[US; 2024] Los Angeles! Accommodation & Places to go
It has been a very long time since I traveled to USA for work... and first time to the west coast - California, Los Angeles!
It's a lengthly post, hence I will split my LA trip to 2, so this is part 1!
Accommodation
As much as I don't like the travel distance (I always avoiding work travels to USA), but usually they book us one of the best & safest hotels.
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
I was joking around that I do not need to leave my room to take a hollywood sign XD
And yes, a double bed for just myself... so I placed my luggage on the other bed to make it looks occupied. Just my own way of staying alone in a big hotel room :)
Night view was pretty~
There was a coffee machine in the room, and I used this coffee machine to get hot water for my cup noodles (I risned and boiled water 10 over times to get rid of the coffee residue). It was quite strange there wasn't a water boiler.
The washroom was huge with a tub!
PS: It also had a stunning view during the day!
Bonus: There is a small mall across the hotel which was great to grab some stuffs.
Places to go!
As it was a work trip - I don't have day offs or whatsoever to plan like a day or two itinerary (work trips are not fun tbh). All I did was to squeeze in some places here and there whenever there were pockets of free time.1. Griffith Park & Observatory
We checked with the hotel lobby staff and they recommend a hiking route up to the famous Griffith Observatory via this route: Fern Dell Nature Trail (google map)
We took a metro to Hollywood/Western station and walked along the uphill street road for 20 minutes to see this sign. The hotel staff was very precise that we need to see this bear to make sure we are heading to the right direction.
There are 2 routes to get up up to the observatory - I would recommend following the crowd when you are hiking up (right route), and the other route when you're heading down. It was inbetween easy-moderate hike for someone like me who hardly exercise.
There was a plane writing quotes in the sky~
The famous obseratory - so near yet so far!
After probably 30-40 minutes, we made it!
Griffith Observatory
If you don't enjoy hiking, alternatively you can take a transfer up.
Time to enjoy the skylines of LA!
Hollywood signage!
2. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood
Excited!! I never properly visited an Universal Studio - okay yes Singapore's but it was the night ticket where I don't get to roam around.
Many many photos ahead!
My photos may not show but it was extremely crowded for a weekday late afternoon!
And I managed to take a photo with Minion (not posting it here :D)
The Simpsons feels like very very old school. It wasn't my generation.
Harry potter fans will love this place:
Butterbeer!
It was quite a pity that I didn't manage to explore the whole place or take a ride - it was cray cray crowded, all rides were like minmium an hour queue.
Before taking a ride out of Universal Studios, don't miss out the Universal CityWalk Hollywood (google map)! There are plenty shops for merchandises and also restaurants!
3. Venice Beach - Santa Monica Pier
The most recent movie I watched before flying to LA was Barbie - and there was a scene where Barbie was skating at Venice Beach. So... I decided to head there before my flight!
Venice Beach
I love the blue skies!
After 20-25 minutes of slow walk, we finally saw Santa Monica Pier!
Santa Monica Pier
If you are extremely scared of birds like me - please prepare a cap / hat. OMG the amount of birds flying above your head, I cannot, it was a horror scene for me while enjoying a cup of coffee bean.
4. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame
If you are like me who didn't have much time... pin this hollywood walk of fame as a stop on your uber and ask the driver to wait for 5 minutes while you take photos.
If you are planning to walk the whole stretch.. please look after your belongings - heard so many stories of pickpockets around that area!
This are all the recommendations I have for LA, stay tune for foodie post!
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