11 Things To Do in L.A. (And nearby)

OK, I’m taking pity on you all.

I realise I’ve tresspassed on your patience long enough now with all of my “lookit my holiday snaps!” posts, so I’ve pulled all of the remaining photos into one, giant, easily-ignored post, and I’ll publish it, then I can get back to talking about… whatever it is I normally talk about here. Which, actually, what WAS that? If you have any requests, I’d love to hear them…

While I’m waiting for your suggestions to come pouring in, however, here’s LA in photos:

The Disney Studios

My friend Erik works for Disney, and gave us a tour of the Disney lot on his lunch hour one day. It. Was. Amazing. We visited the sound stage Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed on, met some Disney staff (who were all so lovely and friendly) and just generally walked around with our mouths hanging open. It was also amazing to finally get to meet Erik, who I’ve known since my days on Livejournal, and who very generously spent a lot of time giving us advice on what to do and see. Thanks, Erik!

Griffith Observatory

The first place to visit if you’re in L.A.: amazing views of the city and the Hollywood sign, and you’ll probably also recognise it from at least one of the many movies or TV shows that have filmed here. (Including my own favourite, Rebel Without a Cause…)

Chateau Marmont

Just, you know, hangin’ out at the Chateau..

Sunset Boulevard

The strip itself is kind of tacky and underwhelming, to be honest, but can you really say you’ve been to L.A. if you haven’t strolled down Sunset Strip? While you’re there, stop in at Carney’s Restaurant – the train carriage restaurant is an L.A. institution, and the burgers are pretty good, too.

The Queen Mary at Long Beach

OK, it’s not technically in LA itself, but it’s still worth a visit, if only so you can find out what the phrase, ‘Like a foghorn’ really means…

Whale watching off Dana Point.

We didn’t see any whales, but we did get photo-bombed by that bird. Also: yay for matching sweaters!

Santa Monica

It’s best known for its pier and beach, both of which are well worth a visit, but the streets of Santa Monica are also pretty good for shopping and dining, if that’s your thing – and it is mine, obviously.

Disneyland

For me, the REAL Disneyland will always be the one in Orlando (Yes, I know it’s technically DisneyWORLD…) but I did enjoy my day at Disneyland and California Adventure: the former has live goats you can pet and have your photo taken with, and if there’s anything better than that, well, I’m having a hard time knowing what it could be…

Union Station

It’s a working railway station, but it looks exactly like a film set. I wanted to just live there, basically…

Downtown L.A.

Best seen on foot, so you can get a proper feel for the city.

Venice Beach

Another area that’s best known for the beach and boardwalks, but I love it for the canal network right behind the beach… which you’re just going to have to take my word about, because we didn’t actually get any photos of it. Whoops.

Aaaaaand we’re done. Normal scheduling will now resume. Whatever that may be.