I LOVE LA
There, I said it. I, a native New Yorker, loves the city of freeways and urban sprawl. My first visit to Los Angeles was with my family when I was in college and similar to the experience of many people I knew, I was not too impressed. I pictured palm trees, beautiful sandy beaches, and Hollywood glitz. What I was met with was homeless people on Hollywood boulevard, traffic, mansions hidden behind massive gates, traffic, fast food signs and pawn shops along Sunset Boulevard, and more traffic. I left thinking I’ll never come back. But I did. For grad school. And I loved it. I think now that the traffic and the sprawl and the pollution is the city’s way of protecting all the wonderful spots for its own residents. And now I’m here to reveal my favorite spots (don’t hate me Angelenos).
So here is how I would plan a trip back to Los Angeles, because believe you me, with negative temperatures in the Northeast, I sure am wishing I can go back to LA soon! First thing, remember all the traffic I talked about? Yeah…that’s real. You want to plan your trip based on sections or neighborhoods of LA so you’re not zigzagging across the city getting stuck in traffic while trying to make it from one attraction to another.
Day 1 – Beach Day
Ease into your trip by enjoying a laid back day at the beach, Cali style. Pick up some delicious pastries at Huckleberry for a morning picnic at the beach. Head to Malibu to Leo Carillo State Park. There’s rock formations for pictures, climbing, and resting, tide pools, and also a dog friendly area so you might even catch some happy dogs frolicking about. I found the beach clean, the sand soft, the waves calmer, and less crowded than other beaches.
My dog frolicking at Leo Carillo State Park Beach
After a few hours of sunbathing, you’ll want some lunch. Drive back down the Pacific Coastal Hwy to Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market Market for what else, fresh seafood and views of the Pacific Ocean.
View of Malibu from Santa Monica
After lunch, head to Santa Monica for some activities. If you have kids or you are a kid at heart, hang out at the Santa Monica Pier. There’s rides, games, and an aquarium. If you want retail therapy, head to Santa Monica Place for a cool open air mall. Go to the top floor for an awesome dining area with loungers and fire pits, and great views of the beach. Also, walk down 3rd Street Promenade for more shopping and performance artists. If you like to chill like me, walk along Ocean Boulevard, which is a tree lined boulevard with views of Santa Monica Beach. Make sure to also stop by the new Tongva Park located across from the Santa Monica Pier. It’s a small park but very well designed and also offers nice views of the beach.
For dinner, what’s more Cali then having a gourmet burger at Father’s Office? There’s other items on the menu but the standout is the burger which is made with gruyere cheese and blue cheese. It’s a gastropub with a great selection of beer, making it a 21 and older only crowd. If you have kids, try the more family friendly, but equally famous and delicious Umami Burger.
Other things to do in this area:
The Getty Villa – Beautiful art museum housed in a Villa. Located between Santa Monica and Malibu. Requires advanced reservations though.
Malibu Creek State Park – Scenic hike overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Easy to Moderate intensity.
Random fireplace found at Malibu Creek
Malibu Lumber Mart – Don’t let the name fool you. It’s a high-end shopping plaza with cool architecture, nice resting areas and even a playground. Go if you feel like splurging or people watching!
Other places to eat:
Dukes – Kitschy Polynesian themed seafood restaurant known for it’s views. It’s a fun place to get cocktails and chill.
Wahoo’s Fish Taco – Fast casual fish taco spot. You can’t leave Cali without eating fish tacos and this place does it well if you’re looking for a quick meal.
Bay Cities Italian Deli – Great deli for picking up cold cut sandwiches and antipasto for a picnic. Get the Godmother, so good!
BOA Steakhouse – Excellent steakhouse for a night on the town. You may even spot a celebrity or two!
Stay tuned for more!
A Sprinkle of Adventure 
