ChickSpeak

Disneyland, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Malibu, the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory: Los Angeles is full of intriguing, entertaining, and touristy destinations and landmarks. There is a lot we associate with L.A. (ahem, movies anyone?), but like any city in the world, it also has its best-kept secrets. If you’re planning a visit to Los Angeles, check out the information, insider tips and details about the City of Angels below.

Los Angeles is made up of annexed communities, where Los Angeles proper is primarily downtown, the city center. It is the hub, so to speak, and from it extends satellite neighborhoods such as Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Burbank, Pacific Palisades, and Marina Del Ray. Los Angeles is the largest city in California, the second largest city in the country, and it proudly boasts an impressive average of 263 days a year of sunshine. Not bad!

Los Angeles is also one of the most artistically, socially, economically and politically enriched cities in the United States, drawing in artists, businesses, cultures, and traditions of all kinds. The streets are overflowing with delicious internationally inclined restaurants, shops galore, and world-class museums, and art galleries. The unique and diverse population of Los Angeles also helps foster incredible food markets, and festivals such the annual Olvera Street Dia de los Meurtos festival, the L.A. Greek Fest and the Shakespeare Festival. Los Angeles has two sides: the universally famous film and television star, and the humble city with a remarkable history. It’s your classic rags to riches story.

History

Spanish general Felipe Neve founded Los Angeles in the late-18^th century and at one point (following its independence from Spain) was an active part of Mexico until it was purchased under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 by the United States. California did not become a state until 1850.

What is now Los Angeles was originally inhabited by Native American tribes thousands of years ago. Early Los Angeles thrived on its oil exports, and silent filmmakers flocked to the city for one particular reason: consistent sun meant they had reliable light for shooting outdoors (as they often did). Indeed, electrical lights, though widely available then, were not strong enough to expose film properly, so many film productions shot on the roofs of buildings, and in a few cases, in a studio with a retractable roof. 

Los Angeles has been host to the Olympics twice, once in 1935 and again in 1984. It is a city that has weathered some very serious natural disaster in the past, and has bounced back without fail each time.

Travel, Accommodations and How to Navigate

Because Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest in the world, there are loads of cheap non-stop domestic flights available in and out of the city. Los Angeles does not have a designated “off-season”, so there is no real particular time of year that is best to visit the city. Cheaper flights might be available during the rainy season, which typically occurs in January, L.A.’s rainiest month. Summer holidays and awards season (namely the Academy Awards or the Emmy’s) do turn L.A. into a bit of an industry Mecca, so avoid these occurrences if you are able. Also, look at the possibility of flying into alternate L.A. airports such as Burbank International Airport for any further deals.

If a visit to Los Angeles is in your future, my first piece of advice would be to rent a car. L.A. is not a walking city by any means, and that is perhaps its greatest fault. That said, if you want to get anywhere, and on your own time, it is best to have a vehicle handy. One of the easiest ways to get to know L.A. and understand its urban geography is by driving around. It is said that no-where in L.A. is more than twenty minutes away, which for the most part is true, and therefore very convenient (many of L.A.’s most significant landmarks, such as the Hollywood Bowl, and Sunset Blvd., are in close proximity to each other). Just mind the morning and afternoon traffic, as it can be a nightmare, and always double check oncoming cars when making a left turn. Angeleno’s are known for running red lights.

The Farmer’s Daughter on Fairfax Avenue is a boutique hotel located in the heart of West Hollywood, and I recommend it for any first time L.A. visitors who look for two things: comfort and affordability.  I was pleasantly surprised by its locale (it’s across the street from The Grove, and wedged comfortably between Melrose Avenue and Third Street, two excellent shopping districts), and utterly charmed by its newly renovated, incredibly chic design. The Farmer’s Daughter offers fantastic deals, online specials, and packages to local spas, and museums. AAA discounts included. It has excellent service, its restaurant Tart is fantastic, and its beds are heaven. Check out their website:

Places Every Tourist Visits

L.A. is full of icons, old and new. The city is constantly reinventing itself by revitalizing old, run down areas, refurbishing historic architectural jewels, and cleaning up the streets. The L.A. of twenty years ago is, in areas, virtually unrecognizable, and it is extraordinary to watch it go through such a drastic metamorphosis. Of course, with that aside, there are still always L.A.’s classic hotspots.

Mulholland Dr. is the picture perfect introduction to Los Angeles, and features many rest stops offering the most stunning views of the city, and its surrounding mountains, and vistas. From here you will be able to get fantastic views of the iconic Hollywood sign, downtown, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Pacific Ocean to name a few examples. Just drive with care. This road is a mountain road, and therefore very curvy and precarious.

The Getty Center is by far one of L.A.’s greatest local/tourist hotspots, and certainly one of my own personal favorites. It is an impressive architectural feat, with stunning one-of-a-kind gardens, and one of the most comprehensive art collections in the world. It’s sister museum is the Getty Villa located just of the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades. Built as an exact replica of the Villa of Papyri in Herculaneum, and re-opened in 2006, the Getty Villa houses a breathtaking collection of Greek and Roman art, and is by far the neatest museum experience I have ever had. It’s like stepping back in time; the only thing missing is the toga. Both museums are free.

