They say; If you can make it in Los Angeles you can make it anywhere! And ain’t that the truth. Although we're not all out to "make it" we do all want to make the best of our experiences. Here's the second part to my guide to L.A.
Image source: The Zoe Report
Only in L.A.
Disneyland
“The Happiest Place on Earth” A visit here can be enchanting, exciting, romantic, or nostalgic, all depending on your age. One of those places you have to see at least once in your life. I promise you, you'll feel like a kid again.Dodger Stadium
One way to blend in with the locals is to surround yourself with them—literally. Get out to Dodger Stadium for a baseball game, and don’t forget to dress in all blue and eat a Dodger Dog while you’re there. Unless it’s a big game, Dodger tickets are easy to come by, especially if you’re willing to sit in the cheap bleacher seats. You can also spend a bit more to sit in one of the special sections such as the All-You-Can-Eat Pavilion.Los Angeles County Museum of Art (aka LACMA)
Without a doubt, LACMA is the focal point of the museum district that runs along Wilshire Boulevard. Chris Burden’s Urban Light sculpture, composed of more than 220 restored cast-iron antique street lamps, elegantly marks the location and is famously seen in many movie scenes. Inside you’ll find one of the country’s largest art collections. Worth a visit!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal is more than a theme park with lots of roller coasters and thrill rides. It's tour provides a good firsthand look at familiar TV and movie sets. Despite the amusement park clichés, many first-timers consider this studio a must-see.Paramount Pictures
This is the only major studio from film’s golden age left in Hollywood—all the others are in Burbank, Universal City, or Culver City. Paramount offers probably the most authentic studio tour, giving you a real sense of the film industry’s history. You can take a two-hour studio tour or a four-and-a-half-hour VIP tour, led by guides who walk and trolley you around the back lots. If you're lucky you’ll spot film shoots in progress.Drinks and Nightlife
Skybar is the sleek and sexy rooftop bar at The Mondrian hotel - with breathtaking views of the city, you can visit either in the day or night. Through the summer they offer pool parties and events. (Pretty sure this is where Justin Hemmes was inspired for Marco Polo).
Image source: trusty traveller
Warwick in Hollywood is the place to be on a Wednesday night. The who's who of Hollywood frequent the establishment and its not out of the norm to mingle with A-listers.
E.P & L.P one of my favourite rooftops with Asian fusion food and delicious cocktails! With more of a laid back vibe, for Hollywood, it's a great place to start your night off.
Beauty&Essex A sophisticated, jewel-toned eatery with vintage decor offering new American plates, drinks & wine. Make sure to order the cheesy dumplings. OMG! When you're done with dinner and drinks, stop by next door at Avenue Los Angeles for a night you wont forget.
Disclaimer - this is Los Angeles, the people are snobby, the servers are sassy, don't expect world class customer service, expect long wait times, with or without a reservation, unless you're Kendall Jenner.
Where to eat
Restaurants
Mauro at Fred Segal on Melrose, its a perfect spot for lunch while taking a break from shopping. This restaurant is part clothing store / part café / part celeb spotting.Katana - I fell in love with this place on my first visit to L.A. Located right across the road from the Mondrian Hotel, Katana does amazing Japanese. Call ahead and reserve a table on the patio outside. Perfect on a balmy summers night.
Nobu Malibu - If its being rapped about, then its definitely got my attention, Nobu Malibu is sushi and sashimi heaven. Their chili edamame beans are a standout. Go for lunch and enjoy the views. Cocktail in hand its THE place to be seen.
Carlitos Gardel - I'm not being bias or anything but this Argentinian restaurant is probably by far one of the best places I've eaten in L.A. Located on Melrose, you'd be forgiven for walking right past and not taking notice, but once inside this place is divine. Dulce de leche ice cream with grated chocolate to finish off your meal will prove it.
The Ivy - One of the most beautiful restaurants in L.A. with pretty floral arrangements and white picket fences, go in the afternoon and soak in the ambiance. My dish of choice: Lobster linguine. Yum! Pricey, but worth it.
Lastly, I have to mention burgers; In-n-out and Shake Shack is the ultimate battle of the burgers; My verdict. In-n-out cheeseburger and shake shack fries - Best of both worlds!
Try it and let me know what you prefer!
Los Angeles is a BIG city, so there is no shortage of great places to go and things to do. These are just some of the things I personally did, so I feel good recommending them all to you guys, but don't be afraid to just explore if you are planning a trip and won't be near any of the areas that I was in. It's one of my favourite cities in the world, so I'm sure you'll have a great experience regardless.