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Do you have a few days to lose on the West Coast of the United States? Want to treat your other half to the trip of a lifetime? How about an adventure through the streets of Los Angeles? Contrary to popular belief, there’s a lot more to Los Angeles than Hollywood and Rodeo Drive.
In doubt? Put your bags down in the City of Angels! You’ll have the pleasure of exploring neighborhoods with very distinct characters. You’ll be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this legendary city. Each of LA’s neighborhoods tells a fascinating story. Need a little help organizing your visit?
Although I’ve already revealed a few places to discover in a previous article on Los Angeles, here are a few other nuggets that I’m sure will seduce you!
Day 1: Ready for a cultural and nature immersion in Los Angeles?
1ʳᵉ activity: Santa Monica Pier
Looking for thrills, laughter and good humor? Then head straight for the famous Santa Monica Pier. It’s the place to be, especially if you’ve come to Los Angeles with your children. The pier offers attractions for the whole family. You can enjoy the Ferris wheel, the roller coaster or the arcade games. And if you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Feeling romantic? The pier is also renowned for its splendid sunsets over the ocean.
How do I get there?
For the easiest way to get to the Santa Monica Pier, take the Expo Line light rail to the Downtown Santa Monica station. If you’ve rented a car, there’s plenty of paid parking nearby.
How long is your stay?
To get the most out of your visit, allow 3 to 4 hours. This time will allow you to take a few rides on the merry-go-round, stroll along the pier and dine in one of the many restaurants that have sprung up on Santa Monica Pier.
How to book and how much does it cost?
Access to Santa Monica Pier is free. Attractions and arcade games are, of course, subject to a fee, with prices varying according to the activity.
Where to eat?
At the end of the Pier, you’ll find a Mexican restaurant called Maria Sol, where, if you’re well placed, you can enjoy a sublime view of the ocean. Please note, Mexican food does not mean spicy food! Just mention your choices to your waitress or waiter!
2ᵉ activity: Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a must-see for those who want to soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Los Angeles. So it would be a shame not to stroll along the promenade lined with boutiques, enjoy the restaurants or even the street performers.
Looking for something a little different? Then don’t miss the skatepark and the famous Muscle Beach, where athletes train in the open air. If you’re more of a beach person, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy the beach and swim in the Pacific Ocean.
How do I get there?
Venice Beach is easily accessible by car, with plenty of pay parking nearby. You can also take bus routes 1 and 33.
How long will it take?
To give yourself enough time to wander around, explore the various stalls and boutiques and, why not, allow yourself a moment of sunbathing on the beach, I’d advise you to think ahead. So set aside a time slot of at least 3 hours.
How to book and how much does it cost?
Access to Venice Beach is free. However, if you’re planning to ride a bike or relax on a deckchair, you’ll have to pay a few dollars.
And in the evening?
Go for Italian at Casa 12, located at 12 Washington Blvd in Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Pasta, antipasti, main courses and Italian wine selections for a face-to-face dinner.
Read also 5 awesome activities and things to do in Los Angeles at least once !
Day 2: take a good bath in art and nature!
1ʳᵉ activity: Getty Center
The Getty Center is another of LA’s cultural gems. This museum houses collections of European art, photographs, sculptures and many other artistic treasures. But that’s not all! The site itself is well worth a visit! With its magnificent gardens and panoramic view of the city, you’re bound to fall in love with the place.
How do I get there?
The museum is located on Brentwood Hill. However, it’s easy to get to by car, and even has its own parking lot, albeit at a charge. Coming by bus? If so, take line 761, which will drop you off at the entrance.
How long will it take?
If you’re keen to take your time visiting the galleries or getting lost in the gardens to enjoy the view, I suggest you plan an outing of 3 to 4 hours.
How do I book and how much does it cost?
Admission to the Getty Center is free, but don’t be fooled by the fact that parking costs $20. The museum is regularly a victim of its own success. So don’t make the mistake of buying your tickets on the spot. Take them online in advance to guarantee entry, especially on weekends or during vacations.
