With a bevy of hot dining, entertainment and nightlife options, there are plenty of reasons to take your next holiday in La La Land.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE:
The city is packed with iconic sites and exciting attractions, so there truly is something for everyone here.
Whether on a family vacation or a romantic getaway, you'll find something to suit your fancy.
- Disneyland and California Adventure Parks
The ultimate L.A. travel destination, these legendary theme parks are a great place to take the kids or to relive your own childhood. Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, Monsters Inc., and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride are classic rides suitable for all ages and shouldn't be missed.
If you're looking for a thrill, be sure to test your courage at Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Hollywood Tower of Terror, and California Screamin'.
Several days should be set aside to explore Disneyland, while the smaller California Adventure can be toured in a day.
TIP: Disneyland's Blue Bayou Restaurant, a Cajun-Creole eatery, is an extremely popular (and magical!) place to dine - it's actually situated in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and is surrounded by pirate ships and fireflies. Be sure to book a reservation as early as possible because this joint fills up weeks in advance.
- Universal Studios:
Check out awesome rides based on hit movies and TV shows (The Simpson's Ride and Shrek 4-D are particular gems) or tour the studios themselves to view sets from movies like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The War of the Worlds.
Afterwards, stroll the nearby Universal City walkway and settle down in one of the many hip restaurants and bars offered.
Provided you get there early and stay late, the theme park can be toured in a day.
TIP: Spend a little extra to get Front of the Line passes--the time they'll save from waiting in line will more than justify the splurge.
- Hollywood Boulevard:
A movie-lover's dream. Check out your favourite celebrity's star, tour the famous Grauman's Chinese and Kodak Theatres, and take your pic with the likes of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie at the Hollywood Wax Museum. A whole day can easily be spent here.
TIP: Be sure to carry change on this strip. Many local actors and actresses dress up as movie characters and are happy to pose for photos with you - but a small token of appreciation is expected.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:
The problem isn't finding an awesome place to eat or drink in L.A., it's figuring out which of the many ones to go to! Here are a few jewels to get started with:
- Mel's Drive-In - various locations
A classic California establishment and longtime celebrity favourite, Mel's Drive-In is a yummy and eye-pleasing spot to grab some comfort food. Styled like 1950s diners, they even have mini jukeboxes at each table (25 cents a song).
- The Standard's Rooftop Bar - 550 South Flower at Sixth Street
An ultra-chic place to swill a cocktail. Lounge by the pool, recline in a vibrating waterbed pod or simply admire the city lights.
- Barney's Beanery - various locations
An L.A.-based restaurant chain with a menu that's 10 pages long. Choose from a wide array of all-day breakfast, South of the Border, sandwich, salad, soup, and burger items. Be sure to save room for dessert--the S'Mores are unbelievably delicious!
- Miceli's - 1646 Las Palmas Ave.
Tucked just around the corner from Hollywood Blvd., this charming and surprisingly affordable Italian eatery boasts the distinction of being Hollywood's first-ever pizza house.
Established in 1949, its good food and fantastic customer service has attracted the likes of JFK, the Beatles, and Julia Roberts.
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