Craving epic views, beaches, hikes, culture, cuisine, andCalifornia cool? Look no further than a getaway to Los Angeles, baby! With endless things to do and see, LA dazzles with its glitz, grit, diversity, and natural beauty.Start your days fueled up on avocado toast and locally-roasted coffee before hitting the hiking trails. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Griffith Observatory or get your zen on surrounded by waterfalls in Topanga State Park. Put your toes in the sand at Santa Monica or Venice Beach and breathe in that ocean air.
Spend your afternoons gallery hopping downtown amidst the thriving arts scene or wandering the famous farmers markets picking up fresh produce. Treat yourself to Korean barbecue in Korea town or tacos and mezcal in the vibrant neighborhoods of East LA.As the sun sets, scope out the world-famous Sunset Strip, passing by legendary music venues and celebrity hotspots. Or take in a game at Dodger Stadium or a show under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl.
My Stay At Hotel Roosevelt
In addition to the glittering stars of today, Los Angeles hotels have hosted icons of decades past. For a dose of old Hollywood glamor, spend a night at the legendary Hotel Roosevelt on Hollywood Boulevard. Opened in 1927, this hostelry has a storied history intertwined with Tinseltown lore. Marilyn Monroe called it her home for two years early in her career, posing for her first commercial photography shoot at the hotel’s pool. Prince played surprise shows in the ballroom and the ghosts of Montgomery Clift and Errol Flynn are said to haunt the hallways today.
The Hotel Roosevelt has hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to the Rat Pack to the British Beatles, who stayed there during their first US tour in 1964. Walking through the lobby, you might imagine Humphrey Bogart or Clark Gable sitting at the bar, perhaps joined by a glowing Judy Garland with her ruby red slippers tucked under the counter. The Roosevelt feels deliciously suspended in Hollywood’s Golden Age – a perfect place for stargazing and time travel both real and imagined during your glam LA getaway.
Beverly Hills, Melrose Ave, The Hollywood Sign Trail
No LA trip is complete without a glimpse of that iconic Hollywood sign perched high in the hills. Take the roughly 3 mile hike up to Mt. Lee and get your picture of this neon emblem of Tinsel Town. Pack plenty of water and your camera for stunning views of the sprawling city and film studios dotted below along with that perfect shot with your arms outstretched under the instantly recognizable landmark.
When you need a break from the California sun, browse the eclectic shops and people watching that makes Melrose Avenue a favorite local hangout. Pop into indie boutiques for boho dresses, rare vinyl records and a constant parade of LA hipsters and sidewalk culture. Grab lunch al fresco at one of the chic cafes nestled between avant garde gallery spaces.
As I wandered down Melrose Avenue, I soaked in the eclectic spirit of LA. Funky boutiques flanked artsy cafés where hipsters and bohemians gathered. I popped into indie shops to browse rainbow bright batik dresses, sun-faded rock tees, and racks of vintage jeans while the bass beats of alt bands pulsed from doorways.
I paused to watch a sidewalk spray paint artist layering electric hues on a canvas, capturing the kinetic energy of the city. The constant parade of unique characters, free-spirited style and creative displays gave Melrose its maverick atmosphere. For a moment, I fantasized about tossing my old life aside and joining these nonlinear angelenos following their bliss.
Emerging from the Sidewalk Café with an iced matcha latte, I caught a flash of blue down the street. I wandered toward the vintage Aston Martin idling at the stop light, its sleek lines and prestige a contrast to the funky façade of the tattoo parlor behind it. As the light changed, the engine purred and the car glided off. I glimpsed the chiseled profile of the driver, no doubt on his way to somewhere very important.
I smiled, realizing I had one cowboy boot planted in gritty LA counterculture and the other dipped in its extravagant wealth and glitter. And I decided I liked having the best of both LAs as the late afternoon sunshine warmed my shoulders. There were still plenty of contradictions left to uncover in this sprawling city of dreamers.
Rodeo Drive
And no LA vacation would be complete without a walk down Rodeo Drive in legendary Beverly Hills with its rows of designer boutiques, manicured storefronts and exotic cars cruising by. Even with limited funds for shopping, it’s fun to play pretend in this symbols of wealth and excess. Stroll by with oversized sunglasses for that authentic 90210 experience before retreating back to Santa Monica for sunset views of the glittery coastline, the California dream fulfilled.
With so much to experience, a weeklong LA vacation will fly by before you can even yell “Cut!” From cozy beach bungalows in Santa Monica to boutique hotels in Hollywood, relax and refresh in accommodations as hip as the city itself. The glamorous glitterati may have made this town famous but its creative spirit and laidback vibes invite you to kick back and stay awhile. Soak up all LA has to shine as you craft your own Hollywood ending!
