Los Angeles, U.S.A - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: May 25, 2024
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ABOUT LOS ANGELES | SHOULD I GO? | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO STAY | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO PARTY
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The City of Angels and Entertainment
Los Angeles, known worldwide for its links to films, Hollywood, the rich and the famous, can be located in the southern half of California caressing the Pacific Ocean on America's west coast.
Outside of New York City, LA is the most populated city in the USA and is possibly the most diverse as well.
LA is also known as the City of Angels, which shows links to its past: the word Angeles in Spanish means ‘angels’. This comes from the early rulers within the Spanish empire when the city was first founded in 1781.
LA is holy ground for entertainment, with all the major film companies, TV production and theme parks based here giving it its other title of entertainment capital of the world. It truly is a city where dreams come true and are shattered, and the richest of the rich live side by side with those who have nothing, living in a cardboard box on the street.
The Far Out Name in Lights
We were in LA for 5 days and luckily had a few local friends who work in the TV and film industry show us around. Without these amazing people, it could have been a little more difficult getting to see the real city, not just the tourist hotspots. We were able to find some great places to eat or grab a coffee that we just wouldn’t have known about.
Whilst we did crash with them a couple of nights the majority of our time we stayed just up the road on Hollywood Boulevard.
We covered a few of the touristy things, which we think you have to whilst in the city. We did the open-top bus tours of Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, checked out the walk of fame, and gave a lesson to a few guys and girls on muscle beach (one rep was all it took).
We saw the city at night from the observatory and everything it had to offer. We also mingled with some of the famous dead within the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. We were also lucky enough to go into a few sets behind the scenes, and also set warehouses, checking out some of the props used in all the blockbusters. This was all topped off by a great trip to Universal, riding the rollercoasters and just generally messing about.
Honestly, we had a blast, it’s safe to say the City of Angels had us hooked, we didn't want to leave, but needs must, and off we went to San Francisco - check out the journey in our 'Tales from the Road' series - Route 1, the Coast and Me.
So Should I go there?
Los Angeles isn’t for everyone. You’ll hear a lot of bad things about LA, but on the other side, you will hear a lot of great things too. On balance, we really think you should.
If you are a fan of celebrities, films and Hollywood then this is a dream location for you. It is all here in one city. You can not only visit the celebrities houses, but you can also visit the sets of some of your favourite films and of course, get that photo under the Hollywood sign. There could even be a chance of spotting some of your idols shopping or mooching around a coffee shop. The bright lights, the glitz and the glamour are great.
The city also has so much to see and do, from great places to eat and drink, the observatory, theme parks all the way to chilling and relaxing at one of the beaches. There truly is something different for every day of the week. LA is not short on nightlife too if that’s more your thing. Basically, whatever you are looking for can be found within this hectic, crazy, fame-hungry city.
My favourite and final reason to go to Los Angeles is that it’s up there with London and New York City as a city that can make your wildest dreams come true. Money, houses, cars, fame. The life you’ve always dreamed of is right there for the taking. If you're travelling, it may inspire you. If you're purely coming here to 'make it', you're in the right place. Yes, only a very small percentage of those dreamers will make it, and you will see those who have tried and tried again, failing at every corner, now walking Hollywood Boulevard dressed in costumes handing out flyers trying to earn enough to stay in the city.
But that burning desire keeps them there, and you have to respect that. At least they tried; they are giving their dreams a chance to flourish. So if you have that itch, that passion, then go, if you work hard, get lucky and keep telling failure it won’t beat you, then yes, you should go here as well.
What to do when Backpacking Los Angeles
As you may have guessed there is a lot to do here, no matter what you’re into. If a relaxing beach holiday is your thing then welcome. If a crazy city break is more you, then hi. If you are looking at cruising the state of California, then what better place to start, with LA in the south-west corner of the state.
The great things about this city are not just what there is to do within the city boundary, but also what is close by, such as Malibu, Mexico and, with a bit of a push, Las Vegas, all easily reachable from LA. It is also the end of one of the most famous drives in the world - Route 66, as well as being the starting point for Route 1, right down in the south of the city, near San Clemente. However, within the city, these are a few of the things we suggest you see and do.
Universal Studios
This theme park needs no introduction whether you have been to one of many around the world or not. The park is not cheap at $109 for a day pass (£85.50). Everything you need for a day or twos entertainment is here in one place. The fantastic park has so many attractions, experiences, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, rides and much, much more. There is something for all ages, abilities and nerves. It really is a magical day out for the family, where you can meet some of your favourite characters from TV shows and films. Of course, if you prefer there is also Disney Land, unfortunately, I didn’t have time and therefore haven’t been to this park, although I should imagine it’s fairly similar.
