Day three was our final full day in Los Angeles, and time for us to explore the iconic sights that LA has to offer. We were determined to soak up as much of the city's magic as possible before our long drive to Las Vegas.
Pasadena: Where Movie Magic Meets Charming Streets
Our day began with a scenic drive to Pasadena. We grabbed a quick breakfast on the go and then wandered through the charming streets that have served as backdrops for countless films, including some of our favourites "Back to the Future" and "Teen Wolf." It was surreal to walk where movie magic had happened, and the quaint, historic atmosphere was a welcome change from the bustling city.
Windsor Boulevard: Palm Trees and Hollywood Views
Next, we headed to Windsor Boulevard, the famous palm tree-lined street with a distant view of the Hollywood sign. The skies were a little hazy, so the pictures weren't perfect but we still had a lovely morning admiring the beauty of the street, with its stunning homes and the iconic Hollywood backdrop, was still a treat. We even caught a glimpse of a film crew in action, adding a touch of Hollywood to our experience.
A Walk Down Hollywood Boulevard
Our next stop was Hollywood Boulevard, the heart of the Walk of Fame. We parked the car on the street by the junction of Vine Street and were surprised with the affordable street parking compared to some of the car parks that we used during our trip. As we got out of the car there were fruit vendors nerby so we bought some bananas and strawberries for $2 each which the boys immediately devoured.
The Walk of Fame itself was a bit of a mixed bag. While it was exciting to spot familiar names among the stars, the overall atmosphere wasn't quite as glamorous as we had imagined. Some of the "characters" roaming the streets made us feel a little uneasy, so we grabbed some quick Popeyes for the kids and headed back to the car.
Exploring Fashion and Art on Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills was next on our itinerary. We strolled through the streets, admiring the local artwork. A walk down Rodeo Drive was a must-do, even if we felt a little out of place. There are some lovely stops for photos and lavish stand out stores. We even bumped into some fellow rugby fans heading to Las Vegas! A little panic set in when Louie desperately needed a restroom in the middle of Rodeo Drive, we struggled to find anywhere for him to go and the hotels weren't accommodating, even for a 5 year old. I almost resorted to a "Big Daddy" moment. Thankfully, a Starbucks came to our rescue and i could do with a caffeine fix.
A Foggy but Fun Visit to Santa Monica Pier
Our final location for the day was Santa Monica Pier. I had hopes of amazing sunset views over the ocean but it wasn't to be. As we approached, a thick fog rolled in, obscuring the view, from the car park beside the beach we couldn't even see the ocean. We still enjoyed a stroll along the pier, watching street performers and browsing souvenir shops. We then visited the fair where Charlie rode the roller coaster, and even got an extra ride due to the lack of crowds. With many of the smaller rides closed, we took Louie to the arcade. There you purchase a card and top it up to use on the machines. Louie had a blast trying to beat Charlie and Mark at everything they played.
For dinner, we decided to try Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. It was our first time, and as seafood lovers, we couldn't wait to give it a try. The food and service were fantastic, and our server quizzed us on the Forest Gump films but it turned out we knew quite a lot and taught him a few things too.
Walmart Finds
Before heading back to the hotel, we made a pit stop at Walmart to stock up on supplies for our upcoming road trip to Las Vegas. We also wandered around the clothes and toy sections and picked out a few things for Louie. He managed to find a Super Mario backpack which was a full sized Mario. it was so cute and only about $12. Something similar probably would have set us back over $40 in Universal Studios so it was a great find. Louie wore it for most of the trip, it made him instantly noticeable and everyone loved it.
The drive back to the hotel was eventful, to say the least. At a traffic light, I momentarily reverted to driving on the left side of the road, luckily the lane was clear but i quickly needed to get back on the right side of the road and that kerb in the middle of the road was higher than it appeared in the dark, it gave Mark and the boys a fright but thankfully ended without incident. That was not going to happen again!
Back at the hotel, we packed our bags and prepared for our early departure the next day. Day three was a whirlwind of experiences, from the iconic streets of Pasadena to the foggy charm of Santa Monica Pier. We experienced the highs and lows of LA, and despite the haze and minor mishaps, we left with a treasure trove of memories.
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