Stephanie LauwThe American cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco have cemented themselves as unmissable places to visit when travelling along the West Coast. From the glitzy glamour of Hollywood to the architectural marvel that is the Golden Gate Bridge, these cities are brimming with exhilarating experiences of California Dreamin’.
Yet, why let your holiday end there? Make your dream vacation an even more memorable one by visiting the tropical island of Fiji! The untouched charm of the beach paradise presents a perfect juxtaposition against the hustle and bustle of the cosmopolitan USA cities. Tucked away in the South Pacific, the island thus makes an ideal stopover when travelling from Singapore to the West Coast of America.
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Fly to San Francisco or Los Angeles via Fiji with Fiji Airways! Adult return economy tickets start from only S$979, and are available for booking from now till 12 August 2019, with the travel period up until 10 May 2020.On top of this, Fiji Airways is offering a free 2-night stopover at Fiji! Enjoy accommodation at Tanoa International Hotel free-of-charge when you fly from Singapore to USA, from now till 22 December 2019!* Fly to USA via Fiji from S$979 *2 Night Free Stopover terms and conditions apply. |
We’ve compiled a list of the top things you can do to get the best out of your multi-destination experience in the United States and Fiji, here they are:
Los Angeles
As the largest city in California, Los Angeles offers an endless amount of exciting attractions. Here are a couple of places to add to your travel bucket list:
Hollywood
Image credit: Luijtenphotos
No doubt, Hollywood is one of the most popular attractions, to the point of virtually being synonymous with the City of Angels. Spanning 15 blocks is the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the names of more than 2,600 renowned stars are immortalised in star-shaped plaques on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard. For the film or music buffs, a simple stroll down the boulevard can be an almost surreal experience to spot the star of your favourite actors or musicians, and even some iconic fictional characters!
Image credit: Nathan DeFiesta
A trip to LA would not be complete if you missed a first-hand look at its landmark cultural icon. Yes, we’re talking about the enormous Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee overlooking the entire star-studded district. Those nine capital letters symbolises the success of the multimedia entertainment industry, from its early beginnings in silent cinema to the roaring international acclaim it has achieved today. The Hollywood Sign can be seen from many different locations, taking an easy hike in Griffith Park proves one of the best ways to get a picturesque view of it.
Santa Monica
Image credit: Kay Röllig
The Santa Monica region is an urban beachside retreat on the westside of Downtown Los Angeles. Visit the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk, an old-fashioned amusement park teeming with street performers, rides, and bars. There, you’ll also see the iconic ferris wheel that represents Santa Monica on postcards everywhere. Between the carnivalesque atmosphere and the gorgeous sunset, a trip out will definitely not disappoint!
Disneyland
Of course, Disneyland needs no introduction. The “Happiest Place on Earth” is a top attraction for both tourists and locals of all ages! A trip to the park is a step into a whimsical paradise, sending you on a nostalgic trip to immerse in your beloved childhood shows as they come to life before your very eyes. The park in Anaheim has an added historical significance as it is the original Disneyland theme park, opening its gates more than half a century ago in July 1955.
While experiencing the perennial favourite things to do common to all Disneyland parks and resorts — such as the character meet-and-greets and the many amusement park rides available — the park in Anaheim, Los Angeles has recently opened a new themed area, Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, just earlier this year in May! This certainly will be an invigorating experiences for fans of the epic space franchise.
Grand Central Market
Image credit: Ray_LAC
As LA’s largest and oldest public market, the Grand Central Market is a one-stop shop for all things gastronomical. Located in the Homer Laughlin Building in Downtown LA, the food arcade brings together a wide array of cuisines from all over the world, on top of the local delicacies that its homely tenants offer. If you’re looking for a place to tantalise your taste buds, the Grand Central Market is the place to visit!
San Francisco
There’s no shortage of activities in San Francisco! The centrepiece of the Bay Area is one of the most visited cities in the world with its scenic beauty and unique attractions. Here are some must-sees for your next SF trip!
