The Blunt Truth About Los Angeles - My Family Travels
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1.In the metropolitan city of Los Angeles the question is not what to do, but what not to do! Ranging from a myriad of sightseeing activities to shopping centers, LA is a key travel destination for visitors across the world. This article speaks the blunt truth about LAs pros and cons.

2.Being a born and raised LA gal, I can say with upmost certainty that you simply cannot visit LA without a trip to the Grove, Third Street Promenade and Century City. These outdoor shopping centers offer a variety of shops, eateries, movie theaters and other entertainment options, such as street performers. In order to experience the LA culture, one must check out Third Street’s curbside musicians—talented as they are struggling to make it big. You can’t go wrong with visiting one of these hot spots on your first day in town.

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3.Also, pay a visit the Santa Monica Pier. Spend the day with friends or family enjoying the rides and savoring a bite to eat at Bubba Gump, where seafood cannot be any fresher. Take a stroll around Third Street Promenade, which is within walking distance from the Pier.

4.You absolutely must take advantage of LAs melting pot culture. Check out Swingers in Santa Monica for a classic American breakfast of bacon and eggs with a LA twist: a delicious and nutritious vegan meal. Perhaps after biking around Venice Beach all day you are craving some authentic Chinese country-style cuisine, in which case you must check out Mao’s kitchen on Pacific Avenue for potato pancakes and homemade ginger ale. Though some may feel uncomfortable seated by the gargantuan poster revering Mao Zedong, the Chinese communist revolutionary responsible for millions of deaths, consider his presence merely a form of modern art.

5.Although Los Angles may not be known for its population of friendly inhabitants, don’t be shy to approach people on the street. Everyone may appear to be in a hurry; chances are if you say “Hello!” with a smile, you’ll probably just receive an apathetic glare in return. However, there’s always that off chance you may have just found yourself a friendly individual! With a population of approximately 10 million, there’s bound to be one friendly person.

6.Don’t pass up the opportunity to check out Sunset Boulevard. Among the many nightclubs that illuminate the notorious street, a couple of my favorites include The Roxy (usually suitable for all ages) and The Whisky-a-Go-Go, in which up and coming artists perform for affordable prices. If you’re still not ready to go home and hit the hotel Jacuzzi, take a taxi (call 1-800-TAXI 15 minutes in advance. Do not expect to hail a cab, this is not New York) to the notorious Hollywood Boulevard, hit some nightclubs and experience LAs nightlife culture.

7. For some family friendly activities, you cannot go wrong with a trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, otherwise known as LACMA. This museum is a must-see for artists and philistines alike. There are a variety of art forms that cater to everyone’s interests, along with fascinating special art showings. While you’re there, make sure to grab a bite at the museum café where you can indulge in food as gourmet as it is aesthetically pleasing.

8. Finally, to make your last night in town relaxing and memorable, enjoy your dinner while watching a featured film at Marina Del Rey’s Dine in Theatre (AMC Marina 6). Enjoy a sweet at Rocky Mountain Creamery, directly across the street from the theatre, located in a quaint outdoor arena. Savor homemade candy apples while you reminisce about your trip.

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