# Vegas, Death Valley & LA – USA Road Trip 2019 Finale

- Link: https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/north-america/united-states-vegas-nab-show-2019-and-angel-city/
- Published: 2024-12-11T16:29:45+01:00
- Author: Filip Chochół

Ten wpis jest również dostępny w języku:  [⌊Switch to Polski⌉Polski](https://warsawtravelers.pl/ameryka-polnocna/stany-zjednoczone-targi-nab-2019-i-miasto-aniolow/)

 Table of contents

## Hello! 👋

This is the third and final part of my journey across the United States in 2019.
This time, I’ll take you on a trip to the NAB 2019 show, which was the main purpose
of my visit – but not the only highlight! In this section, I’ll share our route 
through Death Valley, our stay in [Las Vegas](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=17072),
and the grand finale in Los Angeles, where we visited the famous Warner Bros Studio.

Returning to this 2019 retrospective, we pick up in Bakersfield, where I left off
in the previous entry. Traveling through new regions and exploring places I hadn’t
seen before, this leg of the trip was filled with contrasts – from desert landscapes
to Hollywood glamour.

If you missed the previous parts, be sure to [check out the post about New York](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/north-america/united-states-new-york-2019-the-city-that-never-sleeps/)
🗽 and [the second part about California](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/north-america/united-states-california-2019-technology-and-stunning-landscapes/)
🌉. Both are full of interesting places and memories!

I invite you to continue reading and discovering the USA together! 🚗

 [ ⌊California road lined with tall palm trees and hills under a blue sky with clouds⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Walmart Neighborhood Market storefront in California, USA with shoppers walking outside on a sunny day⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-california-article-photos-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## The sequel to our trip to Las Vegas

This time, our stay in [Bakersfield](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=14094)
was at the [Super 8 by Wyndham Bakersfield/Central](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&hid=2459163).
To be honest, it was a fairly average motel. Compared to the Days Inn & Suites we
stayed at earlier, this one fell short, especially in terms of cleanliness. Well,
what can you expect for a price of 217 PLN per night? Still, at this point, we were
primarily looking for a roof over our heads, so we couldn’t complain too much.

Breakfast? Fully continental in every sense of the word – toast, bargain-bin jam,
and maybe some coffee. It was far from a feast, but it was just enough to fuel us
for the road ahead.

We set off early in the morning, ready for the next stage – Death Valley awaited
us with all its peculiar beauty and unique atmosphere. 🚗🌵

### Death Valley

As we set off towards Death Valley, we knew we were heading into a completely different
world – a stark, desert landscape and one of the most extreme places on Earth. But
before we arrived, we had to make sure we were well-prepared.

First and foremost – no cell signal. In this region, only basic 2G coverage is available,
used exclusively for emergency purposes. If something goes wrong, your phone might
connect to the appropriate services, but forget about browsing the internet or calling
friends. That’s why it’s essential to check your map beforehand and, ideally, download
it offline before entering Death Valley.

👉 _You can read more about Death Valley [on the official site](https://www.nps.gov/index.htm)._

#### (Un)smart fuel decision

The most important tip: **fill up your car before entering the park**. Even if you
think half a tank is enough, don’t take the risk. Before entering Death Valley, 
we made the classic mistake that, as we later realized, could have cost us dearly.
We stopped at a gas station just before the park and… only filled the tank halfway.
Why? Because the fuel was expensive, and we thought, “It’ll definitely be enough.”

Don’t overthink this – we quickly realized within a few hours that it wasn’t the
smartest decision. It seemed like half a tank would be plenty, but Death Valley 
is the kind of place that can swiftly challenge such assumptions.

But how this little adventure ended, I’ll tell you in just a moment… 😅

 [ ⌊White car driving on a desert road in Death Valley, USA under a clear blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

#### Road 190 near Keeler

Near the small town of Keeler, just off Route 190 leading to Death Valley, the real
adventure began. This was where the landscape started to transform into something
almost indescribable. Around us stretched vast, flat expanses of land covered in
a blanket of white salt – the remnants of Owens Lake, which was once brimming with
water but now resembles a desert graveyard.

