LOS ANGELES: THE CITY OF ANGELS UNVEILED

Los Angeles (LA) is an epic city located in Southern California, USA! It’s the 2nd most populous city in the USA after New York City.

Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population, entertainment industry (Hollywood is here!), cultural attractions, iconic landmarks and of course Route 66! The end of our thrilling roadtrip was here in Santa Monica in Los Angeles and we devoted 4-5 days to explore the city before we fly back to our hometown! You can read more for our ROADTRIP in Route 66 in my other blog post here. 

Please find some general information and tips below:

Airport for International Flights: Los Angeles International Airport. Angel’s tip: I flew from here to Athens city in Greece via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.

How many days in LA? If you want to visit the city’s major attractions, have fun and take an idea of the food scene,  you’ll likely need at least 4-5 days. I stayed 4 and I wanted more for sure.

Best way to get around the city? It depends on your preferences and where you want to go. You can use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, take the Metro rail system, or rent a car for more flexibility, like we did.

Weather? Los Angeles generally has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average temperatures range from around 15°C (60°F) in winter to 27°C  (80°F) in summer.

Plug Type: In LA and throughout the United States, the standard electric plug type is Type A and Type B. Type A has two flat parallel pins, while Type B adds a grounding pin. The standard voltage is 120V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz.

What are some popular neighborhoods to explore? Los Angeles is known for its diverse neighborhoods!! Some popular ones to explore include of course Hollywood for its entertainment history, Beverly Hills for luxury shopping and celebrity sightings, Santa Monica and Venice beach to enjoy the beach and feel the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.

Accommodation & itinerary: Los Angeles is renowned for its vastness and traffic, so allocating 5 days to explore it allows for a well-paced itinerary. To optimize time and experience, consider splitting accommodations strategically.

For the first part of your stay, we opted for a hotel in Santa Monica. Nestled by the coast, this choice offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Angel’s tip: From here, you can easily explore iconic spots like Venice Beach, take in the scenic beauty of Malibu, witness surfers riding the waves, and indulge in delightful dinners with ocean views. Don’t forget to stroll along the lively Santa Monica Pier for a quintessential LA experience.

For the 2nd leg of your adventure, a hotel in Beverly Hills serves as an ideal base. Angel’s tip: Situated conveniently close to Hollywood, you’ll have easy access to must-visit attractions such as Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Beverly Hills itself beckons with its upscale shopping streets and glamorous ambiance, offering a taste of luxury amid the bustling cityscape.

By strategically dividing your accommodations, you can maximize your time exploring Los Angeles while ensuring convenient access to its diverse attractions and neighborhoods!

Must-see attractions in Los Angeles:

BEVERLY HILLS: it epitomizes glamour and luxury! A must-visit area known for its high-end boutiques along the iconic Rodeo Drive, upscale shopping, boasting sprawling mansions & beautiful neighborhoods.

HOLLYWOOD: the epicenter of the entertainment industry, synonymous with stars and fame. Walk on the legendary Walk of Fame, visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign for classic LA vibes.

SANTA MONICA: It offers a perfect blend of beach vibes and urban sophistication, with its lively pier and endless outdoor activities! Enjoy the beach, the Santa Monica Pier and the vibrant Third Street Promenade.

VENICE BEACH: Experience the eclectic boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the Venice Canals. Don’t miss Venice Beach Skatepark.

MALIBU: Enjoy stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches, and hiking trails in this scenic area. Angel’s tip: Here it is located the famous NOBU restaurant too with stunning sea view! It is espensive ($150-$200 pp) but I would visit again for sure. Visit before sunset.

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY: it stands as a beacon of astronomical wonder, offering breathtaking views of the cosmos from Griffith Park. Enjoy stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign(you can hike towards it too), and explore the exhibits and planetarium.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD: Visit either Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland to have a blast at the theme parks! You can have a studio tour in Universal studios too. If you have enough time, do everything!

WARNER BROS: Take a behind-the-scenes look at a working film and television studio in Warner Bros. One of the most famous working film and television studios in the world where visitors can explore iconic sets, see famous props and costumes, and learn about the history of Warner Bros.

Museums: Los Angeles is home to a variety of world-class museums catering to different interests. Angel’s tip: The 3 first are must-visit museums in LA.

1. The Getty Center: This renowned art museum boasts an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Situated atop a hill in Brentwood, the Getty Center also offers stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city.
2. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States and features a diverse collection of artworks spanning thousands of years and cultures. Highlights include modern and contemporary art, ancient artifacts, and the iconic Urban Light installation.
3. The Broad: Located in Downtown LA, The Broad is a contemporary art museum housing a vast collection of postwar and contemporary artworks. Visitors can admire works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons.
4. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Explore the natural world and cultural history at this museum located in Exposition Park. Highlights include dinosaur fossils, gem and mineral specimens, and exhibits on indigenous cultures of California.
5. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): MOCA is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from the 1940s to the present. With locations in Downtown LA and Little Tokyo, the museum features rotating exhibitions, public programs, and a diverse collection of modern artworks.
6. Petersen Automotive Museum: Car enthusiasts will love exploring the Petersen Automotive Museum, which showcases the history and evolution of automobiles. The museum features a wide range of vintage cars, classic motorcycles, and interactive exhibits.

Shopping: Los Angeles offers a range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to budget-friendly options.

