My friend Emma, visiting from England, is currently doing a road trip in the US with our mutual friend Heather. The three of us met in Uganda last summer. Emma is wrapping up a 7 month trip which began in South America.
Because her time in Southern California is limited, I had to devise a reasonable 3 day itinerary while she was staying at my place in Orange County.
On one of her full days here, I took her to Los Angeles. Because Los Angeles is a huge urban sprawl, I had to strategically plan a route that would take her to the sights that I felt were most important.
Starting from Orange County (where I reside):
1st point of interest:
Downtown LA - drive thru
- Skid Row is an unofficial LA landmark characterized by a steady homeless population. Streets are lined with cardboard boxes and shopping carts. The area is a stark contrast to the perceived glamour of Los Angeles. Although there are no physical boundaries that establish this area, Skid Row is generally used to refer to the area east of San Pedro Street, south of Third Street, west of Central Avenue, and north of Seventh Street.
- Murals are abundant throughout DTLA.
- DTLA's tall buildings, including the Disney Disney Concert Hall.
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| One of DTLA's many murals |
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| Another mural |
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| Driving through the sophisticated buildings of DTLA |
2nd stop:
Griffith Observatory
Because it is free! Great view of the Hollywood sign, hiking trails, and vistas of downtown LA's and West LA's skyline.
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| Looking at DTLA's skyline covered in smog from the Griffith Observatory. |
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| Periodic table inside the Griffith Observatory. |
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| Emma looking at the Hollywood sign from the Observatory |
3rd stop:
In-n-Out on Western and Highland for lunch. Parking sucks during lunch!
4th point: driving on
Hollywood Blvd pass Highland, Dolby Theatre (formerly Kodak Theatre). The biggest tourist trap of Los Angeles.
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| Tons of tourist walking on Hollywood Blvd. |
5th stop:
Venice Beach boardwalk.
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| Venice Beach boardwalk |
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| One gaudy residence near the boardwalk |
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| As you can see, I have a thing for murals |
My thoughts: Most travelers who I met who came to LA are disappointed for the most part. Mainly because of misleading portrayal by the media. Everything is far apart and public transportation is almost non-existent. Traffic is terrible. I have a love and hate relationship with the City of Angels. I love the rich history, urban culture, world-class museums, and the murals. However I hate the pseudo-glam, traffic, parking, and the presence of lost souls who hope to be rich and famous.
Los Angeles is a must-see if you are passing through. Just keep your expectations to a minimal. It may take weeks, or even years, to appreciate the true essence of Los Angeles.
But if you are visiting or showing someone around and only have a day, this is my suggestion of what to see and do in LA.
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| LA traffic sucks! |
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