As the first in a series of occasional posts about what we love about certain cities, we’ve selected Los Angeles, without a doubt best known for its global entertainment industry.
But what we love about LA are its hidden surprises, unexpected discoveries and unique neighborhoods. For example, who knew that...
LA is a city for walking! Check out Charles Fleming’s series of articles in the Los Angeles Times.
LA is a city – naturally – for driving. The Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Drive have been featured in countless films and TV shows. But next time try something off the beaten path, the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway, climbing to a summit of some 7,900 ft (2,400 m). Of course you can cycle this route, too.
A downtown LA hotel boasts a basement pool which appears to be a mix of Roman bathing and 1920s ocean liner art deco vibe. For those who prefer something with a more rock’n roll vibe, try the rooftop pool at the Andaz West Hollywood, which too, has its history!
A bowling alley with “Egyptian-modern design” opened in Covina in 1956 and is still going strong.
One of the most sought-after bartenders is known for crafting cocktails based on farm-fresh organic foods such as the Heirloom Tomato Mojito.
You can rent the Paramount Studios back lot for your private party, with access to the resources used by major productions.
Where else but in LA can you find The Last Bookstore, a massive retail space described as “a mix of Victorian drawing room, sci-fi spectacle and artist loft bohemianism”.
You can enjoy macaroon ice cream sandwiches at MILK in flavors as diverse as red velvet or watermelon or Thai tea.
Speaking of sweets, it turns out Los Angeles may be the place where the fortune cookie originated. The founder of Fugetsu-do, the oldest (since 1903) family-owned business in Little Tokyo, is said to have been inspired by the omikuji (slip of paper with fortune available at Japanese temples).