Why Travel With Me?
When it comes to exploring North America, I’m your go-to guide! From the beaches of Los Angeles to the bustling streets of New York City, I’ll help you discover the hidden gems and must-see spots. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a chill vibe, I’ve got the insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Imagine soaking in the sun at Santa Monica, taking a selfie with the CN Tower in Toronto, or enjoying the cherry blossoms in DC. I’m here to make those dreams a reality. You get personalized travel advice, fun itineraries, and a friend who’s as excited about your trip as you are!
Uncovering LA: Tips for Thrilling Adventures
Welcome to my guide for exploring Los Angeles like a local! We’ll dive into secret spots, ways to stretch your budget, and must-visit local hangouts that will spice up your trip. Whether you’re after unique attractions or hidden restaurants, let’s make your LA adventure unforgettable!
Los Angeles is my favorite city in the world because there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you love beaches, hiking, shopping, museums, great food, people from diverse cultures and backgrounds or nightlife, LA has it all. It’s also a city that rewards planning: there are so many incredible places beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Where to Stay
I have been to LA four times and I have stayed in Glendale, North Hollywood and East Hollywood. I can truly recommend all of these places because they are located near the best spots, they are pretty safe and they are way cheaper than West Hollywood or Beverly Hills but still pretty close by. My favorite out of these would be East Hollywood because it just is closest to where you`re gonna wanna spend most of your time. If you can spend more money definitely stay in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills or Brentwood.
In general, I highly recommend checking Airbnb when visiting Los Angeles. You’ll usually find a much larger variety of accommodation than hotels, often at significantly better prices. I also often find great offers at Expedia; this is an especially great option if you have to book accommodation and flights because it has great offers for travel packages where you will save a lot of money.
A Quick Warning: Skip Downtown LA
This might surprise you, but I personally wouldn’t recommend spending time in Downtown Los Angeles.
Many first-time visitors assume it’s the city’s main sightseeing area, but almost every local we spoke to advised us against visiting. The homelessness situation is very noticeable in many parts of Downtown, and several areas don’t feel particularly safe. On top of that, there aren’t many attractions that make it worth the visit, especially if your time in LA is limited.
Instead, spend your time exploring the neighborhoods that make Los Angeles so unique.
West Hollywood
If I had to choose my favorite neighborhood to spend an afternoon in, it would be West Hollywood.
It has a creative, trendy atmosphere with fantastic cafés, boutiques, vintage stores, and plenty of places to simply wander around. Melrose Avenue is one of the best streets for shopping and people-watching, while the nearby Sunset Strip offers famous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
Another favorite is The Grove, one of the city’s nicest outdoor shopping centers, connected to the historic Farmers Market where you can try food from all over the world.
Every Sunday, the Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax High School is also worth visiting if you enjoy vintage shopping, local designers, and unique finds. It also is an amazing place to meet new people, enjoy live music and just sit, vibe and get nice drinks. I try to never skip a sunday at the Post when I`m there.
Beverly Hills
Even if luxury shopping isn’t your thing, Beverly Hills is worth visiting.
Walking along Rodeo Drive is an experience in itself, and seeing the famous Beverly Hills Hotel feels like stepping into a classic Hollywood movie. The beautiful palm-lined streets surrounding the area are just as impressive as the designer stores. It also just looks incredibly beautiful and its super safe to just go for a walk there.
I personally also enjoy to just walk around nice neighborhoods and look at the architecture of the houses and daydream a little. Guessing prices in ridiculiously expensive stores is also a fun thing to do.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
No trip to Los Angeles is complete without spending time by the ocean.
Santa Monica is one of the city’s must-see destinations. Walk along the famous pier, explore the Third Street Promenade, and if you can, stay until after sunset. The pier looks especially beautiful once the lights come on.
Right nex to the pier, you will also find swings, where you can enjoy the sunset even better.
From Santa Monica, you can easily walk along the beachfront path to Venice Beach. It’s a fairly long walk, but it’s one of the nicest ways to experience the California coastline. Instead, you could also take a bike (normal or electronic; there are many options for rent).
Venice Beach itself is unlike anywhere else. You’ll see street performers, skateboarders, artists, musicians, and some very interesting characters along the boardwalk. The atmosphere is unique, and the beach itself is beautiful. There are many food options and places to do different kinds of sports.
Malibu
If you have the chance, spend at least one day in Malibu.
Many visitors head straight to Malibu Beach, but I actually think there are much better options nearby.
My favorite place was Point Dume, where dramatic cliffs overlook the Pacific Ocean. You can hike along the cliffs before making your way down to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
I also highly recommend El Matador State Beach, famous for its rock formations and sea caves, as well as Lechuza Beach, which is much quieter but equally stunning.