Golden Gate Bridge
Image credit: Joonyeop Baek
The stunning fog-veiled suspension bridge joining the San Francisco Bay and Marin County is an unparalleled sight integrating the architectural wonder with the calming bay waters surrounding it. The historic Golden Gate Bridge is the most internationally recognisable symbol of San Francisco and has served as the backdrop for countless blockbuster action films.
Head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point for the ultimate vantage point overlooking the area, or walk across the bridge itself to fully appreciate the magnitude of it. The neighbourhood around the bridge is also a popular upscale fashion district for your shopping needs.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Image credit: Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a waterfront precinct in the northern areas of San Francisco. Known for its restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood and the community of sea lions at Pier 39, it is an ideal place to visit for a relatively quaint time away from the buzz of the city centre. Moreover, the drive up to Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most scenic journeys that makes visiting this destination even more worth it.
Alcatraz Island
Image credit: Big Bus Tours
After exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, get on a cruise and continue your adventure on Alcatraz Island! The infamous prison which once housed America’s most wanted and cold-blooded criminals has been the subject of countless invigorating urban stories telling of its inmates and attempts of escape through the choppy waters surrounding Alcatraz.
Today, the prison has been abandoned but converted into a museum which displays artefacts from its notorious past. Nonetheless, it still possesses an eeriness for visitors to experience shrouding you in a sense of spine-chilling mystery, that is, no doubt, a product of its dark past.
Union Square
Image credit: Visit Union Square
Image credit: David Phan
Union Square is the epicentre of arts and culture of San Francisco. With museums, art galleries, and gigantic shopping malls lining the streets, it is the number one place to go in Downtown SF to experience the bustling urban culture and exciting entertainment scene in the city. Union Square is also home to San Francisco’s theatre district, featuring many Broadway and Off-Broadway shows for a wonderfully musical experience.
Fiji
A stark contrast to the concrete jungle of America’s big West Coast cities, Fiji is a travel destination that is growing in popularity. The South Pacific island nation experiences summer all year round, making it a delightful tropical paradise with its relatively untouched natural sceneries.
Mamanuca Islands
Image credit: South Sea Cruises
The Mamanuca Islands is one of the main island clusters out of the 300+ islands that make up Fiji. With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and crystal clear waters, it really forms the perfect image of an island oasis! The Mamanuca Islands are best for snorkeling and other water activities at its secluded beaches, and for those who fancy an adventurous trek to discover volcanic crevices in its tropical jungles.
Cloud9
Image credit: Cloud9
Rightly branded as “Fiji’s Floating Paradise”, Cloud9 is a two-level floating platform in the waters of Vanua Malolo on the Ro Ro Reef. The cocktail bar-cum-Italian wood-fired pizzeria is completely surrounded by dazzling blue waters, perfect for a mindful break from the high-key city life. After a long day of vacationing, it is only appropriate to treat yourself to this luxurious sanctum to top off your Fiji island experience.
Read more: Travel Guide to the ‘Home of Happiness’: What Can You Do in Fiji Under 6, 12, 24 and 48 Hours?
With such a wide spectrum of things to do ranging from extravagant big city attractions to the relaxing charm of a beach hideaway, why limit your vacation to only one or the other?
| Enjoy the best of both worlds by flying to USA via Fiji with Fiji Airways! It’s really two trips in one — covering the exciting glamour of Western America and the equally impressive island paradise of Fiji.
Moreover, you get a free two-night stopover at the Tanoa International Hotel in Fiji for any Fiji Airways return flight to Los Angeles or San Francisco at non-promotional fares*. Included in the stopover? Free return airport transfers, and the option to upgrade to a First Class partner resort at special rates! Book your flight and start planning your trip of a lifetime! Fly to USA via Fiji from S$979 *2 Night Free Stopover terms and conditions apply. |
Read more: [Deals] Make USA, NZ or Fiji Your Next Trip! Flights from S$655, FREE Hotel Stay & More!
Brought to you by Fiji Airways.
