Travel Tips from Locals in Your Fave Cities: Los Angeles

“Los Angeles is so stubbornly its own thing… To love LA, you just kind of have to let it be LA.” – Damien Chazellew

Visiting LA is like seeing the rest of the world without taking a plane – it truly is a microcosm of our planet in terms of food, culture, and people. Home to a vibrant food-truck culture, breathtaking beaches, contemporary architecture, epic theme parks, and of course, the center of world entertainment – Hollywood, travelers will always have something fun to do in LA.

Los Angeleno Girlie Ellsworth shares her top travel tips for when it comes to visiting the So-Cal destination. “Living in LA, you get to talk and mingle with people from different walks of life. One can experience the sheer diversity of culture here just through trying out ethnic cuisines. You might even find yourself gyrating to the sound of the tambourine in a Middle Eastern restaurant while enjoying lamb and couscous – that’s LA for you!”

Must do’s and must see’s 

There is a little of everything for everyone. For the moviegoer in you, LA offers Universal Studios and other Theme Parks. Be lost amidst props and settings of your favorite movies and sitcoms.

If you feel like having an easy day, take the six-hour LA tour. Glamorous neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, eateries, shops, skyscraper, and famous homes of the stars are among the many attractions seen on these tours. If this isn’t for you, hop on board a double-decker bus tour at your own pace, thanks to the convenient schedule from 24-48-72-hour ticket options and departures.

Walk for two hours and get the feel of the city. This is great for cardio and allows visitors to explore historic Downtown Los Angeles. Visit architectural sites from the Golden Era of Hollywood. Immerse yourself in the colorful graffiti, indulge in a snack from a food truck vendor, and chat with the friendly locals. If you’re the athletic type and love to get a good workout, there is the hike/walk path in Griffith Park. You can also discover the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and Greek Theatre, among other things. You will also hear beautiful music coming from the Hollywood Bowl. This is truly an enriching cultural experience.

Best foods and places to eat

For your palate, there are numerous authentic ethnic restaurants featuring just about as many countries in the globe. Some well-visited places are Porto’s Bakery, a family-run Cuban Bakery, which is a favorite amongst us Pinoys. This spot makes for a nice quick stop for lunch. Try their sandwiches and potato balls and end the meal with your choice of sweets like the guava roll. Moreover, there is the Grand Central Market that offers a variety of authentic food from tacos, falafel, curries; basically, anything your taste buds desire.

Kabayan Comforts

In case you miss Filipino food, they have the Sari-Sari Store – a Filipino concept restaurant. They feature rice bowls for breakfast and lunch. There is also the historic Filipino Town, a great neighborhood dining adventure. To simply describe what LA has to offer to an outsider is too hard of a task, as there is simply too much to mention. The best way for travelers to find out what LA is like is by being where the action is. Come and discover the adventure that awaits in our City of Angels, Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeleno Girlie Ellsworth says “Living in LA, you get to talk and mingle with people from different walks of life. One can experience the sheer diversity of culture here just through trying out ethnic cuisines. You might even find yourself gyrating to the sound of the tambourine in a Middle Eastern restaurant while enjoying lamb and couscous – that’s LA for you!”

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