Vacation Spotlight: Los Angeles, CA

Millions of tourists from around the world flock to Los Angeles, aka the Entertainment Capital of the World, each year to enjoy the many entertaining activities that the city offers. Sure there are plenty of T.V. show tapings, theaters, and iconic media attractions to enjoy, however, the city offers much more outside of the Hollywood scene. I had the opportunity to live in Long Beach for a year and during my time I explored a lot of wonderful hiking and biking trails. Besides the famous Strand path that runs along the coast, I wasn’t really familiar with the outdoor scene. This changed quickly within a few months of moving here.

An L.A. vacation would not be complete without taking time for some outdoor recreation in the beautiful California sunshine. My guide will focus on some of my favorite recreational, shopping, cultural and entertainment related activities.

Recreational Hot Spots

Before moving to the area, I never knew a bike ride could be so much fun. I biked various paths in the New England area, but it felt more like exercise than weekend entertainment. One of the first things I wanted to do was check out the famous Strand path which I saw featured in so many movies and TV shows growing up in the late 80’s through the 90’s.

I quickly took up cycling as one of my main hobbies after my first few weeks in town. The Marvin Braude (South Bay) bike path is an absolutely gorgeous 22 mile path which runs along all of L.A.’s beautiful beaches. This isn’t your ordinary run of the mill path- there is so much to see and do along the way.

This paved path allows you to enjoy the fabulous scenery of the area without any distractions or traffic – there are no road crossings. Almost the entirety of the path runs along the water, so as you can imagine the views are to die for. As another bonus, this ride is pretty flat & smooth, which makes it accessible to cyclists of varying fitness levels. Most of the ride is pretty easy, but I find the section near Marina del Rey a bit rough due to the windy (fortunately, this section is pretty short).

One of my favorite stops along the way is the Santa Monica Pier – yes, the roller coaster ride is a must – a great “one time” check it off your bucket list type thing. I wasn’t too impressed with Venice Beach, however, everyone should experience the craziness at least once. There are lots of shops, food, stands, and even the historic end of Rt 66 sign. Did you know that the pier actually marks the end of the historic road?

We enjoyed fabulous views of the beach from the coaster. As you can see, this place is packed with tourists during the summer season.

Manhattan Beach is an easy contender for most gorgeous of all (and a great place to stop for a break). The beach is beautifully clean and the photo opportunities by the pier can’t be beat. Plus, I love looking at all the beautiful multi-million dollar houses lining the coast.

Another gorgeous, yet underrated, beach along the route is Will Rogers State Beach. I was interested to learn that Baywatch was filmed here even though I didn’t watch the original series much – I do like the remake with Zac Efron. This hidden gem marks the end of the 22 mile ride, a nice relaxing break before embarking on the long ride back to Torrance.

Overall, I give this ride an A+. This is as close as you can get to the California you imagined. Biking the Strand is a sunny adventure filled day, with unique oddball attractions, incredible ocean vistas, and endless people watching opportunities along the way.

The Long Beach bike path: A shorter, less congested alternative

Don’t have time for a lengthy bike ride? I recommend a quick ride along the Long Beach bike path (this city is located in LA County about 20 miles or so from downtown L.A.). This path is only 6 miles long and it is super flat.

I lived about a block away from the start point and used it for daily bike rides and jogs. Because the ride is easier on your body, you should be able to easily squeeze it into your busy itinerary. As an added bonus, this path is pretty isolated on weekday mornings, so do try to get out here early to enjoy the beautiful scenery to yourself. I especially love the views of the marina, the Queen Mary, and the Lion’s lighthouse along the route. It’s definitely an interesting path with lots to see, do, and even places to eat along the way.

Hiking Hotspots

Don’t worry if biking isn’t your preferred means of transportation. There are plenty of scenic hiking trails to enjoy. Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon are my 2 favorite touristy places in L.A. to hike. Who knew you could get such a rustic experience within the city limits? (that is, if you avoid weekend visits).

Both of these hikes provide fabulous viewpoints of both the city and mountains (and even all the way to the ocean on a clear day!). Unfortunately, the thick layer of smog usually disrupts the view. Nevertheless, these hikes are your best option for a peaceful escape within the city limits.

