It’s true what they say—west coast, best coast!
After 20 years and several trips to the east coast later, it’s been my dream to travel across country to the golden state. Many work shifts and a few impulse decisions later, my ticket was purchased…hello California!
I was fortunate enough to travel with my very close family friends who made the travel one I will remember for a lifetime. That being said, I would like to give a special thanks to them for making these memories happen!
California was everything I could have dreamed it would be and more. The food was fantastic, the views where like nothing I’ve seen before and the vibes constantly radiated positivity and happiness. What a special place to be. From Los Angeles to San Diego, here are the moments I documented and places I visited. Enjoy!
Los Angeles
Downtown LA
Pershing Square | Downtown LA
We stopped downtown to eat at the Grand Central Market, which was by far one of the best stops to eat this entire trip! There are several unique cuisines to eat at along with coffee shops, mini fruit markets, and even a candy store. After finishing up our fish tacos and Chinese cuisine, we walked off some calories to Pershing Square.
Hollywood Blvd | Rodeo Dr | Melrose St | Sunset Blvd
When traveling to LA, these are the four main streets you need to mark on your map. Of course, the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame is an inevitable destination. Although it is an iconic boulevard, I would not recommend spending too much time here due to overcrowded sidewalks, but it is fun to talk pictures next to your favorite stars.
We decided to see Rodeo Drive at night due to our limited time spent in LA, and to be honest, it was a great decision. Since the street was so empty, it felt as though we walked into a movie set. The road was spotless and the designer store signs light up the night sky. While this isn’t the most affordable place to shop, the stores are still fun to look at, especially the one that particularly caught my eye: Yves Saint Laurent.
The primary reason we visited Melrose Street was to eat at the iconic Urth Cafe, where multiple celebrities choose to dine at. While no celebrities in site, nothing felt better than eating the best avocado toast and sipping on some organic juices like a true California girl. I highly recommend eating at this spot if you’re in the mood for a nice brunch. There is a wide range of healthy options for a bearable price.
Sunset Boulevard was one we only got to see by car on the way to Runyon Canyon, but we luckily stumbled across The Beverly Hills Hotel. Beverly Hills was a place like you would see in the movies, with gorgeous mansions and Porche’s on every corner. I couldn’t help but keep my head out the window the entire time.
In addition to all these iconic strips, I cannot go without mentioning the ongoing In-N-Out vs. Shake Shack debate. Being a major foodie, I am finally able to say I tasted both, and am all for In-N-Out Burger. Maybe it was the good vibes and California spirit, or the fact that a burger only cost $3…I’m not completely sure. All I know is that this most definitely surpassed my expectations. When in Cali, this place is a MUST!
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon | Los Angeles
Runyon Canyon was a great way to see all of LA, including the downtown skyline and the Hollywood sign. Aside from it being super hot and a lot longer hike than anticipated, I would gladly do it all over again in a heart beat.
Santa Monica Pier
Pacific Park | Santa Monica Pier
The iconic Santa Monica Pier was full of life and character. Carnival games lined the pier along with a huge Ferris wheel and rollercoaster waiting for you at the end. Street performers swarmed the boardwalk and filled the streets with talent and energy. My favorite part were the churros.
Venice Beach
Watching the sunset | Venice Beach
Venice Beach was probably my favorite part in all of Los Angeles because of the diversity, the high spirits, and the true California energy. Walking up and down the boardwalk you will find street vendors selling artwork from local artists and skateboarders riding fearlessly. After being captivated by the environment, I sat and watched the sun set over the ocean—the perfect way to end a day in California.
San Diego
San Diego Zoo | La Jolla Cove
Sea Lions | La Jolla Cove | San Diego
You can’t go to San Diego and not visit the zoo, it’s just unheard of. This 100 acre zoo was so big we decided to do a bus tour to make sure we saw it all, yes that’s right, a bus tour. From elephants to giraffes to lions to cheetahs, we saw them all. Going through the zoo felt as though we were in a jungle. I highly recommend spending time in this iconic Californian landmark. In addition to the zoo, we made our way to La Jolla Cove, which is the home to multiple sea lions (in picture above).
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs | San Diego
Make your way to Point Loma, San Diego to witness some of the prettiest views this country has to offer. Sunset Cliffs is where what feels like the end of the world is. This and La Jolla are my two favorite spots in all of California, so make sure to pay a visit to these gorgeous destinations.
Boat Day
As if this trip couldn’t get any better, we happen to stumble across a friend of ours who offered to take us out on their boat! This was the best way to end our trip as we saw all of San Diego by sea.
For a good part of our time, we spent San Diego with my family friends’ cousins, which was my favorite part of it all! No matter where you go, all that matters is the people you make these memories with.
This week was packed with adventure, laughter, fewer hours sleeping and more hours making the most out of life. From the city to the beach, California has it all. Here’s to one of the best trips I just so happen to plan within a weeks worth of time. For now, the next adventure awaits.
Xx,
