Showing posts with label USA - Los Angeles - To Do. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA - Los Angeles - To Do. Show all posts

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Los Angeles - To Do 04July26 (Anime Expo2026)

Los Angeles - To Do
Los Angeles  - To Eat

LA - To Do
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Anime Expo (AX) 2026
*Tickets USD113.87 for Single Day regular entry. Collection was easy with a quick QR scan.
Picture taken at about 810am as we were being ushered in past security checks.*

ABBAtips:
- Bring a water bottle. There's plenty of free water top-up points on the inside. 
- Buy tickets in advance as the tickets SOLD out 2-3 days before. 
- Get an I.D band (Free at info) after your I.D gets verified (+18 or +21). This saves you some hassle than to get it later on.
- Arrive early. Doors open at 9am and pretty much we were able to enter from 840am onwards.
- Purchase your official merchandise fast as by afternoon some of the items were sold out!
The entire venue is huge. AX is the largest anime convention in the US and widely regarded as the largest anime convention in North America. 
South Hall

*Queue for swag and artist drawing onto car*
*Many cosplayer meet and greets*

*Sales of some merch. Most of the things are found in artist alley.*
Holds the biggest brands and gives out the biggest swag. Free tote, bags and much much more. This is where the larger big brand and broadcasting companies had their booths. 

General Cosplayer area (entrance to South Hall)
The entrance up towards South Hall was also where all the cosplayers are often found having their photos taken. Majority of the shots were outside of South Hall entrance, though there are many other groups located outside of the arena as well. Want to stay out of LA heat, this is the place to be at. 
*Best of series on the far left for the gem blood and right for take on Death Note.*
*Best of crafting.*

*Strong cosers.*
*Getting to meet Logan Chitwood*
*Viltrumites*
*Its all about group fun.*

*Some classics and amazing take on Disney's Hercules.*

*The tallest cosplayers met at the con.*
*Cosplaying couples.*
*Family of Dragon ball cosers*
*Fathers and their children.*
*Professional cosers*
*Getting their photos taken outside of South Hall.*


*Rocking it*

*Looking so much like Wednesday.*
*Have seen this guy since before covid19 and
finally getting to see him in person doing his thing.*

Artist Alley - (Located in South Hall basement)



This place was huge! All of the art works, fan art and all things anime are being sold by indie artist and other commercial stuff. The place was huge and really hard to move and is hard to enjoy the booths. 
There's an Adults only section that sells provocative art works in the area and entry is only granted with I.D Checked bands. (no door i.d. checks allowed)

West Hall
Still big vendors here but the halls hosts largely the ancillary stuff such as focused talks, other ticketed events and meet and greets in the various meeting rooms in the area. 
*Too much merch that was featured. These were some that stood out.*


*Cosers for meet and greet and photo-ops.*

*Fan services for the girls.*
Crypto Arena
(Located beside West Hall)
Free to enter depending on what program is on. There are some which are separately ticketed so you can check that out.

*Memorial dedicated to Kobe and his daughter.*

*Full house at event. Some are free to enter, while others are ticketed.*

Quite the experience and a lot of artist and indie products. Surprisingly, there isn't a lot of merchandise on display in cases. What they do have a lot more of are professional cosers for photo-ops, meet and greets and tons of other programs on going. 

There are tons of cosplayers ever where and bring that excitement, craft and joy to these kind of event. Quite the experience at such a major con and highly recommended if never tried one before.

You maybe interested in some of these other pop-culture events.
Melbourne - Supernova 2015 (George Tekai, Dolph Lundgren, Jason David Frank, Christopher Lloyd etc.)
London - LFCC 30July2016 (RVD,Jon Heder,Carl Weathers,etc)
London - MCM 28Oct2017 (Anthony Mackie, Hayley Atwell,Andrew Scott, etc
Perth - Supernova 29Jun2019 (Elijah Wood)
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Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Los Angeles - To Do 23Mar26(The Getty Villa, Malibu Pier, Malibu Seafood, Piuma Road, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Gloria Molina Grand Park, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Grand Central Market, Angels Flight Railway, The Broad, Los Angeles Central Library)

Los Angeles - To Do
Los Angeles  - To Eat

LA - To Do
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Day Trip Out to Malibu Beach Area

*Taken in the morning and later in the day. View from the Lounge*
Rental from Enterprise at Figueroa St via https://www.hotwire.com/
Reservations can be made via hotwire and canceled with no charge any time prior. Sometimes there's a lack of cars on the day of rental. 
USD69 with full insurance for 5seater Nissan
If you have more in your party, you can always upgrade to a larger car if available.
- Bring your Passport 
- Driving ID
- Credit card.
- We rented from Enterprise Rent-A-Car at Figueroa St. Opens 8am-6pm. 
ABBATip:
- Avoid overnight parking charges outside. You have the car for the full 24hrs regardless. If you finish the car use post office hours, one can drop off the car anytime at the parking lot but must return key and parking ticket to the office next day. Verify your plan with staff when you rent your car. (This option is for Enterprise rental at Figueroa St)

The Getty Villa
Open 10am
Free to enter with On-line purchase of FREE tickets
Entrance is basically parking at USD25.


