Destination Guide: Los Angeles
Los Angeles isn’t your typical honeymoon destination, but this bustling city has a lot more to offer than just glitz and glamour.
by Alexandra Thompson
Not all couples want to honeymoon in luxurious tropical resort, for some it’s often a unique opportunity to visit somewhere they’ve always dreamed of with their new bride or groom. Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glamour, but the sunny city has more to offer honeymooners than meets the eye.
What to do
A World Away
Catalina Island is only an hour ferry journey off the LA coast, but you may as well be a million miles away. Visiting this unique island is like taking a step back in time thanks to William Wrigley Jnr. who purchased the island in 1919 and initiated a conservation effort which continues today thanks to the Catalina Island Conservancy. One of the main features you will notice right away is that there are limited cars, there is a 10 year waiting list to have a car on the island! Take the time to wander around the streets of Avalon, enjoy the beautiful views, stunning harbour and enjoy the fantastic Mexican cuisine that the island is known for.
The Great Outdoors
Feel like heading outdoors? Why not pack a picnic and set off on a hike up into the Hollywood hills. Not only enjoy an adventurous and often challenging hike but once you reach the summit you will take in one of the most spectacular views of Los Angeles, a memory you won’t soon forget!
For a change of pace from bustling Hollywood, try Santa Monica. This beautiful sea-side location gives you a whole new perspective of LA with its laid back atmosphere and quirky cafes. You can make a day trip down to Santa Monica or stay there for a few nights, either way renting a bike and cursing around the foreshore is an absolute must.
Fun Day Trip
Disneyland isn’t just for the kids. Head off to the happiest place on earth with your loved one to enjoy a day of rides, shows and to take in the fun atmosphere. This will be even more special if this is your first trip to Disneyland together, head down for a ride on iconic Splash Mountain and get a photograph to send out as quirky thank you cards.
Knot Tip: Patty Panatou from Basilica Haute Couture Gowns suggests taking your wedding gown on a fabulous trip like this, where better to get a few fun shots of you in your wedding gown that at Disneyland! Even if you wear your gown for only an hour and then check it into a locker.
Retail Therapy
Although shopping isn’t usually at the top of honeymooners list of the things to do, LA offers such good retail therapy you can’t help but pick up a few souvenirs. Even if you’re not planning on shopping a trip to Rodeo Drive is a must, this ritzy strip offers great window shopping and has plenty of great cafes and restaurants to enjoy. For a little more affordable shopping head to the outdoor mall The Grove which has all the must visit chain stores, or for some quirky boutique stores try Robinson Blvd, which is also home to the famous Ivy restaurant.
How to get around
LA opens up to you when you have car, it’s a city made for cars with its epic highways and valet parking everywhere! Also, taxi’s in LA are few and far between, so if you’re not keen on negotiating public transport a car if definitely your best option. Renting a car will allow you to go on fantastic day trips to the beautiful Malibu and Laguna beaches that have a quieter and romantic feel to them.
Where to eat
There is always a new hot spot popping up in LA, so its best to do a little research before you head over to find out where to go for a great dining experience. Although, making a booking at the exclusive Château Marmot is a great idea, ask for a table outside in the romantic courtyard for the five star treatment.
Where to stay
If you want to be in the thick of the action surrounded by fantastic shopping strips and bustling restaurants you can’t go past West Hollywood. The Standard West Hollywood on Sunset Strip is very reasonably priced and allows you incredible access to plenty of attractions and the hotel itself has enough to keep you entertained. If you need some relaxation time, kick back and enjoy the hotel pool with a fantastic view of the city.
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