Can a person be too happy? Is that even possible? I didn’t think so, but I admit to being accused of it on occasion. Yep, that’s right, I was once accused of smiling too much! That was awkward, but you can’t keep me down! I’m a morning person, I end most sentences with exclamation points, and in general I’m a pretty cheerful person, so when I heard about a place that was literally called: Happy Place, I knew I had to go there. Stat!
In fact the moment I saw the advertisement I clicked buy tickets and scooped up the max allowed (8) for opening day. My friends we were coming for the Thanksgiving holiday break and I just knew they would want to share in all that happiness… or at least I hoped they would! Lucky for me, they did and we had the best time!
If you’re wondering, Happy Place is very similar to The Museum of Ice Cream, which if you don’t already know, is basically room after room of colorful photo ops. If you’re into taking selfies this is your heaven, and even if you’re not… Wandering through 13 + brightly lit rooms decorated to the hilt, and filled with cheerful activities, photo ops and yummy treats is a pretty great way to spend an afternoon! Raise your hand if you love an afternoon of silly fun with your besties!
Raise your hand if you love fun!
Here is a preview of just some of the fun we had during our visit.
Upon entering Happy Place you’ll be asked to watch an adorable little video, which basically spells out the rules, no selfie sticks, enjoy yourself, the path is one way only…
For the sake of everyone’s happiness there are a few rules…
After the video you’ll head down the entrance hallway…
And through the door…
Table of Contents
Giant Shoes
Can you guess what these shoes were made of?
Lovable Sea Monster
The first two rooms were cheerful, but we weren’t exactly sure how to interact with them, I guess we needed to warm up a bit…
XO
…Becuase we figured it out in the next room, which also happened to be my favorite!
If You’re Happy and You Know It…
Celebrate Everyday!
I’m a big fan of celebrating! Really, any excuse will do! We couldn’t open any of the 400 presents on the walls, but did get these delicious cake pops!
Balloons!
Pop Up Flowers
We all loved this fun room where you could pop up among the flowers like gophers!
Topsy Turvy
I’m afraid this room was a bit beyond our capabilites, we weren’t quite sure how to make ourselves appear upside down. I ended up rotating the photos. My dad was definitely the best at this, I think I may be choking that teddy bear!
Four in One
The next “four” rooms were really all in one room together. The lines to get photos were quite long,especially for the rubber ducky tub, but we perservered…
Live Laugh Love
Rainbow Hearts
Rubber Ducky You’re the One
Mirror Mirror
The End of the Rainbow
This room was fun, but the “gold” is a bit rough on your feet when you land, and if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, you’ll want to hold on to it as you jump!
Snow Confetti Angels
We don’t get much opportunity to make snow angels here in SoCal, but confetti works too!
Snow Confetti Globe
The final room, and a favorite of our group, we loved this confetti filled dome! Once the door was shut the fans came on and the confetti was flying! Lucky us, no one was waiting and we got to go twice! You can’t believe the places the confetti finds itself…
Once you’ve had your fill of photos head to the final room for popsicles, lemondade, the gift shop, and a few final photo ops!
One last Photo Op!
With the exception of a few rooms you’ll be taking all your own photos during your Happy Place visit, or you can ask the friendly staff to take your photo. This “garden” had a camera set up, which took us a few tries to get just right. Once we were satisfied we emailed the photos to oursleves!
Whoops! We weren’t ready!
That’s better!
Third times the charm!
You’ll work up an appetite during your Happy Place visit, but don’t worry, you’ll find delicious RAINBOW Grilled Cheese sandwhiches just outside at The Happy Toast food truck! The perfect way to end an already fun afternoon!
Tips & Advice:
- The Happy Place is located in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District at 1242 Palmetto Street.
- Parking can be a bit hectic. If you can, I suggest grabbing a spot on the street, but if there isn’t any available there are number of nearby lots.
- Arrive 20 minutes before you timed entry to queue up.
- The only restroom is at the start.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera!
- The rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches were delicious, but at $12 each priced a bit high.
- If you have time explore the neighborhood, its one of my favorites, you’ll find plenty of street art, shopping, and delicious food all within blocks of Happy Place.
