By on April 20th, 2016
Hidden Gems to Share with an International Student in East Los Angeles
Say the words “Los Angeles”, and you instantly paint a picture in anyone’s mind of Hollywood glitz and nightclub glamour. As an international student’s host during their time studying here, you might find yourself dispelling that notion more than once. As you know, there is far more to Los Angeles than celebrities and traffic.
USH encourages you to plan family outings that include your international guest, to introduce them to the culture and events that they won’t see at school. Here are some great hidden gems to add to your Must See list when considering where you want to take your international guest.
Pacific Dining Car
Since 1921, this unique restaurant has been offering white-glove dinners to patrons. These days they serve a full 24 hours, but it’s their late night service from 11PM to 6AM that is truly something special. If you’ve never had the chance to go to a late-night dinner service at the Pacific Dining Car, you are missing out. The interesting late night atmosphere combined with their extravagant menu of perfectly cooked steak and fish make this a hidden gem to remember after an evening of theater shows or shopping.
Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve
This area is caught between two beaches, and the natural rock formations created a cove that is host to hundreds of tiny marine wildlife specimens. When the tide is low, you can explore the cove, and see abalone, urchins, starfish, and many other interesting types of wildlife. The Reserve does charge a small fee, but wandering the black sands of the nutrient-rich beach is more than worth the drive and the entrance fee. There are also trails and hiking nearby.
The Collette Miller Angel Wings
If you’re up for a bit of a scavenger hunt, this could be one of the most special things to do with your international guest. Artist Collette Miller painted angel wings in many places around the city. You’ll know them by the iconic white, pink, blue, and purple color scheme that is impossible to mistake. They cover the walls of Los Angeles in the most unexpected of places, and finding them is half the fun. As you travel around photographing the many wings (which locals love to pose in front of to “be an angel”), you and your guest will have plenty of time to converse and to see other sights along the way.
The Connemara Ranch
Horseback riding is often not as popular in the majority of the world the way it is in English speaking nations. In America, we love horses, and you’ve probably been riding once or twice in your life. If your international guest has never been, and wants to give it a try, the Connemara Ranch is a great little gem to check out.
Their horses are trained therapeutic animals and retired movie stars, so they are gentle and docile, ready for beginners. A guide will walk you through all the steps, and take you on a horseback tour for a fun family event.
No matter what aspect of Los Angeles you choose to highlight, be it the access to amazing natural sights, or the modern art culture, you are sure to find new places to love yourself as you are giving your guest the tour. The best plan of action is to show off your favorite places, and to keep in mind that these outings are meant to be both educational and a way to connect. It’s best if you find an activity or sight that gives you plenty of time to converse and interact along the way.