48 HOURS IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles sits in a giant flood plain where two rivers, the Los Angeles and the San Gabriel, meet. It has been inhabited since at least 3000BCE by the Hokan-speaking people of the Milling Stone Period, and then later by the Tongva peoples.
Its modern history began in 1781 when 44 settlers from central New Spain (modern Mexico) established a permanent settlement in what is now Downtown Los Angeles. In the late 1800s, when the Sante Fe railroad was opened “Overlanders” flooded in, mostly white Protestants from the Lower Midwest and South and the growth, of the Los Angeles we see now, began.
Today, the city is best known for its celebrities and movie industry. So, if you are planning a trip to LA, it’s this you’ll probably focus on. And to be fair if that’s not what you are looking for, then LA probably isn’t the city for you.
Despite Los Angeles and its surrounds (Bel Air, Hollywood Hills etc.) boasting some of the most expensive (and extensive) homes in the United States, the city itself is not exactly pretty. It is shabby, dirty even, and aside from the possibility of spotting an A-lister, it doesn’t have a huge amount to recommend it. Of course, a lot depends on the time of year; there is much more of a buzz in the summer, whereas the cold winter months (colder than you’d imagine, so do bring a warm jacket and woolly hat) leave the city looking sad, grey, and lacking sparkle. On the plus side though, there are fewer tourists and the top restaurants are easier to get into.
I recently visited Los Angeles in January, so this guide to LA is based on a winter visit (not a summer one). That said, number one on the list is ideal whatever time of year you choose to visit.
Starline Hop-on Hop-off bus tours
When you first arrive in LA, this is a great way to see the city and get a sense of it. These types of bus tour are my ‘go to’ whenever I visit a new urban destination. The bright red bus will take you to all the major places. You can simply sit back and enjoy the view and commentary, or you can pick your spots and hop off for a look around, and then jump back on again when the next bus rolls past.
There are three routes available (your ticket covers you for all three). The red route takes you on a circuit through Hollywood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills and along the Miracle Mile. The Yellow is Santa Monica and Venice Beach. And the Purple is Downtown Los Angeles. Sit on the open deck upstairs, or if it’s too chilly come down to the warmth of the lower deck. Headphones are provided and the commentary is clear and full of interesting titbits.
starlinetours.com/en/hop-on-hop-off-double-decker
The Magic Castle
For me, this was a highlight of my trip to LA. The Magic Castle is private members club with magicians and magic shows. You need to be invited or accompanied by a member. It’s well worth calling them and seeing if you can wrangle an invite. You won’t regret it.
Book in for dinner or simply opt for cocktails. The main attraction is the magic – so make sure you allow plenty of time. This is not a pop in, pop out place – you want a full evening.
The interior décor is reminiscent of the late 1800s and everywhere looks plush, slightly over the top, and magically opulent. There are magic shows on throughout the evening from small tables to stage events. Find a room and there’ll be a magician performing a gasp-worthy magic trick.
I love the way magic tricks prompt a child-like wonder amongst the audience – and the magicians at the Magic Castle managed to deliver this again and again.
The dress code is strictly ‘dress up’ and the fancier you are the better, so do check you have packed the right fashions before you book a night of magical wonder.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Warner Bros. celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023 and if you visit the capital of English-language movie making, then you really should take a look behind the scenes.
Join a three-hour tour that travels through famous backlot streets, soundstages, sets and craft shops. See how many you can recognise! The highlights include props and costumes from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts; Stage 48: Script to Screen, an interactive soundstage that explores the film and television production process; Action and Magic Made Here, featuring legendary superheroes and diabolical villains; and an expanded Central Perk Café and Friends Boutique.
discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/the-guide-to-warner-bros-studio-tour-hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood
If you just can’t get enough of the movie magic, then join the iconic studio tram tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. Youngsters (or young at heart) can explore the Mushroom Kingdom at Super Nintendo World, or Experience the Dark Arts at Hogwarts™ Castle. There are rides, and movie characters on the streets, immersive movie experiences and opportunities to be pampered like a star.
universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Only a year old (in 2023), the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum dedicated to moviemaking in the US.
You need to book in advance for a timed entry slot. Once inside you can live the movies to your heart’s content! From the stars to the people behind the scenes, from iconic movies to those that changed the genre – it’s all there!
Catch a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is home to the LA Phil and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Check the website for both ticketed and free events.
musiccenter.org/visit-explore/visit-explore/campus/walt-disney-concert-hall/
Enjoy your food!
Don’t let yourself go hungry! There are plenty of great places to eat in LA, including a good range that offer plant-based menus. Check out the list here: discoverlosangeles.com/eat-drink/the-best-vegan-restaurants-in-los-angeles
The Vinyl District is a popular new collection of hotels, restaurants and bars in a revitalised area of Hollywood. discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/discover-the-hollywood-vinyl-district
The Arts District in Downtown LA is a really popular place for locals to eat with an industrial/Shoreditch vibe discoverlosangeles.com/visit/a-visual-walking-tour-of-the-arts-district-in-downtown-la
LA is having a rooftop revolution! Wrap up warm and head to a rooftop bar with a view: discoverlosangeles.com/eat-drink/best-los-angeles-rooftop-bars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chantal Cooke is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster and co-founder of PASSION for the PLANET.
Chantal is passionate about tourism being used as a force for good. You can follow her adventures on Facebook and Twitter @chantalcooke and on Instagram @Chantaldcooke