Places in L.A. Where I’ve Cried: A Tour
I want to preface this by saying I don’t consider myself to be a sad person. But I am an emotional one. I’ve been known to cry within seconds of seeing any video with a pug in it, and it’s only been three days since I last cried, so yes, I am what you call a “feeler”. Living in a city where it can take an hour to travel eight miles has only contributed to my emotions and has actually led me to cry in some of the most iconic tourist destinations that L.A. has to offer. I’ve also happy-cried in some places, but only a sad-crying tour will take you to the best places in L.A. So I took those tears on tour and created a list for those of you who are planning their next visit to L.A. or their next breakdown.
1. The Hollywood Sign
A classic. The symbol of the entertainment industry. The view from the laser hair removal office that I frequent. The Hollywood sign.
This is a must on any L.A. visit. This moderate hike is a great spot to soak up a smoggy view of the city, while getting in those steps in an un-walkable city. Be sure to get there early so you can beat the heat and traffic. It will also allow yourself time to miss your exit. Otherwise, you’ll end up like me and get in your first ever car accident. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure everyone is alright and exchange insurances before continuing on to your destination. I mean, you made it this far. You might as well go on a hike. Besides, nothing says “L.A. clique” like crying as you hike up to the Hollywood sign.
Parking is tight, but there are some street parking options a few blocks away from the trailhead. It’s the perfect place to have a good cry if you prefer to cry before you hike instead of during. If you’re like me, you choose both!
2. Fox Studios
You’re in L.A. — go take a tour of a film studio! See the sets of legendary Hollywood shows like The Masked Singer and Season 1 (not 2) of Lego Masters.
Century City can be quite the haul depending on where you are coming from, so make sure to buffer enough time for traffic — an extra thirty minutes at least. My last, and only visit, to the Fox Lot I forgot this tip and ended up being over half an hour late to an important meeting. If being late stresses you out or if you’re a recent grad who just moved apartments and feels like life is spinning out of your control and are looking for a place to cry, the parking structures should be the first place you check out!
They are away from the hustle and bustle of the city and allow some solace to let those tears out. Take a look at the Simpsons poster nearby and know that Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart, and Maggie are all rooting for you even when it seems that no one else is. If they can keep going with thirty-four seasons, so can you.
3. Westfield Century City Mall
Once you’ve seen the stars, how about a trip to the mall! This place has it all from Eataly to Din Tai Fung. If you’re more interested in shopping than eating, they’ve got you covered. They have plenty of places to shop like Free People — my first job out of college.
You may not expect it, but this boho shop with expensive clothes designed to look inexpensive is a great place to cry. Maybe it’s the two-hundred dollar plaid smock dresses or the bralettes mixing with the dust on the ground, but there’s something about this place that makes you want to cry.
If you ask nicely, you can go into the concrete backroom to snivel and whimper to your heart’s content. Whether you’re crying that a woman yelled at you for ringing her up wrong or receiving rejection emails from other jobs you are applying to, this store can act as a safe space for you. Once you’ve emptied your tear ducts, join the locals over at Pressed Juicery for their plant-based soft-serve for a pick-me-up treat!
*Extra Tip: The Apple Stores at The Beverly Center and The Grove also are great shopping/crying destinations. I have shed many a tear in both locations due to some frustrating computer problems*
4. Walt Disney Studios
Now that you’re done shopping and have a bite to eat, head back to those stars! You’re in LA, and you need to see the Mouse Man himself. This destination is a bit exclusive since tours are only open to D23 members, but if you get the opportunity to visit it will be the highlight of your trip.
Soak in all of the historic decisions made here like the live-action Lion King and releasing a Pinocchio movie in the same year as three other Pinocchio movies. After that, go and take a selfie with the Mickey Mouse statue and see if your hands are small enough to fit in Elton’s John’s Disney Legend plaque.
If you face the main building, the one where Dopey and Bob Chapek inhabit you may be tempted to take photos in front of the Seven Dwarves. However, if you truly want the L.A. experience, just off to the left of it near the cafeteria, is the courtyard where I cried as an assistant after I messed up an important pitch meeting. The spot has great reception, so you too can make a call to your dad, crying about how you fear that you’ll never work in the entertainment industry again. It’s just secluded enough to give you some privacy but open enough that you still feel a part of the Disney magic.
_______
We have concluded our tour and what have we learned? Traffic in L.A. can cause breakdowns. Public spaces equate to crying places. You cry a lot in your early twenties. All good lessons. For me, it’s good to reflect on where we’ve cried and why. I’d like to think that if put in these situations I may feel the same but react differently. It’s nice to reflect on how much you’ve grown since you cried there and to hope that the places that you’ve recently cried will eventually feel the same. Where shall I cry next?
