Los Angeles is so car-obsessed that public transport is seen here as more of an attraction or novelty than a practical everyday service. I'm mostly kidding, but that's certainly the case with Angels Flight, an old funicular railway that once carried the residents of Bunker Hill down to the streets of Downtown LA, but now serves more as a relic of a different time and a relaxing (albeit kind of unnecessary) ride.
Angels Flight was out of commission for the last four years but recently returned to my delight and it appears to be back for good. Even better news is that, after the recent restoration, they still kept the same old trolley cars from more than 100 years ago!
This ride can also be a convenient lift up the hill on a hot day, to quickly provide with a great view of the city. It may be the World's shortest railway but, above all, it's an adorable fleeting trip that feels straight out of the movies!
Note: if you have an LA Metro TAP card, you get to travel at half the price. (no value on the card is required, just present it to the cashier)
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Pacific Wheel" is a ferris wheel in Los Angeles' Santa Monica Pier. I love the surprising views from it and the fact that it's solar-powered!
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"HD Buttercup" is a furniture and home decor store in a historic Los Angeles building that also hosts a bread museum - the original site of Helms Bakery...
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The "Santa Monica Stairs" in Los Angeles is one of my favorite stairways for some outdoor activity. I find is inspiring because the the fittest go there!
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"Venice Beach Skatepark" in Los Angeles is the birthplace of skateboarding. This skatepark has two giant pools, a spot for tricks and even a live webcam!
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Part of The Big Lebowski was filmed at this otherwise unassuming community in Los Angeles, 'Faircrest Heights'.Please remember this is a private residence.
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The "405 and 10 Intersection" in Los Angeles is one of the busiest in America. This intersection is so famous, it even has its own facebook page!
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"Los Liones Canyon Trail" one of my favorite hiking trails in Los Angeles. It always makes me feel as if I've escaped city life and gets my heart pumping.
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"Watts Towers" in Los Angeles is a national landmark, built by a talented Italian immigrant over the duration of 30 years. They remind me of Antoni Gaudi.
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The "Sunbathing Sea Lions" in Los Angeles' Marina del Rey are huge, playful and charming, but they can also be dangerous. The fishermen know their names!
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"Kippy's" in Los Angeles makes healthy, vegan coconut milk ice cream and it's my #1 favorite local spot. I go there as many as 5 times a week!
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"Father's Office" in Los Angeles is an upscale gastropub with 'bar food' prepared by acclaimed chef San Yoon. The vegatarian in me is in for a treat here!
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"Museum of Flying" in LA's Santa Monica is in the neighborhood's very own private airport. It's quaint, interesting and made me appreciate planes more!
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