2014

Planning Your Trip

TOURS

WESTSIDE + MIRACLE MILE

  • Have lunch at the popular Farmer's Market and then do some shopping right next door at The Grove.
  • Visit Museum Row and see fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits (Page Museum), see classic cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum and take in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
  • Shop (or window shop) at Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
  • Visit the The Getty and enjoy stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, art and great views of Los Angeles 

HOLLYWOOD/WEST HOLLYWOOD

  • Stroll down the Walk of Fame
  • See a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at the El Capitan Theatre
  • Watch the sunset at the Griffith Park Observatory and enjoy the best view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign
  • Bar hop or go clubbing and hopefully run into some celebrities along the Sunset Strip - a 2 mile stretch of nightlife and home to the famous Chateau Marmont

DOWNTOWN

  • Watch a Lakers, Clippers or Kings game at Staples Center and hang out or have dinner at LA Live
  • Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Eat at Little Tokyo
  • Visit Chinatown and eat a treat at the famous Phoenix Bakery
  • See the classic architecture of Union Station
  • Enjoy a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a musical at the Ahmanson Theatre, or an opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
  • Visit the Endeavor space ship at the California Science Center

BEACHES

  • Stroll along the Santa Monica Pier
  • Shop, have a meal and watch street performers along the 3rd Street Promenade
  • Explore the Venice Boardwalk along with artists, one-of-a-kind boutique stores, street perfomers and Muscle Beach.

STUDIOS

  • Warmer Bros. Studios offers fun VIP tours
  • Paramount Studios
  • Sony Picture Studios

THEME PARKS

  • Disneyland
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Knott's Berry Farm
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain (roller coasters - not for the faint of heart)

Dodger Game Time: Getting There

Jerry's Motel is conveniently located approximately 2 miles from Dodger Stadium.  Although pretty close distance-wise, we do not recommend you walk to Dodger Stadium.  Unlike stadiums and arenas in other cities that are located in the thick of the city, Dodger Stadium is awkwardly tucked away within a park on a hill.  

Mulholland Drive Scenic Route

If you want to get a taste of glamorous Hollywood Hills homes and great views of the city, the Mulholland Drive scenic drive can be a great experience.  Be aware that some stretches of road are very windy/curvy, so drive safely.

One of the best highlights of the tour is the Hollywood Bowl Overlook, which is best accessed when traveling from West to East.  It will be easy to stop at that point since it will be on the same side of the road you are driving on.

Click here to visit LA Tourist for additional tips on where to access Mulholland, and a full Mulholland Drive scenic route map.

Bargain Shopping on the West Side of LA

Shopping in Los Angeles is great.  Best of all, there is a place to shop for any budget.  So whether you are looking for high-end or bargain shopping, there is a place for everyone.

Another great option for bargain shopping in particular is the Beverly Connection shopping complex in Beverly Hills.  Located across the street from the upscale Beverly Center mall, Beverly Connection has stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJMaxx, Marshalls and Ross for bargain shoppers.  

Hop On, Hop Off Tour of Los Angeles

Hop On, Hop Off Tours (or HOHO) are a great way to visit LA's most popular tourist destinations. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of figuring out what to see and makes trip planning a little easier.  These tours are especially great for visitors who will not be renting a car.  You can purchase a 1 day ($44), 2 day ($59) or 3 day ($74) pass.*