USA - Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles - To Do
Los Angeles  - To Eat

USA - Los Angeles, California

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To Stay while in Los Angeles

Travelodge Hollywood @ Vermont

The best value that I could find which was within a 5mile drive to Hollywood Blvd, La Brea Tar Pits and about 12miles to San Monica Pier/Venice Beach and Universal Studios.
- Comes with Breakfast, Parking and Free Wi-Fi included. At about USD70/night, clean and a great location.

Travelodge Vermont Sunset 1401 North Vermont Avenue Hollywood, Ca 90027

ABBA Tip:

- Buy Southern California Citypasses if you are definetley going for many of the attractions while in California. It saves you about 30% and more. Click here for ABBA to Citypass- While renting a car, get insurance which covers your vehicle being hit and you hitting others.

Must Do:Universal Studios

*pictured bottom left and right are the clock tower from "Back to the Future" and scene shot for "War of the Worlds"*

The rides are so-so, but the main attractions are defiantly the lot tour as well as the other shows featured in the program. Be careful that the program timings you receive is valid for your visit, else you may miss shows with limited performances per day.

*pictured left Sound Stage Magic and on the right Waterworld show not to be missed*

Personally I feel show times are not as well organized as other parks which result in long waiting times and shows being missed. Although on paper, published timings it ought to work out like clock work, in reality it doesn't.
Click here for ABBA to Universal Studios

Abba tip: - Arrive early! The opening hours are just barely enough to cover everything if keeping to a tight schedule. Be aware published duration of show times are't very accurate and you may miss a proceeding show if catching one after the other. Ask the operating staff if you can make the next show.
- Go for the universal studios and King Kong 3D tour first. Yes they are one in the same.

The Hollywood Blvd strip area
*pictured from left, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Mdm Tussades, Ripley's, Jim Henson

The Hollywood Blvd strip is pretty overhyped but is a must see when in LA. Iconic buildings like the Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Kodak theatre, Roosevelt Hotel namely being the oldest building.

Worth while to take a look is the Mdm Tussades Hollywood. Get up close and grab shots of your favorite celebs and movie superstars. The Ripleys museum though a bit small is alway fun for a visit.

Jim Henson Company - This is purely a functioning place of business and not for visitors as I came to find out. You get to see Kermit at the gates entrance.

ABBA tip:
- Flip through the TV guide at your hotel or tourist pamphlets. You may come across coupons that give you discounts up to 50% off tickets, like I found for Mdm Tussades Hollywood.
- Look out for bundle ticket sales to attractions along the Hollywood stretch and that can save you a few bucks.

Disneyland Anaheim LA California

Parking is separate from Disney land and adventure but a platoon of trams will bring you to and fro from the park. Parking goes at USD15 a whole day.
- As far as parades go, catching those after dark are definitely more eye catching and enjoyable.ABBA tip
- Always go for the Fastpass. Sure there maybe double backing and lots of walking involved, but it can save you up to 80mins in waiting time for more popular rides.
- Take note of your planned day of travel as certain big shows, involving cast members and fireworks are limited only to selected days. Furthermore, park closing times varies throughout the week. You wouldn't want to miss out on that new rides/show imagineers thought up at Walt Disney.Click here for ABBA to Disneyland

Disney California Adventure

The entire park can be easily covered within the day and shorter with fast pass queues. If you're selective on your rides or shows, you have to catch Aladdin's - A Musical Spectacular. This hour long, top class musical stage performance is worth at least half, if not all of what you paid to get in.

 Special mention goes to the 4D Toy Story's Midway Madness for multiplayer fun and interactive. The variety of mini-games brings joy and that little bit of a competitive spirit in everyone, great fun guaranteed.
ABBA Tip:
Immediately get a "World Of Color" fast pass at the Grizzly River Run ride (accurate as of Oct2011) as it guarantees you a location within closer proximity of the viewing area. Arriving early to get into your viewing area is crucial to securing top spots.
*Collecting this fast pass does not restrict you to taking another fast pass*Click here for ABBA to Disneyland

Citadel Outlet Shopping

Good location for all major brands featuring clothing, sports wear, shoes and cooking wear at great discounts. Always ask what's the bundle package they may have to get the best deals. Food wise and other activities are lacking at this outpost. There are shuttle services available.
Purchased Addidas Bball shoes + Bag @ USD35.
Sketches had 2nd pair of shoes going for half price. Shoes purchased @ USD40.Click here for ABBA details of store. 100 Citadel Drive, Suite 480 Los Angeles, CA 90040

La Brea Tar pits and Page Museum

It is great to see and learn from one of the most richest and still active fossil excavation sites. See full scale fossils at the page museum and the Paleontologist working on their next big project sorting and reassemble creatures of the yesteryears.5801 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

Queen Mary

*pictured from left, the Queen Mary, (center) The Queen Mary enlisted during the war.
Right, View of Long Beach from Queen Mary.*

See a part of this beauty's great history and inner workings. Though by today's standards it is relatively dark and cramp, but to imagine what it was back in the day and to walk the decks starboard to bow is magical in itself. Not to mention the great view of long beach that'll you get from topside.1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
ABBA details on the Queen Mary in Long Beach

ABBA tip: go for the walk through tour if available. You'll maximize your visit as compared to the self guided tour. Getting to each of the exhibits is quite a challenge.

Venice Beach

*pictured from left the newer Muscle Beach, Venice Beach and skate park.*

This famous mile long beach is laden with vendors and performers, delighting crowds from all over. Catch gym buffs at the world famous muscle beach, or skateboarders and basket ballers putting on their A-game.