Views are dramatic on both hikes, although Runyon Canyon is the better workout of the 2 as the trails are extremely steep (I did some of my training for my half marathon here). Also, be sure to check out the daily free yoga sessions offered to the public. This is a great opportunity to connect with nature in a beautiful setting.

If you are looking to avoid the touristy crowds, you are in luck as there are hundreds of great hikes located within the Santa Monica mountains. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the world’s largest urban park. Honestly, I knew nothing about hiking before relocating here, but I have been really impressed to say the least.

One great moderate hike I recommend for first time visitors is the Los Liones trail. Located within gorgeous Topanga State Park, this trail features grand views of both the coast and surrounding mountains. Hike just 1.5 miles to the first overlook for out-of-this-world scenery!

Amazing beaches

We all know SoCal is world famous for beaches. Out of all the beaches in the area, I would have to say Manhattan Beach is my favorite. I found this beach to be a bit less congested than many of the others, which makes it an ideal choice for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing and beach walking. The sand is impeccably clean and the views are incredible. What better way to spend a summer afternoon?! Also, I love the pier and convenient access to the Strand.

Hermosa is a fantastic pick for active beachgoers. I see so many people out playing volleyball and other beach sports here. They even host a lot of professional competitions here. As I said before, Will Rogers is another gorgeous beach featuring a beautiful mountain backdrop. The sand is so clean here and most tourists head over to nearby Venice and Santa Monica so it stays attractively under crowded.

Shopping Hot Spots!

In my opinion, The Grove is the best place within the city for shopping. While you will not find an overwhelming number of shops, you will be treated to a beautiful outdoor mall with an antique trolley ride and L.A.’s Original Farmers Market. This mall is clean, features beautiful architecture, and an upscale vibe. The ongoing special events and al fresco dining make it so much more than your ordinary mall experience. I have heard that the Christmas display here is really fabulous, so hopefully I can plan a visit this winter.

There is also a large movie theater and a lot of restaurants including a mix of popular chains like The Cheesecake Factory and Starbucks and local juice and coffee bars. There is almost always something going on here.

One time, I got to watch a live taping of Extra! It was pretty cool seeing Mario Lopez in person being that I was (and still am thanks to reruns on Roku) a big fan of Saved by the Bell and many of his made-for-TV Christmas movies (I love Holiday in Handcuffs!). Don’t forget to make room for a visit to the Original Farmer’s Market, which features dozens of restaurants and vendors , including ethnic specialties and fresh produce.

Rodeo Drive & the iconic Beverly Hills sign

Rodeo Drive is a must-see for first time tourists to the area. Who hasn’t seen the iconic Pretty Woman scene where Vivian goes on a massive Beverly Hills shopping spree? I recommend grabbing a coffee and window shopping some of the best shops in the country, from Gucci to Prada to Bijan, the world’s most expensive store! Honestly, this is a one time visit for most people. You do it once just to say you did and then move on to bigger and better things.

The architecture and palm tree lined streets are beautiful. Of course, this is where you will also find the famous Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills signs (you are sure to see dozens of tourists snapping pictures so you couldn’t possibly miss either!). If anything, you can say that you walked one of the most popular streets in the world!

Another great shopping district, 3rd Street Promenade, an upbeat dining, shopping, and entertainment complex in downtown Santa Monica, is the perfect place to stop either before or after your day of fun-in-the-sun. A truly exciting place with lots of events going on throughout the year – they even have an ice rink during the winter months. You will find a great mix of treat shops, coffee bars, ethnic restaurants and a variety of shops in this area.

Cultural Hot Spots

Griffith Observatory is a wonderful free attraction located on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Fortunately, many of the city’s top cultural attractions are free thanks to kind donations from philanthropists. The planetarium itself is great, however, the real reason you come here is for the incredible views of the city (especially at night!). You can watch some shows (for a fee), explore space related exhibits, and look through telescopes. This is also the best place in town for dramatic views of the Hollywood sign (I don’t think you can get any closer!). The on-site hiking trails are short, yet provide some of the best views the city has to offer.

The Long Beach Museum of Art is a hidden gem located on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The museum is small, yet interesting and never overwhelming. There is a beautiful outdoor restaurant situated on a patio overlooking the ocean.

Another hidden gem in Long Beach is Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, located at California State University. This beautiful hidden gem includes dozens of bonsai trees and a koi pond. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, and regrettably do not have any pictures to share. Take my word for it, this garden is absolutely stunning. Everyone needs a little quiet reflection time – this tranquil garden is the ultimate place to rejuvenate while enjoying nature.

