From the sun-kissed beaches of Malibu to the glitzy streets of Hollywood, every corner of this sprawling metropolis is bursting with character and charm, just waiting to be explored.

Los Angeles is so much more than just Hollywood glamour. It’s a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, where every neighborhood tells its own unique tale. From the hipster enclaves of Silver Lake to the chic boutiques of Beverly Hills, there’s something here for everyone’s taste and style.

Whether you’re into surfing, sunbathing, or just strolling along the shore with your toes in the sand, there’s a beach here with your name on it. My personal fave? Zuma Beach, with its wide expanse of sand and epic sunsets that’ll leave you breathless.

MUST SEE, DO OR TRY WHILE IN MALIBU

• Take a drive up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and you’ll stumble upon secret coves, rugged cliffs, and picture-perfect vistas. If you have your roof down, even better.

• Head to the Malibu Country Mart for some serious shopping therapy. From boho-chic boutiques to upscale surf shops, this place has it all.

• Sip on a coffee at Malibu Cafe, where you can play games, chill, or enjoy delicious pastries.

• Dine at Malibu Pier while watching the sunset.

• Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with a soothing sound bath experience at Rafi Lounge.

• If you’re craving a drink by the beach, head to Paradise Cove for the perfect spot to unwind.

• If you’re in the mood for an upscale dining experience with delectable cuisine and stunning ocean views, make your way to the renowned restaurant Nobu. Who knows, you might even be fortunate enough to spot your favorite celebrity while you’re there.

• For those seeking an outdoor adventure, whether in an RV, van, or even a tent, the Malibu Beach RV Park offers a truly captivating camping experience right along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.

Click here for more detailed description, including “Planet of The Apes” final sceen spot in Point Dume

Venice Beach is famous for its colorful boardwalk, mix of pop-up art stalls, quirky shops, skateboarders, families and the occasional whiff of secondhand ganja smoke. Don’t miss the iconic Muscle Beach gym, where you can buy a day pass if you want to pump iron under the California sun.

Venice Beach is undeniably one of the most peculiar beaches I’ve ever seen, particularly on weekends.

You can easily spend a few hours or even a few days exploring Venice Beach. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or rollerblading, there’s plenty to see and do. Take a leisurely ride from Venice to Marina Del Ray or head in the opposite direction towards Santa Monica. (there are few places where you can rent a bike or a scooter right on the boardwalk)

TIP – If you visit on a weekend, be sure to catch The Drum Circle for an improvisational jam session forming on the beach near Brooks Avenue and Ocean Front Walk. Although it’s not an official event, it reliably happens every Saturday and Sunday, typically starting around noon and continuing until dusk.

Pack you gear if you are ready to skate, shoot hoops or serve up aces because Venice Beach has something for everyone.

For more information and event updates, you can check out the calendar of events on Venice Paparazzi’s website.

Before you attempt to escape the craziness of Venice Beach, make sure to stop by Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This mile-long strip boasts a collection of boutiques, salons, galleries, restaurants, and bars. You might even recognize it from the popular show Californication! Check this site for updated info and local events https://www.abbotkinneyblvd.com/visit-1

Click here for more tips and detailed description 

When it comes to soaking up the sun and good times, Santa Monica is the place to be, and I’ve got two epic ways to experience it all.

First up, kick start your day by parking near Venice Beach. 🚗 Then, rent some bikes or scooters and hit the beach path all the way to Santa Monica. Trust me, the views are unbeatable and the energy will pump you up! 🌊 Just before you hit the famous pier, make a pit-stop at the outdoor gym/play area to stretch those muscles and maybe show off a few tricks! 💪 Once you’ve worked up an appetite, lock up your bikes near the pier and dive into some outdoor dining options. 🍔 And of course, don’t miss the chance to hop on the Pacific Park Ferris wheel for some epic views! 🎡 Oh, and here’s a pro-tip: we captured all those amazing moments with a quick photo shoot from Shoott – affordable, quick, and totally Insta-worthy! Check them out at https://www.shoott.com/photoshoots/losangeles.

