Classic is Fantastic - Santa Monica Pier

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

Old-school photo booth reels

"West Coaster" Roller Coaster at Pacific Park Rides

View of the "Pacific Wheel" ferris wheel

(suggestion-hop on at sunset, the view of the coast can't be beat)

SNOW!... or at least ICE

I am currently sitting at home, about to eat some spicy Mexican Pozole stew, and staring outside at the snow covered pines. Sound like a perfect winter night? But, it doesn't sound like a winter night in L.A., does it?

Being back in the Northwest and experiencing a seriously wintry December made me realize how much I missed the seasons. If you are still in L.A. you may not be getting snow any time soon, but you can at least get a taste of some holiday ice.

Just a few blocks from Third Street Promenade Santa Monica hosts a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink open for Angelenos to get their wintry fix. For only $10 dollars you get admission and rental skates, and your wrist band can be redeemed at any Orange or Los Angeles County Starbucks for a free tall hot beverage. So bundle up (at least a little), and enjoy some winter ice under the palms....L.A. wouldn't do it any other way.

Ice at Santa Monica

1324 5th St. and Arizona Ave.

Santa Monica,CA

http://www.downtownsm.com/calendar/icerink.html