Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, also known as the sunset strip, upholds a reputation for being the nightlife spot of LA. Swanky hotel rooftops will dot the skyline as evening falls and the streets fill up with everyone from the city’s prestige elite to the creative free thinkers. Eclectic, vivacious and lined with bars that teem with life, Sunset Boulevard is the perfect destination for an LA bar hop. Whether you’re after more of an Irish tavern vibe, you fancy a little top-notch mixology or you’d simply prefer a margarita and the opportunity to brush up on your salsa vibes; Sunset Boulevard will not disappoint, keeping you entertained well into the evening.
LOS ANGELES
INTRODUCTION TO LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles, aka the city of Angels. This town isn’t referred to as 'La La Land’ for nothing; it’s pretty much the city where dreams are made, and with a trip to LA, your dreams can be made too. With a distinctly Latin flavour paired with the super-cool west coast laid back vibes, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this larger-than-life city instantly. After all, why envy LA's cushy citizens when they're more than happy to share a slice of their blissful sun-soaked Cali lifestyle with anyone willing to take the tour?
LA is the city where mother nature is herself a resident alongside everyone else. Here, houses back onto sun-bleached beaches and sunsets will have you wondering if you’re in a movie. Take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, get stars in your eyes at the Griffith Observatory or go potter-tastic at Universal Studios. However you spend your time, a Los Angeles Tour will have you hooked. LA’s most prominent characteristic? It’s undeniable creative scene; a whirlpool of representation from the emerging sub-cultures of edgy art scenes to the very forefront of Hollywood’s esteemed glamour, all living comfortably side by side to the backdrop of the unique urban architecture. Most prominently, LA is an Instagrammers paradise - nowhere else will give you breathtaking hiking views, marble mansions and straight-up palm tree travel porn all in the same neighbourhood.
When it comes to food, LA simply doesn’t identify with the word ‘scarcity’. Known for its food trucks and markets, Asian twists and Latin flavours, the city’s food scene will give you everything from quirky food combinations to Californian twists on Latin classics. With restaurants and food markets inundated with plant-based eats and otherworldly creations, this is Cali cuisine at its finest. If you ever eat too much, don’t worry - you can always work it off at the city’s active Venice Beach. While the sun sets over this gorgeous city, sat with a scrumptious margarita with a stomach full of tacos, you’ll have to pinch yourself to double check that this is real life, and not a movie.
FAST FACTS
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Electricity: 110V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter the USA.
Dialing Code: +1
Time Zone: (GMT-07:00)ABOUT CONTIKI
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THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES
Bar hop on Sunset Boulevard
Go clubbing European-style at the Avalon
Clubbing in Los Angeles is all about dressing up to the nines, flaunting what your Mamma gave you and keeping it classy. There’s no better spot to do all of these things than at the Avalon, one of Hollywood’s finest clubs. Avalon isn’t just a club, it’s a Hollywood landmark. Having first opened its doors in 1927, the Avalon has seen anyone who’s anyone (including the Beatles) walk through its doors, and hosts an eclectic mix of DJ’s and acts guaranteed to get the party started. From the outside, the Avalon resembles a classic Spanish style villa, definitely worthy of a quick pre turn-up photoshoot.
See the sights of Hollywood and walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Have you always believed you were destined to walk among the elite? Then you’ve come to the right place. The Hollywood Walk of Fame honours the achievements of the world’s most adored celebrities and celebrates their immortal legacies. Scour the ground for your favourite star represented in a star (see what we did there?) and reflect on how far Hollywood has come. Once you've had your daily dose of glamour, you’re ready to explore the iconic sights that Hollywood has to offer. Catch a glimpse of the emblematic Hollywood sign, take a walk past the Chinese Theatre and of course fill up your insta feed with the gorgeous sights (and gorgeous people) an LA trip has to offer.
Get active on Venice Beach
LA’s renowned ‘endless summer’ vibe is emulated at Venice Beach, part of the illustrious Venice neighbourhood. Famed for waves that are perfect for surfing and lined with a myriad of charming boutiques, seaside bites and edgy tattoo shops, this is no ordinary beach. On Venice Beach, the vibe strictly is ‘suns out, guns out’ and lucky for you, the sun is always shining. Nicknamed ‘Muscle Beach’, this is the birthplace of the nation’s fitness boom and today is a hub and meeting ground for the fitness obsessed. You’ll see the oiliest flexers and the yoga-pants-clad wellness enthusiasts striking poses in the golden sand, and you’ll be a fool not to get involved.