Now, if you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, the second option is right up your alley! Park at Santa Monica Place, a shopping paradise with all your fave shops like Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Nike, Hugo Boss, Uniqlo, Rolex, Tory Burch, Cayton Children’s Museum, and more. But don’t get too caught up in the shops – just a short stroll away is the 3rd Street Promenade, where you can find even more sun, shopping, and dining options! ☀️

So whether you’re craving a day of beach cruising or a shopping spree, Santa Monica has got you covered. 🎉 Get ready for a day full of adventure, sunshine, and memories to last a lifetime! ✨

Can you hike up to the sign? Absolutely! But before you start dreaming of scaling those famous letters, hold your horses. Climbing the sign itself is a big no-no. Trust me, the authorities are on it faster than you can say “action!” Attempting to climb the fence is a surefire way to find yourself in a not-so-glamorous encounter with law enforcement.

Now, onto the real deal – getting that perfect snapshot. Contrary to popular belief, the best photos of the sign aren’t taken up close and personal. Nope, you’ll actually want to step back a bit to capture its full majesty.

There are plenty of hiking trails leading to this iconic landmark. However, locals are increasingly keen on limiting access, so keep an eye out for those “no access to the Hollywood Sign” signs.

Yes, you can see the sign from Griffith Observatory or Hollywood and Highland shopping center, but it’s too distant for clear photos.

Now, the best spot to take photos in my opinion – Lake Hollywood Park. Not only does it offer breathtaking views of the sign, but you can also conveniently park your car there and start your hike to get even closer to the action but not all the way to the top.

For the best route to reach behind the sign, take the Cahuenga Peak Trail. While the initial segment is challenging and steep, you’ll traverse along the ridge until you reach the sign. Despite the difficulty, the hike is entirely rewarding. Detailed instructions for accessing the trail can be found at http://www.hike-losangeles.com/cahuenga-peak-hike.html.

Let me tell you about this epic outdoor shopping spot that’s basically a California icon. The Grove is THE place to be if you’re into retail therapy with a side of fun. But before you hit up all the stores, jump on the free double-decker Grove Trolley and cruise over to The Original Farmers Market. It’s a foodie’s paradise with all kinds of gourmet goodies to drool over.

Back at The Grove, you’ve got a whole lineup of cool brands and pop-up shops to check out. And when hunger strikes (because let’s face it, all that shopping works up an appetite), you’ve got options galore – from classic American grub to legit Italian eats and everything in between.

Oh, and you can’t leave without catching the mind-blowing light show at the Dancing Fountain.

Whether you’re joining a guided tour of LA or just doing your own thing, The Grove is a must-visit for anyone looking for a good time and some serious retail therapy.

The Grove is also a fantastic venue for events, so be sure to see if there’s anything happening, like book signings, interviews, and more. https://thegrovela.com/events/

But my favorite time to visit is during the Christmas holidays.

Griffith Observatory isn’t just your average planetarium – it’s one of the few major spots worldwide that still puts on live planetarium shows! With millions of visitors every year, it’s like a public playground for stargazers. From checking out the cosmos through free telescopes to diving into astronomy exhibits or joining interactive space programs, there’s something for everyone here.

But that’s not all – this place has serious Hollywood cred too! With a whopping 170 filming credits under its belt, Griffith Observatory has been the backdrop for iconic movies like “La La Land,” “Jurassic Park,” “Back to the Future,” “Terminator,” and “Transformers.” It’s where the magic of the stars meets the glitz of Tinseltown!

I highly recommend staying for one of the shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. We caught “Centered in the Universe,” and it completely blew us away.

Wondering if a trip to Universal Studios is worth the splurge? Let me tell you, it’s worth every single penny!

So, get ready to step onto one of the largest movie street scenes in Hollywood and dive deep into the world of film production. From iconic movie sets to behind-the-scenes secrets, this place is a movie lover’s dream come true.