This place radiates tranquility, but it also stirs a sense of unease. The eerie 
silence, absence of trees, and lack of any signs of life make you feel as though
you’ve landed on another planet. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise, creating
a stark contrast against the white, almost desert-like landscape. It’s as if nature
decided to showcase its extremes in one grand gallery – and it did so flawlessly.

 [ ⌊Death Valley, USA: dry salt flats with a winding shallow stream and distant snowy mountains⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Death Valley desert landscape with a small stream winding through dry grass and rocky ground under a blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Still water in a desert landscape at Death Valley, USA under a blue sky with distant mountains⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊A quiet road in Death Valley, USA, stretching toward low mountains under a cloudy blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

#### Rainbow Canyon

Driving along Route 190 through Death Valley National Park was a true feast for 
the eyes. Along the way, we passed breathtaking views, including the area of Rainbow
Canyon, also known as “Star Wars Canyon,” famous for its distinctive landscape and
its popularity among military aviation enthusiasts. The deep gorges, with their 
striking palette of colors ranging from reds to grays and sandy hues, were utterly
captivating.

As we climbed higher and higher, the road began to twist and turn like a serpent,
with each curve unveiling a fresh, mesmerizing landscape. We were captivated by 
the stark contrast between the arid, desert terrain and the rocky, multicolored 
walls of the canyon. The views felt straight out of a science fiction movie, yet
here they were, within reach – breathtaking and majestic.

 [ ⌊Death Valley canyon landscape with rugged rocky slopes under a blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Death Valley landscape with winding roads through arid hills under a cloudy blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-article-cover-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Man standing in Death Valley, USA, overlooking desert mountains and winding roads in bright sunlight⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Scenic view of Death Valley, USA, with rugged mountains and a blue sky stretching across the desert landscape⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-008-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

#### Badwater Basin

This is one of the most iconic spots in Death Valley and also the lowest point in
North America, sitting 85.5 meters below sea level. It’s an immense, white salt 
flat that resembles the surface of another planet. Walking across its crystalline,
cracked salt formations is an extraordinary experience – especially with the rugged
mountain slopes surrounding it, creating a breathtaking contrast.

Temperatures in this area are extreme, especially during the summer, when it can
become one of the hottest places on Earth. Still, the view of this desert landscape
is absolutely unique and worth experiencing, regardless of the season. As you walk
across the vast, endless expanse, you get the feeling that time stands still here–
with only the silence and the boundless horizon keeping you company.

 [ ⌊White RV camper parked on a road in Death Valley, USA, beside desert mountains under a blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Badwater Basin sign in Death Valley, with sunset mountains and salt flats behind it⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Death Valley, USA: hikers walk along a paved path with dramatic rocky canyon walls in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-death-valley-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

#### We started to run out of fuel….

Well, we had reached one of those moments in a trip that make for a great story 
later but cause nothing but stress while they’re happening. We were running low 
on fuel, and the next gas station beyond Death Valley was still a long way off. 
We hadn’t calculated things too well—why fill up the tank when “it should be enough,”
right? Well, it wasn’t. The sun was setting quickly, and a creeping sense of panic
started to set in.

In a moment of sheer panic, we turned off everything we possibly could—air conditioning,
radio—every bit of fuel mattered. Finally, we arrived at the gas station in Shoshone,
but of course, fate wasn’t done toying with us yet. The station was closed. The 
pumps were operational, but there was no staff on-site. The only payment option?
Credit card. Perfect—except not a single one of our eight cards worked. Not one!
The next station? Pahrump, 27 miles away.

#### Maybe it’ll work?

We had no choice—risk it or stay stranded. We pushed forward, driving as efficiently
as possible, holding our breath with every mile, and hoping the fuel would last.
The stress was through the roof, compounded by the fact that we were still in a 
complete dead zone—no network coverage, not even for emergency calls. It was literally:
dark everywhere, silence everywhere.

When we finally crossed the Nevada state line and spotted the first lights of a 
small town—and cheap gas right next to it—it felt like a miracle. Our card finally
worked, and we were so relieved that we almost wanted to hug the gas pump out of
gratitude. It was like an oasis appearing in the desert and darkness. We filled 
the tank to the brim and headed straight to the inn. Phew!

