Travel Photo of the Day: Santa Monica Pier, USA

I love the energy of South California. There is something infectious about it. Today’s travel photo if of Santa Monica Pier, one of the iconic locations on the South California map and the place where the legendary Route 66 comes to an end. Muscle beach, Venice beach, Hollywood, Malibu and many other such exotic locations are just a short drive away.

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9 Top Attractions in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is one of those holiday destinations that offers diverse avenues for the traveler to indulge in. From shopping to beaches, from theme parks to traditional localities and from museums to nightlife, it has it all. Below are 9 attractions for you to explore on your next holiday to Los Angeles.

Hollywood Walk of Fame


Hollywood and Los Angeles are synonymous with each other. It is one of the top attractions of LA and hence it features right on the top of my list. While, many like to see the famous Hollywood sign, I would recommend walking the entire Hollywood Walk of Fame and soak in the aura of this happening street. Relatively quiet during the day, this street bursts into hectic activity during the evening and night hours. It is full of shopping avenues, crazy street artists and hosts many interesting things to do. Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, Ripley’s believe it or not, Chinese theatre, Egyptian theatre, Disney Shops and many more are on offer here. Each one offers a certain glamour quotient. This is one street that you cannot miss.

Universal Studios


A great film studio and theme park located close to Hollywood, Universal Studios is famous for its theme park rides, top of the line movie theatres and city walk. The Fast and the Furious Supercharged, King Kong 360 3D, Dare to Ride, WaterWorld, Transformers – The Ride 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the Simpsons ride are some of the top rides and attractions in the theme park and all of these are big hits with people of all age groups. In addition, you can check out their film studios and get a deeper understanding of how these movies were created. And then there are many restaurants and shops to keep you occupied while you explore the CityWalk at day or night. This entertainment capital of LA is a top place to visit

Olvera Street


This might come as a surprise to many, but there is a deeply cultural and traditional side to Los Angeles. With narrow cobbled streets and large beautiful churches, the area around Olvera street is where LA was born. With a distinct Mexican character, this is the place to go to if you want a traditional Mexican meal and some classic margaritas. I would definitely recommend this place for a sun-downer drink and some traditional Mexican shopping.

Santa Monica


Route 66 ends here and its pier commands iconic status, but Santa Monica is not just about these two. Located 30 minutes outside of LA, this place offers great surfing, shopping, dining, nightlife, entertainment, hiking and much more. Malibu and the houses of Hollywood celebrities lie to its north and the beautiful Venice beach lies to its south. With so much to do here, a lot of travelers who seek quiet holidays base themselves here on their LA holiday.

Rodeo Drive
If luxury shopping is your thing, you cannot get any better than Rodeo drive. This 2 mile stretch that is full of luxury stores and the best brands in the business has been immortalized in many movies. The most famous scene is that of Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman. The Rodeo drive walk of style is an attraction that you should check out along with the shops and hotels. Located in the famous Beverly Hills area of LA, a lot of people combine  a Rodeo drive visit with a visit to Wilshire and Sunset Boulevard. Basically, this is one area you go to to see the rich, fancy life.

Sunset Boulevard


One of Los Angeles’ most crowded areas, this is the nightlife area of this belt, especially around Sunset strip. Home to UCLA, Tiffany theatre, Los Angeles Film School, Beverly Hills Hotel, famous guitar stores and many other popular hotels and buildings, the Sunset Boulevard is never short on action.


Venice Beach
One of LA’s most popular beaches, the Venice beach packs its own retro character. With beach shacks and an hipster look, it is a classic beach getaway. The famous Muscle Beach is located here. And its proximity to Santa Monica gives it great access.

Grammy Museum


If you are a music buff, you should definitely pay a visit to the Grammy Museum. This place lives and breathes music. Located in downtown LA, this place holds exhibits that explore the greatest GRAMMY music, everything from rock to hip hop to country, classical, Latin, R&B and Jazz.

Staples Center


Home of four professional sports franchises, NBA’s LA Lakers and LA Clippers, NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and WNBA’s Los Angeles Spark, Staples Center is definitely the sports and entertainment center of this region. If you wish to sample local culture, then you definitely have to catch a live game here. Do check out their events calendar as they might be hosting anything from professional sporting events, live music shows, family shows and other special events while you are holidaying in LA.

Trip Courtesy: Discover America, the tourism board of the United States of America.

Trip Hashtags: #DiscoverAmerica #RoadTripUSA  

Los Angeles 
Facebook: @losangelesfan and @VisitCA | Twitter: @discoverLA and @VisitCA | Instagram: @discoverLA and @visitcalifornia

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Ace Hotel: Retro Luxury in Los Angeles Downtown

There is always a certain charm of staying in a historic building. On my recent visit to Los Angeles, I stayed at the Ace Hotel in Downtown LA that once used to be a film studio. This hotel review is based on this recent experience of mine.

 

1) Everything about this hotel screams retro and classic. From its rough looking exteriors to library themed reception, from its record player in its various rooms to the overall minimalistic and grunge look, this place definitely captures the eye and attention. It is made to look like how artists of the era gone by lived.

2) Even though this hotel is set in retro style, it is a luxury hotel that is set right in the heart of downtown LA. It is located close to the fashion district, jewellery district and also the metro station.

3) One of its better features is its lively rooftop bar and pool that offer great nightlife amidst sensational views of LA downtown and beyond.

4) The place comes with an in-house restaurant that serves classic American and Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5) They offer free wi-fi to all the rooms and the connect is excellent all around the property.

6) They offer valet parking , parking facilities, gym, swimming pool, laundry, spa and much more.

