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round trip travel and lifestyle blog

How to Spend a Weekend in Los Angeles

July 6, 2016
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Los Angeles: land of beaches, mountains and, of course, Hollywood.  With a city so renowned, I was so excited to embark upon my adventure to the West Coast.  Naturally, I turned to my black hole addiction known as Pinterest, and I became more confused and bewildered than when I began.  I soon learned about 4,109,275,844 things I could do during my two full days dedicated to exploring L.A.  Great…  Fortunately, I had the help of some friends: S, Taylor and Suzanne.  No, this list isn’t exhaustive, but if you’re looking for several quick highlights of L.A., here’s how to spend a weekend in Los Angeles.

DAY 1

Take a trip to Balboa Island

In Los Angeles (or really any big city), you will find a bounty of tacky tourist stores.  I guarantee it.  However, Balboa Island houses so many cute little boutiques and non-chain stores.  While many of these adorable boutiques included steep prices, I enjoyed poking around in Valinda’s Art for the Soul.  Although I didn’t fancy their logo font choice (I’m a bit of a font nerd), the store had fun notebooks, magnets and, duh, artwork.  I bought a Paris notebook with some fun quotes because I can always use more Paris memorabilia.  Thanks to S for this fun suggestion.

Balboa Island Los Angeles California

Dine at Wilma’s Patio

My two favorite things: all-day breakfast and Mexican food.  I ordered an Egg Quesadilla.  Although a bit oniony, the jack and cheddar cheese was so gooey and full of flavor.  The dining was casual, and the staff was friendly.  Even better, there was no wait on a Saturday afternoon!

Wilma's Patio Balboa Island Los Angeles

Get your java fix at Crocker’s “The Well Dressed Frank”

Walking into this cute cafe, you’ll notice immediately there is minimal space to walk.  But the wooden tables and bar stools that look directly to the sidewalk from an open window create a charming atmosphere.  I ordered a Mocha Mint Cooler (espresso, chocolate, mint and vanilla ice cream).  OH, SNAP.  It was incredibly creamy and smooth.  The consistency was a crossover between iced coffee and a frappuccino.  You can get a caramel macchiato or a frappuccino-like mocha virtually anywhere, but I’ve never had any drink like this Mocha Mint Cooler.

Wiggle your toes in the sand of Treasure Island

Right below the Montage Resort (which is absolutely stunning!), Goff Island provides a small free beach called Treasure Island.  This has to be in the top 3 of most beautiful place in the world; S nailed it with this suggestion.  The deep blue ocean contrasted the rocky cliffs so beautifully; the view took my breath away.  I enjoyed putting my toes in the cold water, collecting shells and snapping some pics of God’s majestic creation.  AMEN.

  • Treasure Island Laguna Beach Los Angeles
  • Treasure Island Laguna Beach Los Angeles Rock

Enjoy the drive to Dana’s Point

We’d heard from a number of people that Dana’s Point was also a beautiful area.  And honestly, just driving on Highway 1 in SoCal is beyond gorgeous.  We meandered over to this area, and I particularly enjoyed the more residential and less crowded feel.  While I didn’t stop by, we drove by some cute shops.

Cool off at Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness

Also in Dana’s Point, we quenched our thirst at Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness.  Judge me because I didn’t get custard, but I ordered a strawberry slush (blended Italian ice).  It was very refreshing, and it can be nice to get away from the crowds.

Stroll down Huntington Beach Pier

Next, we headed over to Huntington Beach per B’s request and strolled by the shops on the pier and those on the street connected to the pier.  Billabong offers an array of surfer-vibe clothes.  But even better, I found pomegranate chapstick with 30 SPF.  I’ve never seen over 15 SPF, and who can beat pomegranate?!  I also saw the word “gelato” and had to stop inside at Mangiamo.  I ordered one scoop of Nutella Swirl and one of Stracciatella (chocolate chip).  It couldn’t compare to the glorious gelato of Italy, but for $3.50, it was alright.

  • Huntington Beach Los Angeles
  • Huntington Beach Pier Los Angeles

Fuel up at Umami Burger

It’s America; everybody does burgers.  But holy cow!  Nobody does burgers like Umami.  I ordered the Sunny Side burger: a meat patty topped with Parmesan frisco, sunny-side up egg, truffle thyme compound butter, truffled arugula and truffled aioli.  I ordered mine gluten-free style on a lettuce wrap and sans arugula.  The garlic sauce, parmesan crisp and egg complemented the savory grilled burger.  I’ve never had such a great burger.  S/o to my sister Taylor for the fabulous recommendation.

Day 2

Become more cultured at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

This museum boasts many famous works of art such as Irises by Vincent Van Gogh.  I personally enjoyed Christ’s Entry into Brussels in 1889 by James Ensor; this massive piece of art showcased many faces, several French phrases (which I enjoyed translating) and the unconventional placement and size of the artist’s signature.  For those of you who just lost me in that last sentence, here’s the bottom line: the Getty has beautiful gardens and views that will take your breath away.  S/o to S for another great idea.

