Into L.A.: Classic is Fantastic

So if it wasn't already apparent I will fill you in on the fact that I shy away from ultra-touristy L.A. spots about as much tourists flock to them. After living in Los Angeles for almost four years I feel that these crowded places are some strange facade of a city that has a surprising amount of hidden authenticity. I have spent so much time defending the fact that L.A. isn't just about kitschy Hollywood lights, movie stars, and bikinis that I forgot that some of these, at times annoying, stereotypes hold some actual importance.

Whenever friends from town come to visit I do my best to satisfy their need for campy L.A. while attempting to show them a little of what I consider the "real L.A." But after an extremely satisfying trip to the iconic Santa Monica Pier I have begun to reconsider my notions of avoiding such spots. Perhaps it isn't about avoiding these spots all together, because these spots, however touristy, are an essential part of the Los Angeles culture. I think that maybe it is about the balance between the touristy and hidden, the campy and kitschy, the iconic and the avant-garde.

My latest visit to the Santa Monica Pier with two of my best friends from home was one of the most fulfilling trips into L.A. I have in the last few months. I mean really when you think about what's not to love about an old-school arcade, a sunset ferris wheel ride, and a cheesey roller coaster ride all set over the California coast?

So I say here's to the little bit of tourist in us all: A little bit of classic tourist mixed in with the truly native can totally fantastic... I guess it comes down to all things in moderation, even travel.

"Feed Big Bertha" at Playland Arcade