 [ ⌊USA, Las Vegas article photo at night: the “FRESH” Pepsi-Cola sign on a hotel building with colorful lights and a Ferris wheel.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-las-vegas-020-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Las Vegas night skyline with the Bellagio in the center, palm-lined avenues and traffic lights glowing⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-las-vegas-021-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Las Vegas

We made it! After parking the car and dropping off our luggage at the inn, we decided
to hit the town for the evening. [Las Vegas](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=17072)
at night is an entirely different world – the lights, the sounds, and the constant
motion make it nearly impossible to look away. For my friend, who was visiting [Vegas](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=17072)
for the first time, the reactions were priceless – wide eyes and endless “wow!” 
moments. I, on the other hand, had already been here a year earlier, so the novelty
had worn off a bit for me. Vegas is Vegas – nothing really changes. The lights still
dazzle, and the city buzzes with energy 24/7. 😄

### Accommodation

During our stay in Las Vegas, we stayed at the **La Quinta Inn ** on Tropicana Avenue.
The cost for three nights, from April 6 to April 9, 2019, was 1617 PLN for two people,
including breakfast – a pretty decent deal for Vegas. The inn was conveniently located
near the famous Strip but far enough to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. The walk
to the Strip was actually a welcome activity – a perfect way to burn off all those
calories we indulged in while eating out. 😄

As for the accommodation itself – the room was fine, clean, and comfortable. Nothing
extraordinary, but it served its purpose. Looking back, I noticed that current reviews
on Google for this place aren’t too encouraging, but I can only speak about my experience
at the time – and back then, it was acceptable. The breakfasts were modest, typical
continental style, but having parking included in the price was a significant plus.
In Vegas, where parking can cost a fortune, this was a really appreciated convenience.

 [ ⌊Las Vegas hotel building at night with palm trees, parked cars, and glowing green signage above the entrance⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-las-vegas-022-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## NAB Show 2019 in Las Vegas

The next day in Las Vegas was entirely dedicated to exploring the **NAB Show**. 
These are some of the largest global trade fairs for the media, entertainment, and
technology industries. NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) is an annual event
that attracts tens of thousands of professionals from the industry – from equipment
manufacturers to TV and radio broadcasters, and even digital and film content creators.

It’s a place where you can see the latest technologies and innovations in areas 
such as live broadcasting, video production, post-production, special effects, VR/
AR, and more. In 2019, the main themes included the advancement of high-resolution
technologies, the rapid growth of online streaming, and cutting-edge solutions in
cloud computing, which were starting to play a significant role in media production.

 [ ⌊White “Agileon” helicopter in a Las Vegas NAB exhibition hall with “SHOT OVER” signage and a video display behind it⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-las-vegas-023-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊USA, Las Vegas NAB Article photo: broadcast equipment rack with monitors and signal test screens in Las Vegas.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-las-vegas-024-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Man in a red plaid shirt stands in a trade show booth with professional cameras at Las Vegas NAB in the USA⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-las-vegas-025-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

An interesting aspect of the NAB Show was the significant presence of exhibitors
from China. In 2019, many of them were just beginning their journey on the global
market, but it was already evident that they had immense potential. Today, many 
of these manufacturers have grown into serious competitors for the industry’s biggest
players, offering technologically advanced products at far more competitive prices.

 [ ⌊Fujifilm Fujinon camera lenses display at USA’s Las Vegas NAB event exhibition booth⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-las-vegas-026-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Las Vegas NAB Article photo of a professional video recorder control panel with Blackmagic HyperDeck and Sony decks⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-las-vegas-027-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Los Angeles

After a short stay in [Las Vegas](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=17072),
we hit the road towards [Los Angeles](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=12772),
making a quick stop at the Hoover Dam along the way. The site left a huge impression
on my friend, who was seeing it for the first time. As for me? Well, I had already
visited the dam before, but its scale and sheer monumentality never fail to amaze.

During our journey to Los Angeles, we encountered something entirely unexpected—
a sandstorm. Imagine the sky suddenly turning a yellow-orange hue and visibility
dropping dramatically. I had never experienced anything like it before, and I have
to admit, it was quite a surreal experience.

