On my trip to southern California, my boyfriend’s mom and I took the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train to Los Angeles. Since there is SO much to see in L.A., we stayed overnight at the Loews Hotel in Hollywood. Although there is still so much that I want to see in L.A., this was a great first trip and we covered a lot of ground. I hope you enjoy these suggestions of what to see in Los Angeles in two days!
DAY 1
Bradbury Building
There were two things I wanted to see in downtown L.A. It was perfect because the train comes into Union Station, which is downtown and a close walk to the two places.
Our first stop was the Bradbury Building. This building doesn’t look like much on the outside, but if you enter the main door (not the coffee shop door) you will see why I had to come here. Built in 1893, this building is famous for its beautiful sky-lit atrium and ironwork. It’s like stepping back in time. Amazing!
The Last Bookstore
A short walk away is The Last Bookstore. This is one of the coolest bookstores I’ve ever seen! Make sure you walk around the upper level. Everywhere you turn there is something quirky and different. My favourite part was the book tunnel!
Beverly Hills
After checking into our hotel, we took a Lyft to Rodeo Drive. Did you know that Beverly Hills is its own city even though it’s smack dab in the middle of L.A.? I sure didn’t!
I’m a huge Lisa Vanderpump, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Vanderpump Rules fan, so after exploring Rodeo Drive, we had a drink at Villa Blanca. Villa Blanca is one of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants and has been shown in both Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Vanderpump Rules!
We were told by a local to go to Il Pastaio for lunch, a great Italian restaurant down the street. Ready for the best part of my trip to L.A.? WE SAW JUSTIN AND HAILEY BIEBER THERE! We were sitting outside, and they were sitting inside but I still managed to snap a quick picture. Apparently, the Biebers go there all the time, so if you go up to them or are noticeably taking pictures, the restaurant will kick you out!
LACMA Urban Light
From Beverly Hills, we took a Lyft to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to see the “Urban Light” art installation. “Urban Light” has 202 vintage street lamps in front of the museum. Honestly, I found it to be a bit underwhelming, but we visited during the daytime and I think it is probably more impressive at night.
The Original Farmers Market & The Grove
A 15-minute walk will bring you to The Original Farmers Market. Since 1934, this spot has been filled with stalls, shops, and restaurants. There is so much to choose from!
The Grove is adjacent to the Farmers Market. The Grove is an amazing outdoor, pedestrian-friendly shopping complex. It’s so cute!
I absolutely loved visiting The Original Farmers Market and The Grove. If I had more time in L.A., I probably would’ve spent a whole day here!
West Hollywood
As previously mentioned, I’m a big fan of Lisa Vanderpump. I absolutely had to check out her other restaurants in West Hollywood; SUR (where most of Vanderpump Rules take place) and TomTom (her newest restaurant that she opened with two guys from Vanderpump Rules). It was so surreal to see both the restaurants in person, and they were stunning inside! TomTom was loud and busy, so we had happy hour drinks and appetizers at SUR, which was quieter. There were three bartenders that night that have been on Vanderpump Rules! West Hollywood is a fun and popular nighttime spot, especially for the younger crowd.
DAY 2
Hollywood
It’s best to explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the morning when there are less people. As you walk along the 2,600 stars, you will see the Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are held), the TCL Chinese Theatre, the El Capitan Theatre, Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and the Hollywood and Highland shopping complex.
In the centre of the Hollywood and Highland complex, there is a structure with several observation decks where you can get a picture of the Hollywood Sign.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The highlight of our trip to L.A. was the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. This tour is amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone! You get to see SO much – my favourite parts being the “Central Perk” set from Friends and the Ellen DeGeneres Show set.
More info on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: https://www.wbstudiotour.com/
Griffith Observatory
From the Warner Bros. Studios, we took a Lyft to the Griffith Observatory. Although we did not visit the Observatory (but I would like to someday!), we walked around and took some great pictures of the Hollywood Sign. You can also hike tons of trails that lead from Griffith Observatory through Griffith Park.
Some additional things to do in L.A.:
- The Getty Museum
- The Getty Villa
- Hollywood Bowl
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Universal Studios
- Los Angeles Zoo
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
