One Day in Southern California

So, you've got a one day layover going through LAX or you're just passing through and want to see what the region has in store for you. One day is tough to see Southern California. It'll be impossible to do it all but here's an itinerary to catch some of the highlights. Even though L.A.'s transit system is improving, you'll want to rent a car in this auto-centric region.

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Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens
In the nicest neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles is this oasis of tranquility on the edge of Little Tokyo. Newly renovated rooms, centrally located, and within walking distance of some great sushi, ramen, teppan, and karaoke houses. With rooms starting at around $120, it's one of Los Angeles' great bargains, too.
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Farmers Market
I'm going to start my day here. Head to the food court on the west end of the historic Farmer's Market and have one of the best French toast breakfasts at the Coffee Corner. Wind your way through the maze of stalls and see the unique shops selling hot sauce, vintage toys, French groceries and more. Pick up a nice dessert from one of... More >
I'm going to start my day here. Head to the food court on the west end of the historic Farmer's Market and have one of the best French toast breakfasts at the Coffee Corner. Wind your way through the maze of stalls and see the unique shops selling hot sauce, vintage toys, French groceries and more. Pick up a nice dessert from one of the bakeries. Head out the west end and do some high-end shopping at The Grove. Also, this is one of the best places in the city to see a celebrity in the wild. Free. 2 hours free parking with validation.
Wind your way through the maze of stalls and see the unique shops selling hot sauce, vintage toys, French groceries and more.
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Getty Museum
J. Paul Getty left billions to fund this massive art museum in Brentwood. Original works by artist such as Van Gogh in an amazing garden setting. You could easily spend all day here. Admission is free but it's $15 to park.
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Skooby's
Every other tourist is going to go to Pink's and stand in long, long lines to get an average hot dog. Be different and go to what many consider the best hot dog stand in town, Skooby's, just up the street from the Chinese Theater. Under $10 per person.
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Chinese Theater
A superb example of an old Hollywood movie palace. Millions have compared their foot and hand prints with the stars' embedded in the concrete forecourt. Go beyond and watch a movie in one of the best theaters you'll ever see. Easily accessible by the Red Line subway, via the Hollywood and Highland station underneath the theater. Ar... More >
A superb example of an old Hollywood movie palace. Millions have compared their foot and hand prints with the stars' embedded in the concrete forecourt. Go beyond and watch a movie in one of the best theaters you'll ever see. Easily accessible by the Red Line subway, via the Hollywood and Highland station underneath the theater. Around $10 - $15.
Be different and go to what many consider the best hot dog stand in town, Skooby's, just up the street from the Chinese Theater.
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Philippe The Original
A true Southern California institution, Philippe's (most locals pronounce it "fill-ee-pees") has been around over a century serving good, hearty, and inexpensive food. Known as the restaurant that invented the French dip sandwich (a claim that is disputed by another L.A. diner, Cole's), change comes very slowly Phillipe's. Diners sha... More >
A true Southern California institution, Philippe's (most locals pronounce it "fill-ee-pees") has been around over a century serving good, hearty, and inexpensive food. Known as the restaurant that invented the French dip sandwich (a claim that is disputed by another L.A. diner, Cole's), change comes very slowly Phillipe's. Diners share long, communal tables. Customers line up at the deli counter where truly professional counter ladies make your sandwich quickly and correctly. I like the beef, double-dipped, with jack cheese while many others swear by the lamb. Whatever you get, make sure you put a dab...just a dab...of their hot mustard on it. Bottles are generally supplied at each table. Under $10 per person.
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Frying Fish
If you'd like a little snack before calling it a night, sit at the counter of this little joint in the Japanese Village center in the heart of Little Tokyo. Dishes of sushi and other Japanese favorites motor on by on a conveyor belt. See something you like? Just grab it. When you're done, the servers will count up your plates to fi... More >
If you'd like a little snack before calling it a night, sit at the counter of this little joint in the Japanese Village center in the heart of Little Tokyo. Dishes of sushi and other Japanese favorites motor on by on a conveyor belt. See something you like? Just grab it. When you're done, the servers will count up your plates to figure your bill. Under $10 per person.
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Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA/Metro)
If you do want to leave the car behind, the Little Tokyo station of the Gold Line light rail line is a block away from the Kyoto Grand. One stop to the north is Union Station where you can catch trains to many other areas. Take the Red Line from here to the Hollywood and Highland station to visit the sights of Hollywood. $1.50 base fare, $6 for a day pass. More
If you do want to leave the car behind, the Little Tokyo station of the Gold Line light rail line is a block away from the Kyoto Grand. One stop to the north is Union Station where you can catch trains to many other areas. Take the Red Line from here to the Hollywood and Highland station to visit the sights of Hollywood. $1.50 base fare, $6 for a day pass.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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