Navigating the L.A. Auto Show
The first rule of Auto Show is to always wear comfortable shoes. The second rule: Plan to spend an entire day navigating the lush and massive celebration of all things automotive — and leave plenty of time to sample the food and entertainment at adjacent L.A. Live, which is now fully realized and live, indeed.
“The Auto Show and L.A. Live go hand-in-hand now,” said Brendan Flynn, director of communications for the L.A. Auto Show. “Visitors to the show should definitely take the chance to check out all the restaurants and venues now that L.A. Live is finally complete.”
For the uninitiated, the L.A. Auto Show is an increasingly influential showcase featuring the latest models, head-spinning supercars and blue-sky future concepts smack dab in the auto capital of the world. And it just keeps getting bigger — this year there are 20 world debuts and more than 50 all-new models. In all, there are more than 1,000 gleaming rides to ogle and touch.
But first things first. There’s a ton to take in here — truly something, as they say, for the entire family — and only so many hours in a day. The idea is to maximize time spent, while minimizing the expenditure of legwork and cash. That’s where a bit of insider guidance pays off.
What’s happening
The Nissan Quest Kids’ Fun Zone, a huge hit when it debuted last year, has significantly expanded with way more video game areas and other interactive fun stuff for kids 12 and younger. It’s open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Kentia Hall.
To address the launch of mainstream electric vehicles, Southern California Edison will have a major presence on the main floor this year, offering information on tax credits and free chargers, along with advice on which type of electric vehicle is best suited for personal needs.
Showing up
As always, it’s best to come to the show on a weekday, when the crowds are lighter. But the next best option is Thanksgiving or the day before, Flynn said. The Friday after Thanksgiving gets about as crowded as a weekend.
“A lot of people get the day before Thanksgiving off, or at least they leave work early, so it’s a good time to come to the show,” he said. “Two years ago, the last time we had the show over Thanksgiving, we drew a lot of fathers, sons and grandfathers early [on Thanksgiving Day] — in other words, everyone who’s unessential to preparing the turkey. A lot of families showed up later.”
Maps are available as you enter the show, but it’s wise to go to the Auto Show website (www.laautoshow.com) beforehand and download a copy. While you’re on the website, be sure to print out the $2-off admission coupons or download E-tickets.
Live from L.A.
Over a decade ago, the convention center sat virtually alone, a behemoth in an underdeveloped part of L.A. Now it’s surrounded by the hip entertainment and sports hotbed that is L.A. Live, as well as Staples Center, home to the Lakers, Kings and Clippers.
Any trip to the Auto Show should include a visit to L.A. Live, with food and drink available at more than a dozen trendy venues and entertainment options aplenty.
Parking it
Best of all, you can see and do it all without moving your car.
“Parking at the convention center is $12 and it’s for all day, so you can check out the show and go over to L.A. Live or Staples,” Flynn pointed out.
All-day parking at L.A. Live is $25, and valet parking is available at the Auto Show for $30. If you self-park, just don’t be that person holding up a line of traffic, sitting in one spot forever waiting for someone to leave. Best to keep driving until you find an empty spot. If the lot is open, that means there are empty spots somewhere.
Maybe you’ll get lucky and nab a space up close. If not, that’s where the comfortable shoes pay off. You’re going to be covering a lot of ground, regardless.
And they say nobody walks in L.A.
— Bob Young, Custom Publishing Writer