Go to these places and you will fall in love with Malibu. I have been to more beaches than I can count, but nothing compares to these places.
Must-See Attractions
Besides the different neighborhoods, there are a few attractions that shouldn’t be missed.
The Griffith Observatory is one of the best viewpoints in Los Angeles. Visit around sunset and stay after dark for incredible views over the city lights.
If you want to see the Hollywood Sign, you can either visit Hollywood Lake Park for a fantastic viewpoint or hike the Hollyridge Trail to get even closer.
Movie lovers should also consider visiting Warner Bros. Studios, where you can tour real film sets, or spend an entire day at Universal Studios Hollywood, which combines a working movie studio with one of California’s best theme parks.
Other places worth adding to your itinerary include the Getty Center, with its impressive art collection and panoramic views over LA, and the Getty Villa, which feels more like an Italian palace than a museum (free entry to all of these places btw). If you’re interested in classic Hollywood history, the Hollywood Museum and the Academy Musuem are other fun stops. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is iconic, although it’s probably not something you’ll spend more than a short amount of time exploring. Its pretty overrated to be honest with you.
For architecture lovers, Greystone Mansion is another hidden gem that’s well worth a visit. Movies have been filmed here as well.
My Favorite Hiking Trails
One of the things people often forget about Los Angeles is how incredible the hiking is. I have became a hiking loverrrr because of LA.
Some of my favorite trails include:
- Hollyridge Trail (Hollywood Sign)
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon
- Solstice Canyon Loop
- Point Dume
- Tuna Canyon
- Millard Falls in Angeles National Forest
- Beachwood Canyon
Whether you’re looking for ocean views, waterfalls, mountain scenery, or famous landmarks, there’s a hike for every fitness level.
Where to Eat
Los Angeles has an amazing food scene, ranging from casual fast food to some of the most famous restaurants in the world.
Some of my personal favorites include Mel’s Drive-In, which has a classic American diner atmosphere (and even old-school jukeboxes where you can choose songs while you eat), Malibu Farm on the Malibu Pier, and Café 27, a beautiful restaurant in the mountains that feels like a treehouse with incredible views.
If you’re looking for more recommendations, here are some places that are definitely worth checking out: Nobu Malibu, In-N-Out Burger, Jon & Vinny’s, Catch, The Nice Guy, Community Goods, Erewhon, The Cheesecake Factory, Earthbar, Urth Caffé, Alfred Coffee, Saddle Ranch, and Gigi’s.
Rent a Car – It Will Completely Change Your Trip
If there’s one thing I strongly recommend doing in Los Angeles, it’s renting a car.
Unlike many other major cities, LA isn’t designed around public transportation. The city is enormous, and you’ll spend far less time getting from place to place if you have your own car. Being able to drive from the beach to the mountains, stop at viewpoints, or explore different neighborhoods whenever you want gives you so much more freedom.
You can also take Ubers all the time, which I had to do before I turned 21, but its way more expensive and stressful if you wanna explore a lot.
If you’re a member of ADAC, definitely check their rental car offers before booking elsewhere. They often have excellent prices, and you can save a surprising amount of money compared to other providers.
Having a car also makes it much easier to visit places outside the city center, like Malibu, the Getty Villa, Point Dume, hiking trails, or even day trips to Orange County or San Diego.
Btw: San Diego is basically LA´s less scandalous and more chill sister. It is incredibly beautiful and La Jolla ( a neghborhood in the coastal area) has beaches that will take your breath away. Highly recommend going there.
Where You Might Spot Celebrities
Let’s be honest: one of the exciting things about visiting Los Angeles is that you never know who you might run into.
While there are no guarantees, there are definitely places where celebrities tend to spend their time. During my visits, I’ve been lucky enough to have at least ten unforgettable encounters.
I met Adam Sandler at Brentwood Country Mart, Ellen Pompeo at Catch, and I even met the singer Laufey at the Melrose Trading Post. I’ve also seen several influencers at the Farmers Market and Malibu Country Mart.
The best advice I can give is not to go “celebrity hunting.” Instead, visit places you genuinely want to see and enjoy the experience. If you happen to spot someone famous, consider it a fun bonus rather than the goal of your day.
Although I have to say Adam Sandler really made my day, he is just like you would imagine; incredibly humble, nice and funny.
Some of the best places to keep an eye out include:
Brentwood Country Mart
Catch
Malibu Country Mart
The Original Farmers Market
Melrose Trading Post
The Grove
West Hollywood cafés and restaurants
If you do happen to see someone you recognize, always be respectful of their privacy. A quick smile or friendly greeting is much more appreciated than interrupting their day for photos or autographs.