Enjoy the beach and relive where bay watch was filmed. Look out for sideshows and creative mural painted on the walls, as well art graffiti art works.
Click for ABBA details on Venice Beach

Can Do:

WackoWacko shop offers a variety of interesting trinkets, awesome for a quick unique gift to bring back home. As featured in Lonely Planet Book. I do feel its a little over hyped, but after the travel from Vegas to LA, it was a nice easing into surroundings.

Beside are a cool costume shop, along with must eat food chain, Umami Burger.

10min walk from Travelodge at Vermont.
4633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Roadrium outdoor flee market

Though featured in travel brochures, don't get your expectations too high. A large flee market selling all things from domestic goods, to electronics, toys and old random stuff.

Unless you're looking real thrift store equivillant clothing, you may consider a visit. This place is about 20miles from LosAngeles and nothing of real worth in terms of shop items or food selection.
Click here for ABBA details on Roadium
2500 W. Redondo Beach Blvd. Torrance, CA

Santamonica Pier

*pictured from left Santamonica Pier, (C) Original Muscle beach, (R) Santamonica Pier

Apart from the famous pier and paying homage to the original muscle beach, there really isn't a whole lot more to it to fill up even half a day. You could catch the pier aquarium which has a token entry of USD3.The shopping strip offers some interesting finds and a nice walk.

ABBA tip:
Parking at the lots would be about USD10 for whole day parking
Arriving at about 11am would have most of the street vendors and shops setup as well as the pier carnival rides operational.
Click here for Abba details to Santa Monica Pier

LA Markets

Again another overhyped LA site to visit. It's got a great selection of vendor foods and great produce, but not enough there to really fill up a whole day's worth of activity.

The crepes seem to be the crowd favorites, but the other stores weren't lacking in variety or flavor. You've got other stalls offering Spanish tapas, Brazilian roasts, southern favorites, fresh pastries, desserts and so much more.
Click here for ABBA details to Farmer's Market

To Eat:
Umami Burger

Japanese inspired burger joint, which also came recommended in the lonely planet guide serves up delectable burgers between sweet buns. Some of the better burgers I've had compared to known ones in Perth like "Flipside or Just Burgers". Approx USD30 for 2pax.
Located right beside Wacko and a 10min walk from Hollywood @ Vermont.4655 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Feliz, CA 90027, United States

Thai Patio

*pictured (C) Squid Salad (R) Seafood Volcano*

Squid Salad - delectable citrus, accents the freshness of the flash boiled squid. Fresh and refreshing. Excellent.
Seafood Volcano. A signature dish, curry paste, Otah like dish with a seafood mixed infused within, paired really well with rice.
Good tang and full flavored with every spoonful.
Sukiyaki non-spicy was pretty good as well. Total USD325273 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Original Roadhouse Grill in Long Beach

*pictured from btm left, Bison Rib and on the right, steak*

Really good food. One of the few places that serves up Bison meat, touted to be leaner and healthier alternative to beef. Served in rustic environment with one of those hard to find places where you can just sweep peanut shells onto the floor.

Ordered a good serving of Bison Ribs and steak. Done to perfection and a very healthy serving. USD75 total.
Click here for ABBA details on Roadhouse Grill.
7391 Carson Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90808-2361, United States

Sushi IkeMonk fish liver (Akimono) USD8
*Creamy rich and delactable pictured left
Uni Sushi USD 11
*A solid serve of Uni. Fantastic! pictured right
Chirrashi set USD22 Sushi set USD22
*Thick slices of fresh fish beautifully prepared. Pictured center.
Total USD636051 Hollywood Blvd # 105, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Soot Bull Korean BBQ

If the local Korean community are dining there and the place running almost full at only 1700hrs, thats a mark of good Korean BBQ. At about USD20 a serve with the usual trimmings of soup, rice and appetizers taste and flavor doesn't disappoint.

However, the dining process was rushed and a tad unpleasant in some degree. Perhaps needing table turn overs, owners rushed patrons by cooking their meats for them in a somewhat haphazard manner and were not tentative to request or welcoming in service rendered. Good food but poor dining experience.

May your experience differ from perhaps this once off if you so choose to try this place.3136 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005-1903

Red Lobster

As always seen in film, had to try what the big fuss was all about. You can have a go at Red Lobster. Defiantly fresh and juicy.

Also had a crack at their all you can eat Shrimp at USD16. Shrimp prepared either baked, fried, and many other variants. Shrimp seemed frozen but still passable.
Total bill worked to be USD60.

Located near LAX, we visited this place before returning our vehicle to Payless Car Rentals. A good one last meal before flight stop.
Click here for ABBA details on Red Lobster3400 W. Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303, United States

Sample LA 9 Day Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Vermont Travelodge hotel from Las Vegas at 12.30
Wacko, costume Gallery
Umami Burger Dinner

Day 2
Universal Studios
Thai Patio Dinner

Day 3
Hollywood BlvdMdm Tussades Hollywood
Ripleys museum
Jim Henson Company
Citadel Outlet Shopping

Day 4
Disneyland

Day 5
La Brea Tar pits and Page Museum
Roadrium outdoor flee market
Queen Mary in Long Beach
Dinner at "Original Roadhouse Grill" in Long Beach

Day 6
Santamonica Pier
Venice Beach
Dinner at Sushi Ike

Day 7
LA Markets
Citadel Outlet ShoppingSoot Dip Bull Korean BBQ

Day 8
Disneyland California Adventure

Day 9
Early morning departure for San Diego, approx 2/1/2hrs