If you’re making a bit of a trip/holiday/vacation of it to Los Angeles next year, then there’s a few things you can see and do whilst you’re there. If you’re like me, then perhaps you’ll be travelling with someone who really doesn’t care about Star Wars and Celebration, so it’s only fair to let them enjoy the trip too.
Below is a list of some must see attractions that are in Los Angeles.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
If you love theme parks and have done a Universal before then you’ll know, much like Disney, it’s a great day out and a real treat to let the big kid in you fly high again. There’s Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Transformers and loads more themed rides on offer. What’s special here is the famous Studio Tour that takes around 60 minutes. There’s no Star Wars in sight so it’s sure to please those non-Force users in your family/group. Tickets are on sale now for the time frame around Celebration.
WARNER BROTHERS STUDIO TOUR
I did this tour back in 2017 when I was in LA doing some comedy gigs. It’s absolutely brilliant. It’s not a theme park but a guided tour around Warner Brothers studios and backlots. You’ll walk on actual sets from endlessly famous tv shows/films, catch a glimpse of something being filmed and see how the magic happens. One of my highlights was seeing the screen used Batmobile from Nolan’s Trilogy and sitting on the actual sofa seen in Central Perk from FRIENDS. A must see for cinephiles.
HOLLYWOOD SIGN
Originally called HOLLYWOODLAND, the sign is really just a sign but it’s well worth the hike up through houses that cost more than I’ll ever earn in one lifetime. Take those pics and get them on the socials. You’re in Hollywood, it would be rude not to see the famous letters!
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
To be here at the observatory is to truly take in one of the best views of Hollywood. It’s stunning and well worth the trip but it’s also much, much more. There’s astronomy exhibits, a planetarium, and public telescopes that you can use to view the moon and planets. The best part about this, it’s free. So, what are you waiting for?
SANTA MONICA BEACHES
If you’re in The Golden West state then perhaps you’ll want to soak up some rays and get that much needed vitamin D that everyone’s always banging on about. In all fairness, after 4 days inside a convention centre then I’ll probably need some sun. The beaches in Santa Monica are accessible by train or car and are worth it. There’s a laid-back vibe, shops, restaurants and you can see the famous ‘END OF ROUTE 66’ sign on the pier. So, grab the factor 50 and off we go.
LA DODGERS
There’s some sports that just scream American. Basketball, football (our rugby) and then there’s baseball. Now, I don’t understand baseball. It seems like rounders just bigger. But it’s on my list of things to do. I won’t have a clue what’s going on, but there are tickets available for $25 so I’ll be there with a coke, popcorn and hopefully a foam finger and rooting for someone – I assume the LA Dodgers. When in Rome, ay? Well, America.
THE SUNSET STRIP
Perhaps you’re a night owl and all the things above sound great but you’re one to prowl the streets at night in the hunt of tomorrow’s dawn. The sunset strip is infamous and features clubs, bars and more fun than you can shake a stick at. There’s the world-famous Comedy Store which features Hollywood comedy superstars always dropping by to do a set, there’s Mel’s Drive In which you might recognize from American Graffiti and Carney’s – which proudly boasts ‘the best hotdogs and hamburgers in the world.’ Are they telling the truth? Only one way to find out.
Other highlights include; A Celebrity Home Tour, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, The Getty Centre and the Natural History Museum.