Will you be in the LA area in the next few months? Check out the Happy Place official website for ticket information. Not coming to LA? Don’t worry, sign up online for updates and information on the Happy Place’s next destination. You never know where the Happy Place will pop up next. The Museum of Ice cream has since opened locations in both San Francisco and Miami, and I hear the Color Factory could be headed to LA soon. My fingers are crossed! Stay tuned…
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joylovestravel
I love it – smiling and feeling happy just looking at your pictures!
Hilary
Thanks!! Precisely the point!! Xxo
Nick Cook
This looks fantastic, all those colours! I think Nottingham needs one of these!
Hilary
Oh yes! Every city needs one! Who doesn’t need more happiness! I visited Nottingham last year, but it was POURING, so we only visited the Castle, and then went on our merry way… 😉
The Globe Trotter
This looks like so much fun. Just looking at your photos has made me smile. I would surely love to visit.
katy@untoldmorsels
So much fun Hilary. Did you have to fight off the fashionista Instagrammers for your awesome shots? So glad you made the rubber ducky bath shot your profile pic. I love it! By the way.. I was called Pollyanna once for being “too positive”.. gah.. that person is no longer in my life. Keep smiling 🙂 x
Hilary
We lucked out and visited early on the first day, so not too many people ahead of us! It’s silly fun, but we can all use a dose of that from time to time! Xx
A Hedgehog in the Kitchen
I love this, Hilary! I am like you – positive and upbeat – and some people don’t get that. Haha Keep going, never change. How wonderful to be a happy and positive person. It makes life a whole lot more fun! We definitely need to check this place out – and why doesn’t one exist here in Paris? That would be so great!
Hilary
You’re so right! Pop ups like this are becoming quite popular here in LA, so hopefully they will catch on in other cities! Happiness is contagious isn’t it!
Trish @ Mum's Gone To
Completely bonkers and I love it! I think you need to frame that photo of you in the bathtub as it’s brilliant.
#farawayfiles
Hilary
Thank you! So bonkers and so fun! Ha ha! I think you’re right about the bathtub! I think I will!
Clare Thomson
Wow, what with this and the Museum of Ice Cream, they’re a bit like the wonderful lands at the top of the Faraway Tree! This looks just wonderful. I love the idea of spreading joy in a place like this. I bet everyone walking around just has a massive smile on their face! Who doesn’t love a bit of silliness now and again? #farawayfiles
Hilary
Faraway Tree? What’s this? Yes, Such a joyful place. The owner said his main goal in creating happy places was to provide a place for pure happiness as the world could use more of it right now.
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
I wish there was a place like this near me – could really do it with right now. Lost my cat a fortnight ago and still feeling low. Think places like this are wonderful! #FarawayFiles
fifi + hop
This looks like so much fun! Love the upside down room – your dad is hysterical! And LOVE the rainbow grilled cheese even if they’re technically not from the Happy Place! #farawayfiles
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad
This looks like so much fun! I’m not going to lie, I think I’d be baffled by some of those rooms as well, but it looks like you made the most of it. And what a great place to go with visitors, you’ll have memories and snaps to look back on for years to come! I hope something like this comes to Australia one day.
Hilary
We did have a lovely time! These places are getting so popular I’d be surprised if they don’t start popping up in other places soon!
sharon
Oooh! This is so fun! I want to visit the rubber duckies. I collect them!
Hilary
Yes! That was my favorite part!
Anisa
I love it! Everyone needs a happy place. I especially love that grilled cheese, so original and so pretty. And it looks like a get place to take lots of photos. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Hilary
The grilled cheese was delicious!
annette @afrenchcollection
Bright primary colours everywhere to stimulate the happy glands, love it! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Yes! It’s a very joyful place!
juliemtms
This seriously looks like the most fun ever!! I want to do this!! How crazy is that rainbow grilled cheese…even at $12 I’d probably just get it. lol. And yay for confetti snow angels!
Hilary
It seriously was the most fun!! I admit I would have gotten it hurt because… rainbow! However it was delicious!!
Kally
I love everything about this! Your style, the way you tell your story! Thanks for sharing I can’t wait to read more
Hilary
Thank you so much!! You’ve made my day!
OJ's Pride
Your page looks fun & the style is different….I love it❤❤❤
Hilary
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!!
Ben Aqiba
Hi Hilary,
too happy !? What is that. Happiness does not hurt anyone 🙂
Hilary
I couldn’t agree more!! 😚