When most people think of Los Angeles, they either think of the glitz and the glam, the true allure that Hollywood brings or the hot summer suns mixed with a gentle ocean breeze. What most travelers do not see is the simple beauty found within every crevice of this famed city.
Instead of traveling to the Hollywood sign, which is so far away it’s practically the picture from a postcared on a hillside, consider traveling to downtown, Los Angeles. This beautiful city is reminiscent of New York as it is a large blend of cultures shown by it’s many “districts”: the flower district, the jewelry district, and the garment district being the frontrunners. There is nothing more pleasant than strolling through a warehouse like structure filled to the brim with beautiful flowers, both in appearance and smell.
Similar to this bustling city is Century City , which is an easy 25 minutes away from Downtown. If Downtown is an example of architecture from the past, Century City is the example of modern architecture in Los Angeles. With shopping centers, great restaurants, and most importantly a pleasant and calming surrounding, the city is great for a stroll around sunset.
Old Pasadena is another city with a great calming atmosphere to escape the hustle and bustle of most acclaimed tourist spots. A simple fifteen minutes away from Downtown, you are transported into a new world. Old Pasadena features over 200 specialty boutiques and exclusive national retailers in a charming historic setting. My favorite has to be the Crepe Studio which crafts beautiful crepes that also taste wonderful. A charming place to grab a quick bite before exploring the area.
Venice Beach is another enticing area that tourists are often drawn too. While the California shores water tends to be rather cold, the life of this little ocean town is on fire. The cultures of the world seem to be found in this melting pot of our city. From every shop on the boardwalk to the independent artists, everyone has their own spark that catches everyone’s attention. What makes this area particularly interesting is it displays the thriving art community that Los Angeles has. Artists sell everyone from music to clothes to jewelry. You can have artists draw a caricature of you, like many other famous cities, but here you can watch art being made. Although generally looked down upon my many who are not in the art community, graffiti is celebrated here. In Venice, there are dedicated walls where artists can paint their own expressions and if you go there on Saturday mornings, you can always can an artists painting come to life.
Los Angeles, California is one of the most celebrated cities for its culturally diverse nature. The city has so much to offer, it’s beauty is everywhere and I encourage you to come and visit this city of which I am proud to be from.
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