Where to eat?
We’re staying in Italy with this delicious little Italian restaurant called Maria’s Italian Kitchen, just a few minutes’ drive from the Getty Center. Featuring traditional Italian cuisine at affordable prices, this restaurant is located at 11723 Barrington Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90049.
2ᵉ activity: Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
Start your reconnaissance of Los Angeles with a stroll through Griffith Park. One of the largest urban parks in North America, this park offers visitors a multitude of hiking trails as well as superb views of the city and the famous Hollywood sign. Then head to the Griffith Observatory. You won’t be disappointed, I guarantee it! The facility features fascinating astronomy exhibits and telescopes for stargazing.
How do I get there?
Both the park and the observatory are easily accessible by car, and free parking is available. If you don’t have a car, you can take the DASH Observatory bus service. These will take you directly to the observatory.
How long should I allow?
To get the most out of Griffith Park and the Observatory, allow at least 4 hours. You’ll have plenty of time for a hike, a visit to the observatory and a planetarium session.
How to book and how much does it cost?
Admission to Griffith Park and the observatory is free, but the planetarium sessions are not. Tickets can be purchased on site. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Children aged 5 to 12 pay $3.
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What about the evening?
On your way out of the observatory area, a few minutes’ drive away, enjoy a good burger at The Morrison, located at 3179 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039. If you’re not a burger fan, this American-style restaurant also serves salads and nachos.
Day 3: A day of cultural discovery and relaxation.
1ʳᵉ activity: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
After an afternoon of total relaxation, why not spend your last day in Los Angeles visiting the LACMA? The largest art museum in the western United States will live up to all its promises. You won’t believe the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s eclectic collection of ancient and modern art, African and Asian artifacts. Want to take some memorable souvenir photos? Don’t miss the Urban Light installation outside the museum. You’ll get some great shots.
How to get there
Located on Wilshire Boulevard, LACMA is easily accessible by car. Note, however, that parking is not free. If you don’t want to bother with that, you can also take bus routes 20, 720 and 217.
How long should I allow?
For a complete visit to LACMA, allow around 3 hours. You’ll be able to wander freely through the various galleries, and have plenty of time to contemplate the works that most appeal to you!
How to book and how much does it cost?
Tickets for LACMA cost $25 for adults, $21 for seniors over 65 and $16 for young people aged 13 to 17. Children under 12 pay nothing. The museum is often very busy. I can therefore only recommend that you book your tickets online in advance.
Where to eat?
I recommend you go and enjoy some good meat at the Brazilian restaurant Pampas Grill Churrascaria, located at 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036. If you don’t eat meat, they offer vegetarian salads to make up a la carte.
2ᵉ activity: San Fernando Valley Japanese Garden
End your stay on an exotic note with a visit to the San Fernando Valley Japanese Garden. This peaceful natural setting, designed according to traditional Japanese principles, features several koi ponds, bridges, waterfalls and winding paths. In my opinion, it’s the idyllic place to relax and reflect on your stay in Los Angeles.
How do I get there?
The garden is located in Van Nuys. It’s easiest to get there by bus on routes 164 and 236, although there’s nothing to stop you taking your own car.
How long should I allow?
These places are synonymous with peace and serenity. It would be an insult to them to rush your visit. That’s why it’s best to plan a 1-2 hour visit, giving you plenty of time to take in the natural beauty of the area.
How to book and at what price?
To make sure you don’t find the doors closed, we strongly recommend that you check the opening times and days on the official website before you visit. Admission to the Japanese Garden is affordable, with adults paying $5 and seniors and children aged 12 to 17 paying $3. The youngest visitors have free access to the site.
And in the evening?
We’re still in Asia, but this time for a taste of fine Thai cuisine, head to Box Thai Street Food, just a few minutes’ drive from the garden. This street food restaurant offers all the essentials of Thai cuisine, from Papaya Salad to Green Curry, as well as a range of Pad Thai dishes to suit all tastes.
