Ah, the city of Angels. If there was one word to describe Los Angeles it would be “possibilities” – it’s the city where anything can happen. But with 3.9 million people living there and a traffic system that on a good day looks like a parking lot, it’s always best to have an adventure plan when visiting this magical place.

I’ve always had a fascination with Los Angeles and the stories of the Golden Era of Hollywood and how people could just be plucked from obscurity and then the next minute be known around the world.

When my twin sister lived in America, I was very lucky to have had many opportunities (ok, excuses!) to travel to California and spend a good few months with her before having to head home to the reality of work and study. During my many visits we would head up from San Diego to Los Angeles to have mini adventures exploring the city.

1. Museum of Tolerance

OK, so I know what you’re thinking – this is a very heavy subject matter for a day trip to Los Angeles – however it’s a very important one. The Museum of Tolerance aims to educate and enlighten visitors about the Holocaust not only in history but in contemporary contexts and challenges visitors to look at prejudice and racism in current times.

Upon entering you are given two door options: ‘prejudiced’ or ‘unprejudiced’ – a haunting reminder of the two doors people were forced through at concentration camps during the holocaust. You are then given an ID card of a real life person who experienced the holocaust and you only find out their fate when you leave the exhibit. I got a 7 year old boy…..he died (I cried).

I suggest spending several hours here as there is A LOT to take in. There are free talks given by Holocaust Survivors that are an absolute must and I felt extremely privileged to hear from a gentleman who survived Dachau Concentration Camp.

2. Disneyland

In my opinion, you can’t go to Los Angeles and not visit the happiest place on earth – Disneyland! My twin sister and I spent 12 hours here (yep – 12 hours! I’m not sure if they extend their hours during the Christmas holidays) and it was an absolutely amazing day! If this is your first time definitely get yourself the ‘first time’ button – I had kids and parents wishing me a happy first time visit which I think is just absolutely wonderful! Make sure you don’t miss the march and see all of your favourite characters up close – I even got star struck when I met the Disney Princesses (Ariel was my childhood favourite and I couldn’t even get out an entire sentence – to the amusement of my sister).

3. Op Shopping

I love op shopping – it’s sustainable, fun and gives clothes a second life. And in L.A you are bound to find some awesome pieces for half the price you would in retail stores! (I found some designer boots for a bargain!) Trove LA, Raggedy Threads and Wasteland are some the best thrift stores to check out while you’re visiting Los Angeles.

4. Rose Bowl Flea Market

When I would visit Southern California to see my twin sister when she lived there, we would always go to the Rose Bowl Flea Markets to score some amazing goodies. I’m a bit of a book nerd so I picked up a lot of books there, but you can get anything from clothes, household appliances to makeup. There are even some people selling estate goods there, which is where you can find some real unique pieces! With over 2,500 market stalls, you’re bound to find some treasure.

5. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Walk in the footsteps of some of Hollywood’s royalty. Find the foot and hand prints of your favourite celebrities in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre ( I have always been interested and fascinated with the Golden Age of Hollywood – in particular Marilyn Monroe). Then follow more than 2,000 gold stars down the street.

6. The Queen Mary

Get ready to step back into time as you board The Queen Mary and sail the waters of history. The Queen Mary had a very interesting life, from being the steel child of the Cunard Line and White Star Line (you know, those guys that made the Titanic), to sailing with royalty and celebrities, to being a troop ship during World War 2 – there is so much life (and apparently ghosts!) to this ship.

If you’re visiting Los Angeles from San Diego, you can easily pop in and spend a few hours here before heading into the heart of LA or the airport (my sister and I did this before I caught a flight home to Australia). As one of the most haunted places in America (or so we were told before visiting) we made sure to leave enough time to join one of the Haunted Encounters tours. Did we see any ghosts? Well, maybe (keep a spiritual eye out for the child in the pool area)!

But for those wanting to extend their visit to this grand liner to a 24 hour (or more) love affair, you can stay onboard!

7. Hollywood Sign

You can’t visit Los Angeles without getting a glimpse of the iconic Hollywood sign. If you’re feeling active you can choose from three hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, Mt. Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail and Cahuenga Peak Trail. If you’d prefer to take in the sights without working up a sweat you can take in the views from Mulholland Drive and the Griffith Observatory.

8. Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier has been around since 1909 and was the first concrete pier on the West Coast of America (no big deal!). Featuring a small amusement park and the best views of the dreamy Californian sunset, you can’t leave Los Angeles without checking this place out. My suggestion would be to head to Santa Monica Pier in the late afternoon and score yourself a table at the Bubba Gump Shrimp and take in the fun atmosphere of the pier!

Much love,
Lara X

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