Galen Ng“You got the invitation, you got the right address.” Are La La Land’s melodies still ringing in your head? Do not fear, for it is perfectly normal to be humming the addictive tunes of this musical, set in Los Angeles, California. As La La Land gets deservedly nominated for 14 (fourteen!) Oscar awards, succumb to the enchantment cast by the film with a visit to the best attractions in Los Angeles:
1. Griffith Observatory
Image Credit: Tom Benson
Float through the starry planetarium just as Seb and Mia did in arguably the most majestic scene of the film! Located in Los Feliz’s Griffith Park, this is Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos, with public viewing through the Zeiss and other portable telescopes around the complex. Be enthralled by live storytelling shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and fiddle with interactive features like the Tesla Coil and Camera Obscura. If you love sweeping panoramic landscapes, head outside the observatory to its surrounding park to see unrivalled hilltop views stretching through L.A. to the vast ocean and beyond.
2. Grand Central Market
Image Credit: Emily
Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. is renowned for its AMAZINGLY good food! A melting pot for diverse cultures and cuisines, the market is gastronomy heaven and home to many famous restaurants with tantalising menus.
To see where Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone had one of their on-screen first dates, head over to Sarita’s Pupuseria (opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily). This cameo feature in the film has been a no-frills mainstay at the Grand Central Market, serving freshly-made Salvadorian pupusas. Be sure to try the fresh basil and mozzarella pupusas, which is not printed on the menu but cheekily advertised on a hand-written sign by the cash counter. There is also a wide spread of fillings including chicharrón (pork) and loroco combined with cheese. Pupusas are priced at an affordable US$2.40.
Image Credit: Arturo Pardavila III
The stall that you must absolutely try, however, is Eggslut. Offering a trendy gourmet food experience at affordable prices, the franchise boasts a menu that appeals to both extreme foodies and novices alike. Bacon, Egg & Cheese (US$6) comprises hardwood smoked bacon, served over medium egg, cheddar cheese and chipotle ketchup in a warm Portuguese bun. The SLUT (US$9), which is a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato purée, poached in a glass jar and served with toasty crostini sets tongues wagging the most, with customers often craving for more of these SLUTS. Opened daily from 8am to 4pm, be sure to stop by Eggslut for some Eggcellent food!
3. Hermosa Pier
Image Credit: Ahijit Patil
Who can forget Ryan Gosling charmingly waltzing along the dimly lit pier as the setting sun cast its golden-pink rays on the Pacific horizon in all its glory? Hermosa Pier offers one of the more “Instagram-able” locations amongst La La Land’s many picturesque settings, making it a must-go for couples, or just to take in the view. Escape from the sonorous bustle of central L.A. and take yourself to the pier’s edge for a refreshing change to feel the soothing sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean.
4. Lighthouse Café
Image Credit: InSapphoWeTrust
If you’re in the Hermosa Beach area, be sure to drop by Lighthouse Café for a throwback to that swinging jazz jive. While retaining its roots as one of the top citadels for jazz along the South Coast, the café has since included many other genres. Mambo along on Salsa Night Mondays and channel your inner Marley during Reggae Wednesdays while treating yourself to drinks by the waterfront. Their food’s pretty good too! As the rootsy comfort zone of Ryan Gosling’s character, Lighthouse Café is your go-to place for a great night out.
5. Muscle Beach
Image Credit: Christian Haugen
No trip to L.A. is complete without some “beach time”! Soak yourself in some Vitamin D under the sun along the Venice Beach Boardwalk and head down its bustling beachfront gymnasium. Housing racks of daunting weights, Muscle Beach was the former training ground of the “Governator” Arnold Schwarzenegger. Feel inspired to unleash your inner David Hasselhoff/Pamela Anderson and build up your own beach bod there. Or you can simply ogle at the spectacle of Spartan men and women flexing in bathing suits under the Californian sun at one of the many weightlifting championships held there around the year.
6. Santa Monica Pier
Image Credit: gustavo.tejal
For those looking to spend some family time together, look no further than Santa Monica Pier. Once a humble public utility, the pier has since been converted into a modern-day entertainment hub dotted with activities aplenty, with dining outlets, shops and even featuring Pacific Park, a full-service amusement park with an arcade and rollercoaster. Indulge in romantic Ferris wheel rides or try your luck fishing at Bait & Tackle! Remember to stay beyond the enchanting sunset and sway to the rhythm of catchy local musicians. Santa Monica Pier is certainly a must-visit for your dose of fun-in-the-sun.
7. Hollywood Boulevard
Image Credit: squarecircle
“City of Stars, just what everybody wants.” No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a trip to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Try finding your favourite media personalities immortalised in one of the more than 2,500 stars emblazoned in the 15-block sidewalks. You might be able to spot the now-wrecked star of the current US President Donald Trump! Be greeted by the hand and footprints of Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe cemented in the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre forecourt. If you enjoy seeing the weird and incredible, take guided tours around spunky museums such as the Guinness Book of Records and Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums. It only takes a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard for you to immerse in the showbiz scene and see why L.A. truly is a city of stars.
Just as how the protagonists in La La Land pursued and eventually attained their own dreams, fulfil your inner desire with a visit to Los Angeles. With such picturesque scenery and iconic landmarks, be the star in your little own adventure around this gem of America’s west coast. With some luck, you might even spot your favourite Hollywood stars walking about!
