Go to a Dodgers Game
If you grew up watching movies like Angels in the Outfield, The Sandlot, Little Big League and Summer Catch (Freddie Prince Jnr may have had some influence on that one), then like me you would have dreamed about going to a baseball game on day. The atmosphere always looked so exhilarating, everyone looked happy to be there and I always wanted to order food from the food vendors who yelled out as they walked up and down the stairs.
Well, I got to live out that dream in Los Angeles when I went along to watch the Dodgers play at Dodgers stadium.
Obviously coming from the other side of the world, I did not follow the Dodgers nor had I kept up with baseball. It was more of a nostalgic bucket-list item for me and it lived up to expectations. We ordered tickets online about a month prior and paid about $20 AUD for our seats and they had the best view! We couldn’t believe how cheap they were and it almost made for a better experience being up higher and seeing the whole stadium in all its glory.
There’s plenty of food options at the stadium and we of course opted for hot dogs, garlic fries, soda and of course a good old Dodgers cap for keepsake (there’s a merchandise store when you first go in). Favourite part of the night was when the crowd started singing “Take me out to the ballgame” and I felt like I was 9 years old again.
Totally recommend!
Check out Santa Monica
Santa Monica and Venice beach are just down the road from each other so you can do both in a day and you can scooter (see more info below) between them both which makes it even faster if you’re short on time (just watch out for police and road rules or you will get fined).
I didn’t feel like Santa Monica had a lot going on but it’s a place that you definitely want to visit at least once. There’s the amusement park on the wharf and muscle beach beside it.
It’s also another beautiful beach and there’s plenty of great places to eat and drink along the wharf as well.
Scooter down Venice Beach
So in America they have Uber scooters (I’m sure they have them all over now but not here) and basically there are scooters lined up all along Venice beach and surrounding streets. You jump on Uber and pick scooter instead of vehicle and get a code that basically unlocks that scooter for whatever amount of time you use it for. It’s so awesome!
Scootering along Venice beach boardwalk is beautiful. You’ll want to check out the main precinct where all the shops are and you MUST stop at Bowology for a smoothie or Acai bowl. We went back twice and they were so delicious!
The beach is absolutely stunning and don’t forget your Instagram shot in front of the Venice street sign!
Check out the Hollywood Sign
I would recommend doing this just for the hike itself as it was a lovely walk and a beautiful view of Los Angeles itself.
A few things to note around the Hollywood sign. We did a bit of research on it and it seemed the best spot for viewing was from the Griffith Observatory which is where most people go to get a photo. However, we thought it was still really far away so we went on about a half hour walk through the bush lands to try and get closer and in all honesty we were still far away from it (we also saw a rattle snake so BEWARE!).
I know there are spots closer to it as I have seen photos but you’ll have to do your research to source them. I recently found this awesome description on a blog page here so check it out for planning tips https://www.klook.com/blog/en-sg/hollywood-sign-los-angeles/
Also, lighting is everything if you want to see it clearly or get a great picture and the sun shining on it is not a good time (so when the sun is going down) although it’s a lovely time of evening it can put extra glare in to your photos.
DISNEYLAND!
This one doesn’t even need explaining from me because Disneyland is literally my most favourite place on earth and is always included on my itinerary. This was the third Disneyland I have visited after Japan & Paris and every time is equally as magical.
California Disneyland is one of the smallest Disneyland’s in size but was the first ever Disney Park originating back in 1955! What is so great about it being smaller is that you can get around most of it in one day if you are short on time if you plan your day out beforehand.
The park has plenty of rides including favourites like Space Mountain and Splash Mountain, lots of Meet & Greets and food galore. I recommend mapping out your top rides that you want to do first and then go and get your fast passes for those rides in the mornings. Fast passes are literally SO important when visiting Disneyland and make for such a more enjoyable experience. You’ll still have to wait but nowhere near as long as those who don’t get them and it means you can achieve so much more in the day. Do the same for your meet and greets and source when they will be coming out as you may miss them and I find those a really special part of Disneyland if you grew up with the characters. Expect to wait a while for Mickey & Minnie.
Oh, and don’t forget your Disney ears!
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/
My favourite picks for the day were:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Peter Pan’s flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Splash Mountain
- Space Mountain
- Indiana Jones Adventure
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