In a metropolitan area with more than 18 million people, you won't find it hard to find things to do. Everyone knows that Los Angeles offers plenty of great beaches, as well as sites such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. But if you want to bypass the popular touristy sites and really find the best that this metro area has to offer, you have to dig a bit deeper. Here are a just a few places to visit that will showcase the wonderful, wacky and wild place we call The Southland.
There's tons of great food in the city and metro area, but if you want something that is uniquely Los Angeles, head over to Philippe's on Alameda Street. The French dip sandwich was invented here, accidentally, in 1918. A patron's sandwich roll was dropped in the juices on the meat pan, but the customer said he wanted the roll anyway. It was so tasty he brought his friends the next day and they all requested a dipped version of the roast beef sandwich. Now, of course, this sandwich is a favorite around the country, but it all started at Philippe's. Along with the famous dips, they serve soups, salads, chili and a variety of desserts.
In Los Angeles, it seems like there is a coffee house on every corner, but all coffee houses are definitely not created equally. If you want to sample the best and freshest gourmet brew in the L.A. area, you cannot beat Island Monarch Coffee in Culver City. The proprietors use only the freshest beans and the finest purified water to create the many coffee drinks on their menu. Still-green beans are shipped in from Latin American and Hawaii and then roasted and blended. These beans are freshly ground for each order to ensure that every cup of coffee is perfect.
For some quirky fun, Southern California offers some interesting venues. There are two zoos in the City of Los Angeles, the current L.A. Zoo and the Old Zoo. The Old Zoo is empty and abandoned, but you can still explore the grounds and walk into cages and through various enclosures. The Old Zoo is located in Griffith Park and if you were heading to the current zoo, you would look for a sign that says, "Old Zoo Picnic Area." Park in that lot and then you walk up the hill, across a field and you will find this old relic.
While L.A. Miracle Mile boasts a number of great museums, including the Petersen Automotive Museum, if you drive outside the city to Sylmar, there is another fantastic museum for car lovers. The Nethercutt Museum is filled with beautifully restored and maintained automobiles, most dating prior to 1940. There is a historic locomotive and a Pullman car, as well, and you can tour just about every inch of it. The museum also offers the Nethercutt Collection, which is available only with a guided tour. This portion of the museum has four sections that include everything from antique china dolls to an amazing assortment of antique musical instruments and plenty more.
Of course, these are just a few of the attractions and eateries you might consider. There are plenty of other options, including some amazing seaside and canyon hikes, historic walking tours, tiny donut shops actually shaped like donuts, sea adventures where you will encounter dolphins, whales and sea lions and plenty of great sunsets that don't cost a penny to enjoy.
There's tons of great food in the city and metro area, but if you want something that is uniquely Los Angeles, head over to Philippe's on Alameda Street. The French dip sandwich was invented here, accidentally, in 1918. A patron's sandwich roll was dropped in the juices on the meat pan, but the customer said he wanted the roll anyway. It was so tasty he brought his friends the next day and they all requested a dipped version of the roast beef sandwich. Now, of course, this sandwich is a favorite around the country, but it all started at Philippe's. Along with the famous dips, they serve soups, salads, chili and a variety of desserts.
In Los Angeles, it seems like there is a coffee house on every corner, but all coffee houses are definitely not created equally. If you want to sample the best and freshest gourmet brew in the L.A. area, you cannot beat Island Monarch Coffee in Culver City. The proprietors use only the freshest beans and the finest purified water to create the many coffee drinks on their menu. Still-green beans are shipped in from Latin American and Hawaii and then roasted and blended. These beans are freshly ground for each order to ensure that every cup of coffee is perfect.
For some quirky fun, Southern California offers some interesting venues. There are two zoos in the City of Los Angeles, the current L.A. Zoo and the Old Zoo. The Old Zoo is empty and abandoned, but you can still explore the grounds and walk into cages and through various enclosures. The Old Zoo is located in Griffith Park and if you were heading to the current zoo, you would look for a sign that says, "Old Zoo Picnic Area." Park in that lot and then you walk up the hill, across a field and you will find this old relic.
While L.A. Miracle Mile boasts a number of great museums, including the Petersen Automotive Museum, if you drive outside the city to Sylmar, there is another fantastic museum for car lovers. The Nethercutt Museum is filled with beautifully restored and maintained automobiles, most dating prior to 1940. There is a historic locomotive and a Pullman car, as well, and you can tour just about every inch of it. The museum also offers the Nethercutt Collection, which is available only with a guided tour. This portion of the museum has four sections that include everything from antique china dolls to an amazing assortment of antique musical instruments and plenty more.
Of course, these are just a few of the attractions and eateries you might consider. There are plenty of other options, including some amazing seaside and canyon hikes, historic walking tours, tiny donut shops actually shaped like donuts, sea adventures where you will encounter dolphins, whales and sea lions and plenty of great sunsets that don't cost a penny to enjoy.
About the Author:
Debrah Elliot likes reading coffee blogs. For additional details about the best coffee Culver City or to know where to get Hawaiian coffee Culver City, please visit the IslandMonarchCoffee.com site now.
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