Another interesting stop along the way was a gas station that seemed to have an 
endless number of pumps. Honestly, I had never seen such a sprawling refueling station
before—it felt like a small symbol of the road trip culture in America.

As for Los Angeles, we decided to go with a spontaneous approach. We didn’t have
a detailed itinerary or a packed schedule. Our goal was simply to soak in the city’s
vibe and explore whatever caught our interest in the moment. Traveling without pressure
like this is such a refreshing way to discover new places! 😊

 [ ⌊Road scene in California, USA from inside a car through a windshield on a foggy day⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-california-article-photo-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊United States flag flying at a California gas station with fuel pumps and parking bays⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/switzerland-023-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### Accommodation

This time, we booked our accommodation through Airbnb – my first experience with
the platform, and unfortunately, it wasn’t a great one. The apartment was located
in Koreatown, near Wilshire Boulevard, but the standards were disappointing from
the start. The place was quite dirty, and honestly, I was hesitant to touch anything.
On top of that, the host was incredibly intrusive in her communication – constantly
messaging us, which quickly became frustrating. As someone who isn’t particularly
outgoing with strangers, I found this exhausting. And no, it wasn’t flirtatious 
behavior; it was just unnecessary questions and comments that added to the overall
stress of the stay.

Parking issues? Of course! Finding an available spot in the area was nearly impossible.
To top it off, I managed to collect two parking tickets – one of them for exceeding
the time limit on a paid meter by just 20 minutes. Well, welcome to Los Angeles.
🙃

As for the building itself, it felt like stepping into a snapshot of 1990s Poland,
and not from the most prestigious neighborhood. The stairwell was littered with 
trash that one of the residents had apparently decided to dump there. And the elevator?
Let’s just say, if it were subject to a technical inspection in Poland, it would
never pass – riding in it felt straight out of a horror movie.

 [ ⌊USA, Los Angeles street scene outside American Vocational College, with parked white SUV at night⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-025-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Stairwell corridor inside a building in Los Angeles, USA, with wooden steps, arches, and blue railings.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-024-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊USA, Los Angeles article photo of an empty building hallway with red doors and an EXIT sign⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-023-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Californication

One of the highlights of my time in [Los Angeles](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=12772)
was visiting locations featured in the TV show _Californication_ – one of my all-
time favorites, starring the brilliant David Duchovny. The show is filled with iconic
spots around LA that leave a lasting impression, so naturally, I couldn’t resist
checking some of them out.

The first location I visited was the house where Hank Moody lived with Karen and
Becca at the beginning of the series. It’s located at 26 Brooks Ave in Venice.

The second location I visited was the house where Karen moved in with her new partner
when Hank had to come to terms with the fact that their family would never be the
same again. Located on McKinley Ave, the house featured in the series is a modern
architectural gem, complete with large glass windows. It perfectly represented Karen’s“
new life”, which starkly contrasted with Hank’s chaotic and unpredictable world.
The sleek, polished design of the home seemed to symbolize a fresh start for Karen
while leaving Hank grappling with his place in her evolving story.

 [ ⌊Night street scene in Los Angeles with illuminated “VENICE” letters and cars stopped at Pacific Av⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-022-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Los Angeles street at night with brick and stucco building facades and parked cars along the sidewalk⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-021-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Warner Bros. in Los Angeles

One of the more spontaneous decisions during my stay in [Los Angeles](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=12772)
was visiting the Warner Bros. Studio. The cost of this experience was around 300
PLN, but it was absolutely worth it. The tour was conducted in a guided group, with
a knowledgeable guide taking us through the sprawling campus. Exploring the studio
independently wasn’t an option, which made sense given the sheer size of the facility
and the fascinating stories hidden in every corner.

We had the chance to visit the prop warehouse, a treasure trove of items used on
film and TV sets. For me, the most exciting moment was spotting props from my all-
time favorite series, ER – including the ID badge of Dr. Mark Greene.

