There’s a LOT to do in LA other than stalking your favourite stars. So once you have tried — and failed — to spot your heart-throb, despite being parked at the celebrated celeb hot spot hotel Chateau Marmont for hours, here are 10 things to keep you busy... and happy.
 |
1. Rodeo Drive. Feel the spring in your step on this three-block shopping address in Beverly Hills. Play the Pretty Woman soundtrack in your head — this is where Julia Roberts went shopping when Richard Gere decided to take her out for dinner. Landscaped with palm trees (and shiny cars), it is a more exotic and less concrete vibe, than say Zurich’s Bahnofstrasse. Rodeo Drive is as fancy as fancy can get. Stop by Sprinkles, the cupcake ATM, for a sweet high.
2. The Big Bang Theory trail at Pasadena. This is where geek gang Sheldon, Leonard, Rajesh, Howard and Penny live — Pasadena, LA County’s sixth largest city. Look around the Caltech campus (implied workplace of the boys), drive down Los Robles Avenue (the street where they live), have a meal at The Cheesecake Factory (this is where Penny works and the cheesecake here is OMG) and definitely, definitely visit Comic Factory (in picture). There’s no Stuart here but ask if this is THE comic store, the owner smiles and points to a signed TBBT poster.
 |
3. Universal Studios. A general admission ticket for 80$ (look online for deals; pay more for front of the line privileges, a must if you are heading there on a weekend) and start the ‘action’. In Studio Tour, meet King Kong, survive Norman Bates, an earthquake, a flash flood, spot the ‘Jaws’ shark and soak in the white-picket-fenced Wisteria Lane (sadly, sans the desperate housewives). Must-do rides include the edge-of-the-seat Jurassic Park and The Simpsons Ride (a super fun virtual roller-coaster).
4. Fair Fax flea market. The parking lot of Fair Fax High School gets converted into a flea market every Sunday. Enter with a $2 ticket and say hello to fabulous finds. Hanuman pendants, vintage shades or random people’s Kodak slides. It is a must-visit for ladies, gents and their dogs. Tease your taste buds with pineapple + chilli or lavender + raspberry ice cream. Yum!
 |
5. Malibu.
Jen (Aniston), Leo (DiCaprio), Mel (Gibson), Whoopi (Goldberg)… Malibu is where home is. This pretty stretch of the beach, also famous for Charlie Sheen’s notoriety in Two and a Half Men, is full of luxuriously lavish homes of the rich and famous. Star-spot at Malibu Country Mart it is.
6. Venice beach. Palm readings, ‘medical marijuana’, snake charmer (in picture), Bombay chaat shop and Baywatch-style itsy-bitsy red bikini-clad lifeguards. There’s nothing or no one you can’t see here. Venice beach is a wacky world within a world.
 |
7. Kinney Abbot Boulevard. It’s a block away from Venice beach and is a complete contrast to the crazies there. The whimsical meets the wonderful on this row as the quirky and cool unite. Boutiques sell everything — from butterfly wing earrings, designer sweats, air plant fascinators for home and hair to handmade perfumes and designer bonsai.
8. Hail Hollywood! View the Hollywood sign at Highline mall (did you know it was built as a real estate advertisement?) and start the ‘star’ trek down the Walk of Fame. Bump into Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin lookalikes, pose on the famous stairs of Dolby Theatre and go hand and footprint spotting in the courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theatre (in picture).
 |
9. Santa Monica. Head to the busy and beautiful pier. Hop on to the old-fashioned merry-go-round or hold on tight at the roller-coaster overlooking the Pacific ocean. Then walk to the Third Street Promenade. This pedestrian stretch of shops and restaurants is dotted with inspiring performers — from a three-year-old wannabe Beyonce to a 74-year-old belly dancer.
10. Olvera Street. This is where it all began. In 1781, 44 people from Nueva Espana (now Mexico) settled here and Los Angeles was born. Olvera Street traces the historical routes and is a mini Mexico. Tour the ‘oldest home’ Avila Adobe, roam the museums, churches and get clicked in local costumes atop a donkey. Do stop by Olvera Candle Store for their Frida Kahlo coasters. Cool off with a margarita at El Paseo Inn (Classic for 10$ or Jalapeno 12.50$). Or indulge your sweet tooth with caramel churros. We suggest both.
Further on the tourist trail...
