My Little Tour of America - Los Angeles

The second city I visited during my little tour of West Coast USA was Los Angeles.

It’s hard to say because my trip was so varied but I think L.A. (Hollywood in particular) was my favourite part.

It has such a good vibe. There's an abundance of creativity all around you. I felt as though I was really in the heart of where ‘it’ was all happening.

Being around people having business meetings in cafés, reading through scripts, working on creative projects was really exciting and although you're merely a tourist it feels like you're part of it and not just an observer.

There’s something really inspirational about the Hollywood sign. You can feel, for a split second, like you've really made it.

Graumans Chinese Theatre; now known as TCL Chinese Theatre and often referred to as Mann’s Chinese Theatre, was incredible. Seeing some of my favourite film stars/directors hand and footprints immortalised on the forecourt was truly inspirational.

L.A. is host to so many creative establishments, for example...

Paramount Studios, Capitol Records, House of Blues and many more.

                                                                               

                                                 

This amazing place gives you hope that one day, in whatever creative outlet you're pursuing, you could have your star on the Hollywood walk of fame or your hand/footprints outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

While in L.A. I also visited Santa Monica and Venice. I got the bus from Hollywood to Santa Monica then walked along the beach to Venice, it’s quite a walk but well worth it, Venice Beach is lovely.

Finally, on my way out of the city, I stopped in downtown L.A. and had lunch at Philippe The Original, home of the French dip sandwich. I'd seen it on Man V Food and just had to try it.

It lives up to its fantastic reputation, the sandwiches are incredible, I had Turkey and it was easily the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten, and the blackberry pie – out of this world. 
I strongly recommend it!