Hey, this is Sunny.
I lived near Pasadena, LA for 6 months and experienced it right before and during the pandemic. I would like to introduce some good places for you and your friends to explore if you want to travel there. The pandemic doesn't mean that you have to stay at home. Some good outdoor spots will definitely make your days brighter. I love taking pics while traveling, seeing different views and experiencing different things. If you are the same as me, keep reading!!!
① Hollywood (the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood Sign)
The name Hollywood is a shorthand reference for the US film industry.
Walk on the walk of Fame and try to find your favorite actor or actress. This is a place for people who have the dream of being famous. I went there before the pandemic. A lot of people here will hand out their CDs to you and people with all kinds of costumes will take pictures with you on the street. Of course, you will need to tip them a little bit. You can do some window shopping along the street and get some souvenirs or clothes with an LA logo, etc.
You will be attracted by the tall and unique architecture. This is TCL Chinese Theater with over 50 events a year, including movie premiers, etc. Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars usually come to watch their movies, so maybe you can see one of them. Pay attention to the ground. The theatre has the unique Forecourt of the Stars, which features cement hand and footprints of major movie stars from past to present.
The Hollywood sign is far from there. You need to hike a little bit to find a good spot if you want to get good pictures with it.
② Beaches (Santa Monica, Huntington, Malibu, Venice, Manhattan beaches)
California is famous for its weather and beaches. It will be a really wonderful day if you go to beach with your friends or dates. Enjoy the breeze, sunshine and sounds of the waves. Santa Monica is more famous than others and attracts more tourists. You will get a very good picture with the logo at the end of Route 66. To be honest, those beaches all seem the same to me, and I think you can't go wrong whichever one you pick. One thing here I was very excited by is that during summer nights, you maybe can see bioluminescence, namely Blue Wave, but not every year.
③ Oue Skyspace
It's California's tallest open-air observation deck in downtown LA. There is a skyslide (outdoor glass slide that’s attached to the exterior of the U.S. Bank Tower). Visitors can glide from the 70th to the 69th floor. Then you can see the overview of LA from the glass wall and get pictures with the big and small wings.
④ The Last Book Store
It's a fancy book store, and some special corners will be good spots for pictures. At the same time, pick out a book you like and enjoy the reading time.
⑤ Chinatown
It's more like China 20 years ago, and there are not only Chinese who are selling stuff. You can make a very good deal on some interesting products. One thing I need to mention is that you should get a picture with Foo Chow Restaurant, which is one of the places where Rush Hour was filmed (Jackie Chan's famous movie) .
⑥ Griffith Observatory
It's a place which contains a lot of stuff related to astronomy. If you are interested in the Space, you will love it. Although the inside is closed during the pandemic, there will be planetarium shows in normal time, which you can check out on their website in advance. Day and night are both good times to visit, and you will get an amazing view of the ocean, downtown LA, and the mountains on a clear day.
⑦ Beverly Hills
It's home to many celebrities, luxury hotels and shopping districts. Sunset Boulevard and Beverly Gardens Park are musts.
The words on the wall said Beverly Hills before the pandemic, but now it says "Thank you Healthcare Heroes".
⑧ Urban lights
It's at the front entrance of the LA County Museum of Art. Enjoy the glow of 202 vintage street lamps. A night visit is recommended because you can appreciate the best view of this art installation.
⑨ Graffiti Walls
These are fantastic places to go during the pandemic. You will get a lot of Instagrammable photos. Just get ready with your camera and put on your fancy clothes. Walk along Melrose Ave and discover these gorgeous walls!
📍Paul Smith Wall: 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
📍Assembly Los Angeles: 7977 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
📍Made in LA: 8025 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
📍Rainbow Wall: 8050 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
------Wrote on Dec 5, 2020
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