7) Restaurants, shopping malls, boutique shops and supermarkets are just a short walk away.

8) They have their own historic theatre where films used to be screened in its heyday. Nowadays, some plays and music events take place here.

If you are looking for a classic styled luxury hotel in the heart of downtown LA, then you should give the Ace Hotel a look. It offers a special retro experience with a great rooftop bar.

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Hotel Figueroa: Plush Spanish Mediterranean Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles

Are you planning a holiday to Los Angeles? Well, if Rodeo drive, Hollywood, Universal Studios, Sunset Boulevard, Malibu, Santa Monica and others are on your radar, you might want to park yourself in a good hotel in LA. That is precisely what I did when i stayed at the Hotel Figueroa in downtown LA on my recent trip to Los Angeles. I stayed at this hotel for 4 days and 3 nights and the below hotel review is based on this recent experience of mine.



1) This 1925 hotel is located right in the heart of Downtown LA. Grammy Museum, Nokia Center and Staples Center are neighbours. The Financial district and the Jewellery district are a short walk away. It is next to a large shopping mall and the metro is just a 7-10 minute walk away, which means that connectivity to most of LA and its suburbs is easy. Many supermarkets, shops and restaurants are also within walking distance. In summary, prime downtown location.

2) This is a 4 star that is designed for couples and families. However, due to its proximity to the financial district even the business people seem to prefer it. Decked up in a Spanish Mediterranean design, this hotel has a classic and rich look. It comes with a verandah poolside lounge, outdoor pool, lush garden landscape and in-house restaurants.

3) The in-house restaurant serves great breakfast and dinner for an additional fee.

4) The rooms are large and come with all modern facilities that befit a 4 star hotel.

5) Complimentary wi-fi is available all through the hotel and the speeds are great. If you wish, you could upgrade to a higher speed for an additional fee.

6) They offer dry cleaning, laundry and other housekeeping services that come in handy for longer stays.

7) The front desk is super helpful. They helped me with free printouts, maps, directions, luggage storage, parcel delivery and much more.

8) The hotel also offers its parking facilities, though it charges an additional fee for it.

9) While I was staying there, I noticed people from all over the world staying here: Indians, Chinese, Americans, South Americans, Mexicans, Europeans and others.

If you are a holidaying couple or family and looking for a comfortable hotel in downtown LA, I would definitely recommend that you take a look at Hotel Figueroa Downtown LA. Apart from great value for money, you will get prime location and a great ambience.

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Santa Monica: Where Route 66 ends

I am sure you have heard of ‘Route 66’! It is one of USA’s most iconic routes that has been made famous through an innumerable number of journeys, be it on motorcycle or in a car, van, camper, RV or a truck. Starting in Chicago, it weaves and winds itself through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, till it reaches the pacific coast at Santa Monica. While the route is exotic for sure, for the Route 66 travelers, the final destination is one of their trip’s highlights.


Santa Monica is the only beach destination on the iconic route and may be the perfect spot for a thorough celebration as it offers the sun, beach, sand and good weather after what has been a gruelling last ride through the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. While. Santa Monica is heaven for Route 66 travelers, it is also a great beach getaway for all visitors to California and the Pacific coast.


Located at about 30 minutes west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a far cry from busy Los Angeles. It is laid back. It is blessed with lots of sunshine and great long beaches. Home to many Hollywood celebrities at Malibu, its northern extreme, Santa Monica offers a lot to the traveler looking for a quality beach holiday.


Most visitors start their Santa Monica trip with a visit to the Santa Monica pier, the final point on Route 66. Many restaurants, an adventure theme park, souvenir shops, budding painters and artisans and fishermen can be seen on this pier. On the northern stretch of the pier is the lovely expanse of sand called the Santa Monica Beach and to the south is the muscle beach that is popular with fitness aficionados.


If you keep Santa Monica Pier as your bearings, Malibu lies to its north and is worth a visit if you want to see the beach getaways of Hollywood celebrities. To the south are the many surfing beaches. Venice beach and its boardwalk is one of the most popular beaches here and is known for its hipster look and feel and for its sensational nightlife. While you are at Venice Beach, don’t miss out the action at the true Muscle Beach with bulging biceps and insane bench presses.


To the east lies Main street, which is famous for its various bars. Lying a couple of blocks from the Main street is Third Street Promenade, an up market shopping zone that is also a pedestrian only area. A good many restaurants and shopping malls adorn the promenade. The Third Street Promenade is packed with a great bustle all day long before it peaks during the night when the entire place is buzzing with lots of energy and lots of street performances.


What I like about Santa Monica is that it appeals to all kinds of travelers. The beach lovers can enjoy the surf, the sand, the sun and the drinks. The shoppers find a home at Third Street Promenade. Serious shoppers can make a trip to Beverly Hills. The nature lovers can head to Topanga State Park or the Santa Monica Mountains for some cycling or hiking. Bikers head to Venice beach for the bars and the nightlife. Surfers head to the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Families stay at Santa Monica.


In fact, I think one should make Santa Monica as a base while even exploring the Los Angeles metropolitan area. You might drive an additional 60 minutes while making a trip to LA, but I think the beach and the relaxed atmosphere offset the additional driving.


Whether you are making a trip on the Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway or a trip to the Los Angeles area, you will find yourself a great beach holiday destination at Santa Monica. Totally love its diverse nature.

Trip Courtesy: Discover America, the tourism board of the United States of America.

Trip Hashtags: #DiscoverAmerica #RoadTripUSA

Los Angeles
Facebook: @losangelesfan and @VisitCA | Twitter: @discoverLA and @VisitCA | Instagram: @discoverLA and @visitCalifornia

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