discovering Los Angeles with an eye on the environment is important. Here is a useful guide to discovering Los Angeles responsibly.
Los Angeles, the city of angels but also the most polluted city in America and you can see the big cloud of smog as soon as you exit the airport.
Los Angeles is a dream for many and an irresistible destination especially for us Europeans. Hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrities while ambling along the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, hiking up to the famous Hollywood sign and shopping on Rodeo Drive. Let’s say that we want to feel like a local Hollywoodian.
Below is an itinerary showing what to do if you have only 3 days available, respecting the city and trying to control CO2 emissions with our actions.
WHAT TO SEE?
- Visit the Griffith Observatory: It is such an iconic landmark located on Mount Hollywood where you have an amazing view of the Hollywood sign, Downtown LA and – if it’s not too smoggy – you can see even the Pacific Ocean! It’s where the movie LA LA Land was filmed.
Inside the observatory there are many science and space exhibits that I enjoyed a lot – the majority of them are free.
Obviously, I recommend you come here on foot, by bicycle (ask the hotel or hostel) or with an electric scooter that you can find on the street at a cost of $1 per hour. If you want the comfort of the car, try to hire a hybrid car and … good luck in finding a parking space!
- Since you are in the area, I suggest you take an excursion to the Hollywood Hills to reach the famous HOLLYWOOD sign: a nice (but long) hike and you will not regret it.
It is not recommended to go up after sunset, as the path has no lighting and even less to go during the summer at noon, it’s boiling hot. Instead, do it early in the morning to take advantage of the fresh summer air. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with you. Obviously wear comfortable shoes.
Once you reach the top you will feel so happy because you will have done a lot of outdoor exercise. Also keep in mind that it is legal to follow the path up to where indicated, to a point practically under the Hollywood sign. Climbing higher to see it from above is illegal. There will be security officers (usually plain-clothed) to stop you. They do this to avoid vandalism that has unfortunately occurred in the past and for safety reasons.
- Walk the HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME. How to recognize it? Well, easy – look down at the ground while walking. When you see the famous “stars” under your feet you will know where you are. The tourist attractions are endless here, but be prepared to empty your wallet.
Some advice: be sure to walk from west to east, the west area is much more well-kept than the east side, which is less cared for and poorer. It is also here that you will see the American contradictions. On the one hand, the abundance of Los Angeles and the glitz of various theatres such as the Hollywood’s Sam’s Chinese Theatre and the homeless who are looking for food among the garbage. Despite this, the 2km walk gives you those vibes that only Hollywood can offer you!
- RODEO DRIVE the beautiful and famous area where you will find the biggest names in fashion. The window displays are out of this world, the extravagance and the taste for excess must have started right here!
Look inside the big cars parked in front of the shops, surely there will be some celebrities! I saw a golden Lamborghini but unfortunately, I didn’t see who was inside it. The windows were darkened. What a pity!! Parking here is impossible, take the metro, the bus or an Uber.
- SANTA MONICA beach and pier: probably the most iconic beach in California. There is the pier to explore with its attractions, many restaurants where you can eat and the beach, obviously very crowded. If you can, spend a full day here.
I recommend you bring a sweatshirt with you. It is very windy and getting changing into and out of your costume is almost a challenge.
Take the metro to get here. Avoid buses – you risk getting stuck in traffic. If you come by car, parking costs about $ 15 for 2 hours.
Other useful tips:
- Avoid driving: Los Angeles is a busy city and the last thing you want if you only have a couple of days to spend is getting stuck in traffic for hours.
- always carry a sweater with you, despite what many Europeans think, temperatures drop in the evening.
- spend at least 5 days in Los Angeles. Take time to discover many other things of interest in the area such as Beverly Hills, Venice Beach and Melrose Avenue for iconic graffiti. It’s something I definitely regret not having done!
My favourite places:
- The walk to the Hollywood sign
- Santa Monica, just like being in the movies (wind aside!)
Responsible and sustainable Los Angeles:
Traveling responsibly and sustainably in some American cities may seem like a challenge. Especially in glitzy and “full on” cities like Los Angeles. Obviously, if it is your first time you rightly want to see the typical things. How can you go to Los Angeles without going through the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive? So how best to do it then?:
- A nice walk up to the HOLLYWOOD SIGN – On foot because it is good for your health and you reduce your CO2 emissions.
- Reusable water bottles, lunch boxes and bamboo forks must be with you! It is easy to eat outside because the beautiful days here are not long in coming.
- Use public transportation. I know, Uber is easy and there are many but you do it for the environment and for your wallet. Even though Uber originates in America, a journey still costs more than a metro ticket.
- An alternative to public transport is the electric scooter that you find on the streets and you can rent them for $ 1 per hour.
- If you can’t do without the car, consider hiring a hybrid car.
Watch also Los Angeles video on my YouTube channel
Read also RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN LAS VEGAS: IS IT POSSIBLE?
You might also be interested in WHAT TO SEE IN NEW ORLEANS – GUIDE (ALMOST) COMPLETE
You might also be interested in A WEEK END IN PARIS. WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO.
Remember: LIVE, TRAVEL, LAUGH AND REPEAT
in a responsible way