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Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 South Bixel Street
Beer connoisseurs (and enthusiasts) this is the festival for you. Lovers of the USA’s all-time fave beverage turn it out every year in the city, offering visitors over 200 different types of both US and international beer. Beer snacks are of course also in abundance (think hot dogs and burgers).
The LA Food Fest is a cacophony of otherworldly food creations, some so ‘grammable that they’re just too pretty to eat, some trendy twists on your all-time fave comfort foods, and some just good ‘old examples of hearty LA cuisine that you just won’t find anywhere else. The tagline ’#stretchypants required’ is not to be taken lightly…
NOS Events Center, San Bernardino
Love electronic dance? You’ll love Beyond Wonderland. A futuristic, alternative explosion of music complete with seahorse statues, pyrotechnics and glitter paint. This is the Southern Californian alternative music scene at its finest, where music is celebrated as a medium to connect with one another without the trappings of social stigmas.
In the film capital of the world, it only seems natural that they would be the hosts of one of the most highly anticipated film festivals in the world. Hollywood’s biggest (and smallest) names turn out on the red carpet of this exciting festival, which also showcases emerging talent when it comes to both acting and filmmaking. Not one to miss.
LA goes ham on Halloween, and LA’s biggest Halloween event, the Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, never disappoints. Here, the bigger the better, and the more authentic your costume the more likely you are to gain the respect of your fellow party-goers. You’ll feel like you wandered into a living fantasy, or should we say nightmare…
We all love a good festival, and what’s not to love? But when it comes to keeping things unique, LA raises the bar. Under the beaming Californian sunshine, you’ll party next to palm trees, indulge in wacky culinary creations and bop to the beats of LA’s super cool electronic music…
This museum is instantly recognisable from its highly ‘grammable outdoor light post feature, which greets you as you head in. Housing everything from ancient Latin American artefacts to electronic exhibitions and edgy LA modern art, this stylish museum will keep you well informed on what’s hot on the West Coast arts scene.
You’ve likely never heard of ‘Neon Art’ before, and we can’t blame you. But if we’ve peaked your curiosity, let this museum open your eyes to an entire world of neon art that you never knew existed. With ample exhibits and even classes, you’ll likely leave wanting at least one neon sign to illuminate your room back home.
Yet to actually be constructed, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is an exciting new project set to bring the glitz and glamour of Hollywood through the ages, all under one roof. You’ll get insights into filmmaking, delve into cinematic history and be amazed by set design in the heart of the Hollywood hills.
Ring ring, it’s the cosmos calling. If you have an affiliation with the universe beyond earth (or even if you don’t) the Griffith Observatory is bound to awaken your inner space nerd. With exhibits, public telescopes and of course the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, this futuristic site will keep you on your toes for hours.
Whether you’re dying to get to know the city from the inside out or simply fancy a super-fun day out, these museums are an essential part of the LA experience, especially since LA’s museums are part of its appeal. After all, what is travel without opening your mind to an entirely new culture?
This historic deli specialises in American classics with a French twist. Namely, the famous ‘French dipped sandwich’ - roast meat in a french roll, dipped in the meat’s natural gravy and smothered (of course) in melted cheese. On the side, you can opt for potato salad, coleslaw or boiled eggs. Trust us, you’ll never taste anything like it.
Best eaten at
Philippe the Original, 1001 N Alameda St
Beloved for its mouth-watering burgers, The Apple Pan is a locally-adored diner serving up the very best of American cuisine with a 1950’s vintage ambience. The juicy Hickory Burger is a fan favourite, best enjoyed with a side of fries and washed down with a vanilla milkshake.
Best eaten at
The Apple Pan, 10801 W. Pico Blvd West Los Angeles
The Donut Man is known for its fruity doughnut concoctions, but the fresh strawberry doughnut is by far the star of the show. Using fresh hand-picked strawberries, these filled doughnuts smothered in the signature glaze are just about as sweet as you can get without it being too sickly.
Best eaten at
The Donut Man, 95 East Route 66, Glendora
Dubbed ‘the world’s best Pastrami’, this sandwich has a lot to live up to. With succulent, hot, hand-cut pastrami, coleslaw, Russian dressing and swiss cheese, this humble sandwich has more than earned its title. This is the epitome of LA comfort food: simple, big and smothered in gooey cheese…
Best eaten at
Langer’s Deli, 704 South Alvarado St
The numbers don’t lie, and the good folk of Santa Monica’s obsession with this sandwich means there’s a constant line in front of the counter at Bay Cities Italian Deli. Biting into ‘The Godmother’ will have you chomping on mortadella, provolone and a whole bunch of drool-worthy Italian meats.
Best eaten at
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
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All trip prices are in NZD $
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