Los Angeles is one of those cities that you either love or hate. It’s big, it’s hot, and it’s hard to get around. Whether you like it or loathe it – it’s a place worth visiting at least once in your life.
Despite a bit of a lack of public transport options – the city is easy enough to see in a couple of days – which makes it a perfect stop-over destination on your way across the States.
Most of the times visit LA I stay in the buzzing West Hollywood. It’s pretty central with plenty of food and drinking options. I’ve stayed in the Ramada West Hollywood as well as San Vincente Bungalows. Both were pretty decent with great locations. My friends generally stay at The London which they always rave about. I’ve also stayed at the Mariott at LAX which is OK but a LONG way away from the action. Not bad if you’re only in town a night though.
Day 1
I’d make a B-line for Hollywood Boulevard to check out Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, The Hollywood Museum and of course, stroll down the famous Hollywood walk of fame.
It’s also checking the mall on the corner of Highland Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard for a pretty decent view of the famous Hills and Hollywood Sign.
There’s plenty of people watching opportunities all around the strip but it’s rammed with tourists so I’d recommend getting your pictures and getting out.
You can also join a tour to the Hollywood Hills to see where the rich and famous live. It cost us about $30 and I didn’t think this was worth the money. You don’t see much more than ten foot fences and hear stories about people who lived behind them once upon a time. I’d save your pennies.
Next up head down to the Farmers Markets for some celebrity spotting, shopping and a bite to eat. You easily could walk it – but it’ll take you about 45 minutes – without anything too exciting to see along the way. A cab will be closer to ten minutes, while a bus will take around 30.
Do a quick round of the shops before choosing somewhere to sit down and have lunch.
After lunch head over to Rodeo drive for an ice cream and some more celebrity spotting and shopping.
If you’re a die-hard shopper you could go over to the Beverly Hills centre instead and hit Rodeo Drive on your way to Venice on day two.
Head back to WeHo for dinner and, if you can muster the energy, try your luck at getting into one of the celebrity-frequented haunts – like Bar Marmount or Skybar.
Day 2
If you didn’t make it to Rodeo Drive on Day one I’d start your day here – it’s only about ten minutes away from West Hollywood on the bus or by cab and it’s not a bad walk if you feel so inclined.
If you managed to squeeze in a look at the designer heavy shopping strip stay on the bus and continue to the coast.
It’ll take you the better part of an hour by public transport but it’s cheap and reliable. I think it cost me about $50-$60 by cab.
There’s more plenty of food and shopping options at Third Street promenade – three streets back from the beach – but I’d head straight down to the Santa Monica Pier.
You’ll find all sorts of junk food stalls, rides, buskers and attractions at the Pier – as well as great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Grab something to eat or relax on the beach until you’re ready to hit the road again.
When you feel up to it – head back to the board walk and stroll south towards Venice beach. The route is rammed with rollerbladers, buskers, skateboarders and snake-charmers and people from all walks of life who are serious about exercising.
There’s lots of cool little stalls and shops along the way – mostly selling junk, in my opinion – but it’s interesting for a look all the same.
You can spend the afternoon exploring the Venice Canals or just relax and watch the sun dip below the horizon in one of the many beachfront bars and restaurants.
A cheeky extra day
If you can squeeze an extra day into your itinerary I’d probably head to one of the theme parks – Disney or Universal Studios.
Universal is worth a look even if you don’t have time to go into the park because there’s heaps of restaurants and entertainment options at the Universal CityWalk – just outside.
Universal is about 45 minutes away from WeHo.
Disney Land is closer to an hour and a half away.
Alternatively you could head out to Malibu or down south to Laguna Beach for the day.
Also, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but In-N-Out burger is a southern Californian institution and a must do for any junkfood junkies – like me.
