When you think of Los Angeles, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Hollywood, and with it the stars and celebrities. There are tons of tips and suggestions on where best to find them, the top bars and restaurants for celebrity spotting, and the names of the clubs they are known to frequent. But not everyone in Los Angeles is a celebrity, and there is plenty more to the city than paying a fortune for a cocktail in hope of catching a glimpse of your favourite A-lister. So if you don’t care about what Beyoncé is wearing or whether Kim Kardashian’s butt is as big as it looks in the magazines, then here are some ideas perfect for exploring Los Angeles like a local.
Original Photo by Christopher Chan as found on Flickr
Leave Beverly Hills to the Hordes and Hang Out in Silver Lake
Beverly Hills is where all the tourists go, but according to Forbes magazine (2012) and Vogue’s most recent September issue (2014), Silver Lake is the coolest neighbourhood in Los Angeles and one of the coolest in the entire world. It’s considerably more laid back than Beverly Hills. Known for its hipster vibe, this neighbourhood is full of farmers markets, food trucks, and an incredibly creative community.
Its eclectic charm and alternative indie-rock scene are comparable to that of the Williamsburg district in NYC. There are plenty of bars and clubs in the area, making it a great area to explore both during the day and at night.
Bypass Rodeo Drive and Shop at The Last Bookstore
Rodeo Drive may be one of the best spots to get the latest fashions, but you’ll find something that will last a lot longer (and cost a lot less!) at The Last Bookstore. Named as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, it’s the perfect place to get lost among shelves upon shelves of new and used books and records. You never know what you’ll find both on the shelves and even in the books themselves.
It’s also a popular place for authors to do readings and signings. The Last Bookstore has its own coffee shop, and the Spring Arts Collective, featuring a variety of unique pieces by local artists, is on the floor above. It’s a great place to spend time and money in Los Angeles.
Skip Celebrity Sightings and Search for the Real Stars at Griffith Observatory
You may get lucky and spot a Hollywood star at the Chateau Marmont; but, weather permitting, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the real stars (I mean the ones in the sky) at the Griffith Observatory, and they are bound to look a lot prettier as the night goes on. Bonus: There’s no dress code.
Admission into the building and ground (including parking) is always free, and visitors can see the moon, stars, planets, and even the Hollywood sign from the Griffith Observatory. This makes it one of the most romantic spots in the city and a popular spot among the locals. On select nights, the observatory also has shows and educational films.
Looking for more local ideas? Be sure to ask your Los Angeles hotel staff for their personal suggestions.
This post is part of the Hipmunk City Love project
Hipmunk City Love: Local Favourites in Los Angeles is a post from: Eat Sleep Breathe Travel
The post Hipmunk City Love: Local Favourites in Los Angeles appeared first on Eat Sleep Breathe Travel.