{"id":44214,"date":"2018-05-21T00:00:33","date_gmt":"2018-05-20T14:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=44214"},"modified":"2018-05-16T14:31:26","modified_gmt":"2018-05-16T04:31:26","slug":"aussie-la-must-dos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/aussie-la-must-dos\/","title":{"rendered":"6 must-dos for an Aussie in LA"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re an Aussie, travelling to LA<\/a> doesn\u2019t mean you have to miss the comforts of home. Not only do the locals speak the same language (almost), LA has all the things that Australians love, and bigger!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my run-down on the top 6 must-dos for any Aussie staying in LA:<\/p>\n

1. Book a holiday rental<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We want to escape the tourist traps of Hollywood Boulevard and the Sunset Strip, so we choose self-contained accommodation in West Hollywood.<\/p>\n

It has a grungy, urban vibe that reminds me of the Inner-West of Sydney. Albeit with a decidedly more American feel. There are empty lots filled with garbage, next to drive-thru fast food chains, next to upmarket bars and caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n

We try to live like locals \u2013 shopping at Whole Foods, driving everywhere, and looking good while doing it.<\/p>\n\n

2. Hire a car<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s nothing more \u2018California\u2019 than feeling the wind in your hair, with tunes cranking, as you drive down a busy LA street.<\/p>\n\n

The easiest way to get around the greater LA area is by car (See? Living like locals \ud83d\ude09) and it works for us. Car hire<\/a> is pretty cheap compared to Australian prices and even the basic models have automatic\u00a0transmissions.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re used to city-driving at home, there\u2019s nothing much different in LA except remembering to drive on the right.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t worry about parking. Like Cher says, \u201cEverywhere you go has valet\u201d (and if you don\u2019t get that reference, you need to rewatch Clueless<\/em>, stat!).<\/p>\n

3. Get your quinoa fix<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In case you were worried about maintaining your beach bod while you\u2019re on holiday, don\u2019t be! LA has always been known for its healthy-eating scene, and being the home of the California roll, there are plenty of avocados to keep this Millennial happy.<\/p>\n

After walking around Griffith Observatory and taking selfies with the Hollywood sign, we decide to sample the vegan eats at LA\u2019s famous Caf\u00e9 Gratitude.<\/p>\n\n

The staff are friendly and the people watching is 10 out of 10.<\/p>\n

4. Drink a flat white<\/strong><\/h3>\n

That\u2019s right, I found Aussie-style coffee in LA so you don\u2019t have to suffer through caffeine withdrawals or another Starbucks latt\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Surry Hills-native Paramount Coffee Project<\/a> opened their doors on N Fairfax Avenue in 2015. With polished concrete, exposed ceilings, and hanging ferns, PCP brings their Surry Hills vibe across the Pacific and it\u2019s easy to feel at home.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Thanks PCP for bringing the flat white to LA<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Candice Wellfare<\/a> (@superluminous_) on