Luxury Shopping:

1. Rodeo Drive: Located in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is renowned for its upscale boutiques and designer stores. Shop for luxury fashion brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada along this iconic shopping street. Angel’s tip: Even if you are not in a mood of shopping, you can go just for a walk, it’s nice!
2. The Grove: This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex in the Fairfax District features luxury retailers such as Apple, Nordstrom, and Michael Kors, as well as upscale department stores like Barneys New York and Nordstrom.
3. Melrose Avenue: Melrose Avenue offers a mix of high-end fashion boutiques, designer flagship stores, and trendy shopping destinations. Explore the Melrose Place area for luxury brands like Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, and Carolina Herrera.
4. Westfield Century City: This upscale shopping mall in Century City features luxury retailers like Tiffany & Co., Burberry, and Coach, as well as high-end department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.
5. The Beverly Center: Located near Beverly Hills, The Beverly Center is a premier shopping destination with luxury brands like Balenciaga, Fendi, and Saint Laurent, as well as upscale department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.

Budget-Friendly Shopping:

1. Santee Alley: Located in the Fashion District of Downtown LA, Santee Alley is a bustling outdoor market offering affordable clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Bargain hunt for trendy fashion finds and unique items at budget-friendly prices.
2. The Grove: In addition to luxury shopping, The Grove also offers budget-friendly options such as H&M, Zara, and Forever 21. Shop for affordable fashion, accessories, and home goods at these popular retailers.
3. Citadel Outlets: Located just outside of Downtown LA, Citadel Outlets is an outdoor shopping center featuring discounted designer and brand-name outlet stores. Shop for clothing, shoes, accessories, and more at affordable prices.
4. Third Street Promenade: Situated in Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only shopping street lined with stores offering affordable fashion, accessories, and souvenirs. Explore retailers like Gap, Urban Outfitters, and Sephora.
5. Fashion District: Explore the Fashion District in Downtown LA, which offers a wide range of wholesale and retail shops selling affordable clothing, accessories, and fabrics. Discover hidden gems and unbeatable deals in this bustling shopping district.

Free things to do in Los Angeles

Here are more free activities to enjoy in Los Angeles:

1. Griffith Observatory: Explore the exhibits and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign from this historic landmark. Admission to the observatory and its grounds is free, although there may be a fee for planetarium shows.
2. Getty Center: Visit this renowned art museum, which offers stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Admission to the Getty Center is free, but parking fees apply.
3. Hiking: Discover scenic hiking trails in and around Los Angeles, including Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park, and the Hollywood Hills. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and coastline while getting some exercise in nature.
4. Venice Beach Boardwalk: Take a leisurely stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, where you can people-watch, admire street performers, browse eclectic shops, and view colorful murals—all for free.
5. Santa Monica Pier: Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, stroll along the boardwalk, and explore the amusement park rides and arcade games. While some activities require payment, admission to the pier itself is free.
6. Walt Disney Concert Hall: Admire the striking architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, and take a self-guided tour of the exterior and the garden. Free guided tours of the interior are also available on selected days.
7. Cultural Festivals and Events: Check out free cultural festivals, street fairs, and events happening throughout Los Angeles, showcasing music, art, food, and diverse cultures from around the world. Examples include the Nisei Week Japanese Festival, Chinatown Summer Nights, and the Grand Central Market’s Night Market.
8. Explore Arts District: Wander through the vibrant Arts District in Downtown LA, known for its street art, galleries, and creative atmosphere. Admire the colorful murals, browse art galleries, and enjoy the unique blend of art, culture, and cuisine.

Food: Los Angeles offers a diverse culinary scene. You can find excellent food in neighborhoods like Koreatown, Downtown LA and Venice Beach. Let me help you with some restaurants we were recommended, learnt when there or we visited & loved!

• Upscale and expensive restaurants (usually above $150 per person): Providence in Hollywood renowned for its elegant seafood-centric menu, Nobu for Japanese and Peruvian flavors, Spago as a celebrity hotspot known for Californian cuisine, Melisse as a Michelin-starred restaurant are a few.
• Medium range to expensive restaurants ( $70-$120 per person): Catch LA in a rooftop known for celebrity sightings, creative seafood-focused food & cocktails., Craig’s with spectacular service & food, Elephante with great ocean views, Cassia as a casually cool spot for upscale French-Asian fare & seafood served indoors or on the cozy patio and so manyyy more.

• More affordable dining options: In-N-Out Burger for California classic fast food, Tacos 1986, Ricky’s fish tacos and Guerilla Tacos for authentic and flavorful tacos at affordable prices, Grand Central Market in Downtown LA with numerous vendors offering affordable eats ranging from tacos and pupusas to ramen and deli sandwiches, Fat Sal’s Deli for healthy comfort food on a budget, The Oinkster for burgers, sandwiches, Sawyer for American comfort food with a California twist.

Breakfast and smoothies: Erewhon for its famous  smoothies, Urth Caffe for smoothies too where some celebrity are spotted, Beverly Hills Hotel – expensive breakfast in an ICONIC hotel in the swimming pool area (wish I could afford to stay here!)

My main COSTS in Los Angeles

• Accommodation: $430 per person (pp)

Hilton Santa Monica in Los Angeles for 2 nights: $380 per night for 4 people

SLS hotel Beverly Hills in los Angeles for 2 nights: $480 per night for 4 people

• Hotel parking: $50-$70 per night
• Universal Studios: $140 per person the entrance
• Warner Bros: $70 per person for the tour
• Food & drinks : $730 pp in good restaurants

For more information, pictures and details check my highlight and post on Instagram

IG: angeliki.a_