Another freebie which I have not been to yet which is on my bucket list is The Getty. This world-class art museum is free, although a timed ticket is required.

TV show tapings

I attended my fair share of TV tapings, both reality, talk show, and sitcom while living in the region. Attending a live taping of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno was a blast. After watching the show for all those years, it was interesting to see some behind the scenes action. The studio is pretty small, enabling everyone in the studio audience the same fantastic view. The taping was quick, fun, and the live music performance was fantastic (we got to see The Script (famous for “Hall of Fame” before they became famous!).

Extra! with Mario Lopez was another fantastic studio audience experience. I appreciated the quick filming as opposed to sitting through an 8 hour sitcom taping. Attending these tapings is a great opportunity for those interested in what goes on behind the scenes of popular news entertainment shows. Staff was friendly and even handed out free Fuji Polaroid cameras to the public. We saw a taping at The Grove shopping center, although taping has moved on to Universal Studios.

Other fun shows Mike and I have been part of the studio audience for include:

• The Price is Right – We waited in line for hours upon hours the prior night to get in the front row! We were so tired after staying up all night, but it was so much and by far our most memorable experience to date.
• Melissa & Joey – I like Melissa Joan Hart so this was fun. Also, we got to meet Neil Patrick Harris as he was a special guest. He was so nice and signed an autograph for us.
• Big Brother – I am such a big fan of this show (I thought of applying once but the app is so long!). Super fun to be a part of the studio audience for this one!

Update: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno aired its’ final episode in 2014. Check out more fun TV tapings you can attend while visiting LA.

Misc. Entertainment

A trip to Hollywood would not be complete without looking for your favorite stars at the iconic Walk of Fame. Although I probably wouldn’t go back (it is extremely crowded even on weekdays), it is just one of those things that every entertainment buff needs to check off their bucket list!

I wouldn’t make a special trip just to walk around, however, shopping at Hollywood and Highland (now called Ovation Hollywood) and dining at Hard Rock Cafe are fun add on activities, as are special events such as movie premieres and Nokia Theater performances. We recently were in town during a Green Lantern premiere and got to see Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively walk the red carpet!

Tip: skip the overrated Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not attractions.

As you can see, there is a little bit of something for everyone in L.A. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find plenty of activities to keep yourself more than occupied. Too many tourists head right over to Hollywood and forget about the wonderful natural attractions in the city. I recommend enjoying a bit of both to get the most bang-for-your-buck out of a pricey vacation.

Where should I stay?

Fortunately, there are hotels and resorts to suit every budget. From 2 star chains like La Quinta, to 5 star beach properties such as the iconic Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. For a luxury stay that will not break the bank, I recommend staying at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar. Kimpton Properties are gorgeous and modern, the amenities great, and the price is right.

FAQ

Where is the Beverly Hills sign located?

There are 2 locations: W. Sunset Blvd and N. Sierra St. and the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Moreno Drive.

Do I have to pay to park at the beach?

It depends on what time/day you visit. During the busiest parts of the day, you will need to find a parking meter. If you get there early enough you may be able to find street parking (check the signs for street cleaning!).

Where do I find studio audience tickets to my favorite shows?

Check On Camera Audiences for free tickets to your favorite show.

Is there a charge to attend TV show tapings?

No, they are completely free! Some even give out freebies, especially longer sitcom tapings. Parking is free as well. On a taping of the Melissa and Joey TV series, the entire audience received pizza.

Where does the Marvin Braude bike path start and end?

You can park in a parking lot or on the side streets near Torrance State Beach (387 Paseo de la Playa in Torrance) or Will Rogers State Beach (Pacific Coast Highway & Temescal Canyon Rd in Pacific Palisades).

Where’s the best spot to see celebrities?

Your chances of actually bumping into a celebrity are slim to none. Your best bet is attending star ceremonies at the Walk of Fame or watching stars walk the red carpet for movie premieres at Grauman’s Chinese theater. On the odd occasion, sightings have occurred at everyday locales like Whole Foods and Starbucks – go figure!

Where can I take the best picture of the Hollywood sign?

Head over to the Griffith Observatory and hike early in the morning. Enjoy fantastic up close pictures without hoards of tourists around. There is also a great view at the main overlook.