Muscle Beach and Santa Monica Pier
The one and only original Muscle Beach is located just south of the pretty Santa Monica Pier, jetting out into the Pacific.
We were surprised with Muscle Beach, it wasn’t what we had expected, we were expecting a horde of really muscular and toned guys and girls, but what we found was just a quiet outdoor beach gym. Although those that were there were very fit, there weren’t too many overly intimidating massive chunks of muscle and meatheads showing off. I can imagine it would actually be a very nice place to work out, enjoying the views in the sun on occasions if you lived in the area.
The Pier however is a great piece of architecture, like Pier 39 in San Francisco it looks a lot older than it is. Since it opened in 1909 the pier has been a main attraction within LA and its easy to see why. With a number of restaurants, bars, arcades and even an aquarium, all surrounded by golden beaches, it makes for a great place to relax for a day.
Walk of Fame
No trip is complete to LA without checking out the Walk of Fame and getting your photos alongside the stars of your favourite celebs. On Hollywood Boulevard you will find the stars of the greats, past and present and it’s always fun to see how many you know or see if you can find your favourite person. Not too far from the Dolby Theatre you will also find a little area with hand and footprints of a few legends from all walks of life.
Tours around Hollywood
Whilst Hollywood is only a small part of LA it seems to take all the headlines. While in the area there are a number of open-top bus tours that will take you around the main attractions, and some head further afield and incorporate other parts of LA as well. Some of these tours last longer than others and therefore the costs also change. The best advice we can give is to do your research, find the best tour that ticks off what you want to see, be it the celebrities houses, the Hollywood sign, the walk of fame. Then once you have decided, read the reviews, as you can get a vast difference in service and knowledge depending on what tour you take.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
This beautiful and well-maintained cemetery just off Santa Monica Boulevard is a great place to visit, alongside the rich there are some big names that have been laid to rest here, including Dee Dee and Johnny Ramone, Mel Blanc aka Bugs Bunny as well as a number of other singers, songwriters, directors and actors, although my favourite is a little statue in dedication to Toto the dog. I really enjoyed wandering the grounds; the only thing that disturbed me about the cemetery was the old age persons care home at one of the entrances. It seemed a bit weird that people could look out and see where they are soon likely to be.
Griffith Park and The Observatory
Griffith Park is a large mountainous area to the north of Hollywood; it covers a vast amount of land and is perfect for the active amongst you. There are some stunning hikes in and around the park, but be prepared, it can be very rugged terrain and is not for the faint-hearted or unfit, though it is worth the effort should you make it.
Those of you who consider yourself to be unable to complete a tricky hike do not fear. The natural beauty and city views are not out of your reach, as there is, whilst windy, great road access around the park. The park also holds LA Zoo and a large equestrian centre, and the main event: Griffith Observatory.
The observatory is positioned on Mouth Hollywood overlooking the main city of Los Angeles, and the views are outstanding. I can recommend a night visit too; I think that is when LA is most attractive. The city looks stunning lit up from the coast all the way to the base of Mount Hollywood. Inside the observatory, there are some excellent scientific exhibits and educational pieces, such as a Tesla Coil, telescopes and other inventions we now take for granted.
It is a very cool, fun experience with not just views of LA, but of the universe through the telescopes. Even more impressive is that it is open until 10pm every night and is free of charge for all.
The Hollywood Sign
Of course, we couldn’t let this section finish without bringing up ‘the sign’. Visible from most of Hollywood due to its location high up on Mount Lee, the letters that spell out ‘HOLLYWOOD’ have been one of the biggest attractions in the area since it was erected in 1923.
Be prepared to walk, as the sign is further than you think, and can take a bit of effort to get near. Once you have got as near as you possibly can don’t forget to look back down at the city. The views from the Hollywood sign are phenomenal. You really cannot go to LA without getting this picture, can you?
Where to Stay Whilst Backpacking Los Angeles
During my time in LA, I stayed in a wicked little hostel on Hollywood Boulevard called Samesun Hostel. The location has to be one of the best in town; everything is on your doorstep. It was literally a stone thrown from the Dolby Theatre, where they filmed the Oscars. If you step out of the front door it is directly in front of you.
On the other side of the street, you also have the Walk of Fame with all the stars of the rich and famous, past and present. A number of tours start just down the road, such as the Hollywood Bus Tour which takes you to all the famous landmarks.
The hostel itself is also clean and tidy, with a good meeting area should you be travelling alone. There are pool tables, TV’s and comfy areas as well as a great kitchen. The staff are very helpful and friendly as is the owner should he be in. Overall a very nice place to stay, but can be a bit noisy at times. The 8-bed dorms start at about $38 per night (£30). You can also book a private room should you wish.
