Having a 48 hour stop-over in Los Angeles (aka: The City of Angles) is a traveller’s dream or nightmare come true. On the plus side, what other city can boast your favourite celebrities, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the LA Lakers all in one place? On the down side, trying to hit up all the best spots – activities, art, culture, food and sports – that this city has to offer in just two days is, well, impossible. However, we’re breaking it down for you and compiled the must-see and do things any visitors to LA should experience if they’re on a tight sightseeing timeline.
Where to stay
If you want to be near the beach and popular attractions, then book a room at the Viceroy Santa Monica. This ultra-modern accommodation receives high ratings for its top-notch service and receives two thumbs up for being situated in a prime location – literally a stone throw from all the big Santa Monica attractions, such as the Santa Monica beach, pier and Third Street Promenade. Hotel amenities include features like a two outdoor plunge pools, a 24-hour gym facility and Wi-Fi.
Travellers who opt for a spot in Downtown LA will want to book a room at the W Hollywood. Why? Well they possibly have best location ever – the Hollywood Walk of Fame runs outside its front door! The hotel also prides itself on providing guests Whatever/Whenever® service, meaning if you have a hankering for something not on the menu – say poutine – in the middle of the night or want to party like the guys from The Hangover they can make it happen so long as its legal, of course.
Where to eat
Abbot Kinney Boulevard is known not only for its cool shops and chill vibe, but its culinary delights. Along the boulevard there are numerous restaurants and coffee shops that will make your taste buds sing. Gjelina is well-known joint that serves up New American fare and the chances of running into a famous celeb or two here is a possibility. Abbot’s Pizza Company is another place you must try; this small but busy pizzeria offers very tasty eats and is recognized for its bagel pizza crust, we highly recommend the Meat Eater’s pizza. Carb lovers will also want to sample baked goods from Röckenwagner Bakery; they make a very addictive tri-berry scone which had us coming back for more two days in a row!
Is there still room in your stomach? Head over to Grand Central Market in Downtown LA which has been in operation since 1917. If possible, visit on the weekdays so you can leisurely wander about, weekends can be a zoo. Here, you can feast like a king on cuisines which spans the globe from Mexico to Japan. Our favourite picks were the breakfast sandwiches from Egg Slut and some java from G&B Coffee.
What to do
Make sure to explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find the star of your favourite celebrity, as well as snap a selfie in front of the Chinese Theatre. Next, head to the Griffith Observatory located in the hills of LA; this iconic landmark is a public observatory and planetarium, which offers astronomy exhibitions, spectacular views of the cityscape and a pretty decent photo opt of the famous Hollywood sign in the distance.
Still have time to spare? Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Venice Beach to see famous landmarks such as the Venice sign, Muscle Beach and Venice Beach Skate Park. And if you can squeeze one more stop into your timetable visit one of the J. Paul Getty Museum venues; The Getty Center is in LA and has a collection of European and American art, whereas the Getty Villa is located in Malibu and houses Greece, Rome, and Etruria antiquities and art.
For more information go to: www.discoverLosAngeles.com.
