California Vacation, Where Should We Stay? Arcadia Or Downey, CA?
http://kwickid.com/hello-world/ Good Evening Everyone:
Our family of 4 is taking a vacation to California this summer.
We are trying to decide which town would be conducive for a family of four, including a teenager and a 9 year old.
Can someone please let us know, which of the two aforementioned towns is a better environment for a family of 4?
Thank You Kindly.
4 Responses
Obviousman
21 Feb 2010
Donna
21 Feb 2010
While neither city is traditionally a city that tourists would consider. Both are quite safe and for the most part, both are pleasant areas of Los Angeles County. If you plan to hit the amusement parks in Orange County, Downey is more convenient by far, from your preferred cities.
Also, if using public transport to the OC amusement areas… Downey is also the more convenient location. You can catch the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) bus 266 from the corner of Lakewood and Firestone Blvds. Then take it to the Lakewood Mall, and transfer to the LBT (Long Beach Transit) bus 191 to Artesia (Corner of Pioneer and Del Amo, in front of Artesia High School) then connect to the OCTA (Orange County Transit Authority) bus 38 which stops at Knott’s Berry Farm. You can catch the bus to Disneyland (OCTA bus 50) from there, as well.
The nicest hotel (probably the only proper hotel) in Downey, would be the Embassy Suites on Firestone Blvd. I have stayed at this hotel, myself, while my house was being treated for termites. It is very nice. Close to Stonewood Mall. Also besides dining within the hotel, in casual dining, you have Mimi’s Cafe across the parking lot, Denny’s across the street, and Sambi down the block, for fine dining. And if you forget anything such as a toothbrush, CVS is across the street too.
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/LAXDWES-Embassy-Suites-Los-Angeles-Downey-California/index.do;jsessionid=A3791CD9FD54BB315C4789E98456117B.etc21?brand_id=ES&brand_directory=/en/es/&xch=400708353,TG3FGH1Z2C1TWCSGBI1MVCQ
Arcadia is more expensive and also farther removed from most tourist spots. (But handy for January’s Rose Parade) But there is a better selection of budget accommodation in Arcadia, including –
The Hampton Inn
http://www.hamptoninnarcadia.com/
Springhill Suites
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/laxsh-springhill-suites-pasadena-arcadia/
Residence Inn
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwrar-residence-inn-pasadena-arcadia/
Hilton Garden Inn
http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=PASPAGI
Peedlepup
21 Feb 2010
Both cities are clean, safe, family friendly communities, but of the two cities you mentioned I would select Downey. It is located mid way between the touristy places in Los Angeles, and Orange County. It has nice hotels, many fine restaurants, a great shopping mall, an excellent hospital (if needed), and one of the BEST police and fire departments in the area.
The ONLY problem with Arcadia is its location near the foothills of the mountains. Which ever one you choose, you’ll be completely satisfied with your decision.
Mel
21 Feb 2010
Hmmm……neither?
They’re not fun and/or particularly nice cities to stay in for a family vacation. Are you choosing between those 2 cities for $$$ reasons?
Arcadia is better. Nicer neighborhood. It happens to be closer to Universal (Downey is closer to Disneyland, but is not as nice a neighborhood). You can get to Disneyland easily from Arcadia by taking the 210 to the 605 south, then meeting up with I-5, which takes you to Disneyland.
(Personally, I usually recommend people stay at the Howard Johnson or Candy Cane Inn in Anaheim, but that wasn’t one of my choices.)
Have fun!