Our next step is the vibrant heart of Southern California: Los Angeles. From the iconic Griffith observatory to the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica, our stop in the City of Angels was packed with unforgettable moments.

Hollywood

The LA journey started with an quick visit to the obligatory touristy spots like West Hollywood (set the expectations accordingly).

With this out of the way, and a quick visit to free Greystone Mansion, we went on a ride on the famous Mulholland Drive with its breathtaking views. There are multiple vista points, but the best views of the downtown and Highway 101 open from the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook.

Griffith Observatory

After visiting a few other main landmarks, we went straight to the Griffith Observatory to enjoy the sunset.

The parking near the Greek Theatre is free and it’s a short 20 minute (uphill) walk to the observatory.

We’ve spent the whole rest of the day walking the trails and enjoying the views from the observatory grounds.

Skyline

As the day progresses, the colors change, offering a new perspective on the familiar skyline.

If you are worm, it’s best to wait until the sun has fully set and the lights begin to shine (we did not).

Downtown

We started the next day by visiting Forest Lawn in Glendale, which has stunningly beautiful grounds and a well-maintained landscape. The Great Mausoleum and the Forest Lawn Museum of Art are open for visitors and worth visiting. It started to feel that anywhere you go, you get the views of the city, and Forest Lawn was no exception.

Our next stop was Downtown LA. We started in Chinatown, and from there, the main landmarks were within walking distance of each other.

It was the day of Thanksgiving, so the city felt empty: no people, no traffic even during the day. The only downside was that a lot of the places were closed, including the City Hall, where you can usually visit the Observation Deck for free.

Venice Beach

Taking advantage of the rare lack of traffic, we made the trip in just 20 minutes—a drive that can easily stretch to an hour or more on a busy day. Street parking was also free thanks to the holidays, which was a pleasant surprise. So was the case in the downtown.

Venice Beach is always full of energy. The boardwalk buzzes with activity, from skateboarders pulling off tricks to street performers entertaining the crowds. You’ll find plenty of colorful murals adding to the vibe. Venice Beach is a place where there’s always something happening.

Taking a stroll from Venice Beach to the Santa Monica Pier is a perfect way to soak up the Southern California vibe. The walk along the beachfront path is lively, with a mix of bikers, skaters, and joggers passing by.

As you get closer to Santa Monica, the scene shifts to a more relaxed pace, with wide sandy beaches and the iconic pier coming into view.

Malibu

The next day was a bit quieter since we needed to pack up and head to our next destination. We started with a quick drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, a scenic spot known for its mix of celebrity homes and surfer vibes.

Despite the weather, there were plenty of people on the beach: surfing, taking photos of surfers and the famous pier, and just chilling.

Surfing in Malibu never stops, and it attracts visitors throughout the year.

Beverly Hills

There really isn’t that much to do in Beverly Hills, especially if you find Rodeo Drive to be tacky and of poor taste, which it is. The Beverly Hills Civic Center offers a reprieve. It is a brilliant example of modern architecture known for its clean lines and sleek design. The center is home to the city’s government offices and public spaces.

We were a little bit unlucky with our timing again as the City Hall was closed for Holidays.

The sale of new fur products is now illegal in California, yet there are still luxury fashion brands, on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, still selling fur online and outside of California where it is legal.

Getty Center

This time, I finally got to visit the Getty Center – admission was free, but you need to reserve a time slot (we arrived at least an hour earlier, and it was fine). The experience is a bit surreal. You arrive at the welcome center, and a train with fairytale-like music takes you to the top of the hill.

The architecture is stunning, complemented with the surrounding gardens and panoramic views of Los Angeles. Inside, you explore art collections, ranging from European paintings to sculptures and decorative arts. Overall, it was a perfect mix of art, architecture, design, gardens and breathtaking views.

This was our last stop in LA, and we were ready for what’s next.