California

THE CALIFORNIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Welcome to the Golden State. There is so much to explore from the Northern cities like San Francisco to the Southern cities like San Diego and everything in between.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN LOS ANGELES:

RESTAURANTS AND MUST-VISIT EATERIES:

PLACES TO STAY:

There are so many places to explore in California. I’m based in Southern California so I’ll focus on those locations but I’ll drop some gems for places all over

The Wayfarer in downtown LA is a dreamy escape that boosts premier views of the city. You may have seen their rooftop and drinks on instagram – they’re that popular. What stands out about this hotel is their stunning atmosphere that includes magical floating books in the Gaslighter Social Club.

My personal favorite area is Culver City because it’s very walkable and central to everything. Depending on the traffic, you can get to downtown LA or Santa Monica in just 15 minutes. The Culver Hotel is a boutique lodging option nestled in the middle of a bustling and growing area. The vintage inspired rooms reflect the vibrancy of the area surrounding it.

If you’re looking for an out of this world experience, look no further than the Area 55 Futuro House in Joshua Tree. There are only 85 of these structures in the world and only 19 in the US. Be warned, this would be considered more of a glamping experience and that Joshua Tree is 2.5 hours away from Los Angeles.

Trying to turn your trip into a feature film? Check out the Pirates of the Caribbean Getaway which is the most booked airbnb in California. Located in Topanga, you’ll get lush greenery, wildlife, and a sauna.

The Beverly Hills Hotel is an iconic location to book for your next trip to LA. Renowned architect Paul Revere Williams was involved in the design and transformation of this glamorous establishment. Staying here will have you flourishing under the palm trees in the heart of Beverly Hills.

BUDGET:

Visiting a major city can add up but don’t worry, there are many ways to affordably explore Los Angeles.

Exploring the dynamic culinary scene this city has to offer can take up a bit of your budget if you’re trying to hit all the high-end spots like Nobu and Maestro’s. If you’re able to plan your trip around DineLA, you’ll be able to afford to visit more and get your fill. DineLA is a 14-day dining event that occurs biannually. Showcasing the city’s top eats and new restaurants, this experience offers pre-fix menus at a discounted rate.

My personal favorite hack is to check into Yelp. When you visit and establishment, do a quick search on Yelp to see if they are offering any freebies or discounts in the checkin section. In the past, I’ve been able to score a free beverage, complimentary side, or even a steep percentage off. After, make sure to leave an honest review of your experience.

Don’t want to spend a ton of money on transportation? Public Transportation isn’t the best in LA but it can get you where you need to go. The Metro Expo Line takes you straight to Santa Monica beach. You can snag a day pass that includes unlimited rides for under $4.