Los Angeles Guide
Visit the Hollywood Sign
There are so many different places that you can see the Hollywood Sign. It all depends on how close you want to get, if you can to hike or drive, and how much time you have!
Santa Monica Pier
Ride on the ferris wheel, walk out on the pier, grab some cotton candy, ice cream, you get it! Can’t go wrong at Santa Monica Pier.
Venice Beach
Rent roller skates or roller blades, attempt surfing, ride bikes, shoot some hoops, there’s something here for everyone.
Griffith Observatory
This was closed when I visited last week, but it was on our list!
Rodeo Drive
One of the most famous shopping streets in the world!
Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu
The highway along the coast from LA to Malibu is SO gorgeous, I felt like I was in a movie!
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is central to both Hollywood and the beach. I stayed at Hotel Beverly Terrace which is in Beverly Hills but it’s also walking distance to West Hollywood. I cannot recommend this hotel enough! An amazing complimentary breakfast, great location, and gorgeous amenities.
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Beverly Terrace
West Hollywood
West Hollywood is located right in the middle of a ton of popular tourist stops and it’s probably likely that you have a few of these on your list before even heading to LA; (Sunsest Blvd. this makes it a great area to stay in!
If nightlife is important on your trip, West Hollywood would be a great choice.
A few Hotel Recommendations: Andaz West Hollywood, The Standard
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a great area to stay in if you want to be by the beach and close to a ton of restaurants and shops. Santa Monica is great for families as they are so many activities that are for younger kids, the main one being the Santa Monica Pier. I felt like a big little kid here and it was perfect!
Hotel Recommendation: Shore Hotel
The location of the Shore Hotel is amazing It’s actually one of the top-rated locations in Los Angeles. It’s only 6-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier.
VENICE BEACH
Venice Beach is famous for its iconic beaches and its overall atmosphere. There is always something new to try when you are here! It definitely feels likeVenice Beach is great for travelers on a budget as well. California cool. Famous for its iconic beaches and bohemian atmosphere, Venice Beach is the epicentre of LA’s counter-culture, hippie living and vintage vibes.
Not only is Venice Beach one of the coolest places to stay in LA, it is our top choice for travellers on a budget.
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Erwin
This hotel overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is also down the street from the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The High Rooftop Lounge at this hotel is the only rooftop bar in Venice. Santa Monica and Marina del Rey are less than 1.2 miles away from this location.
Where to Eat & Drink
Cafe Amici
Mel’s Drive In
High Rooftop Lounge
Malibu Farm
In-N-Out
Rawberri
I am headed back to LA in less than one month again so I will make sure to update this travel guide as I normally would on an older travel/city guide! I hope you find this useful, I will be putting up more California blog posts very soon!
XOXO, Dominique