Shopping on our way to Lone Pine?

Question

We will go from LAX to Lone Pine on a Saturday afternoon. I was looking on the best logistical option to do some shopping, on our way, as we have to stay in Lone Pine for the night.

We chose Burbank, as it's almost on route, and it has all stores next to eachother.

We need some groceries and some outdoor gear we won't take with us on our flight.

The plan is to go to the Rei store in Burbank, en then get some groceries. Better go with Costco Wholesale or Walmart Supercenter?

Or do you have better logistical options for the shopping we need?

Other tips?

Answer

Your plan to shop in Burbank on the way from LAX to Lone Pine is logistically solid. Burbank is conveniently located just north of Los Angeles and close to the I-5 and CA-14 freeways, which are the main routes toward Lone Pine. This makes it a practical stop for both outdoor gear and groceries without deviating too far from your route.

Here are some considerations and tips for your shopping stops:

REI in Burbank: Great choice for outdoor gear. REI carries a full range of hiking, camping, and outdoor essentials, and the staff can give you advice about gear for the Sierra Nevada and desert areas around Lone Pine. Arriving early is recommended on a Saturday to avoid crowds.
Groceries: Both Costco Wholesale and Walmart Supercenter are viable options, but your choice depends on your needs:
- Costco: Good for buying larger quantities, bulk snacks, bottled water, and drinks. Membership is required, so ensure you have one. The store can be busy on a Saturday afternoon.
- Walmart Supercenter: Better for smaller, quick grocery runs. They have fresh produce, ready-to-eat items, and general groceries. Usually faster for quick shopping, especially if you don’t need bulk items.

Other logistical tips:

Plan your Burbank stops in order: REI first, then grocery shopping, so you can pick up bulk items last and load them into the car for the longer drive to Lone Pine.
Use a navigation app to check traffic; Burbank can get congested on a Saturday afternoon, especially around major shopping centers.
If you have time and are interested, there’s also a Target in Burbank near the freeway, which can combine general groceries and smaller outdoor items in one stop.
Ensure your cooler or bags are ready if buying perishable groceries, as it’s about a 3–4 hour drive from Burbank to Lone Pine depending on traffic.

In summary, your current plan is efficient: REI for outdoor gear, followed by Costco or Walmart for groceries. If you prefer convenience and speed, Walmart is likely the better choice; if you want bulk supplies for the trip, Costco works well.

Shopping on our way to Lone Pine?

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