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A favourite stopover city for many travellers, here are some Singapore sights and delights you don't want to miss.
Brisbane is now connected to the West Coast of North America like never before! With new and returning direct routes flying from Brisbane to Los Angeles (Qantas), Vancouver (Air Canada), and San Francisco (United Airlines), you can enjoy the West Coast Adventure of your dreams.
Each of these magical cities has their own unique soul and culture that you can’t experience anywhere else in the world, so we don’t blame you if you don’t know which to visit first. Do you head riiiight up north to the mountain-wrapped beauty of Vancouver, hit the mid-coast for the ultra-cool bayside charm of San Fran, or take yourself to the home of Hollywood, Los Angeles? To help plan your West Coast Adventure, take a gander at our list of the Top 5 things to do in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.
Los Angeles
The City of Angels, home to the stars of Hollywood and the thousands of memorable films and television series that have been produced within her studios and streets. But beyond the glitz and glam of the big screen, Los Angeles has lots more to offer holiday-goers.
Disneyland and Universal Studios
For movie lovers, thrill seekers, and a perfect family fun day out, L.A. is host to two world-famous theme parks – Disneyland Park and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Take a family day out to Anaheim and visit Disneyland Park. See the iconic Disney Castle, take photos with your favourite Disney Princess and tackle the famous Haunted Mansion or Space Mountain to get the adrenaline pumping. With many more attractions, including the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the countless parades and fireworks displays, you will need a few days just in Disneyland alone to really enjoy every corner of this childhood dreamland.
When you finally see everything in Disneyland Park, take a trip over to Universal Studios Hollywood – both an actual film studio as well as an amusement park. Go behind the scenes with the Studio Tour and see where some of your favourite movie and television shows are filmed, or head to Platform 9 ¾ and get sorted into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Studios Hollywood also offers thrilling rides, epic parades and fun-filled shows, all styled around your favourite Universal Studios’ movies.
Hollywood Boulevard
Take a trip to the most famous strip in the world, literally - Hollywood Boulevard. Walk where the stars have walked, take snaps with Spiderman, Marylin Monroe or Superman* outside the Chinese Theatre, and strut down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see if you can find your favourite actors, directors and musicians.
*Note - these will be actors and not the real celebrity or superhero.
Griffith Observatory
See the City of Angels from up high at the Griffith Observatory. A free attraction, complete with the observatory, exhibit displays and a planetarium. With stunning views of the Los Angeles Basin and the best snaps you’ll get of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory is a must for any visitor. Explore the historic observatory, watch fascinating educational movies, discover the wonders of the universe and grab a bite at the Café at the End of the Universe.
Visit the Beaches
For those coming from Australia, it's important to understand that the beaches and beach culture is very different to what we experience in Australia. For example, Santa Monica stands out as a unique beach among others, as it is home to Santa Monica Pier – an amusement park that juts out along a boardwalk into the sea. Here you can enjoy a number of typical park attractions, rides and food, as well as various spots people will set up and fish. A little further south from Santa Monica is Venice Beach, a bohemian banquet of funky shops, street performers and the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym.
Explore Downtown LA
Most people will tell you to avoid Downtown L.A., but those who do miss out on the hidden gems that really stand out among the Hollywood razzle dazzle and tourist traps. Head down to Grand Central Markets and immerse yourself in this bustling marketplace as you taste some of the best street food you will find in U.S. Once you have had your fill, walk to the Last Bookstore – a quirky and cool bookshop, complete with hidden nooks, crazy bookshelves and local art stalls. Finally, as your day is almost to an end and you have a few hours until sunset, take a stroll to the birthplace of Los Angeles – Olvera Street. Step back from the streets of L.A. and gently guide yourself down a tree-shaded, brick-lined market with old structures, street vendors, cafes, gift stalls and restaurants delivering authentic Mexican feeds, not to mention delicious and refreshing margaritas.
GETTING THERE
San Francisco
Also referred to as the Bay City, San Francisco is a famously quirky, cool and contemporary city that sits on the central coast of California. Home to a number of world-famous attractions, as well as being an epicentre for American culture and a number of civil rights movements, including the Gay and Lesbian Liberation movement. With all that history and culture, there is just never enough time to see and experience all that San Francisco has to offer, but here are a few of our favourites.
Tackle the Golden Gate Bridge
The largest suspension bridge in the world, given the title of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, the Golden Gate Bridge is truly something to behold. To really take your breath away (figuratively and literally), hire an electric bike to take on this metal marvel yourself. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco Bay into Sausalito, and enjoy a day on the water as you shop around the boutiques and enjoy delicious seafood and cocktails by the bay. Wrap your day up with a relaxing ferry ride back across the bay and bring your bike with you as you dock at Pier 39.
Brave Alcatraz at NIGHT
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, everyone knows the infamously popular tourist attraction, Alcatraz Prison. Located on a small island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz – aka “The Rock” – was a maximum-security prison in the early-to-mid 1900s, which included such dangerous public enemies as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The usual daytime tours offer a fascinatingly freaky insight into the lives and times of the inmates of this prison, but if you really want to dial up the scare-factor, book a night-time tour. The howling winds and chilly vibes once the sun goes down makes the audio tour feel all the more captivating and authentic, almost as if you’re listening to a juicy true crime podcast in the middle of the night (well, you kind of are). Book these tickets well in advance though – they sell out!