Getty Center Los Angeles Pano
  • Getty Center Los Angeles Waterfall
  • Getty Center Los Angeles Garden

Dine at the cafe at the Getty

If you missed the beginning of Day 1, please note that I love Mexican food.  So, of course, I opted for a Fiesta Bowl with chicken.  Spicy yet satisfying.  As you’d expect, it’s overpriced.  If you’re able, maybe plan your day so that you either eat right before the Getty or right after to save some moolah.  But if you must, the Cafe offers some decent options with a killer view.

Getty Center Los Angeles Cafe

RELATED ARTICLES: How to Spend a Day in Santa Monica

Stargaze on Hollywood Boulevard

I’ve never been anywhere on Earth like Hollywood.  Crowds like you’ve never imagined.  Add up all the street performers you’ve ever seen in your life, and they’ve all migrated to Hollywood.  Traffic so bad that Siri said it will take 6 minutes to go .6 miles (true story).  I’m not gonna lie; it’s hectic.  But Hollywood is a must.  And don’t forget a selfie in front of the Chinese Theater and some shots of the stars.

Chinese Theater Los Angeles

Let your inner child run free at Sweet!

While on Hollywood Boulevard, I dropped by this large candy store per Suzanne’s suggestion.  In the Wonka section of the store, I bought The Endless Summer truffle (milk chocolate, sea salt and caramel).  I took small bites and let them melt in my mouth.  Oh, my dang—scrumptious!!

Sweet! Candy Hollywood

Walk up to the Griffith Observatory to see the Hollywood sign

Suzanne also mentioned that most tourists come to the Griffith Observatory to get a view of the Hollywood sign.  If you’re wondering how to spend a weekend in Los Angeles, this must be on your list! It’s a necessity to snap some pics with this iconic landmark.  And the observatory has some beautiful architecture and a nice rooftop patio.

Griffith Observatory Los Angeles
Hollywood Sign

Grab a burger at In-and-Out

It’s not a trip to Cali if you don’t get the classic In-and-Out.  I ordered a cheeseburger protein-style and a chocolate shake.  This inexpensive joint will surprise you with its quality burgers and thick, creamy shakes.

In-and-Out Burger Los Angeles

I prepared for L.A. with a Spotify California playlist nearing 3 hours (thanks, Tay) and excitement.  Unfortunately, we’d bought tickets to come home.  So, I left, wishing I could take the perfect weather with me and beautiful landscapes.  Until next time, Los Angeles …

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Comments

  1. freebutfun says

    July 7, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    One day…

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      July 7, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Did you only have one day?!

      Reply
      • freebutfun says

        July 7, 2016 at 1:01 pm

        No, one day I’ll see those places myself!☺

      • roundtriptravel says

        July 7, 2016 at 1:02 pm

        Ahh definitely! It’s absolutely gorgeous–definitely worth a visit!

  2. Abby says

    July 7, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    Looks absolutely beautiful! Your pictures are awesome 🙂

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      July 7, 2016 at 9:51 pm

      Thank you so much!! Hope to see some posts on your blog soon 🙂

      Reply
  3. lcdorkin says

    February 3, 2017 at 6:22 pm

    I’m going to LA in April! Any must-do tips?

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      February 3, 2017 at 6:33 pm

      Hi Leigh! I’m jealous 🙂 Laguna Beach truly is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen with my two eyes. Photos sincerely can’t do it justice because it’s that gorgeous. The Getty Museum was also very beautiful and fun to walk around! Happy travels!

      Reply
      • lcdorkin says

        February 3, 2017 at 6:41 pm

        Thanks so much! I really cannot wait! Ill definitely add those to my to-do list!

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Hi, I'm Kristin. I'm a content creator teaching English in southern France. I'm all about exploring new places, practicing my French and sharing blogging tips. Allez-viens!
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Hi, I'm Kristin. I'm a content creator teaching English in southern France. I'm all about exploring new places, practicing my French and sharing blogging tips. Allez-viens!
learn more about my story

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Let's talk crushes😍Ever been somewhere that giv Let's talk crushes😍Ever been somewhere that gives you butterflies in your tummy and a warm sensation in your heart? Truly all the signs of a crush, but it's a place, not a person.

🛤️This weekend I visited Bordeaux for the first time, and let me tell you, I am ~CrUsHiNg~ This charming city sported a vibrant attitude, and its cobblestone streets leaked hints of modernity and irreverence. @ToriHantak and I strolled the streets, and we just looked at each other and said, "I am in love with this place."

💗From the kindest wine shop owner who was eager to chat about our move to France to the cute, old man at the boucherie who jokingly invited himself to our charcuterie night, Tor and I were smitten.

🍷We drank wine in our jammies, ate ice cream in a bubbly square and sauntered along La Garonne. For a few moments, life felt normal. Two young twenty-something gal pals running around southern France, giggling endlessly and getting impromptu piercings.

