Las Vegas to Hollywood Road Trip

As we depart from our Las Vegas to Hollywood road trip today, it is a really boring drive through the desert.

Fun Things To Do In Las Vegas

Driving Through The Desert

World’s Largest Thermometer

We see a sign to the world’s tallest thermometer at Baker which is the entrance to Death Valley. So we stop and it entices us to eat at the restaurant. Must say, it also has a wonderful Greek Restaurant if you get the chance. We have to push on, but take a picture to add to my son’s blog of big things in the world.

Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner

We have seen signs all the way from Vegas for Peggy Sue’s Diner. As we get out of the car, we meet 3 Australian girls in the car next to us who are also on a road trip from Las Vegas to Hollywood.

We join them for lunch. They are on the way to South America and they share a few tips, as do we. Peggy Sue’s Diner is well worth the visit – it is retro heaven and offers good service.

We had planned to go stay the night at Venice Beach. But when we get there it is full of alternative style people that don’t feel like our scene. And a lot of afternoon drunks, so we decide to move on.

We check out Santa Monica and then we agree to go stay in Hollywood.

Hooray For Hollywood

YAY!  We hit Hollywood and are so excited!

Where to stay centrally

We find a fabulous and reasonable hotel – Rodeway Hotel. It is right on Sunset Boulevard and one block behind Mann’s Chinese Theatre. I recommend it as it also has parking which is perfect for us.  It is a great price for downtown, is very neat, clean and includes breakfast.

We decide to walk and see the sights of Hollywood. My son is scared as we have seen this area at Halloween and it was full of actors – all dressed up, and many were scary. Tonight there is none.

Disney Store

We visit the Disney store and Explorason is so pleased we have hit Hollywood with a bang!

Mann’s Chinese Theater

We see Mann’s at night and decide to come back when it is quieter tomorrow.

Musical Steps

We head up the side. There are musical steps. Yes!  We have hit Hollywood and this is his new favorite place.  These are a lot of fun and we spend time trying to make a few songs. Hard as it wrecks the tune anytime someone comes down.

Lollywood

We find a new store – just opened with Lollywood in Hollywood. This car is set up to shoot gum-balls out of the exhaust and you can race them.

Crunch Bar Floor

My son is addicted to the Crunch Bar floor. Yes, it makes the crunch sound.  How cool is this place?  We are so glad we have finally hit Hollywood – it’s been so long since I’ve been here!

Chocolate Lab

It has a Chocolate Lab. You can make your own chocolate bars.

This store is huge. It is well worth a visit. I think we spent 2 hours in here. I have way too many photos to load up.

Water Fountain

We head next door to the Highland Shopping Mall. The water fountain changes color and patterns. Of course, I have a wet son. We have the most wonderful night here.

We end up at an Italian Restaurant for a lovely glass of wine. We sit outside and watch the fountain.

Helping the Homeless

As we head home we meet a homeless girl and we talk to her. She touches our heart. She is dressed OK and has just ended up with a tough life. We decide we want to help the homeless if we can and we start to talk and it is time for another random act of kindness and I think there might be more in Hollywood somehow.  I walk back to the hotel and we are both very happy. My son prays for the homeless girl Nicole we met as he falls asleep.

Pavement Stars

Next day we are up early. The streets are empty so we hit Hollywood before the crowds, and we can get some good photos.

We play on the piano steps again. Most shops are closed. Mann’s Chinese Theatre has a few scary people dressed up.  One guy gets abusive and so I report him to security. Not appropriate for where there are kids.

Helping The Homeless Is Fun

We then get a heap of pastries and other food and load up the car. We drive around and hand food through the window to the homeless.

My son really enjoys this and it is fun at the same time as being caring. He says it fills his tummy up by being kind to others. We really do get the greatest buzz out of being kind and giving.

One of the great things about renting a car is the freedom that it gives us to detour and help others along the way.  This road trip from Las Vegas to Hollywood has given us that opportunity on several occasions.

Rodeo Drive

We go the longest way to Rodeo Drive – thanks to the GPS. Mind you it has been of great help.  I am a confident driver in the USA now – I wasn’t at the start.

Luxury Cars

Seems no-one is shopping in Rodeo Drive. I think you can see signs of the recession here. Though there are a lot of flash and fast cars.

Hollywood Sign

My son then wants to find the Hollywood sign and drive up. We have seen it from the lookout already. The GPS does a great job!  We go through many a windy street and up the hill. It is incredible and once again we are reminded we have hit Hollywood in style.  We get to the base where it is gated off.  We do a bit of a shonky park and take a walk. We are so happy we find this! It ends a great day.

We are heading back to our LA hosts and our trip from Las Vegas to Hollywood has been great. We have been so blessed to be able to stay there. We left a heap of our things at their house too.  My budget for the USA has had a beating, and so staying with a lovely host family is such a God-send. It is also lovely to be in a home. To feel relaxed and of course, my son is busting to see the kids again.

Questions and Comments

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