Go behind the scenes at Universal Studios
Hold onto your hats, Potterheads: this is your chance to immerse yourself in the wizarding world of your favourite movie franchise. What better way to spend a day than wandering through Hogwarts familiar passageways and giving your vocal chords a workout on the thrilling Hippogriff rollercoaster, before cooling off with a refreshing butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks? Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, there are plenty of rides and attractions to have your inner child squealing with delight; whether it's indulging your secret dinosaur obsession at Jurassic Park, getting your zombie on at the Walking Dead set or going behind the scenes of a real-life movie studio on the world-famous studio tour.
Take a stroll down Santa Monica Boulevard
No matter whether you walk, stroll or strut your stuff down the palm-tree lined pavements of Santa Monica Boulevard, you’ll be overpowered by the variety of things to do and see. This long stretch of road will offer you charming boutiques and vintage clothes shops, high-end eats and edgy tattoo parlours as you try your best to blend in with the impossibly stylish people of LA (confidence is key). Perhaps you’ll feel compelled to dip into a taco food hole-in-the-wall joint for a little refuelling, or pause in-front of some colourful street-art graffiti for that long-anticipated new profile pic?
Take a walking tour and explore Los Angeles’ urban architectural heritage
What is it about Los Angeles’ architecture that sets itself apart from other US cities? Well, there are very few architectural styles that you won’t see represented here. Art Deco, futuristic, European villa-style, towering skyscrapers, palatial estates, quirky shacks. Eccentric or understated; you name it, LA has it. This is a city where no two buildings are the same; where old is transformed into new, and styles often merge. A walking tour of LA will show you the city through the eyes of an architect, and give you the low-down on its architectural history, from the grandeur of the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the street lamps of the LACMA. Cameras at the ready…
Marvel at Los Angeles’ Museum Row
Who doesn't love a good museum? We do! And so will you after you realise that LA will transform your perceptions of museums from boring to brilliant. The beauty of Los Angeles’ Museum Row, also known as ‘Miracle Mile’ is that it features four major LA museums on one street: LA County Museum of Art, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, the Craft and Folk Art Museum, and Petersen's Auto Museum. This makes it the perfect spot for a day out, killing four birds with one stone as it were. One trip to Museum Row will have you enlightened and wowed by the unique decor and architecture of each building, not to mention what each contains within.
Visit the legendary theme park of Disneyland
Disneyland is a place where dreams come true. Let the perils and stresses of adult life melt away, overpowered by pure, unfiltered excitement as you set foot in this magical fairytale kingdom. With your Mickey Mouse ears firmly on your head (because you did not come to play games) you can test your daredevil spirits on the rides, have a dance party with your favourite Disney characters and just generally let your inner child run ruckus in this large-scale playground. The highlight, of course, will be marvelling at the colourful fireworks display after a day filled with Disney magic and realising you just ticked off your number one bucket list experience.
See stars at the Griffith Observatory
LA loves the stars. And no, we're not talking about its obsession with Hollywood glamour (although it loves that too); what we’re referencing is an affinity with the cosmos. So where would one go for a little mind-blowing space action? That would be the Griffith Observatory, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. If you’ve always been fascinated by the universe beyond earth (or even if you haven’t) the Griffith Observatory is bound to awaken your inner space nerd with its exhibits, public telescopes and of course the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. We guarantee you'll never look up at the sky in the same way again.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN LOS ANGELES
We all love a good festival, and what’s not to love? But when it comes to keeping things unique, LA raises the bar. Under the beaming Californian sunshine, you’ll party next to palm trees, indulge in wacky culinary creations and bop to the beats of LA’s super cool electronic music…
LA Beer Fest - Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 South Bixel Street
Beer connoisseurs (and enthusiasts) this is the festival for you. Lovers of the USA’s all-time fave beverage turn it out every year in the city, offering visitors over 200 different types of both US and international beer. Beer snacks are of course also in abundance (think hot dogs and burgers).
LA Food Fest
The LA Food Fest is a cacophony of otherworldly food creations, some so ‘grammable that they’re just too pretty to eat, some trendy twists on your all-time fave comfort foods, and some just good ‘old examples of hearty LA cuisine that you just won’t find anywhere else. The tagline ’#stretchypants required’ is not to be taken lightly…
Beyond Wonderland - NOS Events Center, San Bernardino
Love electronic dance? You’ll love Beyond Wonderland. A futuristic, alternative explosion of music complete with seahorse statues, pyrotechnics and glitter paint. This is the Southern Californian alternative music scene at its finest, where music is celebrated as a medium to connect with one another without the trappings of social stigmas.