 [ ⌊Harry Potter trophy and sword display in a glass case at Warner Bros., Los Angeles, USA⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Visitor walking on a street with a Warner Bros. Studio Tour bus in Los Angeles Warner Bros. area⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Warner Bros Los Angeles commemorative plaque listing “Stage 25” and TV series titles⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Warner Bros studio tour sign at Los Angeles in the USA, with a large red bat emblem illuminated by spotlights⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-008-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Skeleton pirate figure at Los Angeles Warner Bros. display, wearing a jeweled tricorn and holding a gem-studded chest⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

A ride on the “golf cart” through the Warner Bros. campus was another fantastic 
part of the tour. The guide took us through the studio’s backlot, a meticulously
crafted “town” used in countless productions – from movies and TV shows to commercials.
It was fascinating to see how the same location can be transformed into entirely
different settings depending on the storyline. Every corner of the backlot seemed
to have its own unique story, showcasing the creative magic of filmmaking.

One of the highlights of the tour was visiting the studio where “The Big Bang Theory”
was filmed. While taking photos inside was strictly prohibited, just being there
and seeing the iconic set in person was an unforgettable experience.

👉 _For more information, visit [the official website of Warner Bros. ](https://www.wbstudiotour.com/)._

 [ ⌊Wall with three framed posters and a whiteboard filled with handwritten notes in Los Angeles Warner Bros⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Wall display of County General Hospital ID badges at Warner Bros in Los Angeles, USA, with a stethoscope below⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### Conan Australia

Attending the recording for Conan was an unexpected and fascinating bonus to our
visit. After the studio tour, a Warner Bros staff member invited volunteers to participate
in adding laughter and applause to an episode that had already been edited and prepared
for airing. This was a completely new experience for me and offered a unique perspective
on how audience reactions are “enhanced” in post-production.

At the start of the session, a warm-up host took the stage to energize the audience
with jokes and quick interactions, setting a fun and positive atmosphere. Shortly
after, Conan himself joined us, sharing a few anecdotes that kept everyone laughing
and in high spirits. His natural charisma and humor made the experience feel personal,
even in a large crowd. The actual recording of applause and laughter was done in
several takes, ensuring the production team had enough material to choose from. 
Initially, I expected this process to be repetitive and possibly dull, but it turned
out to be surprisingly engaging. Each take brought a slightly different energy, 
and being part of a live audience reacting to a beloved show was unexpectedly enjoyable.
It was one of those moments where the behind-the-scenes magic of TV production becomes
all the more impressive!

 [ ⌊Conan Australia stage at Warner Bros Studios, Los Angeles, with flags and an audience watching⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Los Angeles Warner Bros. studio audience and stage with bright studio lights, cameras, and Conan show setup⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-warner-bros-studio-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Summary and return to Poland

The journey came to an end, and I had to return to Poland. My friend stayed in [Los Angeles](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=12772)
with our buddy, with whom we parted ways in [San Francisco](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=13801)–
they still had some time for further exploration. As for me, unfortunately, I already
had work obligations and needed to get back to my job in television. I returned 
the car to the rental company without any issues, and the flight from LAX to Warsaw
with our LOT Airlines went smoothly, without any delays – this time there was no
stress related to rushing. 😊

 [ ⌊Enterprise car rental pickup area at Los Angeles airport, with parked vehicles and passengers under canopy lights⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-car-return.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Los Angeles airport arrival hall with LAX-style counters, screens, and a person seated with sneakers in the foreground⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/usa-los-angeles-airport-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### **How to conclude this trip?**

It was intense and full of experiences. I managed to see quite a lot – from famous
national parks to bustling cities, and even atmospheric spots that allowed for a
moment of respite. Despite this, I feel that the United States still holds many 
places worth discovering for me. But I must admit – the trip required a lot of logistics,
and the traffic jams in Los Angeles can exhaust even the most determined travelers.

What caught my attention was the noticeable increase in the number of homeless people,
especially in major cities like [San Francisco](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=13801)
and [Los Angeles](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hl=en-us&city=12772).
It’s a sad image that starkly contrasts with the scenes we know from Hollywood movies.
Social issues that once seemed distant are now increasingly visible, showing that
the U.S. is heading in a challenging direction.

Looking back, I wonder if the United States is still a place I’d choose for another
trip today. Perhaps I’d prefer destinations that feel safer, better organized, or
even more budget-friendly. The currency and cost of living in the U.S. aren’t exactly
kind to travelers from Europe either. That said, the trip was an amazing experience
that I’ll definitely remember for a long time—both for its highlights and its challenges.