Top 3 Places To See and Things-To-Do in LA LA LAND!

A year ago, I had the opportunity to finally step on the lands of the United States of America for business and leisure purposes.  I would admit, it was a dream come true.  I have had several times imagining myself to travel to the "land of the free and home of the brave."  And, thank God, it did happen in this lifetime.

One of the states that I chanced to explore was California.

When in California, one of the famous cities that attracts thousands of tourists is LOS ANGELES in Los Angeles county.

Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California city and the center of the nation’s film and television industry. Did you know that Los Angeles is the most populous city in California with over 3.9 million people residing in the metropolis.

We happened to have just a number of hours of the day and the night to explore L. A.

With the limited time, we have to select the most popular touristy destinations to see for ourselves and to share to our family and friends back home and to readers of this blog.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN LA LA LAND...

1.) Promenade on RODEO DRIVE in Beverly Hills and literally do window shopping, thru the luxurious window displays of high-end fashion brands.

 "House of Versace" in Rodeo Drive.

#fromwhereistand

Literally, VERSACE ON THE FLOOR. Reversed though since this was just an illumination effect from the lights of the Versace store.

Maybe the millenials of our time now are not familiar with the blockbuster movie, PRETTY WOMAN starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere but for their information and to all those who did not know this fact: the Hotel were most of the saccharine, lovey-dovey scenes were filmed on the structure as pictured above.

The hotel is Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel.  And I was more or less happy to have seen it in real life despite I have not seen the movie nor I am a fan of either of the lead stars; though I have heard the film's popularity wayback the 90's.

2.)Stroll in the starry grounds of HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD

Mickey Mouse have gotten away from Disneyland in Anaheim, California to enjoy the bustling crowd and rambling activities on the famous ground of L.A.  

F.Y.I. this Mickey Mouse was just a regular American citizen dressed-up as a mascot to earn dollars from people who are interested to snap a photo with him.

During this trip to the U.S., I was exploiting the hashtag #fromwhereistand... and here's another one, though I am not a fan of the actress on the star.

 Across the street from where I stood to capture the above photo was the building where the Jimmy Kimmel  show live taping was located. 

F.Y.I. All audience members must check-in at the front of our studio located at 6840 Hollywood Blvd (directly across from the Dolby Theatre and Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Blvd). Tapings typically last between an hour and a half and two hours.

And more mascots, two Minnie Mouse twinning.

Moving forward, we reached the TCL Chinese Theatre which displayed celebrities' hand and footprints even on the ground outside the theatre.  

 It was past lunch time when we explored Hollywood Boulevard, so we decided to look for a restaurant or a dinner inside The Hollywood and Highland Center.

F.Y.I. The Hollywood & Highland Center is a shopping mall and entertainment complex at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue in the Hollywood district in Los Angeles. Wikipedia

Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd #170, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Parking: On-street, parking garage

Hours: 

Open today · 10AM–10PM

No. of anchor tenants: 1 (Dolby Theatre)

No. of floors: 5 

A view of the iconic Hollywood Sign from The Hollywood & Highland Center

After lunch, we headed to one of the gift shops in the area, which was located next block from the Hollywood and Highland Center 

- LA LA LAND. 

F.Y.I. Located in: Hollywood Blvd Peterson Building

Address: 7001 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Hours: 

Open today · 9AM–11PM

Cute car plates souvenirs.  My memorable purchase at the gift shop was the gigantic pencils with the word HOLLYWOOD on it.  

3.) Take pleasure with the varied forms of entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood

F.Y.I. - Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the Universal City county island area of the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, California, United States. Wikipedia

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Opened: July 15, 1964 --- = wow!

Hours: 

Open today · 9AM–10PM 

Unfortunately, it was almost closing time when we arrived the Universal Studios Hollywood.  Hence, what we did was to saturate our sense of sight with all of the colorful and bright luminescence at the theme park.

 Unique souvenir items to take back home (pasalubong) and perfect for gifting too on occasions such as Father's Day or Mother's Day.

Thanks to my officemate, Sheynne, who brought me along with her and her aunt who invited us to check out the theme park.

 Hope you have enjoyed the photos I collected during my first time in Los Angeles, California.  It was one indelible experience worth reminiscing in my lifetime.

I still have more to share on my U.S. travel last year, please  

Do keep coming back for more of my travel diaries. 

Travel and Live in Style, everyday!