It's difficult to imagine LA without immediately thinking of all the old tourist traps; Disneyland, Beverly Hills, the Hollywood strip. It's easy to stick the norm and what you know.
But it's such a huge city, packed full of quirky delights and unusual sights, it's well worth straying beyond the guide book and exploring for yourself. On a recent trip, I did just that and found a whole host of hidden gems.
Where to stay:
Ditch the Ritz Carltons and Marriots of the city and head to The London.
It's just off Sunset Strip, meaning it's location is ripe for exploring and it has views across the city.
![sunrise]()
Watching the sunrise over Downtown from our balcony
Get up early and watch the sun creep up over Downtown from your balcony, or head for a sunrise dip in the rooftop pool and bask in the tranquil side of LA you never knew existed.
![pool]()
A sunrise dip in the rooftop pool
The beds are the most comfortable I have ever slept in and the complimentary breakfasts are deliciously fresh, meaning you're ready and raring to go for a day of adventure. When you return from your travels, unwind in the huge bath or freshen up in the luxurious - and extravagantly large - shower, complete with dual shower heads.
![tl]()
A suite at The London
The bathroom is so beautiful it's difficult to tear yourself away from it. Once you have, head up to the rooftop to sample the cocktails while you relax by the fire pit and gaze up at the stars.
Book your stay here.
What to eat:
Sure Five Guys is getting big over here, and everyone raves about Johnny Rockets and Jack in a box but you ain't nobody until you've eaten an In n Out double double. Yeah it's not so much a hidden gem but it's cheap, quick and damn good - and I dare you to find a better fast food burger in California. My partner and I calculated we ate 13 (each) over a 14 day period. Yes, they're that good. If you ask politely, they'll even give you a paper hat.
Find your nearest one here
What to do:
Forget Disneyland, it's overpriced and full of overexcitable kids. Six Flags Magic Mountain is where the real thrill seekers go.
![sf]()
The sun setting over Six Flags, Magic Mountain
Experience the 415ft Lex Luther Drop of Doom. I'm a wuss when it comes to heights but forced myself to go, and my goodness was it worth it just for the views. The other don't miss is the Superman ride - fly backwards and reach 100mph in seven seconds and then whoosh all the way back down. So good we went on twice. Another favourite was Apocalypse - true old school wooden rollercoasters at their best.
Buy tickets online here.
Who to support:
The LA Dodgers are so passé. It's all about popping over to Anaheim and cheering on the Angels at their gorgeous ballpark. Swap the corporate feel of the blue and whites for the big A boulder, home run fireworks and ginormous caps of the reds.
![aa]()
LAA's charismatic entrance
See the fearsome Mike Trout in action and if you're lucky enough you might even see one of his trademark leaping catches. Whether you go for a day or night game, it's a beautiful stadium and even the bleacher seats are comfy.
Buy tickets from here.
What to see:
Everyone wants to see the Hollywood sign, right? If you're brave enough, swap the normal excursion up to Griffith Park for the hairpin turns of the Hollywood Hills. You can't actually get to the sign from there - as numerous signs will tell you - but by gosh do you get some incredible views, and some even more incredible houses. Just make sure you're ok with heights - there's some pretty scary sharp drops and steep climbs up there, and you'll need to have some nifty three point turns skills too - oh, and don't forget the SatNav.
Where to shop:
Yeah Beverly Hills is where the 'slebs go to shop, but what if you don't have bundles of cash? Then head to the Iguana vintage thrift store at the bottom of the Hollywood Strip. Simply going there is an experience in itself - rails upon rails of vintage items with everything from cowboy jackets and dog embroidered a-line skirts to Levi's and tartan trousers.
![iguana]()
Rows upon rows of vintage wares
When I went it was deserted, and so we had the whole two floors to ourselves and raced around pawing at all the incredible creations. It's also pretty darn cheap. Shoreditch, eat your heart out.
