Great posts Whirlybird. Keep them coming.
Catalina is a good trip, although more challenging in a f/w than a heli - when you see the approach, you'll know what I mean! The buffalo-burgers in the airport cafe are worth trying.
Palm Springs is not a bad trip but mostly over the desert and you'll do that en route to Vegas.
Consider flying down the coast to San Diego. It's a fabulous trip (<100 miles from memory) and San Diego has the most beautiful harbour in the world. Stunning!
Assuming it's still possible post 9/11, you get a wonderful view by flying out to Point Loma (under Mil control) and then crossing the bay near the Coronado Bridge (under SD International control.)
I agree about the low level transition at LAX. Great fun. Do they still allow you to use the rooftop helipad post 9/11?
Another tip you might find useful ..... Robinson test fly all helicopters before release. Officially they don't allow visitors to go up with the test pilots, but it's not impossible. If you manage to persuade them, you'll see the complete flight envelope demonstrated by a factory specialist. Very interesting!
(Enviously)
Tudor Owen
Hope ithe wx improves enough for you to fly the R22 with the door off. A little strange at first, but great fun when you get used to it. Real "Whirlybird" flying!!