California Arcade Suggestions?

MagicMarc-er

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My family is planning a trip to California this spring. We have one week split between San Francisco and LA. I may not be able to fit an arcade into the schedule but I'd like some suggestions. Since this will by my teenage kids' first trip to California, we'll be doing all of the standard tourist stuff. For me to be able to convince everyone to fit an arcade into the mix, it will have to be an over-the-top arcade. I've taken them to Funspot and several other arcades. Help me convince the family to make a side trip by giving me suggestions with the biggest Wow-factor.
 
Arcade Expo 2018 Schedule

Friday, March 16th (2:30pm-12midnight)
Saturday, March 17th (11am-2am)
Sunday, March 18th (11am-7pm)

Over 600 pinball machines and over 400 arcade machines.
 
Hmmm, tempting.

I was hoping for a Vegas trip in April, maybe I'll move it to
March so I can do this too.

JD

Arcade Expo 2018 Schedule

Friday, March 16th (2:30pm-12midnight)
Saturday, March 17th (11am-2am)
Sunday, March 18th (11am-7pm)

Over 600 pinball machines and over 400 arcade machines.
 
If you're in L.A., check out the Neon Retro Arcade in Pasadena. Not sure if it'll be close to where you're staying or not, but they have a good selection of games and are more kid-friendly than a number of locations.

There's a parking structure across the street from them run by the City of Pasadena. Recommend parking in there if you can; first 90 minutes are free before (IIRC) 6pm.
 
Musee Mechanique, in San Francisco. Check it out online. Very cool place, with everything from early 1900's mechanical games, to modern vids, and everything inbetween. I had a blast there.

Santa Cruz, as mentioned, has a big arcade full of modern redemption stuff, and they have a corner with maybe a dozen 80's classics. Not worth a dedicated drive there just for the games IMO, unless you want to see the beach and amusement park too, which is an ok day trip. It's a pretty beach, and you'll get to drive the infamous Rt 17.
 
Was just at the Pinpall Museum in Vegas - really fun, had a great time. I am also looking for places to play in Orange County. Definitely want to check out the Neon Retro Arcade in Pasadena - looks awesome.
 
My family is planning a trip to California this spring. We have one week split between San Francisco and LA. I may not be able to fit an arcade into the schedule but I'd like some suggestions. Since this will by my teenage kids' first trip to California, we'll be doing all of the standard tourist stuff. For me to be able to convince everyone to fit an arcade into the mix, it will have to be an over-the-top arcade. I've taken them to Funspot and several other arcades. Help me convince the family to make a side trip by giving me suggestions with the biggest Wow-factor.

In the SF Bay Area there's High Scores with 2 east bay locations: Alameda and Hayward - lot of good classics to choose from, this would be teen friendly.
http://www.highscoresarcade.com/

Coin-Op in San Francisco is a barcade with many classics. This is a great place to check out. This is a bar, so likely 21 and over - call to verify, I've never seen teens in there.
http://coinopsf.com/
 
Eighty Two
Button Mash
Lost Levels
Mission Control
RetroVolt
Blipsy Bar
the One Up (sherman oaks)
James Games
Royce's Arcade Warehouse
Captain's Auction Warehouse

None of these are on the scale of Fun Spot though
 
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Can't really think of any "over the top" arcade experiences in So Cal.

I was going to say Eighty Two, but it's just a barcade so maybe not good for the teens. It is close to Dodger Stadium and the L.A. Zoo if you are planning to go there.

A lot of things to do in Cali in a week, not sure how much extra time you will have.
 
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