If you are looking for a freaking awesome weekend getaway, I’ve got one place that you need to visit. The fabulous, unique and one of the most absolute beautiful places you’ll ever step foot: Los Angeles.
My husband and I traveled cross country to LaLa Land for a long weekend getaway with out the kids and at first I was a bit skeptical of traveling that far for a short amount of time. What the hell was I thinking! It was the perfect destination for the kind of relaxing, fun and quick trip we needed to recharge our batteries from the craziness of home and his stresses at work.
You may be thinking I’m nuts for even suggesting such a place, but really, my husband and I left after 5 days wanting to move there AND we already live in paradise, so what does that say! So, here are 9 reasons why your next trip NEEDS to be to L.A….preferably without kids:
1. 90210
Dun nuh nuh nuh nuh dun dun dun cheee cheee! Oh you know what I’m talking about – Beverly Hills, baby. We wanted to find a central location that allowed us to walk to restaurants, shops and attractions. The best places to stay are Beverly Hills, West Hollywood or by the beach (Santa Monica or Venice). If you want to see some touristy things and get more for your money, I suggest Beverly Hills. You will be by Rodeo Drive, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Hollywood Walk of Fame, shopping, tons of restaurants and coffee shops. If you have some extra dough to spend, the beach is freaking awesome! We already said next trip we are staying by the beach…at least for a night or two.
2. The Mr. C Hotel.
Yes, one little hotel is worth a trip out there, I promise! The Mr.C Hotel in Beverly Hills is by far the best decision we made when we booked this trip. Chic, trendy, and full of the absolute friendliest and helpful staff we have ever encountered. Mr.C Hotel catered to all of our needs and legit, I felt like I was in some Italian hotel off the coast of Tuscany or something. Amazing decor with an old school, Italian “Hollywood” vibe. Pictures of Italian actors and movie scenes donned the walls of the hallways and rooms. Sofia Loren greeted us every morning as we left the room. They even treat you to a complimentary Bellini as you check in. No joke, the owners of the hotel, the famous Cipriani family created the bellini and they are the best thing you will ever put in your mouth! I couldn’t recommend this hotel more and I will be doing a more in depth review, so stay tuned.
3. The Weather.
Uhhhh just thinking about the fabulous weather is making me want to hop in a plane and go back. Sunny, warm and breezy during the day, cool and comfortable at night. The best of both worlds. Again, coming from a place nicknamed the Sunshine State, the weather really shouldn’t have had this kind of affect on me the way it did but damn!
4. The Food.
The culinary genius’ that are out in L.A. is hands down some of the best we’ve tasted. Food is one of the greatest parts about traveling – you can experience what the area has to offer and L.A. has some of the best. From high end, fine dining to counter services, your bellies will be full the entire time and totally worth it. We experienced modern molecular gastronomy at Bazaar in the SLS Hotel and we are still talking about the meal. Nothing like you’ve ever had in your life! For lunch you need to experience Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles. The original, the best, the most deliciously fried goodness you’ll ever consume. Trust me. All you East Coaster’s, don’t forget to hit up In-N-Out Burger and get everything Animal Style. You will not be disappointed.
5. The Mountains.
Mountains are just beautiful. Living in a place where the only mountains we have are dumps, seeing these gorgeous mountains in the background of every view is the best. The windy roads leading through them might not be the greatest but damn, they are sick.
6. The Nightlife.
There is something to do for everyone. Not the club type? No problem. There are a shit ton of restaurants, bars and lounges in L.A. Literally there are about 15 restaurants on one street. They even have speakeasy’s around the city. Speakeasy’s are hidden bars with some of the craziest mixologists you’ll ever get the pleasure of seeing. We hit up 2 while we were there and the drink menus at both were crazy! One place, The Varnish, is set back behind a famous french dip restaurant. You would never know it exists. You walk into a dark, small, trendy bar. They may not have a drink menu you can order from but all you do is tell the waitress what kind of alcohol you like, how you enjoy drinking it (on the sweeter side, martini-type drinks, bitter, etc.) and they will create a drink just for you. So unique!
7. The Beaches.
I have been used to east coast beaches my whole life and I know what you are thinking, a beach is a beach. Not if you’ve ever been to Malibu! As you drive the Pacific Coast Highway you see houses that look like little beach bungalows. Just walk down to the beach and see the houses from the sand and it’s like a totally different house! These mansions are stunning and sit right on the sandy beaches. You are literally walking, sun bathing, swimming in peoples back yard. It’s crazy! The sand is soft, the water is frigid cold, and the seaweed looks like some alien life form climbed out of the water.
8. The Sushi.
You will never look at sushi the same way ever again after having it in L.A. The fresh, cold water fish taste like nothing you have ever had before. The second you taste it for the first time, it’s like having an outer body experience. I kid you not. My cousin who was our tour guide while we were there took us a legit hole in the wall in Chinatown. We get there around 5:30 p.m. and there was a crowd of people already waiting, so you know this place is the real deal. We scored seats at the sushi bar and had the sushi chef make us what ever he wanted. The meal went from lightest fish to more heavy fishes. I tried things I never thought I’d ever eat (sea urchin! WHAT!). If you are a sushi eater, I beg you to do this kind of thing. If you are not a sushi eater, you need to at least try it if your out west.
9. Stars Sightings
You will literally bump in to celebrities in and around L.A. We were at a stop light and my husband goes, ‘Hey, isn’t that the guy from Slumdog Millionaire feeding that parking meter?’ and sure enough it was. Always keep your eyes peeled because you never know who could be standing next to you in line at the store or crossing the street in front of your car. It’s a fun game to play – who will you spot next.
I hope these 9 reasons convinced you to seriously consider L.A. when you are planning your next trip. We had the best time and there is still so much more to do out there!
– Amanda
