Alternate stars shine bright in LA
There’s more to Los Angeles than movie stars and the Hollywood sign, writes Kylie McLaughlin.
If you don’t fancy the traditional touristy offerings, try something different the next time you are in the City of Angels.
Hike to Mt Hollywood
It’s not all about Runyon Canyon. In fact, the best hikes in Hollywood are those with the fewest people on them, and one of these is the hike to Mt Hollywood, which offers views of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory and, on a good day, the Pacific Coast. It’s tough enough to feel like you’ve earned a cocktail, but not enough to work up too much of a sweat. Bikes and Hikes can escort you there. bikesandhikesla.com.
Get lost at Lost Spirits Distillery
Likely to be the most fun you’ve had with your clothes on in ages, this distillery is the mastermind of a former amusement park designer and booze enthusiast. That means you’re in for the ride of your life as you get lost in a forest maze with quirky creatures, take a boat ride in the jungle of Downtown LA and ride a submarine under the LA river. I’d tell you more, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise(s). See lostspirits.net.
Play golf in Koreatown
You don’t need golfing experience or even to like the game at this offbeat venue where, it turns out, beating things with a stick is very therapeutic – possibly more so than spending time at the adjoining Korean (no clothes required) spa.
Aroma is not a golf course in the city, but rather a place where golf enthusiasts (and the golf indifferent) can practise their swing.
Aroma is spread across several levels and overlooks a carpark covered by a net, so you can power swing to your heart’s content. As soon as you hit one ball, another pops up magically in its place. And if you hit this oddly wonderful
More information: discoverlosangeles.com.
Stay:
Loews Hollywood has large suites in the heart of Hollywood, and direct access to Hollywood & Highland mall. See loewshotels.com.
Carbon footprint:
A return trip for one passenger in economy class flying from Auckland to Los Angeles would generate 1.5 tonnes CO2.
To offset your carbon emissions, head to airnewzealand.co.nz/ sustainability-customer-carbon-offset. operation at dusk, you can watch the sun set over Los Angeles. See www.aromaresort.com.
Bowl at The Spare Room
The Roosevelt Hotel takes the speakeasy bar concept one step further with The Spare Room, housing two beautiful old timber bowling lanes that date to the 1800s and stretch the length of the parlour, where you relax on velvet lounges or have a turn on the old piano. The cocktails are taken very seriously and err on the side of the whimsical: think salt and vinegar martini (a classic with a twist) served with a side of potato chips. It’s also renowned for the ubiquitous punch bowl – for those who like to live dangerously. Dress to impress. See spareroomhollywood.com.
Ride a bike in Downtown LA
Until recently, cycling in Los Angeles was a somewhat ludicrous and breathtakingly dangerous activity. But much progress has been made with the advent of bike lanes and, coming soon, Copenhagen lanes (low kerbs that separate bike lanes from cars) to DTLA. Let Handlebar Tours show you the sights. See handlebarbiketours.com.
Silver Lake’s secret staircases
Los Angeles has 52 hidden staircases which were built when tramcars were the only mode of transport. Artistic neighbourhood Silver Lake commandeered artist Corinne Carrey to paint the eye-catching Micheltorena stairs, visible from Sunset Boulevard, and an Instagram favourite. But there are many others in the area, including the Laurel and Hardy Music Box Steps, and the piano steps (painted to look like piano keys). – Traveller
The writer was a guest of Discover LA and United Airlines