    But don't go to Dallas, the only thing worth seeing there is the Kimball museum designed by Louis Kahn and the Museum of Modern Art designed by Tadao Ando, just the most amazing Architect ever.

    How far is Texas from whichever place Im going to that is the closest? I have relatives in Texas so should prob stop by if possible. Would love to see New Orleans.
    Ill be straight up tho so that I dont waste anyones time replying on here, I aint the museum or art type just yet so wont be visiting any of them. Obviously I wanna see certain landmarks such as Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, etc but rest of the time will be shopping, action packed adventure, casinos, partying and living each day like I may not see the next!

    (Hmmmm I can tell now my liver is going to hate me!! Anyone living in areas I am visiting keen on catching up for some cardio hit me up n keep me motivated while on holiday lol)
  • RobfromLakewood
    RobfromLakewood Posts: 684
    100% agree that Hoover Dam is close and seriously cool, Grand Canyon is a farther drive, but it is amazing. Also, while in Vegas, of all the shows, Blue Man Group is impossible to explain, but is crazy funny and fun.

    Prices for Southern California residents are cheaper for Disneyland. My wife and I live about 20 minutes from Disneyland so I can look into picking up cheaper tickets as we get closer to the date, but driving over there is to meet you is no problem. You should go to both Disneyland and California's Big Adventure, which is right next door. There are certain must rides and I can send you a list if you like and there area few tricks to get to every ride as well. It will be a busy day, but a fun one.

    Oddly enough, my wife and I are flying off to Orlando late that night, in part to visit Disneyworld.
  • violinkeri
    violinkeri Posts: 212
    anyone know what the status of Jersey Shore is? Really want to see the place and check out clubs such as Karma that I see on MTV's "Jersey Shore". Met Mike 'Situation' and Pauly D when they came to Aust. (I do security/bouncer/bodyguard work so was on the job when I met them).

    Jersey shore is still pretty much a wreck. Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant were hit pretty hard. most of the boardwalk was swept away. Cool thing to see in a morbidly curious way, but there wont be much clubbing. They say the shore will be open for the summer but i imagine it will be in a very limited fashion this year. A lot of restaurants closed altogether.
  • Schraudt814
    Schraudt814 Posts: 496 Member

    What have I missed that HAS TO BE SEEN in USA?!!

    ummmm....THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!!!! nuff said :wink:

    seconded
  • Luvmesumkenny
    Luvmesumkenny Posts: 779 Member
    VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Alissakae
    Alissakae Posts: 317 Member
    Definitely go to the zoo in San Diego. Also spend some beach time. I love San Diego....
  • twinteensmom
    twinteensmom Posts: 371 Member
    Ok peeps heres the deal...
    I'll be heading to America in June and need feedback, advice, recommendations etc.

    I arrive @ LAX 9th June, Universal Studios 10th, Disneyland 11th, Adventure Park 12th.
    Head to Sea world in San Diego 13th, Explore San Diego 14th (is the zoo & safari worth seeing?)
    15th-19th Im in Vegas: seeing DL Hughley 15th, Eddie Griffin 17th. Anything else I should consider?
    20th-25th NY: site seeing and need suggestions!
    26th-29th: Explore Miami 26th & 27th, attend my bros bodybuilding comp 28th & 29th. Afterparty at Club LIV.
    30th-6th July: Caribbean Carnival Cruise.
    7th: Return to Gold Coast, Queensland Australia!

    What have I missed that HAS TO BE SEEN in USA?!!

    I greatly suggest you check out the website cruisecritic.com. There you will find all sorts of info about your cruise, including reviews and can't miss stuff. That website is a wealth f information. On the "forems" page, you can find out everything you want to know about your cruiseline, the ship and the ports of call.
    Whos gonna be my tour guide?
    Who has the hook ups for Theme Park tix or VIP nightlife experiences?
    Anyone been on the Carnival Breeze Cruiseship?

    All input/feedback/suggestions/info/hook-ups will be greatly appreciated!
  • SoliQ
    SoliQ Posts: 158 Member
    I love the San Diego Zoo and you will enjoy the great weather, a looottt of waliking but worth it!
  • Micahroni84
    Micahroni84 Posts: 452 Member
    I like the Rockies and pacific NW in the summer...

    I'm from the PNW. If you can get up to Hurricane Ridge in Washington in the summer it is beautiful. Go see the rainforest if it's something you haven't seen before.
  • tjs616
    tjs616 Posts: 51 Member
    My favorite part of Vegas is hiking in Red Rock Canyon :love: There is also Valley of Fire, which I recommend on the same day you do the Hoover Dam. It's about an hour drive to get up and in there, but if you drive through and come out the other side you are in the Lake Mead National Recreational area, which eventually leads to the Hoover Dam. Also a great place for hiking, or just taking in the scenery.

