Los Angeles Sightseeing – A Trip Report
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, in downtown Los Angeles, was designed by Frank Gehry.
Flight attendants are usually very good travelers, and my wonderful friends Urs and Ursula are no exception. They “discovered” San Diego while they were both flying for Swiss Air and eventually immigrated. Switzerland’s loss is definitely America’s gain.
I love hearing about their sorties around the West. Always planned precisely and executed with precision. Here’s the latest…
November with beautiful weather and mild temperatures. A great day for Los Angeles sightseeing.
We took off around 9 a.m. from San Diego. North on I-15, then onto the 405, where we got off at Warner Boulevard in Fountain Valley to have breakfast at the Magnolia Café. This is a mom-and-pop establishment that must have been around for the last 40 years and probably has not changed much since then. It is a favorite breakfast place for the retired people in the Huntington Beach area, very inexpensive and serves the typical old fashioned omelet breakfasts.
From the Orange County Register: “A friendly all-American diner. Breakfast specials, like two large eggs with three hotcakes for $3.29, are served until 11:30 a.m.”
The mom-and-pop Magnolia Cafe serves breakfast at prices local seniors appreciate.
From there we drove on to the Watts Towers to start our Los Angeles sightseeing (I-405 north, I-105 east, exit Wilmington Avenue, go north). You can’t miss the handmade tall cylindrical structures on the left hand side on an odd triangular lot. The towers are crafted by hand, using recycled materials like buttons, ceramic pieces, tools etc.
Los Angeles sightseeing: Beverly Hills
From there we took I-105 west, I-405 north to the Historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Fortunately the Mansion was presenting the Designer’s Showcase, which gave us the opportunity to visit the inside. Normally you can only visit the beautiful grounds and gardens. To see the inside is well worth it. The location of the residence is perfect, the view south is breathtaking.
Plaza just off of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, near the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
We were ready for a coffee break on Rodeo Drive, always good for a stroll along the most luxurious retailers. The store windows are eye catching and tempting.
On the way to the hotel, we stopped on Wilshire Boulevard at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). We didn’t have enough time to visit the Museum because it is so vast. Now this is on our list for the next trip to L. A.
Los Angeles sightseeing: Little Tokyo
Our three-star Japanese-owned Kawada Hotel had an excellent location downtown. The staff was very attentive, always addressed us with our names. The room was quiet and clean. Valet parking was available at a fair rate.
Little Tokyo in Los Angeles is one of the three recognized Japantowns in the U.S.
After a stroll through Little Tokyo and a visit to the Japanese American National Museum, we had dinner at the Kula Revolving Sushi Bar, where sushi – all sorts and all delicious – glides by on a conveyer belt. At the end of the meal your plates are counted and the bill is made accordingly. There is only one restaurant in Little Tokyo with this type of seating. Look for a small crowd, sign in and wait until your name is called… (Click here for Yelp reviews.)
Japanese American National Museum, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Photo courtesy JANM.
Los Angeles sightseeing: Downtown Los Angeles
Day two: After our cup of coffee in the room, we walked to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, from there to Mary of the Sacred Hearts Church – a tall and proud building. You may enter and rest in quiet, despite the location next to the 101. Again on foot, we continued to the Geffen Museum of Contemporary Art. It was closed for renovation, but we could get a glimpse inside. Again, this will be on the list for our next visit!
The Rose for Lilly Fountain at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is covered with inlaid Delft China.
On we went to Olvera Street, to visit the Alfaro Siqueiros Mural, Tropical America - painted along an 80-foot wall. The sight tells you about the difficulties of the Hispanics in the area.
Close by we visited the Chinese Museum, where you learn about the life of Chinese immigrants in early Los Angeles.
Through the Arts District, amid an amount of astonishing murals, we found the Southern California Institute of Architecture. Here you can walk through the studios, where students are working on their projects and listen to a lecture if available. The building is one of the longest I have seen. Fortunately at the end there were two food trucks waiting. We had lunch on the go and went on the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Olvera Street, Los Angeles.
On the way there we walked through the amazing Grand Central Market, “a downtown landmark since 1917.” Another interesting place to eat!
The MOCA has an overwhelming permanent collection as well as interesting art installations on display. A feast for the mind as well as a great Los Angeles sightseeing destination.
We had dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen before listening to the 5th Symphony from Schostakovich at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The event was such a delight that we will go back and enjoy the ambiance and quality of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra again. We had seats for $72 on the second level, on the side of the musicians, excellent view.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, downtown Los Angeles.
More Los Angeles sightseeing
Day three: The last morning we took off in the car to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, which is currently closed for restoration. It is just north of downtown, between the Griffith Observatory and the Concert Hall. It should be open next spring and will be on our list for our next trip to LA. The situation of the property is in a park-like setting, on top of a hill, with views all around.
Our last stop was at the Griffith Observatory. We were amazed by how many people we encountered. The exhibit is so well done; the movie theatre is fascinating and the location has a killer view. For fit visitors there are wide walking paths leading up to the building. Once you have arrived, you will be rewarded. The observatory was the last of our goals for this trip.
We are very much looking forward to our next Los Angeles sighteeing adventure!
Chinese American Museum, El Pueblo, Los Angeles.
Category: Southern California
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The Griffith Observatory sounds amazing! I worked in a planetarium for almost two years and produced my own show. Glad you were able to experience something awesome! Sounds like a good trip!
In years past I lived just before the entrance gate to Griffith. I love everything about LA and your tour reminded me of the many happy days spent in LA. My current favorite areas is the Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. My favorite Hotel is the Beverly Wilshire or The Beverly Hotel. I am so pleased that you both had an enjoyable time and knocked off another bucket list “must do and see adventure”. Best, Tom
Thanks for your comment, Tom. L.A. is a great destination. It must have been exciting to live near Griffith Park.
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