California has been one of my favorite states that I've traveled to so far, if not "the" favorite. Starting off with my favorite place I have ever visited in California.
Crystal Cove State Park (Newport Beach, CA) (Visited December, 2018)
Crystal Cove feels other-wordly. It makes you feel as if you are no longer in the US, and have instead stumbled upon a private island. Crystal Cove is right on the ocean, and has cottages that line the bluffs. These restored cottages are from the 1920's and you can rent them out and stay directly on the oceanfront. By some sort of luck and prayer, I got to stay in two different cottages with friends after our AirBNB got canceled last minute. You fell asleep to the sounds of the ocean, and walked out on the deck to look out at the ocean or view the sunrise. It was December when we visited, so unfortunately it was too cold to swim, but it was magical anyway, and I hope to stay at one of the cottages again someday.
Joshua Tree National Park (Visited December, 2018)
On the same trip we went to Crystal Cove, we also decided to visit Joshua Tree National Park. We were originally going to go to Sequoia National Park (a place with giant trees). However, since it was December some parts of the park were icy I guess. Even though it doesn't seem like much, I am so glad we chose to go to Joshua Tree. It seems to be one of the hidden gems among those who live in California. On the outside it seems like a desert with freaky looking trees. But it was so much more. It was even worth the 4 hour trip there and back to Newport Beach where we were staying. There were trails up cliffs, and views where you could see for miles. It was breathtaking. It was also fun just climbing on the rocks at the park. Apparently the sunset is pretty mystical, as well as the star-gazing. We left before it got dark.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles will get it's own header as I visited a multitude of places when I went in 2018, and again in 2019. With it suggestions of where to go and where not to.
- The Getty: The Getty is a huge art museum in LA. It overlooks the city, and had an amazing sunset view. If you're not a fan of looking at art, I wouldn't suggest going. In our group of 4, two of the others really liked looking at art pieces. Me and one of my other friends did not so it felt a little boring after awhile.
-Hollywood: I would say for visiting actual Hollywood, you could just visit it once and be satisfied. I would recommend going on a bus tour that points out all the different celebrity houses and stories, etc. Hollywood isn't a magical as depicted, and actually kind of run down but I think it's definitely worth visiting. Getting your picture with a few of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and visiting some of the shops on Sunset Boulevard. Sunset Boulevard is a long stretch, so be sure to know which area the specific star you are looking for is. The walk of fame itself isn't too magical either, its more like a stretch of fancy sidewalk than anything. I enjoyed visiting the Guitar Center, and Amoeba Music Store in Hollywood. I only had around 10 minutes to explore Amoeba because of a tight time schedule so I would definitely like to spend more time in there if I ever go back. A fun food place we went to in Hollywood was The Griddle Cafe. The Griddle Cafe had an assortment of different flavored pancakes that were as big as pizzas. (Definitely order orange juice when having breakfast in California, there's not a lot that is better than fresh California orange juice.)
-Santa Monica Pier: Santa Monica is another one time is enough type of deal. You can basically go see all of the things in one visit to the pier. It's still fun to visit though. The pier has souvenir shops, caricature artists, an arcade, some carnival games, and rides including a Ferris Wheel. When I went in 2019 we went on the ferris wheel which looks out onto the ocean, and went to one of the restaurants with outdoor seating. I ate clam chowder soup in a bread bowl while looking out at the ocean.
-The Venice Boardwalk: The Venice Boardwalk is a highly recommend. It is lined with shops and restaurants, but also has tables with people selling handmade goods. You basically never know what you'll see. Which is both terrifying and exciting.
-Topanga Canyon: This is technically located in Topanga California, but it's close enough to Los Angeles. Topanga Canyon State Park has miles of different hiking trails, some trails that go along the ocean. I had wanted to go on one of the trails that went along the ocean, but we couldn't find one. I would definitely like to go back if I visit the area again. It seems like another local gem that is less touristy.
-Little Tokyo: Little Tokyo is a cute little place to visit. It's a block of Los Angeles lined with Japanese themed stores and restaurants, and boba tea places.
-Bronson Canyon/Caves: The Bronson caves are man-made caves, that were made specifically for the filming of the Batman movies. It's fun to walk through but there isn't much too it. Being in the canyon is very scenic, and you can look off and see the Hollywood sign in the distance. While there though there was loose gravel and sounds of falling rock which was unnerving.
Other fun things to do while in LA include: visiting one of the malls, and looking at the strange clothing pieces, and visiting Wanderlust Creamery. Wanderlust Creamery has icecream flavors from all around the world. While in a Los Angeles mall you can dress like a feather duster.
I would like to come back to California to visit other cities as well especially San Diego at some point, and San Francisco. If you ever visit Southern California, I hope this inspires you, and you can enjoy some of the things I have.
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