Rodeo Dr. is a fascinating experience, one that continually amazes me for its incredible wealth and posh elegance. Many top international designers such as Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors have their flagship stores here, and the people-watching alone is worth the visit. The Spanish Steps, made famous in Clueless, and modeled after those in Rome, Italy, are located here as well.

Griffith Observatory was recently renovated, a process that took a few years and a few million dollars ($93 million to be exact). Re-opened in 2006, the observatory is a very popular local and tourist attraction. Of course, many might recognize it from James Dean’s famous film Rebel Without A Cause. I suggest visiting the Observatory for many reasons. The views are lovely, the architecture is typical old Hollywood, and the exhibitions are super interesting (how else would I know I weighed 32 pounds on the Moon, and 450 pounds on Jupiter?).

And finally, I know it’s a Los Angeles tourist cliché, but go to Disneyland. It is not the cheapest thing to do anymore, but if it’s feasible, go! I suggest going to the original park, Disneyland, over California Adventure, and go on a weekday during school months.  Go as early in the day as you can, and stay until closing. When everyone is leaving the park to head home, lots of attractions sometimes stay open a little longer to allow the final few lingering people an extra ride or two with absolutely no wait-time. My top three favorite rides: The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones. The line for Pirates and the Mansion are pretty consistent, and move at a steady pace. But Indy has a ridiculously long line up, so I suggest getting one of those tickets at the ride entrance, going elsewhere and returning at the time allotted.

Unique Places for Fabulous Chicks

One of my favorite restaurants in L.A. is Mao’s Kitchen on Pacific Avenue. It is, in my opinion, the best American Chinese food in the city, and because it’s super cheap, healthy, and yummy, you can’t lose. It’s located in the famous Venice Beach neighborhood (with a new location on Melrose Ave. in Hollywood), so it’s literally feet from the Pacific Ocean. Mao’s is the ultimate respite from a day at the beach. I recommend the one-dollar salad (yes, it is one dollar) as an appetizer, and sharing a dish of long life beans, with orange-ginger chicken and steamed rice. The servings are big enough for leftovers, I promise.

For something really unique, I suggest visiting the Silent Movie Theatre on Fairfax Avenue in West Hollywood. Seeing a silent movie in your own home is pretty rare, but seeing one in a restored art deco theater, with live piano, extra comfy couches and gourmet cupcakes makes for great memories. My silent film education began here, and I can safely say you’ll never truly appreciate a film until you see it in its earliest form.  Some highlights include Buster Keaton’s The General and Clara Bow’s 1927 hit Hula. Check the calendar regularly as the best screenings occur on weekends, and make sure to arrive early for the good seats!

We all know the beach is a must- see when visiting Los Angeles, but sometimes the crowds can get a little intense at its more popular locations. El Matador, however, is a relatively secluded and exceedingly beautiful pocket beach located just west of Malibu. I adore its stunning views, Goonies-esque rock formations, and sea caves. El Matador is known for its particularly clear water (though there can be a lot of sea weed), and propensity to put couples in the mood for romantic strolls in the sand. Take note: there are no lifeguard towers (though on busy weekends, a guard should be on duty), and unfortunately, it is wheelchair inaccessible. Parking is available. 

What Made This Chick Fall in Love with L.A.

L.A. as we see it depicted on film is not the L.A. I love. There’s more to it than the glitz and glamour of its abundant wealth, palm trees, and movie stars. I’ll admit, L.A. takes some getting used to; anyone who has moved to L.A. from elsewhere will tell you that. It’s a sprawling urban mass of cars and people. It’s hot, and the earthquakes and fires can be truly awful. But that’s okay, because there’s one thing that makes up for all of that: Los Angeles is full of life! It’s dynamic and diverse. People are living their dreams, while others are making them happen. The magic of the film industry is truly unique to L.A., and it’s always fun (no matter how much you claim not to care) to be walking down the street and see your favorite actor walking towards you by chance.

I fell in love with its perseverance, even in the worst of conditions (and to think those wild fires happen every year, to no avail). I adore its energy, and confidence. L.A. is not shy, or quiet, and it certainly doesn’t turn down an opportunity for a close up.  

Los Angeles is a remarkable city, with a tendency to surprise you when you least expect it.  Right when I’m ready to check out, I find an amazing café hidden in Silverlake, or a great little store in Larchmont. That’s what makes LA. great, the small things. So if L.A. is next on your travel list, do as the Angeleno’s do, enjoy the sun, live for the moment, and seek out its hidden gems. You’re bound to find something, I guarantee it.

Jasmin Charters is a graduate of Mount Allison University in Canada. She adores theatre, film, art, and literature, and could watch Law & Order: SVU non-stop. Though she is a Torontonian by birth, Jasmin has come to know and love Los Angeles as a second home away from home, where she goes to visit family as often as she can.

Image from here.