Los Angeles Travel Guide

What to See and Do

One of the first things we did after arriving in LA was head to Santa Monica, hire bikes and cycle around Venice.  This was probably my favourite thing I did the whole time I was here.  It was so nice being able to get around so quickly and see everything we wanted.  Venice was definitely my favourite place in LA and Santa Monica reminded me a lot of Brighton.. but way better haha.

After being in the States for a week and packing so much in already, we fancied a nice chilled out beach day so we thought where better to head than Malibu.  There's not loads to do here but it is a lovely beach.  It's great for surfers if that's your thing but I prefer to watch them haha.  It's also pretty cool checking out all the huge beach houses.

If there's one thing you must do it's hike the Hollywood hills.. although it's not for the faint hearted and probably best to go when it's not the height of sunshine!  We went for the middle trail which was 6 miles there and 6 miles back.  It was such a hot day and there was no shade or anywhere to stop for water so be warned!  The view is absolutely worth it though.

We also visited the Walk of Fame which is pretty cool but really busy.  It's fun to try and find your favourite movie stars or singers.  Along here you will also find the Chinese Theatre which has all the stars' handprints.

On our last night we went to see an Ice Hockey game at The Staples Centre.  I would have loved to have seen a Lakers game but it was out of season.  If you're into sports definitely check out what they have on at the Staples Centre as there's always something interesting and I love that they sing the national anthem before every match haha.

Where to Eat

LA is legit a vegan's dream.  There were so many places here I have never found it so easy to eat out as a vegan.  There were actually too many places that I was spoilt for choice and didn't get to try all of them (By Chloe :()  But we did go to:

800 Degrees Pizza

The Butcher's Daughter

True Food Kitchen

Malibu Farm

Engine Co No 28

Where to Shop

I didn't find the shopping in LA as good as in Vegas but that sure didn't stop me spending a good buck!  We went to Target and CVS for drugstore makeup and also Sephora in Santa Monica (you can see my haul post here).  

If you have a more expensive taste be sure to check out Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills for all things luxury and designer.

Where to Stay

Unlike Vegas, LA is so spread out that's it's really hard to pick a good spot that's close to everything.  We stayed in Downtown which was perfect for us as it had great transport links to a metro station that went everywhere and the journeys are pretty cheap at only $1.50.

Another good choice if I went back would be Santa Monica as you're right on the beach, close to Venice and there's a lot going on here.  We pretty much came here everyday.

I also liked Beverley Hills for a more luxury stay and some of the hotels there were beautiful.

Hope that helps!  Leave any more LA tips below.

See my Vegas travel guide here.

Lauren xx

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