La La Land turned Los Angeles into more than just a backdrop; the hills, railways, jazz rooms, and oceanfront piers all became stages for ambition. As a Hollywood musical romance, it became a global phenomenon at the end of 2016. The film won six Academy Awards, and over 100 film awards, making it one of the most awarded films in 2016. La La Land’s success is based off the tension in the storyline, where Sebastian, a jazz pianist, and Mia, an aspiring actress, fall in love as they pursue careers which may ultimately tear them apart. The honesty in the film’s refusal to provide an easy ending is what makes La La Land’s romance resonate with so many.
Travelers wishing to enjoy the La La Land experience will want to begin in Griffith Park. Cathy’s Corner, a section of trail in the park, has one of the films most recognizable visual moments, and has been made a favored stop for fans wishing to enjoy La La Land’s dream of Los Angeles. The park section is also close to other city landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory.
For the most authentic La La Land cinematic experience, Griffith Observatory is the best filming location. The observatory’s planetarium is where Sebastian and Mia took their journey among the stars, but the real attraction is also just as compelling in that it is positioned high above the city and provides broad views of ordered streets, downtown towers, and the Hollywood sign and it is combined with astronomy exhibits. The open terraces ensure the best views at sunset and evening visitors can use the public viewing area for telescopes to view the moon and stars.
The Hollywood Sign can be found on the hillside of Griffith Park, which is hiker accessible. The Hollywood Sign was also built as a real estate advertisement for the business "HOLLYWOODLAND". In the 90's the sign was changed to just say Hollywood. The park has other attractions nearby such as the Los Angeles Zoo, Greek Theatre and the Griffith Observatory.
The movie La La Land also portrays Melrose Ave, a street of shopping and dining. During the film’s success, a La La Land-inspired wall became an attractive photo point there. Though the theme of that wall was changed, a version of it was supposed to be built in Sanlitun Orange Hall in Beijing from December 8, 2017, to January 1, 2018. But more importantly, Melrose has a lot more to offer than just a single mural. It's a great option for those who want to find themselves in boutique shops, galleries, vintage stores, and restaurants more than typical stores in a shopping mall.
You will want to focus on your expression while photographing your personal La La Land tribute and not perfection. Capture the fun dance positions of the characters and try to include some dance steps. Seeing a still photograph of you mid-movement or a moving photograph is way more exciting than a photo of you posing stiffly. The film's magic was not only in the location, but in the belief that any street corner could be a stage.
The Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach is a real-life jazz venue that has been in business since May 1949. They have hosted legends such as Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Art Blakey. In the film, this is the cafe where Mia and Sebastian start falling in love. This is a place where you can really feel the movie's love of jazz.
Hermosa Beach and its pier give that calm romance that is also present in the film. After leaving the Lighthouse, Sebastian walks on the pier and sings "City of Stars." It is a popular fishing and sunset watching spot, and is a great spot to just relax in the evening. The view from the restaurants in the area is great, and it makes a nice place to eat as the sun sets.
Another unforgettable site from the film was Angels Flight. Here, Mia and Sebastian share a kiss at the iconic Downtown Los Angeles funicular. Built in 1901, Angels Flight is the shortest railway in the world, coming in at 99 meters. It is also a registered historic site, with its signature black and yellow, wooden, vintage Los Angeles looking cars. Angels Flight was closed to the public in 2013 due to safety concerns, but the filmmakers were able to secure a one day filming permit, allowing them to capture one of the most romantic scenes in the movie at the location.
An ideal itinerary for La La Land would be more about the exploration of the multiple sides of Los Angeles than an attempt to check off boxes on a list. It would be a journey to the Griffith Observatory above the city, hiking to the Hollywood sign, shopping along Melrose, listening to jazz at Hermosa Beach, and riding the historic Angels Flight. The film teaches Los Angeles visitors that the city is at its best when its glamour and uncertainty, dreams and everyday streets are all experienced.
