At one time or another, everyone has been caught California dreamin’, and LA is the reason why. You could spend a month discovering the City of Angels and still not touch even a quarter of everything it has to offer. More than 100 recognised neighbourhoods make up one of North America’s most diverse cities, and there’s always something new to see, taste or do around every corner. Follow our lead…
Early Morning: Catch A Secluded Sunrise – There are few better places to watch the California sun ascend than a secluded spot along the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s 40 miles (65km) of beautiful coastline in LA County alone, and remains quiet during the early morning hours, especially on weekends. [Photo: Roman Königshofer/Flickr]
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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8am: Have Breakfast At The Beach – Angelenos love a healthy breakfast, and few places do it better than Gjusta in Venice. Grab a juice and a bite to eat, then head down to people-watch on the Boardwalk. If it’s Sunday, head north to the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, which is a treasure trove of regional produce and equally great people-watching. [Photo: Patrick Denker/Flickr]
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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10am: Ride The Wheel – The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous attractions in America for good reason: it has plenty of rides with 360-degree views of the beach. Hop on the ferris wheel for an even broader view of that famous Golden State shoreline.
2pm: Indulge In Lunch And Shopping On Melrose – Do as the locals do and take a late lunch. Melrose Ave. is an eclectic mix of vintage shopping, casual restaurants and gaudy stores selling all sorts of random trinkets. We’re especially fond of Melrose Umbrella Co., which is HQ for quality bar food and no-fuss cocktails. If you aren’t friends with the bartenders by the time you leave, you’re doing it wrong. [Photo: Kent Kanouse/Flickr]
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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4pm: Experience A Revival – Downtown LA used to be a workday place filled with deserted buildings as a reminder of yesteryear. No longer. As the product of intensive revitalisation, it’s now a major cultural hub. Join a tour to check out some architectural eye candy or head to the Arts District for a food and brewery walking tour. If you’re planning ahead, you might even be able to score a ticket to the Broad Museum (it’s free). [Photo: Visit California/Carol Highsmith]
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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6pm: Freshen Up – A short drive from downtown takes you to your home for the night: The Line Hotel. This design-forward property used to be an older chain, but is now home to two Roy Choi restaurants, plus a great café and bar. It’s right in the middle of bustling Koreatown, which itself has undergone a facelift in recent years. [Photo: Adrian Gaut]
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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7pm: Dig Into Dinner – Experience a slice of Korean culture at any number of barbecue houses, like Oo Kook Korean BBQ, within walking distance of The Line. Diners typically cook their own meats and veggies on open grills at each table for a communal experience representative of the seriousness that Koreans take with their meals. Be prepared for plenty of bottles of Cass (Korean beer) to help mellow the heat.
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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9pm: Sing Your Heart Out – Another big part of Korean social culture is karaoke, which you can experience in many of the bars in Koreatown, such as STAR Karaoke. Most have private karaoke rooms that are rentable by the hour, so you only have to be embarrassed in front of your friends in the room. Karaoke is a ton of fun – and a great way to work off a few of those BBQ calories.
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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12am: Taste A Slice Of Mexican Culture – The influence of Latin culture in Los Angeles in an important part of the city’s development, and that extends to its food. By this point in the night, you may have worked up just enough appetite for a midnight snack, and there’s no better place to do so – and to appreciate this culture – than at a taco truck. Everyone has a different favorite, but there are enough food trucks dotted around Koreatown to suffice any palette. Check social media for current locations of trucks as some change often, but the best ones typically set up shop in one location – and have the lines to prove it.
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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Watch Before You Go – LA is home to anything and everything film, but be sure to watch Quentin Tarantino’s epic Pulp Fiction before you go. It’s an incredible screenplay rife with crime and drama set against a backdrop of LA’s city blocks – it definitely qualifies as “essential viewing”.
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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Read Before You Go – One of the best ways to survey the history of Los Angeles is through its food. Following a successful showcase at the Los Angeles Public Library, author Josh Kun compiled To Live and Dine in LA, featuring important menus from around the city. A who’s who of local culinary talent reflects on the collection, each page offering another layer of commentary on the City of Angels.
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24 Hours In… Los Angeles.
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Listen Before You Go – Has anyone had a better 2017 than Kendrick Lamar? With a top album (DAMN.) in hand and a well-received headlining spot at Coachella, this South LA native continues to make his mark in the hip-hop world. His discography is the perfect introduction to LA triumphs and complexities.
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