4 Days in the Golden State

Once we finally got our heads around the slightly confusing Metro bus/train system, we were able to get out of central LA to explore the sights and sounds of California’s most populous city. With only 4 days, our hit list was somewhat slimline (though we definitely could have done more had we been able to hire a car – a lesson learnt)...

Day 1: Hollywood baby!

Still suffering from the inevitable jet lag, we decided to catch a Metro train to North Hollywood on our first day to snap some perfect tinsel town pics. The day was filled with the inevitable shots of the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, trying Steven Spielberg's hand prints out for size at Grauman's Chinese Theatre and glimpsing the ubiquitous Hollywood sign peering down from its position nestled in the hills.

Day 2: Six Flags Magic Mountain

This one was a must do for thrill seeking Joe, and with 19 roller coasters (a world record by the way!) the park certainly delivered. Located in Santa Clarita, about an hour by car from central LA, we found getting there a little challenging, especially on a Sunday when the trains stopped early. Uber is definitely the way to go.

Six Flags also happened to be hosting their Fright Fest event in honour of Halloween, so at 7pm, under the cover of darkness, around 500 ghosts, ghouls and zombies descended on the park, accompanied by suitably creepy fog machines and a chilling soundtrack.

Day 3: Surfin’ USA at Santa Monica pier

Well, not actually surfing as the waves were pretty huge. The morning of our third day started with a trip to LA’s original farmers market in the 38 degree heat where we indulged in some traditional Cajun fare (think jambalaya, corn bread and sweet potatoes) followed by delicious organic ice cream.

We then headed to Santa Monica pier to dip our toes in the Pacific before ambling along the coast to Venice beach for the sunset.

Day 4: LET’S GO DODGERS

The LA Dodgers are currently playing against the Houston Astros in this year’s World Series (that’s baseball for the uninitiated), so what better way to spend our final day than in a Korean German fusion (?) sports bar packed with Dodger’s fans drinking blue cocktails and lager by the pitcher.