Santa Monica

After surviving the bus trip we caught a plane from Vancouver to LA then caught taxi to Santa Monica which took forever as it was a warm Sunday and EVERYONE was enjoying the beach. Settled into Hotel Carmel which was situated right in the heart of Santa Monica with only a short stroll to the famous Pier.  Took in the sights, walked up and down Third Street Promenade (did not venture into the shops!), walked up and back to Venice Beach passing the original Muscle Beach where we stopped for a while to look at some of the 'performances' of the muscle men & women.

From the top of the cliff looking towards Santa Monica Pier

From the beach looking back to Santa Monica

Santa Monica Beach

Muscle Beach, both Hels and I had plenty to watch!

The carnival on Santa Monica Pier

The western end of Route 66 at Santa Monica Pier

Entertained by a busker on the pier so Hels chipped in some change.

More of the beach

Venice beach, all sorts of stalls and people!

3rd Street Promenade was busy during the day but came to life with restaurants and buskers at night 

Sculpture on 3rd Street Promenade

Also took in a Hollywood Tour - Amazing LA Tours - which drove us into LA where we stopped at the Walk of Fame, walked up steps where the red carpet is laid down for the Oscars, visited the old Chinese Theatre, sighted the Hollywood Sign,   We toured through Hollywood to Farmers Market, Melrose Ave, Rodeo Drive with many famous landmarks  pointed out to us ie where Marilyn Munro lived, where Elvis used to get his hot dog fixes from (he was so impressed with the waitress service he tipped a pink convertible!),

You haven't been to Hollywood unless you have a piccie of the sign!

Hollywood walk of fame,

Just so busy, people dressed as movie characters and others selling tours .

Madam Tussaud Wax museum

Beverly Hills, say no more

Rodeo Drive, famous for the shopping experience, we didn't stop.

Department store used in the movie Pretty Women

Whisky a GoGo, The club has been the launching pad for bands including Mötley Crüe, The Doors, Van Halen, and Guns N' Roses. In 2006, the venue was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame..

Pinks Hot Dog restaurant is a landmark in the Hollywood district of LA. Founded buy Paul and Betty Pink in 1939 and still operating today. 

The diner is known for Elvis Presley tipping the waitress a pink Cadillac

Spent the last day of Santa Monica walking up the beach and sitting 'people watching' which gives you the opportunity to see so many different people!!  To add to our excitement we had a bomb scare across the road from our Hotel on our last day and we had to wait until we could get into the Mexican Restaurant for lunch - such an inconvenience!!!  By the time we were headed to the Airport we were ready to come home, see our son & partner, pick up the Van and head off into the sun.