Where to Eat When Backpacking Los Angeles
Food is never in shortage in LA, and if you have the money te eat at fancy places, you could find yourself sat next to a celebrity or two. For most of us that’s a pipe dream (funny saying that in LA) as it is likely we have popped down the shop and got something to cook in the hostel. However there are a few places where the price isn’t all that bad, and the taste remains.
Down on Sunset Boulevard, there is a great little place, not known by many tourists called The Waffle. Yes, you guessed it. they do all things waffle related, and I mean anything. I had the strawberry cheesecake waffle, and it was to die for. Still today, I do not know how they got some of those flavours, but it worked. Every mouthful was like a little drop of fresh dew on a sunny winter's morning.
There was a group of about 6-7 of us and not one waffle looked bad, and everyone only had good words to say about it. That has to tell you something.
Just down from the Hollywood sign, in a little area known as Hollywoodland, you will find a cracking little place called Beachwood Café. We were up against it with timing so only got a small meal and my favourite, a good cuppa along with a freshly made BLT with chicken. It’s not often I will sit and praise a restaurant for that dish, but it was divine. I could have ordered another couple to take away and have for dinner and lunch again the following day.
Not only was the food great but the waitress was so overly helpful and friendly. It was a really good experience from the second you walked in. I have to admit, the style wasn’t my taste but it was funky and retro. It a very nice place, and I’d go back again in a heartbeat.
Whilst in America, especially California, it would have been a crime not to go to Bubba Gump's, and where better than on Santa Monica Pier. I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few of these restaurants around the world, but this felt a little special. The location overlooking Santa Monica State Beach with the incoming tide, the smells of the freshly cooked food, all came together as one big concoction of perfection.
The restaurant is very cosy, so it’s worth booking in advance, we got lucky but still had to wait a while. Even if you aren’t hungry, or you may have just completed a work out at Muscle Beach on the golden sands below, it’s a great place to quench your thirst with a cheeky pint, and somewhere to relax out of the midday sun.
I seem to automatically drift to Hard Rock Café and I have no idea why, but since blogging I have realised I mention them a lot. (Should I do a Hard Rock around the world blog, I promise I’m not an ambassador, if I was I’d be a lot richer than I am now). Seeing as there was a Hard Rock Café on Hollywood Boulevard, and only a few minutes’ walk from my hostel, it would have been rude not to go there.
You know what you are going to get, and you know what to expect. This didn’t disappoint either, massive portion sizes, which is always a winner with me. Mix that with great taste and friendly service and you cannot go wrong.
Now, The Original Philippe. This is a must. If you haven’t heard of the restaurant, do no worry, nor had I. But I will never forget it now. This place is crazy. The décor is hilarious, the staff are great and the food is outrageously good. They specialise in sandwiches dipped in beef stock. I have the beef sandwich dipped in the stock with mac and cheese. It was so lip-smackingly wonderful, it left me wanting more and more. I highly recommend this place.
Where to Drink and Party when Backpacking San Francisco
The city of Los Angeles is full of places to drink and party from the northern tips all the way to the south, and from the coast, back to the mountain ranges penning LA to the Pacific. Los Angeles is far too big for us to go through all the bars and clubs that we recommend.
Not only that, but we didn’t tend to go out too often like a lot of places, partly because it’s cheaper to drink with mates in the hostel, or drink at the bars and restaurants where we ate. In the case of LA, it was also because we had drinks with our friends at their house, a car to operate every morning and so much to cram in in only 5 days. A couple of places worth a mention though are:
Ye Old Kings Head, in Santa Monica is first on our list, this brilliant English style bar is a great place for cold alcoholic beverage, with sports on the TV, and a good atmosphere. Out the back is also a great restaurant serving a number of English meals. This little place is only a few minutes’ walk from the beach and Santa Monica Pier. The area is not short of places to eat or drink and there is a definite theme of English Bar meets American Sports Bar going on.
All along Hollywood Boulevard, there are a number of places to drink, we dipped into a number of them from Jameson’s Irish Pub, the Rusty Mullet, Cabo Cantina and once again Hard Rock Café. Whilst the majority of them are ok, it’s nothing we really felt we needed to write about. Overall they are very similar in what they offer, food (burger and fries) the drinks were good and the atmosphere was great.
What you'll need to blend in
A dream to shatter
Hopes the dream can become un-shattered
Patience in the traffic jams
Hatred of Trump
To have it all or nothing at all
The ability to tell everyone you were once in a movie