California Girls – A Weekend on the West Coast

What better way to channel your inner Katy Perry “California Girl” then by going to LA with your best friend! There really is no other American city like Los Angeles – good food, great vibes, beautiful views, breezy beaches, a possible celebrity sighting?

While we did not see any celebrities during our time in LA, we did enjoy some of the city’s highlights. After just one weekend in the city, we were convinced that we wanted to move to LA permanently. If you want to convince yourself or someone else to move to LA, add these spots to your itinerary next time you are in the city.

Hike Runyon Canyon Park

Looking to enjoy the Hollywood Hills views? The Runyon Canyon Park hike is the perfect activity to kickstart your time in the city. Enjoy views of LA, the Hollywood sign, and even some million dollar mansions as you trek through the Santa Monica mountains and admire Runyon Canyon’s unique landscapes. This intermediate hike takes about 1.5-2hrs roundtrip.

There are various view points throughout the trail and plenty of benches where you can stop and take a break. Entrance to the park is free, and if your lucky, you may find a fresh pressed juice or fruit vendor at the entrance. Grab a green juice and get going!

Brunch in Beverley Hills

Embrace your Barbie girl dream by having brunch at The Beverly Hills Hotel. This iconic hotel is not only home to Hollywood luxury but also the Cabana Cafe. Hidden in the hotel gardens, the Cabana cafe offers poolside seating and a variety of brunch options. The cafe is open to both hotel guests and non-guests. Only with a cafe reservation can you be permitted to enter the hotel as a non-guest, but once inside, you are free to explore every nook and cranny of the hotel’s glamorous grounds. Find out more about this brunch experience and how to make a reservation in my previous post.

Find Your Favorite Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

What’s a trip to LA without taking a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame? We enjoyed looking for our favorite celebrities while taking in the evening liveliness of Hollywood Boulevard. Did you know that there are over 2,000 stars on the Walk of Fame!? In other words, bring your walking shoes!

Visit Venice Beach

Like Snoop said, “Venice Beach and Palm Springs, summertime is everything!” And there is no better way to enjoy summer than by spending a day at the beach. Venice Beach is a must do when in LA. The beach not only has a bustling boardwalk, but also winding walking paths along the beach front. One of the things I love the most about West coast beaches is that you can see the ocean and mountains together. Go lay out on the beach and soak up the sun! Afterwards, grab a slice of pizza at a nearby pizza shop!

Check Out the Nightlife

One thing me and my bestie love is a good bar with great cocktails! We checked out a popular, upscale bar called The Nice Guy. The bar’s aesthetic pays homage to the mafia era with its vintage decor and dim atmosphere. After a weird conversation with the doorman which included questions about our political views and why he should let us in with no reservation, we were allowed to enter. We grabbed a spot at the bar and enjoyed some cocktails and the most amazing mushroom pizza I’ve ever had!