Visiting Los Angeles California was one of my childhood dreams. When you are born in a distant country where many things are limited, including dreaming big, LA seems especially alluring. Freedom to be who you want and create without restrictions was always in my mind when thinking about California LA. Maybe because it was so different from my hometown or the entertainment industry of Hollywood, but life seemed much more interesting there. And, in fact, it is. Does that make people happier there? That’s a philosophical question that will take several hundreds of pages to discuss. For now, I will write that I felt happy traveling to Los Angeles because it’s a sort of magic experiencing one of your childhood dreams come true.
My husband organized a summer trip to California LA, for my anniversary. Traveling is how I love celebrating my birthdays, exploring new cities, taking photos, and asking myriad questions just to entertain my curiosity muscle. And that year was no exception. I travel to wonder and feel amused, to get inspired by new surroundings and different lifestyles, and to remind myself of a kaleidoscopic beauty emitted through nature, cultures, architecture, art, and food.
We departed from Atlanta International Airport and, in 4 hours, landed in LAX, rented a car with Hertz, and went straight to the hotel, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, which is located downtown. It’s famous for being a shooting location for many Hollywood movies, including Interstellar, Rain Man, Blade Runner, and True Lies. We stayed on the 27 floor, with a view combined of skyscrapers and distant mountains with a Hollywood sign.
Love videos? Here is the vlog about my summer trip to Los Angeles.
Things to do in downtown LA
After we checked in, my husband stayed at the hotel, and I explored the nearest surroundings and took photos. Although downtown is not a very tourist place in Los Angeles, compared to New York, I enjoyed it, especially all the tall buildings. I find them especially attractive and interesting as a subject for a photo.
At the end of my walk, I visited the Los Angeles Central Library. I love books and libraries, so I couldn’t miss this one. Inside, it’s nicely organized, and on the second floor, there is an impressive drawing on the walls and ceiling. Artistic elements are everywhere around the library.
Things to do in downtown LA:
- Visit Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Explore the modern art museum The Broad
- Hungry? Stop at Grand Central Market
- Walk through the Bradbury Building
- Enjoy Broadway musicals at the Music Center
- Relax and have a snack at Grand Park
- Experience a funicular ride at Angels Flight
- Visit the downtown Arts District
- Love reading? Stop by The Last Bookstore and Los Angeles Central Library
- For music fans, Grammy Museum
Downtown LA is not only about tall buildings and cars but also about greenery, flowers, and parks.
I love to walk, and when I travel and explore a new place, I do it mainly by walking. This way, I can see details that I would otherwise miss. Those details add something special to a character of a town.
For example, I like this monument and drawing that was painted on an electric box.
Taking photos, recording videos, and slowly wandering around, I found myself in the park near City Hall with a court of historical flags that looked very impressive. After that, I visited Grand Park, just a few minutes away, had a strawberry Frappuccino in Starbucks, and continued exploring Los Angeles.
One of the first things I noticed walking around the streets of LA is that only a few people are walking around compared to New York, which is buzzing with active walkers.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
This is Walt Disney Concert Hall, one of my favorite buildings I’ve seen during my six days in Los Angeles. It was designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 2003. It’s the home to Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, presenting its best in classical, contemporary, and world music. And it’s also one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world. The building itself is considered an international landmark. As a first-time tourist in LA, I appreciated the view of the nearest surroundings that opened from several points of the building.
Later on, that day, while walking back to the hotel, I saw a bronze sculpture, “Peace on Earth” It stands near Ahmanson Theatre, whose entrance is decorated with a fountain. A nice, refreshing spot in the hot climate of LA.
Griffith Observatory is one more place to visit in LA
Griffith Observatory is another beautiful place to visit in LA. This is one of the spots in Los Angeles where you can see the Hollywood sign. We didn’t intend on going inside, but we enjoyed walking around, looking at the different installations, and remembering the names of famous scientists whose work was related to astronomy.
Griffith Observatory was opened in May 1935, and admission to the ground and the major building is free. Griffith Observatory offers a free telescope viewing that starts around 7 PM when the weather allows. It’s a popular place for commercials, and it’s been featured in several Hollywood movies, including a sequel of the James Dean “Rebel without a Cause.”
Griffith Observatory is open:
Tuesday-Friday 12-10 PM
Saturday, Sunday 1-AM-10PM
Monday – closed.
Santa Monica Pier
Later the same day, we drove to Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic touristic spots near LA. It’s crowded and noisy but also fun to walk around, enjoy people watching, and see the life of locals.
Santa Monica Pier is considered a historic landmark and was first opened to the public in September 1909. It was the first concrete pier on the West Coast and, in a short time, gained popularity among fishing fans. Santa Monica Pier is made up of two adjoining piers that long had separate owners. Nowadays, it contains a small amusement park, concession stands, and areas for views and fishing. The entrance is free.
Gorgeous tall palm trees are one of the symbols of California. I loved observing and taking photos of them, especially on a sunset with a soft, warm light.
On one of the days during our trip to Los Angeles, we stopped by the University of California Los Angeles UCLA. While walking around, listening to my husband’s stories about his student years in California, I connected a little more with the local lifestyle.
One week was enough to enjoy Los Angeles and visit The Huntington Library, Getty Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. And after a great trip like this one, it’s always great to return home. I love traveling, it’s entertaining, and it’s been an important activity in my personal growth. And it becomes much better when you have a place you call home and appreciate its beauty.
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