California Dreaming: My trip to L.A.
Summer 2016 was one filled with adventure for me. I took my SECOND big girl trip. This time is was to the City of Angels.
Hollywood.
We stayed in Hollywood. Honestly, its less glamorous than it sounds, but you might as well do the tourist stuff while you’re there. However, its not somewhere that I recommend staying several days. You could probably see all the major sites in a matter of hours, it’s all on one strip…
…with the exception of my second favorite part of the trip: The Griffiths Observatory! I’d say this is a must see if you’re in Hollywood. It overlooks the city of Los Angeles and Mount Hollywood. We went around sunset, which is absolutely gorgeous! After the sun goes down, you can see the City of Angels lit up. I think it would be a waste to trek over there in the daytime. Also, its free and totally romantic! It would be at the top of my list for date night if I lived in L.A.
Tip: If you’re looking for a show, try to get Jimmy Kimmel tickets. They’re free and the show is right on Hollywood Blvd, but you’ve got to request tickets in advance.
How to get around.
I’m from NY and I have to say L.A. traffic is way worse! So how’d we get around with the exception of the always handy Uber? Star Line hop on hop off tour bus. It’s pretty awesome and a good deal. You pay $49 for a 24 hour ticket that takes you all around L.A. You can hop off at any stop and after your visit, hop on the next bus (they run around every 30 minutes). The bus provides $1 waters and ear phones for the tour. Of course, I wanted to sit on the top of the bus. Go big or go home, amiright?! But if you’re like me, don’t forget to use sunblock up there! Ouch! Anyways, we got to see some of the quintessential Hollywood landmarks, such as Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive.
The Original Farmer’s Market.
Our first stop was LA’s farmer’s market. I’ll admit, at first I wasn’t too crazy about going all the way to California just to go to a farmer’s market, but I have no regrets! It’s not your typical farmer’s market. It’s a good place to spend a couple of hours, grab a bite, and just enjoy the warm weather. I had some amazing homemade mint chocolate ice cream and a refreshing Mexican drink called Horchata, which consists of rice water and cinnamon.
Santa Monica Beach & Pier.
Okay folks, my favorite stop on the bus tour. It was finally what I was expecting from California! Palm trees and ocean breeze. It was just lovely. Unfortunately, I was only there under an hour but you better believe I plan on going back! I’m just so grateful I got to experience it. The water is warmer than what I’m used to in NY and you can see the mountains beyond the beach. I must’ve been smiling from ear to ear, I think I found another one of my happy places.
Let’s eat!
- Te’killa (Hollywood Blvd)- I only had margaritas and nachos, but that was enough to sell me. It was so good. If you go on a Monday you can get a margarita pitcher for $20
- The Pie Hole (Hollywood)- I had the veggie breakfast pie…all I can say is, Pie Hole. please come to NY!!! Also, I give their Horchata Lattes and Thai Iced Coffee two thumbs up!
- In-and-Out burger- Okay so I kept hearing all this hype about how amazing In-and-Out burger is. Guess what folks?? The hype is TRUE! It is definitely my favorite fast food spot. Eat your heart out McDonald’s! Be sure to check out the secret menu!
California has not seen the last of me! There is so much more to see. You’ll definitely catch me spending a few hours at Santa Monica eating an In-and-Out burger on the beach.