💟Ever have those moments in crush-worthy places that send you into an enchanting trance? I will cherish this dreamy Bordeaux weekend with a sweet college friend.
__
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Do we have any adrenaline junkies here?🙋The one Do we have any adrenaline junkies here?🙋The one who loved the thrill of the high diving board growing up? The human who loves being thrown every which way on a rollercoaster? The person who wants to skydiving for their birthday?

💥Sometimes I like that adrenaline rush, but when it really comes down to it, I like being comfortable. It's so much easier to stay in the familiar: the same routine, town, friends, furniture arrangement.

😐It's really hard to step outside your comfort zone and do something hard, even if you know it's good for you. But that's where growth and discovery happen!

Last year, I moved to France to teach English. Yes, during a global pandemic🙈 

😶The months of waiting and preparing were tough. Would I still get to go? Would my dream of living in France come true? Would I be able to make friends in a pandemic? Was I crazy to move 4,000 miles from home during a pandemic?

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One year ago, @torihantak and I were in a freezing One year ago, @torihantak and I were in a freezing cold queue line to get into crowded, sweaty bar👀 Just a few weeks before the world turned upside down.

We’d taken several French classes together and recently submitted our TAPIF applications to teach English in France.

We dreamed that night with our fun French exchange pal @manon_salgues about all the amazing adventures we’d have in Europe together over our hard apple ciders and vodka Sprites.

Wow, a lot can change in a year🙈 A year later, Tori and I find ourselves in Bordeaux eating ice cream, eating charcuterie + cheese, and soaking up the southern French sun. 

Sure, this year hasn’t looked the way we expected, but what a sweet privilege it is to look back and see how our leap of faith has allowed us to follow our dreams.

Je suis trop reconnaissante pour les amis comme Tori avec qui je peux rêver et vivre la vie française✨
Say YES more💯A few weeks ago, I was bopping aro Say YES more💯A few weeks ago, I was bopping around LinkedIn, which isn't too typical these days. I happened to notice that there was a connection recommendation for a girl I went to high school with. I didn't know her too well in high school — I can't recall any specific conversation or even a certain class we had together — but her title was English Teaching Assistant.

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🌎Quel petit monde ! The world is a lot smaller than we give it credit for. Don't be afraid to say yes and to slide into someone's LinkedIn DMs because you might just make a new friend, or rather reconnect with an old acquaintance.

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How has travel grown you as a human?🌏 Travel h How has travel grown you as a human?🌏

Travel has introduced me to people from literally all over the world. I think about the summer I spent in Toulouse, France, where I lived in a « foyer » , which is basically a long-term hostel.

🇺🇸I was the only American. It was hard at times when it came to feeling at home, language and culture wise. But it was unbelievably cool to have neighbors from all👏over👏the👏world👏

I lived, dined and block partied with people from Poland, Syria, Uzbekistan, China, Spain, Germany, Comoros, Guinea — the list goes on and ON!

It helped me understand that my way of life was not everybody's way of life. And that's not a bad thing! It was so special to make friends from all over the world, and that experience gave me perspective. Stepping out of your comfort zones through travel + cultural immersion is truly one of the best ways to grow💯

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Home decor pro tip: Repurpose what you already hav Home decor pro tip: Repurpose what you already have💯

🌴When I traveled to Nice, I picked up a map of my French department, and it just sat in my armoire for months. I just didn’t know what to do with it, until I got my shelf. 

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✅Styling tip: Pick a road map, any road map. And simply use clear tape to create a backdrop for your open bookshelf.

Link in bio has other ways to decorate your home with maps + where you can find similar shelves to create this look✨

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Sometimes the best trips are the ones not filled w Sometimes the best trips are the ones not filled with endless activities but with low-key nights of rom coms and charcuterie boards❤️

If you've ever met me, you know I'm a go, go, go kinda girl. Like, where are the brakes?😂And when it comes to travel, I'm always thinking about how I can do more, see more, taste more, experience more.

But several weekends ago, I visited a college friend in Narbonne, a small town nearby. We took a mini day trip to (also) nearby Carcassonne, but truth be told, not much was open. At first, I felt a little defeated that this spot on my bucket list had little to offer, thanks to Covid😢

💡But then I started to shift my perspective. I got to walk around a medieval town and talk about life with a friend I've known for 5 years. I got to explore her town, make the most delectable charcuterie board you ever did see, watch a chick flick in our jammies and take a long, sunny walk along the river.

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🌹Wake up and smell the roses because blessings still abound. Even things as simple as laughter, walks, sunshine, ocean views, a good glass of wine and tv shows that make us feel like we're really there.

My Enneagram 3 has struggled to accept this slower pace of life, but I've been working on taking it day by day and living in the present⭐

#carcassonne #carcassonnefr #southernfrance #narbonne #occitanie #aude #adventuring #microinfluencer #microinfluencers #bloggersunder2k #bloggersunder5k #bloggersunder10k #bloggersunder20k #tapif #tapifusa #assistantsdelangue #assistantdelangue #mytinyatlas #enneagram3 #francophile #francelover #francophone #americansinfrance #americansabroad #americaninfrance #americanabroad
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