It's looking like my ever tolerant wife and I are planning a vacation in the LA area in early February which happens to coincide with the Grand National Roadster Show (Feb 3-5). This is one of my bucket list events to attend so I'm looking forward to it. How many days should a person plan to attend in order to take in the show overall (and, I don't particularly care about seeing who wins)? Are there any peripheral events that one should also take in while in the area (example shop tours, cars and coffee, etc.) and if so, what day do they typically occur? Any other advice or suggestions we should know about or take advantage of? Thanks in advance.
It's still on my list and I won't make it this year either but I'd have to think that you might want to keep track of the schedule of events for the show plus things like open houses at shops in the area. It looks like the show is Feb 3, 4 &5th next year Home Page - Rod Shows You pretty well have three shows going on at the same time, The main show, Suade palace and the outdoor drive in show.
I have gone a few times both when it was in Oakland and Pomona. One day was enough for me to see it all.
The weekend before is the large swapmeet In Turlock, but 5/6 hours away from Pamona on a good day. Ya know, if you wanted to spend a few more days and $$.
go for a few hours Friday, fewer spectators - easier to check out NHRA Museum, etc -- then return Saturday because of the Drive-In rides showing up ---- next year check socalcarculture.com with list of other events going on - also, people will list some shop tours here - go to Early Ford Store in San Dimas
One day can do it. Two days if you want to roam the show to savor it. Bring lot's of money. You have to pay the fairground parking of $25 per car plus the show entry fee per person. The food is very expensive at the show because you're paying fairground prices from fairground food vendors. Ex: $11 for a measley cheese burger by itself. There are decent places to eat during the show. Just make your pick on the fairgrounds. Don't fall for the scams while in town. Beware of your surroundings and don't brag about being from out of town, Act natural. Well, as natural as you can. Go to the beach areas. The Pacific Coast Highway is closed off at Malibu. You can't drive the coast very far. Car related stuff, check the trip adviser for "local car shows" on the internet. Keep an eye out for Jay Leno and others. You'll more than likely see them.
I have gone every year since it moved to Pomona. I found that I like coming on Friday because there are far less crowds to deal with which allows me more time to investigate the cars on display. I used to drive my roadster in on Saturday, but stopped because of the h***le of coming down the night before and the long lines waiting to drive in. Plus, before I trailered the roadster, the really cold temperatures climbing up into the high desert and then driving another hundred miles was dreadfully cold that night. So, for me, it's leaving the roadster in my garage and driving my warm truck and not fighting elbow to elbow crowds. Another thing is the GNRS staff really frowns on stopping in the aisles to chat. On Friday, they tend to not be so firm on that issue because of the small crowds. I get there when they open and wander back to the truck when they close. Eat a hearty breakfast before you go and there are several restaurants in the area to enjoy a good breakfast or dinner far cheaper than at the show.
Thanks all that replied for the info...good advice that is most helpful. I gather from looking at previous years the rod shop "open houses" mostly occur on the Thursday prior to the GNRS. Are there any that are better than others to attend?...or should I try and hit any that are available? Thanks again
There is always something an event in LA . Universal Studios is a must it's friendly compared with other amu*****t parks . LA can be challenging at times so staying on the west side of town is good you have nice South Bay beaches and one place it's simple and it's outdoors in the sand in El Porto . There's Peterson's Museum and I think the Nethercutt Collection is still intact it's been going thru court battles lots of small local car meets and another car museum in El Segundo . A trip to Oxnard is another very special interest car museum more artsy from what I hear and oh yes The Getty Museum . As your planning you can start a conversation with me about planning stuff I e lived here all my life and be glad to help you out and steer you proper We have a train system here take you where you want to go and of course you gotta hit up Hollywood Blvd /Highland and my fav is Griffith Park for picture taking with the family it's outta sight
Go to a supermarket deli and buy a few waters and drinks and get some wraps and a salad and some dessert. You can bring in a bag with lunch in it. Friday the day to see the inside cars. Sat for all the driven in cars.
These are some of my favorite open houses usually on Thursday: Kennedy Brothers Strokers Luc DeLay Friday night is usually Walden Speed Shop and then Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake Sometimes, Shine has an open house, sometimes not. Depending on your time, a stop by Mooneyes is always worth a visit. Also, I would highly recommend hitting the Lions Automobilia Museum on Saturday morning and then heading to the show. You could alsp hit the Donut Derelicts in Huntington Beach if you’re an early riser I usually hit the indoor stuff on Friday, and then walk outside on Saturday. Being from Indiana and considering the prices of flights, rental, and rooms, I don’t mind paying for two days of admission/parking. I do however, grab a sub and some water and bring it in to the show.
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