Van Vignettes: Californian Coast (part 4)
Los Angeles
This coastal and vibrant city is home to many of our favourite Hollywood A-listers and celebrities, I am talking of course about the iconic city of Los Angeles! We adVANtured through some of the most popular and best kept secret corners of LA and found some pretty great must sees, eats and drinks.
Enjoy our throwback through LA!
Must-sees
Take a breather after exploring through the bustling streets of LA and take a trip to the Getty Center.Situated atop the mountainous terrain of North Hollywood, visitors are instructed to leave their car at the center’s designated parking lot and catch the monorail service up to the main site. The high ceilings and innovative design of the center’s different buildings create a tranquil atmosphere to peruse through the eclectic and diverse collection of visual arts sourced from renowned artists nationally and internationally. The fun doesn’t stop inside, take a bite at one of the cafes or restaurants onsite and enjoy the panoramic views of the city that back drop the immaculate gardens.
The museum is only one arm of The Getty Center, its research institute and the Getty Foundation are also dedicated to encouraging critical thinking in the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the world’s artistic legacy.
Panoramic views of LA from the Getty Center
Hollywood sign
You’re probably thinking why am I wasting my time in pointing out the most blatantly obvious must see in LA? Thanks to the advice of friends in the States, we bypassed all of the crowded touristy viewing sites and saw one of America’s most iconic land marks from as close as you can legally get. We ventured into the sleepy (and very wealthy!) burbs of North Hollywood to the no through street called 6301 Innsdale Drive. Believe me, its a fantastic Kodak moment… I think the picture speaks for itself.
Our Kodak moment at the Hollywood sign
Other places to see:
Venice Canals– Wonder through the weaving pathways over the canals and take in the beautiful houses and scenery of this lovely corner of LA.
Echo Park– Echo Park is a refreshing and peaceful parkland within the concrete jungle of the city, a nice area to kick back and enjoy the sunshine.
Abbott Kinney– Explore the unique and intriguing collection of shops, boutiques and cafes scattered along the “coolest block in America”.
Eats/Drinks
Barney’s Beanery has been a favourite local hang out for over 90 years. All of its six bars around LA encapsulate the classic American bar scene, wall to wall of each bar is embellished in American sports and popular culture memorabilia from various periods throughout the 20th and 21st century. Multiple HD TV screens placed throughout the bar broadcasting various sports matches combined with traditional arcade games provide hours of entertainment while you enjoy a feed and a beer (get in early for great happy hour specials!) from their delicious menu of rich and hearty American pub food classics.
Other places to dine:
Eat Drink Americano– Delight your taste buds in the locally sourced, artisanally produced and globally inspired menu at Eat Drink Americano’s.
Alfred’s Coffee and Kitchen-Re-charge your batteries before a day of exploring with a delish Scrumptown coffee and pastie from Alfred’s.
Food Lab– A family owned business dedicated to experimenting with new and unique flavour combinations, Food Lab is a must dine in LA.
