Mommy Daughter Weekend in LA
When I was younger, if there was anything I was absolutely certain of it was that I was going to move to Los Angeles. I had never visited California or had any idea of what it looked, but I knew that once I started my career it would have to be in LA. I may want to point that I was dangerously obsessed with Disney Channel, Raven-Symone in particular, and acting. If I was going to be in television and films I had to be in an area where all the action took place. Over the years, my desire faded a bit but my faith in Los Angeles never failed. That was going to be my future home with or without the acting (which is still v possible). Knowing my deep interest, my mom told me for years that we would go. After graduating undergrad my mom kept her word and off we went to Los Angeles, City of Angels and vegans. Land of actors, singers, writers, models, everything interesting and exciting. Cali was the mission and the mission had finally been completed. Saying I was well prepared for this trip would be an understatement. I had our hotels picked out, a list of activities and of course a thorough tentative itinerary. This mother daughter adventure would be something we would remember forever.
Hiking the Runyon Canon Park
L.A. Culture
Coming from South Florida, I assumed Cali would be very similar outside of the mountains and their absolutely perfect weather. Those two things would make me move consider moving there alone. Who wouldn’t want the security of planning an outside wedding knowing that there is a very slim chance of rain. But those forest fires though.. To my dismay, everything about Los Angeles was different than Miami. The architecture, food, their obsession with rolling blading. I thought that was only in movies. And what they say is true, that traffic is no joke. All of these differences made me appreciate this big city even more. Especially the food part. Now let’s get into some facts about one of the most popular areas in the world.
Los Angeles has roughly around 4 million residents. It’s no question why it could take an hour for a 20 minute drive. Known for it’s ethnic diversity and entertainment industry, Los Angeles is the largest city in the West Coast. There’s a broad range of professions in the city making room for nearly anyone with any interest, but the city is often referred to as the “Creative Capital of the World” as one in every six residents work in a creative industry. With more museums and theatres than any other U.S. city, Los Angeles is a cultural mecca along with it’s heavy music and gallery scene.
On Rodeo Drive
Where to stay
If geography wasn’t your best subject like me, you may not have known that Los Angeles is a county and a city, compiling of 88 cities in the county. Among those cities some of the most well known are Calabassas, Long Beach, Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Burbank. While exploring this county with my mom, we stayed in three different areas at three different hotels. Now, did we do that because we wanted to see all of what L.A. has to offer or because that’s where all the deals were? Who’s to say. To experience the main tourist attractions, I recommend making this a long weekend trip as the cities have some distance between them and with how heavy traffic is, traveling from one to another within one day may be taxing and take up valuable time.
We first stayed in Burbank at the Hilton Garden Inn Burbank Downtown. Just north of Hollywood, Burbank is billed as the “Media capital of the World”. Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon and numerous others have their studios located here. If seeing the behind the scenes of some of your favorite movies interests you, this city is where you ought to be. A less tourist filled area, Burbank is perfect place to mingle with locals and where you can find free parking. Oooh. Since you are a tourist though, the must do tourist adventure is only ten minutes away, the hike to the Hollywood sign.
Our next stop on our tour de L.A. was in El Segundo, right outside of the Los Angeles city limits, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport South. Close to the airport this is a perfect first or last stop for your long weekend getaway and with the free airport shuttle, will cut down some of those Lyft charges. Near Venice beach, find your Arnold Schwanaegger on the sand without the Venice Beach hotel prices. Interested in some boat fun? The Marina Del Rey s a short distance as well. This relaxing city is perfect for lazy days near the Pacific Ocean.
Venice Beach
Our last stop was in Beverly Hills at The Beverly Hilton. Home of the Golden Globes, this hotel, built in 1955, combines the excitement of Hollywood and the prestige of Beverly Hills. Shop till you drop or till your card declines on Rodeo Drive, lined with upscale shopping and dining you may even see your favorite celebrity behind some large, dark shades. Catch a game at the Dodger Stadium or attend a conference at the LA Convention Center. Live out your 90210 dreams in Beverly Hills.
Selfie at The Beverly Hilton pool
What to eat
Los Angeles is a multi cultural epicenter and that could only mean one thing. That the food is rich and fabulous. With a large population of Mexicans, Asians and the before mentioned Vegans, finding restaurants to satisfy you palate is as easy as finding a beach. For me, my obsession with tacos and anything Asian thrived in this city/county. Popularized in Cali, both food truck and Korean BBQ are favorites amongst locals and tourists alike. A popular Korean BBQ food truck, Kogi, comprises BBQ and tacos with their short rib taco and other delicious bites. The first of it’s kind, the Beverly Soon Tofu restaurant, serves customized made-to-order tofu soups for all you non meat eating people out there. If you’re looking to feel the island breeze, check out A-frame, a Hawaiian restaurant creatively combining Asian and International flavors. Also try the Ramen, doesn’t matter where since there are so many options, but do it. You won’t regret it.
Brunch at The Grove
Activities
Los Angeles is such a big city, doing everything on your list will be virtually impossible, especially for just a long weekend trip. If this is your first time visiting the area I suggest hitting the major tourist spots. After all, they are really what makes LA what it is. Go to the Griffith Observatory. From here, you’ll be able to see the Hollywood sign in the distance and see all of Los Angeles behind you. Looking for an Insta worthy shot? Look no further. Another worthy shot? A picture of you by your favorite celebrities star on the Walk of Fame. Looking to eat ice cream, ride a Ferris wheel and relax on the beach? Head to the famous Santa Monica Pier where you can experience a fair on the ocean.
Santa Monica Pier
An alternative to Rodeo Drive, head to The Grove to shop and eat at places that won’t break the bank. The Los Angeles Museum of Art will give you all the artsy feels you’ll need on this quick trip and will also give you those picture worthy backdrops. If you have some extra cash to blow, spend that dough at the Disneyland Park or Universal Studios. Though not as good as the original in Florida, (yes, I’m biased) they put their own California spin on things and is a great place for people with children and for the children at heart. Take a tour of the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Take a tour of anything really. Tours are a great way to pay one price to see multiple places in one day and you won’t have to worry about all the details of when and where. Then, you can spend the rest of your time enjoying local areas like Downtown Burbank and Los Angeles. Groupon will be your best friend on this long weekend trip.
Los Angeles, the mecca of all things entertainment. The land of dreams, some realized some failed. A celebrity or wealthy person’s playground. I enjoyed my time there seeing all of the things that you hear of when LA is mentioned. I’ll be back again. Maybe this time without my mom. Might spend another weekend there as a California girl.