The Getty Villa was a purpose built museum to houses J. Paul Getty's collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. In the 1950-60s, this self-made oil billionaire was often called the "Richest man in America".

The Villa represented what an ancient Roman luxury house would be and its design was inspired by the Villa of the Papyri in Italy. Absolutely stunning to having a glimpse of what it was like to live and walk in that time. Amazing details everywhere if not brought to our attention by the staff. Enjoy the sounds, light and feels of the space.

Much of it was modeled after the Herculaneum near Naples which was better preserved over the more famous Pompeii. Click here for full write up on which its the one to visit!
The collection pieces are added bonuses for people who enjoy Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections. A wide selection but not really famous marble carving pieces. A good variety of largely generic pieces to enjoy.
You maybe interested in these other places for amazing Marble scuptures:
- For some of the most emotive marble carvings, Musee D Orsay in Paris is one not to miss. 
Nice experience and visiting The Getty Villa transports you to another time and place with a stunning backdrop. An interesting, unique museum. The place gives off the vibes of another surprise museum visit in SFO, "The Legion of Honor." (Worth checking out! American museums do it just as well as their European counterparts.)

Malibu Pier

The Malibu Pier may not be as bustling or as famous as the Santa Monica Pier, but it is iconic for the Malibu vibe. Smaller, chilled and more relaxed. An authentic representation of the Malibu Beach lifestyle. Parking is free by the road side. 
Click here for ABBA location of Malibu Pier

Malibu Seafood
(Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe)

Malibu Seafood is a beloved roadside spot known for its ultra-fresh, no-frills seafood and laid-back oceanfront setting along the Pacific Coast Highway. Simple, authentic meals with great views.
Ordered On:
23Mar26
Seafood Basket and 16oz Clam chowder

*The seafood basket and fry was spot on. Not your typical batter but done with a unique spice blend. The thick chunky fish pieces with condiments served along side. Decent clam chowder and satisfying along the Coast.  A nice stop to round-up the classic Pacific Coast experience.
Food 3.5/5
Service na
Ambience 4/5
Value 3.5/5
Fed2 USD40
Food is decent, but here its all about the laid-back vibes and California beach experience. 

Piuma Road
(Scenic road back through the mountains.)
A popular, easy scenic drive through the Canyon to get views of Malibu and the lay of the land.  A nice alternate routing for a varied view. (If driving back by the West coast, one has to be prepared for the jams that is typical of LA Traffic, so time your returns.)
Click here for ABBA location of Piuma Road

<<<<<<<<<<<<<Day2 Around town>>>>>>>>>>>
Walt Disney Concert Hall
(Viewing from outside. Some parts of the inside are open in the early morning)
Pictures taken at 815am.


The world famous Walt Disney concert hall is designed by Frank Gehry. He's also known to have designed the MoPop (Well worth checking out) in Seattle. A piece of art and architectural beauty all-in-one and changes as the sun rays hit it.

Gloria Molina Grand Park
Opens 530am

*Nice view with Los Angeles City hall in the background.*
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Opens 630am


Beautiful space to explore. Loads of detailing and a piece of quiet with a beautiful full baptismal pool. Designed by Rafael Moneo, the building has very few right angles. The odd geometry is meant to create a sense of mystery and spiritual movement.

*Full baptismal pool*
The gift store across is well stocked with medals, rosaries, crucifixes and more. All of your needs and gifting possibilities. Nice variety and very well stocked.
You may also be interested in another modern church in SFO - Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption with massive pillars and an amazing unique center piece.

Grand Central Market
Food prices about USD10-20
*Always Coca Cola*

Great location for loads of food choices at great prices. Especially with the recent price hikes, this is the place to drop by for a value meal. The place largely serves Mexican eats but there are other options as well.
*Ordered USD5 each Beef Tacos from two different stalls. Pretty much taste the same, just a matter of who's scoop is bigger. Good amount of meat and way more value than the ever increasing prices at Los Tacos No.1 (which do taste superior but the prices thou.) *
Click here for ABBA location of Grand Central Market.

Angels Flight Railway
*Price USD1.50 one way paid at the top. Slight discount if using TAP card.*
*One of the shortest railways in the world at 91m! A fun ride that skips the flight of stairs. Payment is done at the top of the ride. Great photo op from the top as well!*
The Broad 
Closed Mon. Free to enter with registration of timed tickets
Opens 10/11am Closes 5pm onwards


*Works of Jeff Koons*
Enter to enjoy the architecture and the various works of artist like Robert Therrien (Giant sculptures), Andy Warhol(Pop art), Jeff Koons (Shiny balloon like sculptures) and more!

*Andy Warhol*



*A photo of the Kuwait Stock Exchange*
*Supersize the ordinary.*
If you like this, one should really check out another MOMA at NYC! One of the best modern art museum visited and enjoyed with loads of world famous pieces in one location!
Los Angeles Central Library
Opens about 10-8pm
*Celebrating 100years of Central Library*
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