Many people who come to Anaheim from abroad, will no doubt want to spend a little time exploring Los Angeles. Generally, they're interested in getting to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, or perhaps the Griffith Observatory – which provides an incredible panoroma of the city of Angels as well as a nice angle of the Hollywood sign. Those who dig a little deeper might get out to the Getty Museum (and UCLA while they're at it), or Venice Beach (and Abbot Kinney while they're at it). And while we're at it, why not watch Ohtani make history at Dodger Stadium or catch Lebron and Bronny together at Crypto.com Arena?
Everything costs $$$ these days, and when our friends come to town, we try to keep it simple and affordable. Certainly, we might hit one or two of the above spots to check it off the bucket list, but we will frequently opt for a route which takes us through some LA history, providing dynamic visuals for iconic snapshots, while still being kind on our wallets. The following is one iteration of our Los Angeles photo tour (assuming you have access to a car, as travel times may be impacted significantly if attempting public transportation):
Preparation is key. While we will do our best to point out a few budget-friendly locations, keep in mind that you will need to park and re-park in Los Angeles, which will cost some money and time. Do your own research, be patient, and diligently read all the signs to avoid getting dinged. If this is your first time visiting Los Angeles, the traffic will make a lasting impression on you, so be patient on the freeways and go with the flow. It's part of the adventure.
First stop – The Broad Art Museum. Featuring pieces by the likes of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, it is a wonder that general admission is free. If possible, try to reserve tickets online in advance, but it appears that same day reservations or walk-ins are more available than they used to be. If you are starting out from the Alamo Inn and Suites, getting to this contemporary landmark is likely a 45-75 minute drive, depending on the day and time. The doors don't usually open until 10/11AM, so plan accordingly and find a brunch spot if you're an early bird. As if The Broad wasn't enough, point your lens across the way to capture another architectural icon – the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Second stop – Grand Central Market. After nourishing your mind at The Broad, you will need to fill your tummy with good eats and drinks. At this point, you may or may not want to repark. Although it shows as 10 minutes on foot from the first stop, do the research and check your surroundings before making your decision. When you approach the market, you will feel the hustle and bustle, so get ready for the crowd. We will leave it between you and Google/Yelp to hash out your food preference for the day, but it would be remiss for us not to highlight G&B coffee for your midday caffeine boost. Likewise, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams from Santa Barbara and The Donut Man are part of the Californian experience if you're craving something sweet. When the tank is full, wander into the Bradbury Building – a historical and magical landmark featured in multiple films, free to enter – across the street from the market. On the opposite side of the market is Angel's Flight® Railway; a round-trip on this "essential Los Angeles experience" will cost you.. $2, no typo.
Bonus stop – You may very well be done for the day. BUT, in case you still have time and energy or need a few more memories to bring home, we like recommending Little Tokyo / Arts District, one of the more walkable historic neighborhoods in Los Angeles. This section of town is a 5-10 minute drive from the Grand Central Market and is a little more sprawled out, so you should be able to find parking at some point. Depending on where you're able to touch down, you will likely be greeted by an array of street art, shops, and eateries – this is the place to find authentic ramen or sushi, but there are plenty of other options as well to fit any budget. Let your artistic intuition guide you the rest of the way, as there is no central spot here that is a must see per se. However, if you want to get a clear shot at the new Shohei Ohtani mural, be sure to head towards the Miyako Hotel at 328 First Street before the sun dips down.