LA LA Land!
/Miles
- Los Angeles is one of most popular cities in California.
- LA has a population of roughly 4 million people.
- English is the primary language spoken in LA but there are dozens of other languages spoken.
- The currency is USD.
- LA is known for Universal Studios, Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, and Disneyland just to name a few.
- Leisure and hospitality are leading industries in LA in addition to its signature industries – entertainment, tourism, and fashion.
- Popular cities within LA are Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Malibu, Compton, West Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Inglewood, and many more.
- There are a variety of religions practiced in LA.
Fun Fact: The Hollywood sign originally said “Hollywoodland.”
Meals
Jinya
Jinya is a ramen noodles restaurant. The JINYA Tonkotsu Black and it was spectacular! The soup and noodles dish has pork broth, green onion, jalapeno, spicy bean sprouts, pork chashu, black garlic oil, egg, kikurage, spicy sauce. It is very flavorful and filling. They said its their number one seller and I can see why.
Beauty & Essex
I love the décor here! It’s fun and eclectic. We tried a variety of dishes and I have to say each and every one of them were scrumptious!
Eveleigh
The location of Eveleigh is lovely. However, the food was mediocre in my opinion. I went for brunch and had the typical breakfast (eggs, toast, etc). I know what you're thinking, that's pretty hard to mess up but somehow it was bland. On a brighter note, the ambiance was great, and the staff was helpful and friendly.
My phone accidentally fell in the toilet and they gave me a container of rice to put it in.
State Social
Now State Social is more my speed when it comes to brunch! This restaurant has bottomless mimosas for $15, and the food is delicious with good portions (especially if you like to eat as much as I do lol). You will surely leave out of there full and tipsy. There is also a cigar room downstairs.
Chorizo Taco Truck
Chorizo Taco Truck is the perfect late-night/after the club spot to grab a quick bite. Their pork tacos are delish! The workers were incredibly friendly.
Memories
Universal Studio
If you’re into theme parks and adventure, I would recommend Universal Studios. The film studio and theme park offers a variety of rides, restaurants, shops, and tours. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. This is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There were many highlights in my trip to Universal Studio. First and foremost, you MUST do the Universal Studio tour! It's so much better than I anticipated. The tour gives a behind the scene look at the different sets used in movies, TV shows, etc. You will see familiar props from certain scenes of popular movies or shows. You will even get to experience how certain special effects contribute to the overall feel of a scene. The tour is very interactive and done in a creative way. In addition to the tour, I also have three ride recommendations that you have to try before leaving the park: The Mummy, The Walking Dead, and Harry Potter. They are all so worthy!
We waited in line for a while to get on the Harry Potter ride and ended up getting stuck on it. Despite the malfunction, we had a ball!
This is a photo from The Mummy ride. You can see the fear in our faces lol.
This is a sample of what to expect from the Universal Studios Tour.
We didn't get to try this attraction but it looked like it would be a lot of fun.
Disclaimer: If you suffer from vertigo, Harry Potter and The Minions rides are vertigo inducing.
Urban Lights
Urban Lights has become one of the biggest landmarks and tourist attractions in LA. The instillation is located at LACMA. The best time to go to take great photos with limited people in your background is at night.
Check out my mini photoshoot.
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is another staple of LA so of course I had to give it a go. It took us about an hour and a half to hike to the top. I’m not a hiker so I will admit that it’s a lot of work, but reaching the top is so rewarding! The top of Runyon Canyon provides a 360 view of LA .
Hollywood Hills (Beachwood Drive)
Hollywood Hills is where I took these dope picture with the Hollywood sign in the background. It takes about 2+ hours to hike to the point that I was at. You can Uber up as well. If you choose to Uber, tell the driver to go on Beachwood Drive.
Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier
Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier is a wonderful place to go for outdoor activities such as bike riding, scooter riding, and surfing. In addition to that, they have a skate park, carnival rides, and much more. You can also get some shopping done while riding down the bike trail.
Having fun singing while we waited to get on the ride. If you listen closely, you can hear the worker belting out and joining us in song lol.
You can purchase a day pass that gives unlimited access to all rides or you can pay for each ride individually.
Of course the number one thing to get at a carnival is funnel cake!
You can rent bikes and scooters on the pier. You will need to download the Bird app to rent a scooter.
This is the skate park. It's on the opposite side of the carnival.
Night Life
1OAK
1OAK LA is spacious. I went on a house music night. I'm not into house music the way I once was, but if it's the type of music you’re into you will enjoy yourself.
Avenue
DJ Khaled happened to be at Avenue the night I went so it was more of the hip-hop scene. The music and vibe were good. Avenue LA is more spacious in comparison to the Avenue in NYC.
Flaming Saddles
I had the most fun in nightlife at this spot. Flaming Saddles is a gay bar, but everyone is welcome. They have some really attractive male and female dancers that will keep you entertained all night! From watching them body roll to doing tricks on the pole, you are sure to have an enjoyable time.
Penthouse
I attended a day party at Penthouse. This club reminds me a lot of one of the first clubs I used to go to in NYC known as Greenhouse. This day party was hip-hop.
