Hidden Hot Spots in Watts.

In South Central, there is a landmark that is a symbol of Los Angeles.

This is called "Watts Tower". 

An Italian guy, Simon Rodia, made these towers all by himself in 33 years.

I felt a very strong passion the first time I saw this and I came back for a tour. I was very glad to see the inside of the tower and excited to find out why he made this.

"Watts Tower"

1727 East 107th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90002
(213) 847-4646

http://www.wattstowers.us

He used only recycled junk such as dishes, pipes, tile and glass with no special equipment.

There are many hearts you can find and he used many cute colors such as pink, yellow and peppermint green.

This tower is actually in the shape of something... 

When you stand at this point you become the captain of a ship to Italy.

*You must join their tour to see inside of the tower. Please make sure of the tour schedule with this site. http://www.wattstowers.us

Hidden hot spots in Long Beach

Here is one of the largest ports in the world.

 Many people are attracted to Long Beach everyday.

I would like to share some of the hidden hot spots here.

This is my favorite little museum.

 

"Long Beach Museum of Art" is right in front of the pacific ocean and overlooks the Long Beach Harbor.

Every thursday and friday evening it is free admission to the public.

"Long Beach Museum of Art"

2300 E. Ocean  Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)439-2119

http://www.lbma.org

There is a cute restaurant at the museum that is in the Historic Anderson House with an amazing ocean view patio.

"Claire's at the museum"

2300 E. Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)439-2119

http://www.lbma.org/cafe.html

Long Beach has many famous restaurants. Among them let me suggest "La Creperie Cafe" in Belmont Shore.

Belmont Shore is a fashion and gourmet area around 2nd street. It is fun to check out the Long Beach style from an open cafe.

La Creperie Cafe is one of the cutest French restaurants and serves yummy crepes.

"La Creperie Cafe"

4911 E. 2nd Street

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)434-8499

http://www.lacreperiecafe.net

Another fashionable area in Long Beach is "Retro Row" which is around 4th street. This is where you can find Long Beach vintage fashion.

During the shopping you must try the famous hand cut steak fries at the Pike.

"The Pike Bar & Fish Grill"

1836 E. 4th St

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562)437-4453

http://www.pikelongbeach.com

I was looking for the power spot to feel a perfect evening.

The lighthouse seems to be the spot especially when you realize you can be on the island.

The entrance was right behind the aquarium, I've been having the aquarium membership for years but I've never realized there is the most gorgeous park behind there with free parking.

From here you can see Long Beach Harbor for 360 degrees.

"Shoreline Aquatic Park"

Aquarium Way

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562)570-3100

http://www.longbeach.gov/park/parks_and_open_spaces/parks/shoreline_aquatic_park.asp

One of the highlights of the view is the Queen Mary. This is the best spot to see the ship from the other side.

The Queen Mary became a hotel, restaurants and a museum now.

"The Queen Mary"

1126 Queens Highway

Long Beach, CA 90802

(877)342-0742

http://www.queenmary.com

If you want to see the whole city of Long Beach, this is the spot.

Hilltop park is another local power spot to get great energy. 

"Hilltop Park"

2351 Dawson Ave

Signal Hill, CA 90755

(562)989-7330

http://www.cityofsignalhill.org/Facilities.aspx?Page=detail&RID=3

Hidden hot spots in Downey

Downey is the place where many parts of the Apollo Space Program began.  

The Space Shuttle and its systems were born here..

At  "Columbia Memorial Space Center" you can experience the elements of space such as driving the space shuttle, wearing space suits, and checking out the rocket system. You can also experience gravity on the moon.

They renewed the center in 2009 so it is a very clean place and all the staff were very helpful. Besides the admission is only $5, it is worth to see it!"Columbia Memorial Space Center"

12400 Columbia Way

Downey, CA 90242

(562)231-1200

http://www.columbiaspacescience.org/

San Fernando Valley's most popular bakery "Porto's" finally opened in the south of Los Angeles!

"Porto's Bakery and Cafe"
8233 Firestone Blvd
Downey, CA 90241
(562)582-8888
http://www.portosbakery.com

I had a "Caprese" (prosciutto, Mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and carpers)  and it was very juicy on crispy cuban bread. I promised myself to come back very soon.

May is the season of Jacaranda blooming all over Southern California. Downey has some of the most gorgeous spots for sure.

front of "Rancho Los Amigos Rehab"

Adwen Steet

All of Los Angeles will become a Jacaranda Purple paradise from May to June.