But here’s a tip: First, start early and be prepared to spend the whole day there and while CityWalk is a blast, save it for the end because you won’t want to miss a single minute of the action-packed attractions!

Second, when it comes to tackling the park, prioritize your favorite attractions first. Trust me, with the crowds, waiting times can stretch to over an hour, so you’ll want to make the most of your time.

And whatever you do, don’t skip the world-famous Studio Tour! It’s not just interesting – it’s a whole lot of fun too. From behind-the-scenes peeks to thrilling encounters, it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

So grab your tickets, gather your squad, and get ready for a day filled with thrills, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime at Universal Studios!

For tickets and more info – https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us

More than 2,700 plaques lining the sidewalks, each one honoring accomplished personalities of the entertainment industry. From movie legends to modern-day icons, you’ll spot names you know and love at every turn. And of course, don’t forget to snap that obligatory photo with the five-pointed brass stars – it’s practically a rite of passage!

Make sure to swing by the historic TCL Chinese Theatre to check out the handprints, footprints, and autographs of about 200 stars immortalized right in the sidewalk. It’s like walking in the footsteps of Hollywood royalty!

Despite some mixed reviews, I firmly believe that the Walk of Fame is a must-see in Hollywood. It may get crowded, but if you’re lucky, you might witness a movie premiere or someone receiving a new star, adding a sprinkle of stardust to your experience. And did you know? This is where the Oscars were once presented! So, don’t overlook the Walk of Fame – it’s where Hollywood magic happens. 🌟🎬

Glitzy world of Beverly Hills, California. Home to Rodeo Drive’s upscale shopping, Beverly Gardens Park’s lush beauty, and the iconic Greystone Mansion. Don’t miss The Beverly Hills Hotel for a taste of celebrity luxury. Beverly Hills is where the magic of Hollywood meets real-life glamour! ✨🌴

Beverly Hills and Pretty Woman – Let’s talk about “Pretty Woman” and its connection to Beverly Hills. The iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel, situated at the end of Rodeo Drive, right on Wilshire Boulevard serves as the backdrop for many scenes, though its interiors were filmed elsewhere. And remember that unforgettable shopping spree at Boulmiche? It happened right on Rodeo Drive, although the store has since moved. Despite these changes, “Pretty Woman” remains a timeless classic, leaving its mark on Beverly Hills’ cinematic history. 🎬✨

Beverly Hills and 90210 – Alright, buckle up for a hilarious twist on “Beverly Hills, 90210”! Despite the name, most of the show’s iconic spots were filmed elsewhere. That blue beach house? It’s chillin’ in Hermosa Beach. Brenda and Brandon’s home? Nope, it’s in Altadena. And that glamorous high school? Surprise – it’s Torrance High School! But hey, who needs Beverly Hills when you’ve got drama, romance, and ’90s fashion? 🏖️🏡📺

Spend a perfect day in Beverly Hills: Begin with brunch at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, then luxuriate with a dip in the pool or head to Rodeo Drive for shopping and strolling. Explore the beautiful Greystone Mansion and Park (grounds are free, mansion tour $10/person). Indulge in pampering at one of BH’s luxurious spas, and cap off the day with a memorable dining experience at one of the many top restaurants.

Located in the heart of Hollywood, Runyon Canyon offers a fantastic hiking experience with a side of celebrity spotting. While you won’t tackle the most challenging trails, the steady inclines and still provide a good workout and breathtaking views. On a clear day, you can even see from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker looking for a more relaxed adventure, Runyon Canyon is the perfect choice for an enjoyable day on the trails.

For the best visit to Runyon Canyon Park, drive to the Fuller Avenue entrance. Choose between two steep climbs or combine them for a challenging circuit. Alternatively, head to the Mulholland entrance for challenging trails or an easier walk with stunning views.

If you thrive on the buzz of people and energy, hit the trails at Runyon Canyon Park on weekends! Some celebrities I spotted there over the years- Laurence Fishburne, Harry Styles or my favorite – Robbie Williams. Good luck! Oh and watch out for rattlesnakes!

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