Visiting Los Angeles, California, was one of my childhood dreams. Growing up in a distant country where many things were limited, including dreaming big, made LA especially alluring. The freedom to be who you want and create without restrictions was always in my mind when I thought about California and LA. Maybe it was the stark difference from my hometown or the allure of Hollywood’s entertainment industry, but life always seemed more interesting there. Does that make people happier? That’s a philosophical question that could take hundreds of pages to discuss. For now, I can say that traveling to Los Angeles made me happy because there’s a certain magic in seeing a childhood dream come true.
For my anniversary, my husband organized a summer trip to Los Angeles, California. I love celebrating my birthdays by traveling, exploring new cities, taking photos, and satisfying my curiosity with myriad questions. That year was no exception. I travel to wonder and feel amused, to get inspired by new surroundings and different lifestyles, and to remind myself of the kaleidoscopic beauty found in nature, cultures, architecture, art, and food.
We departed from Atlanta International Airport and, in four hours, landed at LAX. After renting a car from Hertz, we headed straight to our hotel, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, located downtown. This hotel is famous for being a filming location for many Hollywood movies, including Interstellar, Rain Man, Blade Runner, and True Lies. We stayed on the 27th floor, enjoying a view of skyscrapers and distant mountains with the iconic Hollywood sign.
Love videos? Here is the vlog about my summer trip to Los Angeles.
Things to do in downtown LA
After we checked in, my husband stayed at the hotel while I explored the nearby area and took photos. Although downtown Los Angeles is not as much of a tourist destination compared to New York, I enjoyed it, especially the tall buildings. I find them particularly attractive and interesting subjects for photography.
At the end of my walk, I visited the Los Angeles Central Library. As a book and library lover, I couldn’t miss this one. Inside, it’s well-organized, and on the second floor, there’s an impressive mural on the walls and ceiling. Artistic elements are everywhere throughout the library.
Things to do in downtown LA:
- Visit Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Explore the modern art museum The Broad
- Hungry? Stop at Grand Central Market
- Walk through the Bradbury Building
- Enjoy Broadway musicals at the Music Center
- Relax and have a snack at Grand Park
- Experience a funicular ride at Angels Flight
- Visit the downtown Arts District
- Love reading? Stop by The Last Bookstore and Los Angeles Central Library
- For music fans, Grammy Museum
Downtown LA is not only about tall buildings and cars but also about greenery, flowers, and parks.
Taking photos, recording videos, and slowly wandering around, I found myself in a park near City Hall with a courtyard of historical flags that looked very impressive. After that, I visited Grand Park, just a few minutes away, enjoyed a strawberry Frappuccino at Starbucks, and continued exploring Los Angeles.
One of the first things I noticed while walking around the streets of LA was the contrast to New York; there were only a few people walking around, unlike New York, which is always buzzing with active walkers.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of my favorite buildings from my six days in Los Angeles. Designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 2003, it is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing the best in classical, contemporary, and world music. It’s also one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world and is considered an international landmark. As a first-time tourist in LA, I appreciated the stunning views of the surrounding area from several points within the building.
Later that day, while walking back to the hotel, I saw a bronze sculpture called “Peace on Earth.” It stands near the Ahmanson Theatre, whose entrance is adorned with a fountain—a nice, refreshing spot in the hot climate of LA.
Griffith Observatory is one more place to visit in LA
Griffith Observatory is another beautiful place to visit in LA. It’s one of the spots in Los Angeles where you can see the Hollywood sign. Although we didn’t go inside, we enjoyed walking around, looking at the various installations, and recalling the names of famous scientists associated with astronomy.
Opened in May 1935, Griffith Observatory offers free admission to the grounds and the main building. They also offer free telescope viewing, which starts around 7 PM when the weather permits. The observatory is a popular location for commercials and has been featured in several Hollywood movies, including the James Dean film “Rebel Without a Cause.”
Griffith Observatory is open:
- Tuesday-Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Monday: Closed
Santa Monica Pier
Later that day, we drove to Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic tourist spots near LA. It’s crowded and noisy but also fun to walk around, enjoy people-watching, and observe the local life.
Santa Monica Pier, considered a historic landmark, first opened to the public in September 1909 as the first concrete pier on the West Coast. It quickly gained popularity among fishing enthusiasts. The pier is made up of two adjoining piers that originally had separate owners.
Today, it features a small amusement park, concession stands, and areas for scenic views and fishing. The entrance is free.
Gorgeous tall palm trees are one of the symbols of California. I loved observing and taking photos of them, especially on a sunset with a soft, warm light.
One day during our trip to Los Angeles, we stopped by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). As we walked around, listening to my husband’s stories about his student years in California, I felt a deeper connection to the local lifestyle.
One week was enough to enjoy Los Angeles and visit The Huntington Library, Getty Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. After a wonderful trip like this, it’s always nice to return home. I love traveling; it’s entertaining and has been important for my personal growth. It becomes even better when you have a place you call home and can appreciate its beauty.
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