La la land: visit Los Angeles

29 Jul 2014

The west coast’s main port, LA Harbor, is at San Pedro, 30 kilometres south of downtown LA. Shuttle bus transfers from LAX International Airport are effortless and relatively inexpensive, but before you hit the gangway for your coastal getaway, spend a few days in the City of Angels.

There are scores of delicious eateries along the eponymous Santa Monica boulevard. Burn off coffee and croissants with a seaside stroll and a spot of shopping, or rent a bicycle and take one of the designated beachside bike tracks to Venice Beach Pier.

No trip to LA would be complete without a little movie magic. Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame – fifteen blocks of brass and terrazzo pavement stars, from Andrea Bocelli to Zsa Zsa Gabor. It’s a leisurely 15-minute stroll, leaving plenty of time to caper across town for a visit to Oscar’s old house, the TLC Chinese Theatre, and a tour of Universal Studios.

Post Meridians are for afternoon tea at The Huntington Library, followed by a ramble through the Japanese Gardens. Later, catch an opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Once the fat lady has warbled her last, nightcap at The Varnish speakeasy with a prohibition-style cocktail. Discover your inner jazz baby-boomer from 9pm on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. “Cocktail attire is admired, not required.”