Los Angeles was the 2nd stop on my tour of the US West Coast, where I spent three full days.
Part 1 is about San Francisco, you can read it here!
Table of Contents
Day 1
I arrived on Thursday morning from San Francisco after an overnight bus journey. First, I traveled from Union Station to Long Beach in the southern part of the city. The metro runs mostly above ground, and you can see a lot of littered areas. This isn’t the real glamour one expects from LA.
Long Beach, however, is a very pleasant place, with fancy yachts in the palm-lined harbor. The aquarium is also located here.
I traveled back to Union Station because the free shuttle to Dodger Stadium departed from there. The baseball game was at an interesting time: Thursday at 12 o’clock. To this day, I don’t understand why it was on a weekday at noon. It showed in the attendance too, as the stadium was only half full.
Although I don’t know the rules of baseball, it was definitely worth going. Firstly, I had never been before, and secondly, I got to see live how Americans make a show out of everything. During the breaks, there were constantly some kind of prize games. For example, couples had to kiss and one of them was selected by the camera, and they immediately won some small prize.
Even David Beckham was there, who has been living in Los Angeles for years. There was a big ovation when he appeared on the screen.
The entire game lasted nearly four hours; they really drag it out with these constant breaks. By the end, it was a bit boring, but overall it was a great experience.
Since I was quite tired, I dozed off a bit at my accommodation in Koreatown and only went out for dinner.
Day 2
On this day, I had a ticket to Universal Studios. I thought I would be there until about the afternoon, but I enjoyed it so much that I stayed until 8 PM.
I arrived at the entrance at 9 AM by metro and then the studio’s special bus. Well, anyone who comes here should really set aside a full day! Especially if arriving with children. There are lots of things to try in a huge area. Of course, the 4D programs were my favorites.
I liked the Harry Potter castle the best, and I tried it twice. Both times I had to queue for about half an hour, which is unfortunately the case in most places. But it’s worth it for the experience!
I joined the studio tour, where they take you around in a small train while the guide explains everything. Famous movie cars are displayed (Magnum, Fast and Furious, The Flintstones, etc.), and the most famous scene from War of the Worlds is still standing.
On the way back to my accommodation, I got off on Hollywood’s main street to see the glamour at night as well. Well, here too you have to face the negative side. There are many beggars and homeless people on the street, not the most uplifting sight.
Day 3
In the morning, the coastal area, Santa Monica and its surroundings were on the program. The weather was pleasant, and there were lots of people on the beach. The view from here is fantastic; you can see all the way to the shores of Malibu.
The Santa Monica Pier was a must-visit, where besides the amusement park, there’s also the sign marking the end of Route 66.
From here I walked south to Venice Beach, from where I explored the Venice Canals area. This is an artificial canal area with bridges and, of course, nice little houses on the shore. It’s a charming neighborhood, worth taking a walk.
I headed towards Hollywood by bus. Fortunately, there were few beggars now, so I could peacefully explore the Walk of Fame area. You can see the stars of many celebrities; you can spend time finding your favorites.
Not far from there, a bus departs for the Griffith Observatory, from where there’s a magnificent view of the city and the famous Hollywood sign. I deliberately went late afternoon so I could photograph Los Angeles in the brilliant sunshine and then when illuminated after dusk.
After that, I only had time for dinner before heading back to my accommodation, as I was leaving early the next morning for San Diego.
Read about Las Vegas in the final episode!
