OK, so I’m a day late but just getting back to work from vacation has worn me down these last few days. So as some of you may know, I just got back from Southern California (SoCal). Here’s my Top 10 things to do if you ever find yourself there. Keep in mind these are very touristy (yet quintessential) LA things:
- Visit Venice Beach and Ride Bikes
There is no better way to people watch than riding bikes around the famous cinema-prone beach where many films have been made. Bikes are reasonably priced and you don’t typically pay until you return the bikes so you can stay however long you feel necessary.
2. Visit the Skate park at Venice Beach
The Skate Park brings people from all over. I heard about 4 different languages spoken among skaters and viewers. There were children as small as age 5 skating and older into their 40s. It was definitely a sight to see. There was even a dog there who drug his master around the park. Clearly, this wasn’t his first rodeo. Happy place to sit and watch these talented folks.
3. Visit Muscle Beach at Venice Beach
OK clearly I had a great time at Venice Beach. Muscle Beach at one point in time I’m sure was actually about people working out and being healthy (all that good stuff). Now, it’s more about photo opps (guilty!). Still, something fun to do.
4. Eat at Sidewalk Cafe
For great people watching, there’s no better place to eat in Venice Beach. Fajitas didn’t disappoint
5. Watch the sunset at Santa Monica
You can easily knock out both Venice Beach and Santa Monica in one day trip. My suggestion is to hit Venice beach first during daylight hours (apparently it gets a little sketch at nighttime) and then make your way over to Santa Monica. They have lots of carnival stands and souvenir shops along the pier. They also have some good restaurants (but you’re better off eating elsewhere).
6. Hollywood Walk of Fame
One of the many reasons people visit LA is for the stardom experience. Find your favorite celeb and take a pic next to their star. Or, if you can’t find your favorite celeb, take one next to someone completely random (no offense, Will Ferrel).
7. Take a Celebrity Home Tour ($40/person)
For just $40, be sure to take a tour of the celebrity homes in Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, and Holmby Hills. The tour also takes you to Mulholland Drive Overlook which offers beautiful panoramic views of the city. The tour makes a stop there for you to take your pics. I will forewarn you that you will mostly just be seeing trees and gates, but hey. It’s the tree/gate of Channing Tatum so that’s pretty dope. Also, second side note is that the tour operators can be a little aggressive with asking for tips so be sure to have that ready in cash. Here’s a picture of Britney Spears’ home. Or so I was told…
8. Take a better picture of the Hollywood Sign than I did
It’s the best I could work with based on my zoom capabilities. Womp womp.
9. Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway
This is one of the most scenic drives in not only Southern California, but also in America. Views are incredible. Just lower your expectations that there will be tons of traffic being a bit of a buzz kill for your high.
10. Visit Matador Beach in Malibu
The most popular beach there is Zuma Beach, but it’s very crowded. For the same stretch of prettiness you should check out Matador Beach.
My next trip to California will be northern California. Would love to visit San Fran and have a wine tasting extravaganza in Napa Valley.
