Dawn Patrol: My First LA Morning
Our first morning in LA, we woke up well rested and excited for the day ahead after a night in the comfortable beds at the Sea Sprite Hotel. However, our first morning in beautiful Hermosa Beach didn't quite go to plan. A rude awakening awaited us as we discovered a parking ticket tucked under the windshield of our rental car.
Despite meticulous planning, including contacting California DMA to confirm the use of Mark's UK blue badge, and even informing the hotel staff of our parking situation, we were slapped with a $450 fine for parking in a handicapped bay without a permit. It was a frustrating start, especially after being assured everything was in order. But, determined not to let it dampen our spirits, we decided to brush it off and focus on the day's advent
A Day at Universal Studios Hollywood
First up: Universal Studios Hollywood! A 45-minute drive away, it was our first time, and we were buzzing with excitement. We had pre-booked tickets and early access to Super Nintendo World, this cost an additional $20 per person but it was a decision that proved invaluable, allowing us to access the park at 9am when it was very quiet rather than the usual 10am for the general public. We arrived at Universal Studios Hollywood at around 8:30am, we were directed to prime parking right outside the entrance and headed towards the iconic globe for those must-have photos.
A friendly staff member greeted us and, upon learning it was our first visit, presented us with personalized "First Time Visitor" pins. A lovely touch that made us feel instantly welcome. We then made a beeline for Super Nintendo World, and it was everything we'd hoped for and more! The immersive environment was incredible, a true step into the game and we spent the morning riding Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, exploring the interactive areas, and enjoying an early lunch at Toadstool Cafe.
We then spent the entire day exploring every corner of Universal Studios Hollywood. We rode every ride that was open, thankfully, Mark had taken travel sickness tablets as many rides were VR based, and we’d highly recommend doing the same if you’re prone to motion sickness too. Our favorite ride was the Jurassic World Ride, where we got absolutely soaked! A definite highlight. We met numerous characters, enjoyed fantasitc performances and shows, and truly immersed ourselves in the magic of Hollywood. (Read more about our Universal Studios Hollywood visit here).
Under the Stars at Griffith Observatory
By 5:30 pm, we were exhausted but exhilarated and headed back to our car. We decided to make a little detour to Griffith Observatory on our way back to the hotel. The timing was perfect, as we arrived just as the sun was setting, offering breathtaking views of LA.
We headed to the rooftop and followed the signs for the telescope. Inside one of the domes there stood a huge telescope, the internal door was locked but the sign confirmed it would open at 7 pm. It was only 6:30 pm, and we were the only ones there, so we decided to wait. This meant we would be first in line!
About ten minutes later, a queue began to form behind us. A woman started making rude comments about us "pushing in," claiming they had been waiting for hours. However, there was absolutely no queue when we arrived. Perhaps queueing works differently in the US? Through the telescope, we saw the Orion Nebula, a stunning display of fiery clouds and bright stars. It was truly beautiful. We then rushed back to the car, realizing we had only paid for an hour of parking and couldn't extend it. Thankfully, being first in line for the telescope paid off!
Comfort Food & A Comfy Bed
We knew we needed to eat before heading back to the hotel, as we had only snacked since lunch. Louie was exhausted and fell asleep in the car, so we opted for a quick McDonald's stop. Waking Louie up was quite the challenge! (Watch the video here.
We then headed back to the Sea Sprite Hotel for another relatively early night, ready for our last full day in LA. Despite the parking ticket hiccup, day two was packed with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From the immersive world of Super Nintendo and Universal Studios, to the breathtaking views from Griffith Observatory, it was a day of Hollywood highs and starry nights.
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