Guide to the Best Trip Ideas in Los Angeles

We have officially hit the road! Ian and I are headed back East to be closer to our friends and family that we’ve grown up with, but as we are big into road trips, we’ve decided to add an 18 DAY TRIP along the way. As excited as we are for the fun adventures we have ahead of us, we wanted to take a look back on our time in Los Angeles, CA. So here’s a list of a few of our favorite memories over the past year!

1. Bronson Canyon (aka The Bat Caves) – This was definitely our favorite location in Los Angeles and probably the spot we visited the most during our time here. Not only did we use this location for many photoshoots, but we always brought our family and friends to this spot when they came to visit us in LA;. BC is my favorite because it’s actually very quiet for being in the middle of a massive city and also provides a good vantage point of the Hollywood sign!
2. Vasquez Rocks – Vasquez was a location we discovered later on in the year and just fell in love with it. It is located just outside of LA, kind of in the middle of nowhere, well it feels that way at least. Driving down a windy road with really nothing around and then these majestic rocks appear. Ian and I visited here quite a few times for photoshoots and to just play around on the rocks! This is a perfect spot for an engagement shoot, but is also great for families as well. 10/10 would recommend the extra drive to see these rocks!
3. Hollywood Blvd – Some of the most iconic spots in all of Los Angeles can be seen from Hollywood Blvd and let me tell you, I kinda freaked when I saw Mickey Mouse’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Just on this strip alone you can see most of the stars on the boardwalk, put your hands in celebrity handprints, take pictures outside of the iconic Chinese Theater (aka where Star Wars originally premiered), see the El Capitan Theater (aka Disney’s theater that all Disney movies premiere at) and more! As touristy as Hollywood Blvd is, you need to do it at least once just for all the landmarks! Oh and did I mention it also holds the Dolby Theater aka WHERE THE OSCARS ARE HELD. And yes, it is as beautiful inside as your dreaming it is.
4. Getty Museum – If you know me, you know I love museums and let me tell you, The Getty did not disappoint. With a perfect balance of art, history, and architecture, The Getty will leave you wanting not after you finish. But let me warn you, the museum itself is FREE (YAY!), but parking is $30 (BOO). I would say it is still worth a stop in to see all the beautiful artifacts they have on display, also their hot dogs aren’t so bad either!
5. Venice Blvd – If I could describe Venice in one word it would be grunge. In a world where eclectic foodies, skateboarders, muscle builders, tourists and surfers alike all combine, you will have Venice Beach. Although on the grungy side, it’s fun and unique atmosphere is definitely one to stop by and see.  
6. Warner Bros. Tour – Okay, let me just be up front here. Friends is my absolute favorite show. I had the best time with my soul sister running around the Central Perk set, eating at the Central Perk cafe and seeing all the fun locations that Friends was shot on during my tour at Warner Bros. And yes, I have done the tour multiple times. I mean come on, who doesn’t love to pretend to be a big time movie star for a day or five? Your choice. 10/10 would recommend to do with friends and family.
7. Burbank, CA – Ah Burbank. The home of Warner Bros, Portos Bakery, Ikea, and cute little houses I can only dream of living in. Burbank is the cutesy little town nestled in the Valley of LA. This is by far Ian and my favorite section of LA because of it’s charming town like qualities. Places to stop by in Burbank include Porto’s Bakery, a Cuban bakery that is beyond delicious and seriously cheap, Dog Haus, awesome hot dogs right across the street from Warner Bros., Ikea, just because it’s absolutely massive, and do a drive by the Walt Disney Company. You can try and drive in and act casual like I did but they will most likely turn you away because only “those with clearance” are allowed in.
8. Disneyland – Speaking of Disney, let’s talk about The Mouse shall we? While I’m still a Walt Disney World girl at heart, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure is fun for the whole family. And for you adults reading this, they have some pretty good margaritas too. Just ask Ian. Oh and definitely do the Star Wars virtual reality thing at Downtown Disney. If you are a Star Wars fan (like my mom and I) then you will LOVE this. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I will leave you with two words. DARTH VADOR.
9. Rodeo Drive – For those non Los Angeleans reading this (like myself the first time I came out here) it’s pronounced ROW-DAY-OH Drive, not rodeo drive. Have your Pretty Woman moment walking down Rodeo Drive and if you are lucky do some shopping too, unless you are like the rest of us, than just enjoy the window shopping of some of the most expensive (yet pretty) stores in the world.
10. El Matador Beach – Malibu, CA – Did you really live in LA if you didn’t visit the infamous Malibu just up the road? Malibu lives up to everything you’ve heard about it and more. Our favorite beach to visit in Malibu was the beautiful El Matador Beach right past the Santa Monica Mountains. This small beach has everything from beautiful rock formations, stunning views of the ocean, and celebrity houses within walking distance. Just make sure to park on the road so you don’t have to pay!

We have loved our time on the West Coast, but our STOKED for our time on the East Coast and the adventure that it will bring! If you are on the East Coast and want to connect, check out our CONNECTpage and say hi! We love it when people say hi 🙂

Until next time LA, peace out!