LA Film Festival
In the film capital of the world, it only seems natural that they would be the hosts of one of the most highly anticipated film festivals in the world. Hollywood’s biggest (and smallest) names turn out on the red carpet of this exciting festival, which also showcases emerging talent when it comes to both acting and filmmaking. Not one to miss.
Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
LA goes ham on Halloween, and LA’s biggest Halloween event, the Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, never disappoints. Here, the bigger the better, and the more authentic your costume the more likely you are to gain the respect of your fellow party-goers. You’ll feel like you wandered into a living fantasy, or should we say nightmare…
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS IN LOS ANGELES
Whether you’re dying to get to know the city from the inside out or simply fancy a super-fun day out, these museums are an essential part of the LA experience, especially since LA’s museums are part of its appeal. After all, what is travel without opening your mind to an entirely new culture?
Museum of Jurassic Technology
This is without a doubt LA’s strangest museum complex, where you’ll never be quite sure of what you’re looking at. If you’re a sucker for an immersive experience, this is the most hands-on it gets on LA’s museum scene. Weird, wacky and full of wonderment, this isn’t one to miss.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
This museum is instantly recognisable from its highly ‘grammable outdoor light post feature, which greets you as you head in. Housing everything from ancient Latin American artefacts to electronic exhibitions and edgy LA modern art, this stylish museum will keep you well informed on what’s hot on the West Coast arts scene.
Museum of Neon Art
You’ve likely never heard of ‘Neon Art’ before, and we can’t blame you. But if we’ve peaked your curiosity, let this museum open your eyes to an entire world of neon art that you never knew existed. With ample exhibits and even classes, you’ll likely leave wanting at least one neon sign to illuminate your room back home.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Yet to actually be constructed, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is an exciting new project set to bring the glitz and glamour of Hollywood through the ages, all under one roof. You’ll get insights into filmmaking, delve into cinematic history and be amazed by set design in the heart of the Hollywood hills.
Griffith Observatory
Ring ring, it’s the cosmos calling. If you have an affiliation with the universe beyond earth (or even if you don’t) the Griffith Observatory is bound to awaken your inner space nerd. With exhibits, public telescopes and of course the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, this futuristic site will keep you on your toes for hours.
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FOOD IN LOS ANGELES
You could experience so much of LA, simply by spending every moment of your time eating the food. You’ll find everything from French and Italian influences to Latin classics like tacos, not to mention the very best of Cali’s weirdest and wackiest creations. No matter how inexpensive or urban the food is, LA will feed you until you’ll have to consider buying a whole new wardrobe one size up…
French dip sandwich
This historic deli specialises in American classics with a French twist. Namely, the famous ‘French dipped sandwich’ - roast meat in a french roll, dipped in the meat’s natural gravy and smothered (of course) in melted cheese. On the side, you can opt for potato salad, coleslaw or boiled eggs. Trust us, you’ll never taste anything like it.
Best eaten at - Philippe the Original, 1001 N Alameda St
Best eaten at - Philippe the Original, 1001 N Alameda St
Hickory Burger
Beloved for its mouth-watering burgers, The Apple Pan is a locally-adored diner serving up the very best of American cuisine with a 1950’s vintage ambience. The juicy Hickory Burger is a fan favourite, best enjoyed with a side of fries and washed down with a vanilla milkshake.
Best eaten at - The Apple Pan, 10801 W. Pico Blvd West Los Angeles
Best eaten at - The Apple Pan, 10801 W. Pico Blvd West Los Angeles
Fresh strawberry doughnut
The Donut Man is known for its fruity doughnut concoctions, but the fresh strawberry doughnut is by far the star of the show. Using fresh hand-picked strawberries, these filled doughnuts smothered in the signature glaze are just about as sweet as you can get without it being too sickly.
Best eaten at - The Donut Man, 95 East Route 66, Glendora
Best eaten at - The Donut Man, 95 East Route 66, Glendora
Original #19 Pastrami Sandwich
Dubbed ‘the world’s best Pastrami’, this sandwich has a lot to live up to. With succulent, hot hand-cut pastrami, coleslaw, Russian dressing and swiss cheese, this humble sandwich has more than earned its title. This is the epitome of LA comfort food: simple, big, and smothered in gooey cheese…
Best eaten at - Langer’s Deli, 704 South Alvarado St
Best eaten at - Langer’s Deli, 704 South Alvarado St
Godmother deli sandwich
The numbers don’t lie, and the good folk of Santa Monica’s obsession with this sandwich means there’s a constant line in front of the counter at Bay Cities Italian Deli. Biting into ‘The Godmother’ will have you chomping on mortadella, provolone, and a whole bunch of drool-worthy Italian meats.
Best eaten at - Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
Best eaten at - Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
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