    For stuff on the strip, obviously there is the usual, drinking partying, etc. If you're clubbing, each one has a specific night where it is THE place you need to be. Definitely check it out before you come if that's your thing. Really you need to get into pretty much every big casino if you want the Vegas experience. Bellagio has a conservatory that is beautiful to walk through, and a blown glass flower ceiling in the lobby. Mirage has a volcano that explodes at night. A trip to the top of the stratosphere is a good idea at dusk, so you can see the valley in light and once the sunsets. Really, all of the big hotel/casinos are unique and have something worth seeing if you go inside. There is ALWAYS something to do here in Vegas!
  • RobfromLakewood
    RobfromLakewood Posts: 684
    One thought on Vegas, you can learn it there, but not sure how much you like to gamble. The most fun is shooting craps, if you're not sure of the ins & outs, let me know if you want some advice, or youtube it. It's the only gambling I do when there. I don't make a LOT, but I rarely lose off this game.
  • sheldonsteyn
    sheldonsteyn Posts: 483 Member
    100% agree that Hoover Dam is close and seriously cool, Grand Canyon is a farther drive, but it is amazing. Also, while in Vegas, of all the shows, Blue Man Group is impossible to explain, but is crazy funny and fun.

    Prices for Southern California residents are cheaper for Disneyland. My wife and I live about 20 minutes from Disneyland so I can look into picking up cheaper tickets as we get closer to the date, but driving over there is to meet you is no problem. You should go to both Disneyland and California's Big Adventure, which is right next door. There are certain must rides and I can send you a list if you like and there area few tricks to get to every ride as well. It will be a busy day, but a fun one.

    Oddly enough, my wife and I are flying off to Orlando late that night, in part to visit Disneyworld.


    Thanks I will note those down! I was looking at getting the CityPass which will cover All the parks/attractions I will be doing in Southern Cali. Do locals get better prices on those also? I would be extremely thankful if you could look into that for me!
    Feel free to email me in regards to the tricks to get everything done in the park! sheldonsteyn@hotmail.com
    Oh wow! Have you been to Disneyworld before? I was unsure as to which was better to see but decided Anaheim is an easier location.
    I am yet to book accommodation in Anaheim and San Diego so if you have any suggestions that would be very helpful coming from a local!
  • Tuffjourney
    Tuffjourney Posts: 971
    Yes to the SD Zoo and the wild animal park. Awesome, you can also see tons more. Here is a link that might help you.
    http://www.smartdestinations.com/san-diego-attractions-and-tours/...Check out the smart card.(City pass)
    My daughter and I did it for LA and had a blast and saved tons of money.
  • sheldonsteyn
    sheldonsteyn Posts: 483 Member
    anyone know what the status of Jersey Shore is? Really want to see the place and check out clubs such as Karma that I see on MTV's "Jersey Shore". Met Mike 'Situation' and Pauly D when they came to Aust. (I do security/bouncer/bodyguard work so was on the job when I met them).

    Jersey shore is still pretty much a wreck. Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant were hit pretty hard. most of the boardwalk was swept away. Cool thing to see in a morbidly curious way, but there wont be much clubbing. They say the shore will be open for the summer but i imagine it will be in a very limited fashion this year. A lot of restaurants closed altogether.

    That is so disappointing and even worse for residents/business owners. The place looked awesome from what I saw on MTV
  • sheldonsteyn
    sheldonsteyn Posts: 483 Member
    Yes to the SD Zoo and the wild animal park. Awesome, you can also see tons more. Here is a link that might help you.
    http://www.smartdestinations.com/san-diego-attractions-and-tours/...Check out the smart card.(City pass)
    My daughter and I did it for LA and had a blast and saved tons of money.

    Thankyou for your input. I will def go to these places. Ive read about a San Diego Go Card for $77 that gives you access to these places as well as 48+ other attractions in San Diego!
    Will def be getting City Pass in LA!
  • carriann2012
    carriann2012 Posts: 180 Member
    When you are in L.A. you have to check out Hollywood!! Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Blvd!! The hotels I stayed at while in Vegas were Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Monte Carlo and MGM. You should go on line and check out all the Vegas deals!! Have Fun!!! :drinker:
  • fjrandol
    fjrandol Posts: 437 Member
    Make sure to look for deals on food/activities; I prefer www.districtfinds.com, which is an aggregator for groupon, livingsocial, etc. You can get some really good discounts and get ideas for things you might not have otherwise considered checking out.

    Are you going straight from the airport to Anaheim? Are you renting a car? Be sure to account for travel times, because everything (particularly in the LA area) is very spread out. That being said, there are TONS of hotels really close to disneyland so you'll have a bevy of options. Anaheim GardenWalk is fairly close to the action and has some great restaurants.

    The gaslamp quarter in San Diego is a nice area if you're looking for places to stay. Lots of restaurants, shopping, etc. and easily walkable.

    Vegas has soooo much free stuff to do; make sure to check out the pirate ship at Treasure Island, the fountains at Bellagio, all that good stuff. You can take your girl on the gondolas at the Venetian, go shoot machine guns at the Gun Store, the choices are practically endless.

    For food, I like the breakfast buffet at Paris, and for a more offbeat dining experience, I would definitely recommend Capos. You need to make reservations, and it's not on the strip, but definitely worth it for the old-school Vegas vibe.

    Have a great trip!!

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