Take a Ride in a Waymo
If you’re visiting Los Angeles, I think everyone should try riding in a Waymo at least once.
If you haven’t heard of it before, Waymo is a self-driving taxi. The first time I got in one without a driver behind the wheel, it felt like stepping into the future.
Beyond being a fun experience, it’s also incredibly practical. It’s perfect after a night out when you’re tired, if you don’t feel like making small talk, or if you simply want to enjoy the ride in peace. One of my favorite things to do is blast my favorite music and have my own little karaoke session without worrying about anyone judging me.
Personally, I’ve always felt very safe using Waymo. The rides have been smooth, reliable, and stress-free, and I love knowing exactly what to expect every time I book one.
Another reason I often choose Waymo is because, unfortunately, I’ve had a few uncomfortable experiences with Uber drivers in the past. While I’m sure most Uber drivers are perfectly professional, Waymo has become my preferred alternative whenever it’s available because I enjoy the extra sense of comfort and consistency it offers.
Even if you only take one ride during your trip, I’d still recommend trying it. It’s not just transportation: it’s a uniquely Los Angeles experience and a glimpse into what getting around cities might look like in the future. Of course I know Waymo is not perfect and not everyone has great experiences, this is is just my personal opinion.
The LA Nightlife
Los Angeles has a completely different atmosphere once the sun goes down. Whether you’re looking for rooftop bars with skyline views, stylish cocktail lounges, or lively clubs, you’ll find a place that matches your vibe.
West Hollywood is my favorite area for a night out. The streets are full of energy, and it’s one of the best places to experience LA’s nightlife. Some popular spots include Bootsy Bellows, Delilah, Mama Shelter, Bar Lis, Skybar, Scarlett, The Butcher, Bar Next Door, Dragonfly and the Sunset Tower.
If you wanna do something less serious and laugh a little, hit up the karaoke bar The Naughty Pig.
One thing I love about going out in Los Angeles is that you never know who you might meet. It’s not unusual to spot actors, musicians, influencers, or people working in the entertainment industry just enjoying a normal evening. Tarantino likes to hang out at the Tikki Bar btw. The city has an exciting energy that makes every night feel full of possibilities.
Just remember that many of the more exclusive restaurants, bars, and clubs have dress codes or require reservations, especially on weekends. Planning ahead can make all the difference if there’s a particular place you’d love to visit.
The Magic of Los Angeles: A City Where Anything Feels Possible
There is something about Los Angeles that I’ve never experienced anywhere else in the world. It’s difficult to explain until you’ve been there, but the city has this incredible energy that makes you feel like literally anything is possible.
People move to LA to chase dreams. Whether it’s acting, music, fashion, business, or content creation, everyone seems to be working towards something exciting. That ambition is contagious and you can’t help but feel inspired.
Some of my most unforgettable experiences happened completely by chance. I was randomly invited to an Oscars after-party, had the opportunity to meet Academy Award winners, and even found myself at a private party in the Hollywood Hills. None of these moments were planned. They happened simply because I was open to meeting people, saying yes to opportunities, and embracing the unexpected.
That’s one of the things I love most about Los Angeles. You never know what the next day will bring. One moment you’re grabbing coffee, and the next you’re talking to someone working on a movie set, meeting an artist you’ve admired for years, or receiving an invitation you never imagined you’d get.
Of course, these kinds of experiences aren’t guaranteed, and everyone’s trip will be different. But LA has a unique way of surprising you. It’s a city where unexpected opportunities seem to appear around every corner if you keep an open mind.
More than anything, Los Angeles made me feel alive. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, introduced me to incredible people, and reminded me that sometimes the best experiences are the ones you never planned for. That’s the feeling that keeps bringing me back.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this guide, it’s this: don’t be afraid to travel differently.
Some of my best memories didn’t come from expensive tours or perfectly planned itineraries. They came from saying yes to opportunities, talking to strangers who became friends, taking scenic detours, and keeping an open mind. Those are the moments that have stayed with me long after the trip ended.
Los Angeles, in particular, taught me that travel is about so much more than ticking famous landmarks off a list. It’s about watching the sunset from a hidden beach, hiking to incredible viewpoints, discovering your new favorite café, meeting people from completely different backgrounds, and sometimes finding yourself in places you never imagined you’d be.
I know that when I say “LA is my favorite city” people judge me. It is not the most humble sounding statement, I know what kind of impression it makes. It probably seems almost as bad as saying your favorite place is Dubai. But I hope that after reading WHY I love LA so much it is understandable.
At the end of the day, the places you visit are important, but it’s the people you meet, the memories you make, and the stories you bring home that truly make a trip special.
So pack your bags, stay curious, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled.
Who knows? Your next adventure might just become the best story you’ll ever tell.
