Imagine stepping into a sun-soaked paradise where the glitz of Hollywood meets the vibrant energy of eclectic neighbourhoods. Los Angeles is a city of dreams and endless possibilities, from the iconic palm trees lining the streets to the sparkling beaches that kiss the Pacific Ocean.
I leverage Qantas Points to enjoy an unforgettable journey, flying American Airlines Premium Economy from Sydney to Los Angeles and indulging in Business Class on my return.
Read on for my favourite experiences in LA, from thrilling theme parks to serene hikes, tasty culinary finds, breathtaking sunsets, and the city’s many free museums and experiences.
How to plan LA with points
In total, I pay 189,700 Qantas Points + A$434 for flights that start from around $7,750 return. If you’re counting, that’s roughly 3.86 cents per point of value, which is quite good for a flight redemption. It’s one I would happily make again.
Finding reward seats between Australia and Los Angeles isn’t always easy, so be sure to be flexible with your travel dates. You may also have luck booking on Qantas, as the carrier sometimes does a big ‘batch release’ of seats on the Los Angeles route, where you’ll find plenty of availability over a few months.
American Airlines and Qantas flights cost the same in points (but fees and taxes will vary).
Don’t forget to earn on the hotel
Accommodation in Los Angeles isn’t exactly cheap. But as we’ve saved a lot on the fare, there’s a lot more budget to play with. For a boutique experience, I book Le Parc at Melrose, located in the trendy West Hollywood area. It’s pricey but comparable to surrounding hotels. The main difference: every room is a massive suite – perfect for families.
If your travel plans line up with a future triple points offer from Qantas Hotels, definitely consider it. The stay earns me more than 25,000 Qantas Points (nine points per dollar under the promo), which is essentially a 13% return on the points I paid to fly to LA and back.
Flying to the City of Angels
The excitement begins at Sydney Airport as I check in for my American Airlines flight. Premium Economy ensures my journey is more comfortable and relaxing. A bit more space around the knees and shoulders? Check. Some fancier food on proper tableware? Of course. It’s not a bad way to fly.
As I descend the escalator at LAX, passing under the iconic sign welcoming me to the United States, it hits me. I’m finally here to begin my Californian summer adventure.
From magical moments to ultimate thrills
What better highlight is there than the ‘happiest place on earth’? Disneyland is a wonderland of nostalgia and spectacle. As we wander the park, I feel like a kid again, indulging in classic rides and mind-boggling new ones, such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Disney’s Imagineers have pulled out all the stops on this futuristic experience. You’ll feel like you’re right in the heart of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order! It’s worth getting there early for this ride.
The day culminates in the breathtaking water and light show, Fantasmic! Thanks to the reserved viewing area that comes with our lunch package, we enjoy a clear view of the action as a sleeping Mickey dreams up a vibrant battle of heroes against villains. This is not a show to miss.
Also on my list is Six Flags Magic Mountain, where adrenaline junkies thrive. I brave the park’s legendary roller coasters, including the iconic Twisted Colossus and X2 which flips me in more ways than I think is possible. The rush of wind and screams of delight create an exhilarating atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
An epic ride through Hollywood
I’ve never experienced the feeling of being on a rollercoaster outside of a theme park… until the Hollywood Ferrari experience. The surge of driving such a powerful car through the idyllic Hollywood Hills, with the sun slowly setting and the city sprawling below me, is an adrenaline rush like no other.
As I navigate the winding roads, I can’t help but feel like I’m part of a movie. Or, perhaps closer to home, Nestor’s scenes from the Qantas 2024 Safety Video.
Cultural Gems: Getty, The Broad, LACMA & Beyond
Amid the excitement of theme parks, I also dive into LA’s rich cultural scene. Pleasingly, all of these attractions are free to visit, though most require online bookings. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
My first stop is The Getty Centre, perched high on a hill with stunning views of the city. The museum’s collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts captivates me. The architecture of the museum itself is a masterpiece. Strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens adds to the serene experience.
