How to do Los Angeles in under 24 hours

So, you have just a day to spend in the beautiful City of the Angels. A day might not seem like long enough to explore what this city has to offer and I'll be honest with you, it's not long enough at all. However, with my handy guide to the place, you will be able to squeeze in as much as possible! With this taste of Angelino life, you will want to keep going back for more!

8-10am - Breakfast at Mel's Drive-In Diner on Hollywood Boulevard

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to the walk of fame. Why not grab breakfast while you're there at Mel's Diner. Not only is it convenient but this place has a lot of history in California. Their menu is pretty extensive and full of American favourites. Visiting the walk of fame in the morning is perfect as it is emptier and you wont get stuck with the masses of other tourists.

10:10am-12pm - Farmers Market & The Grove

Los Angeles famous Farmer's Market dates back to 1934. With it's long list of amazing food vendors and market stalls we can see why it has made such a huge impact. The Farmer's Market is adjacent to shopping mall, The Grove. The mall is jam packed! It boasts a cinema, dozens of fashion stores such as Topshop and Forever 21 along with many restaurants. Oh and you absolutely must visit Dylan's Candy Bar to unleash your inner child.

12:10-2pm - Shopping & lunch on Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is every shopaholics paradise. Whether it's high fashion or vintage stores you're after, they have it all! Shopping can leave you feeling peckish, so make sure you head to Urth Caffe for lunch. I recommend picking up one of their vegan cookies, they're delicious! They also offer a range of yummy boba tea and smoothies. This place has a lot of celebrity clientele, so keep you're eyes peeled. Who knows? You might be sipping tea next to your favourite TV star.

(Urth Caffe photo credt: www.eyeonweho.com)

2:10-4pm - Beverly Hills

Sample the life of the A-List at Rodeo Drive. Rodeo Drive is full of expensive fashion stores such as Chanel but if you don't have an A-List wallet then don't worry! You don't need a single penny to people watch and take in the beautiful scenery. The cars on Rodeo Drive are enough to drive any motorist green with envy. While you're in the area don't forget to check out the famous Beverly Hills sign.

4:30-6pm - Venice Beach Boardwalk

I can't quite put Venice Beach boardwalk into words. This place is bustling, there is a lot going on and you wont quite know where to look first.  If you're feeling extra adventurous you can see the sights by renting a pair of roller skates or a bike and ride along the boardwalk with the locals. On my first to the boardwalk, I witnessed a lot of pets in fancy dress, a two headed turtle outside of a freak show, men working out at muscle beach and an array of street performers. Venice Beach has every type of character, which makes it very interesting to say the least. To truly understand this place, you have to visit and soak up the energy.

6:10pm-8pm - Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park

If you were feeling in the mood for some exercise, this place is easily accessible by foot from Venice Beach boardwalk. The walk takes under the hour and the sights look extra stunning during sunset. Either way, Santa Monica is definitely worth your while. There is an amusement park called 'Pacific Park' situated on the pier. If you only have time for one attraction you should make it the ferris wheel to enjoy the view.

8-10pm - Dinner at Santa Monica Place

(Photo credit: Santa Monica Place Wikipedia page)

With everything from Johnny Rockets American Diner to M.A.K.E raw food restaurant you will be spoiled for choice! Or if it's dessert you're after, there is even a self-serve Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt store. From fast food to fine dining there is something to suit every budget.

10:30pm till late - Sunset Boulevard

The nightlife on Sunset Boulevard is second to none! You can enjoy many a cocktail here (If you're not the designated driver of course!). You could visit Saddle Ranch which is a western themed chop house and bar featuring a mechanical bull if you're feeling brave! Or you could visit the old haunts of late movie stars such as River Phoenix at The Viper Room, there is a lot of Hollywood history here. The Viper Room also used to be partly owned by Johnny Depp! Most of bars are open here until 2am and if you need a place to stay, the boulevard has many hotels. The London and Chateau Marmont are popular choices but if your budget is a bit lower, there are many options including the Saharan Motor Hotel and Grafton on Sunset.

All photographs used for this blog post are mine unless stated otherwise.