Eating Tours of San Francisco
One of the many advantages of having such a culturally diverse city is the melting-pot of delectable cuisines that come with it. So, to best take advantage of this, we suggest you eat and drink your way through a walking tour of one of San Francisco’s neighbourhoods. Sample street food, pastries, sweets, cocktails, craft beer, restaurants and more, makings sure that you leave San Francisco well-fed and perhaps in a mild food-coma. For a bona fide good time, eat up the Mission District and all the treats it has to offer.
Tick off all the sights
San Francisco is famous for its unique sights and attractions, so you may as well tick them all off while you’re there. Take a stroll and a selfie down Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world. Visit one of the oldest and most well-established Chinatown's in America and treat yourself to some Yum Cha. Climb up to Telegraph Hill and check out Coit Tower, and then wrap up your day with a trip to the Sourdough Factory and Ghirardelli’s Chocolates at Pier 39.
Explore the Natural Wonders of California
While San Francisco is certainly an urban-enthusiasts dream, it is also the doorstep to some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Possibly the most well-known among these being Yosemite National Park, home to popular features such as the Tunnel View, El Capitan and the famed ancient giant sequoia trees. If you have a little less time on your hands, but still want to enjoy the Californian wilderness, head to the Muir Woods just north of Sausalito for some great hiking and biking tours. Finally, complete your itinerary with a trip to the Californian grape outdoors, aka the Napa Valley, and proceed as you wine and dine (and wine) yourself in this stunning region.
GETTING THERE
Vancouver
Known as the Hollywood of the North, welcome to one of the warmest and most colourful cities in Canada, the coastal city of Vancouver. Surrounded by striking mountains, lush green forests and an array of wildlife, this metropolitan dream is a perfect mix of urban flair and outdoor adventure. Check out best of both worlds and how you can truly experience everything the north has to offer.
Shop and Dine down Commercial Drive
East Vancouver is the cool, hipster district of Vancouver, but is embraced and enjoyed by all Vancouverites, young and old. Take your time as you stroll down the main road of East Van, the effortlessly cool Commercial Drive. Littered with thrift shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars, you can spend days exploring the streets and still manage to find a new favourite bar or shop to pop into. Make sure you grab some of Canada’s signature cuisines while you're here, including poutine (chips, gravy & cheese curds), a beavertail (deep-fried doughy goodness) and if you’re a fan of Bloody Mary’s, try out a Caesar cocktail - you'll either love it or hate it.
Bike ride around Stanley Park
An absolute highlight for many is the world-famous Stanley Park. Larger than Central Park in New York City, Stanley Park is over 4 square kilometres in size and has several amazing attractions in the park beyond the gorgeous sights. By far the best way to experience the park is to hire a bike from one of the many rental stores close-by on Denman or Robson Street. There is a bike path that circumnavigates the entire park, with many stops and sights to see along the way. The First Nations Totem Poles are a must and will be first up on your journey if you ride clockwise around the park. Your half-way mark is the famous Lion’s Gate suspension bridge, often used as a stand-in for the Golden Gate Bridge in movies filmed in Vancouver (edited to be red in post-production). The park also is home to many wonderful food stands, beaches and the Vancouver Aquarium – a wonderful family-friendly activity where all the animals housed to see are rescued for rehabilitation, and not bred in captivity.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Across the Lion’s Gate Bridge in North Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions. The 137m long, 70m high suspension bridge is set among the treetops of the Capilano River and has been taking the breath of travellers away since 1889. With a number of other marvels to behold, such as First Nation Totems, the seven bridges of the Treetops Adventure and the thrilling Cliffwalk, a heart-stopping 700ft journey along the granite cliffside offering panoramic views of the rainforest and canyon below. Enjoy the most out of the wildlife and weather by visiting in June-October, or be dazzled as the bridge and trees light up with the Canyon Lights in December.
Gastown
The oldest part of the city, Gastown is definitely an eclectic and essential part of downtown Vancouver to visit. Being the original settlement that became of the core of the city, Gastown’s history can be felt simply by walking down the cobblestone roads and viewing the iconic Steam Clock. Hunt down some of the city’s best restaurants, coolest dive bars, live music venues and secret spots. To round off this must-see spot, Gastown also has a plethora of boutiques, quirky stores, thrift shops, bakeries, (good) coffee shops and urban street art.
Catch a Hockey Game at Rogers Arena
What would Canada be without its favourite national pastime, Ice Hockey. The best place to catch a game (or several) is at Rogers Arena, located in downtown Vancouver. Surrounded by spirited sports bars and pubs, Rogers Arena is sure to be a highlight for any sports fan. If you can, try and catch a game with Vancouver’s home team, the Canucks. The tickets will be a little more expensive, but the atmosphere will be well worth it – especially if they win the game!
GETTING THERE
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