Next, I head to The Broad, a contemporary art museum renowned for its impressive collection, including works by Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama. I’m blown away by the striking installations, especially the Infinity Mirrored Room, which transports me into a world of reflection and colour.
Experiencing LACMA at night is a magical journey through art and illumination. As the sun sets, the museum transforms, with its iconic Urban Light installation glowing brightly against the darkening sky. Once your day’s adventures are done, a walk through Urban Light is sure to be a reset.
A Taste of Authentic LA
No trip to Los Angeles is complete without diving into its diverse culinary scene. One of my best meals is also quite an accidental one – we stumble across street tacos at Tacos el Chido, complete with genuine Mexican Coca-Cola. You know it’s good when the guacamole is in a large tub and all the sauces pack a punch.
I also make a pilgrimage to In-N-Out Burger, where I order the famous Double-Double (animal style, of course) and a Neapolitan milkshake. It’s great value, even by Australian standards, and lives up to its reputation as a quintessential, no-fuss LA feed.
The Original Farmer’s Market is worth a visit, where I sample everything from pastrami sandwiches at Phil’s Deli and Grill to decadent doughnuts. Yes, my highlights aren’t exactly a balanced diet, but it’s not every day that we’re in LA.
Santa Monica: Sun, Surf, and Serenity
One of my favourite mornings is spent riding an electric bike along the scenic Santa Monica beachfront. The sun glistens on the ocean as people skate past, play beach volleyball or relax. Don’t miss the iconic Santa Monica Pier, especially at night as the arcades within Pacific Park light up amidst the gleeful crowd.
Morning Hikes, Sunset Vistas and City Views
Early mornings and late evenings in LA are magical. I lace up my runners and head to Runyon Canyon, where soaring views of the city await, even from just a mid-climb viewpoint. I take a moment to appreciate the panoramic view of downtown Los Angeles, framed by the distant mountains.
Set aside one evening to visit Griffiths Observatory. But get there early as there’s sure to be congestion closer to sunset. The dusk views from the observatory are simply stunning. As the sun sinks below the horizon, it fills the sky with vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple, casting a warm glow over Los Angeles.
Even once the sun vanishes behind the mountains, there’s still lots to explore here. Take up stargazing through one of the telescopes or enjoy a paid show in the planetarium, hosted by an engaging storyteller.
Lights, Camera: Explore LA’s TV and Movie Scene
We all know Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood: home to big-budget movies and acclaimed TV shows. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of filmmaking, with special highlights for fans of iconic shows like Friends and Gilmore Girls. One of the best feelings on the tour is when you step onto a familiar set and feel the energy of the show that once was filmed here.
If the stars align, take the time to experience TV magic first-hand. I snag free tickets to a live taping of an America’s Got Talent finals. The energy in the studio is electric as the warm-up artist gets everyone on their feet and we witness what a feat it is to produce a two-hour live-to-air show. Next time, I want to catch a pre-record of Jeopardy! as well.
Heading Home in Style
As my adventure comes to a close, I reflect on the myriad of experiences I’ve had in Los Angeles. My return flight is in American Airlines Business Class and the 14 hours zooms by with a hearty three-course dinner and a proper snooze on the lie-flat bed. Trans-Pacific travel doesn’t get much better than that.
I don’t mind mixing cabin classes to save points, but I always like to return home in Business Class to finish on a high note! For 108,400 Qantas Points + fees and taxes, flying from Los Angeles to Sydney in lie-flat comfort is well worth it.
Qantas Points are the key to unlocking this experience, although you can also use other partner airline programs you may have miles in, such as Cathay.
Whether you need to top up your points balance or want to get started, there are lots of other ways to earn Qantas Points from your everyday spending – you don’t even need to fly! A credit card that earns frequent flyer points – especially one with a generous sign-up bonus – can have you dreaming of Los Angeles sooner.
I’m already planning my next escape to the City of Angels – who knows what magic awaits?
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Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled at Point Hacks’ expense.