Visit the store's site here
How to kill time before your flight:
Our flight was at 10pm so we had plenty of spare time to hang around in midday traffic jams on LA highways. Luckily, we stumbled across Dockweiler State Beach, not more than a 10 minute drive from the hotel, and I was able to sling my sandals over my shoulder and wiggle my toes into the gorgeous golden Californian sand one last time.
We flew with Virgin Atlantic, click here for the latest prices.
But it's such a huge city, packed full of quirky delights and unusual sights, it's well worth straying beyond the guide book and exploring for yourself. On a recent trip, I did just that and found a whole host of hidden gems.
Where to stay:
Ditch the Ritz Carltons and Marriots of the city and head to The London.
It's just off Sunset Strip, meaning it's location is ripe for exploring and it has views across the city.
Get up early and watch the sun creep up over Downtown from your balcony, or head for a sunrise dip in the rooftop pool and bask in the tranquil side of LA you never knew existed.
The beds are the most comfortable I have ever slept in and the complimentary breakfasts are deliciously fresh, meaning you're ready and raring to go for a day of adventure. When you return from your travels, unwind in the huge bath or freshen up in the luxurious - and extravagantly large - shower, complete with dual shower heads.
The bathroom is so beautiful it's difficult to tear yourself away from it. Once you have, head up to the rooftop to sample the cocktails while you relax by the fire pit and gaze up at the stars.
Book your stay here.
What to eat:
Sure Five Guys is getting big over here, and everyone raves about Johnny Rockets and Jack in a box but you ain't nobody until you've eaten an In n Out double double. Yeah it's not so much a hidden gem but it's cheap, quick and damn good - and I dare you to find a better fast food burger in California. My partner and I calculated we ate 13 (each) over a 14 day period. Yes, they're that good. If you ask politely, they'll even give you a paper hat.
Find your nearest one here
What to do:
Forget Disneyland, it's overpriced and full of overexcitable kids. Six Flags Magic Mountain is where the real thrill seekers go.
Experience the 415ft Lex Luther Drop of Doom. I'm a wuss when it comes to heights but forced myself to go, and my goodness was it worth it just for the views. The other don't miss is the Superman ride - fly backwards and reach 100mph in seven seconds and then whoosh all the way back down. So good we went on twice. Another favourite was Apocalypse - true old school wooden rollercoasters at their best.
Buy tickets online here.
Who to support:
The LA Dodgers are so passé. It's all about popping over to Anaheim and cheering on the Angels at their gorgeous ballpark. Swap the corporate feel of the blue and whites for the big A boulder, home run fireworks and ginormous caps of the reds.
See the fearsome Mike Trout in action and if you're lucky enough you might even see one of his trademark leaping catches. Whether you go for a day or night game, it's a beautiful stadium and even the bleacher seats are comfy.
Buy tickets from here.
What to see:
Everyone wants to see the Hollywood sign, right? If you're brave enough, swap the normal excursion up to Griffith Park for the hairpin turns of the Hollywood Hills. You can't actually get to the sign from there - as numerous signs will tell you - but by gosh do you get some incredible views, and some even more incredible houses. Just make sure you're ok with heights - there's some pretty scary sharp drops and steep climbs up there, and you'll need to have some nifty three point turns skills too - oh, and don't forget the SatNav.
Where to shop:
Yeah Beverly Hills is where the 'slebs go to shop, but what if you don't have bundles of cash? Then head to the Iguana vintage thrift store at the bottom of the Hollywood Strip. Simply going there is an experience in itself - rails upon rails of vintage items with everything from cowboy jackets and dog embroidered a-line skirts to Levi's and tartan trousers.
When I went it was deserted, and so we had the whole two floors to ourselves and raced around pawing at all the incredible creations. It's also pretty darn cheap. Shoreditch, eat your heart out.
Visit the store's site here
How to kill time before your flight:
Our flight was at 10pm so we had plenty of spare time to hang around in midday traffic jams on LA highways. Luckily, we stumbled across Dockweiler State Beach, not more than a 10 minute drive from the hotel, and I was able to sling my sandals over my shoulder and wiggle my toes into the gorgeous golden Californian sand one last time.
We flew with Virgin Atlantic, click here for the latest prices.