To avoid the craziness of downtown LA (read: traffic) we suggest to spend your time wisely and head towards Santa Monica/Venice Beach. In Santa Monica, you can stay at Ocean View Park which is steps away from the famous Santa Monica Boardwalk. Stroll down Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some world class shopping, check out the Venice Canals, and be sure to walk towards the Venice Beach Boardwalk which is home to some interesting characters( a perfect for a day of people watching). #camping #santamonica #california