1. For your art and culture fix, spend a day at The J. Paul Getty Museum in the Getty Villa.
2. Bargain hunters rummage through Fashion District.
3. Want more action? Studio tours like Paramount, Warner Bros and Sony will quench your thirst.
4. Hang out in the trendy areas of Sunset Strip, The Grove and the Robertson Boulevard. Spotting stars is a possibility!
5. Griffith Observatory. This is also where you could hike to the Hollywood sign.
6. Be a beach bum on Long Beach and Manhattan Beach.
7. Walk around the gorgeous gardens of Huntington Library.
Sudden fog. Lots of wind. Rainbow flags flying high up in the air. San Francisco, a city that comprises 43 hills dotted with uber cute homes, is a city that will make you fall in love. Here’s why…
 |
1. Crookedest Street trek
Lombard Street with its eig ht switchbacks or hairpin turns is famously called the world’s ‘crookedest’ street. Beautified by hydrangeas, this street is a real picture postcard. Drive down the street in a car, or better still explore on foot climbing up or down or both the 200 plus steps on either side. Also, check out Vermont Street. It’s a close competitor in the crookedness department.
 |
2. Clam chowder soup + sourdough bread
This San Francisco delicacy is a MUST. Safe to say that Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe at Fisherman’s Wharf serves the best bowl in town, get the soup in a sourdough bread bowl. Not too fishy, not too heavy, this dish is a hearty bowl of goodness. And the best bit is the soggiest bread towards the end of the meal. It’s OMG kind of yummy.
3. Bay watch
The best things in life do come free! This has to be one of the most relaxing experiences of San Francisco. Grab a sunny spot just about anywhere (Ferry Building is a good idea), take out your book and bay watch in the Bay Area. Throw in some baby watch if you want. If the sun is out, they too are!
 |
4. Ferry Building
Till the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge came about in the 1930s, Ferry Building was the most important address in San Francisco, connecting the city to the bay and beyond. Ferry Building now is a majestic landmark with a huge clock tower. Private offices, a quaint farmers’ market and organic restaurants now inhabit the building. Places to stop include Beekind Honey (gifts from the hive) artisan cheese, chocolate boutiques, Boccalone (tasty salted pig parts), wine merchants and the Gandhi statue.
5. Golden Gate Bridge
First things first, Golden Gate Bridge is not golden at all. It’s what they call, ‘international orange’! But this still doesn’t change the fact that it is perhaps one of the world’s most photographed and glamorous bridges! Drive through it, walk it, run it, the scale and surroundings keep it surreal each time you cross over. Also, explore the area around, chill at Crissy Field, photograph sea lions who pose ever so cutely for the camera and walk around the fort point.
6. Ghirardelli Square
Italian Domingo Ghirardelli set up shop and home here in San Francisco more than 150 years ago. Today, this quaint square is a landmark for chocolate lovers. See how chocolate is made, buy souvenirs and better still, sit yourself down at a table to sample their signature sundaes. They have many dedicated to local landmarks (Cable Car, Golden Gate, Painted Ladies, Marina Collection…). Their fudge is delicious as is their Classic Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa. Go with space in your tummy and about 15$ in your wallet!
7. Painted ladies
This row of seven Victorian houses (710-720 Steiner Street) is also called Postcard Row because of its sheer picture perfection. It’s a bit overrated but nevertheless worth a dekko. Stop, click and carry on.
 |
8. Pier 39
Old-fashioned carousel, magic mirror maze, out-of-the-box gift shop, seafood options and stores selling souvenir sweatshirts, Pier 39 is a joyous place to spend a day. Complete the checklist by walking over to Fisherman’s Wharf less than a mile away.
9. Cable car ride
Many parts of the city are dotted with cable cars criss-crossing. For 6$, you can hitch a ride in these cute little things, standing or sitting. Look for a route that isn’t too touristy and you will be able to cut down the waiting time from 60 minutes to 6! #win.
 |
10. retail therapy @ Union Square
This is the one-stop retail fix you need on your trip. The larger-than-life Westfield, a seven-storey Macy’s, a HUGE Banana Republic, a dress-for-less Ross, trendy F21, high-street standalones like good ol’ Old Navy, Diesel and Converse, Union Square is more than a Mecca for shopaholics. Sugar fix can be obtained courtesy Caramel Macaroon at La Boulange Bakery.
Further on the tourist trail...
1. Beach Blanket Babylon on North Beach: This spoof show is super fun and duper funny.
2. California Academy of Sciences: Planetarium, aquarium and rainforests, this natural history museum is a wonder world.
3. Taqueria trail: From a hole-in-wall to a la-di-da place, tacos are tops!
4. A Friday evening spent on Castro Street: To know why this is the world’s ‘pinkest’ city.
5. A visit to SFMOMA: Catch an opera, ballet or play. Be a culture vulture.
6. Barbecue at Golden Gate Park.
7. Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream: Their menu includes Boccalone Prosciutto. Golden Beet Saffron. Bourbon. Sold?
8. A night-time tour of the Alcatraz Island: Book in advance, they run packed. Spooky alert!
