Get Out: Our Quick and Dirty Guide to Los Angeles
Los Angeles may not be the first destination that springs to mind for a short break from Beijing. But with direct flights available for as low as RMB 2,000 return if you hunt around, you can get there for the same price as a trip to Japan or Korea. Stay for a few days and explore this huge, diverse city or use it as a jumping off point for other destinations along the west coast (on a recent visit I found that flying to LA and then buying domestic flights to San Francisco was much cheaper than flying straight there from Beijing).
Where to stay
You probably don't need me to tell you that LA is a huge city, so where you stay will very much depend on what you’re planning to do and whether you’ve visited before. First timer who wants to be near the touristy sights? Hollywood is for you. Traveling with kids or want to be near the beach? Santa Monica could be your best bet. A good all-around location is West Hollywood, which puts you close to the major sights with a diverse, inclusive nightlife scene right on your doorstep. Boutique hotel Grafton on Sunset (rooms from around RMB 1,400 per night) offers an upscale motel-style experience right on the Sunset Strip, complete with rock ’n’ roll-inspired decor, a trendy on-site bar and restaurant, and saltwater swimming pool. Alternatively, you can find an Airbnb in this area for around RMB 1,200-1,500 per night (just check that there is parking if you’ve hired a car).
What to do
There are plenty of well-known sights in LA to tick off if you're a first-time visitor, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, the Paramount Studio Tour, and many more. Outdoorsy types will want to take advantage of the many excellent hiking opportunities around the city; for example, 4,210-acre Griffith Park boasts hundreds of trails, as well as several spots where you can view the iconic Hollywood Sign. If you're around the West Hollywood area on a weekend, head to Melrose Trading Post, a community market that sets up at Fairfax High School every Sunday with vendors selling everything from antiques to craft food. A little bit further south, The Original Farmer's Market makes for a delicious if touristy diversion for a few hours (there's a Trader Joe's right around the corner to stock up on groceries before you leave, too).
What to eat
The more pertinent question here may well be: what shouldn’t I eat? From creative plant-based dining to blow-your-head-off-spicy Thai food to some of the best ramen you’ll have outside of Tokyo, LA is a food lover's paradise. The best advice I was given before my recent trip was to get a local to take you to their favorite places but there are still a number of spots that should make it onto any visitors list. For example, if you’ve never had a burger from In-N-Out, then now’s your chance (there’s a branch on Sunset Boulevard just east of La Brea). If you decide to stay in West Hollywood, head to LA institution Musso and Frank Grill for great steaks with a side of classic Americana. Even if you’re on a budget, you can still grab a Martini at the bar and settle in for some prime people watching. Alternatively, perpetually-packed Sqirl in Silver Lake boasts plenty of creative vegetarian and vegan options, such as their famous sorrel pesto rice bowl.
Further Afield
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train service takes a picturesque route along the southern California coast, making for a convenient way to travel if you want to avoid flying or driving. Head north up the coast to San Luis Opisbo to see the 18th-century mission and maybe visit a few of the county's excellent wineries (it would be rude not to). Or travel south to San Diego, known for its laid-back atmosphere, the massive Balboa Park (including one of the world's best zoos), and excellent Mexican-California cuisine. Coming from China, the train may seem painfully slow (3 hours to travel less than 200 miles?!) but the views more than compensate.
READ: Kyoto: A Short Break in the Thousand-Year Capital
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Photos: Shutterstock/Chones, Wikimedia, Max Pixel, Robynne Tindall
