Number 19- Take a picture with the Hollywood sign

Hollywood Los Angeles the city of dreams.

A couple of months ago I spent a few days visiting the city of L.A. And no trip would be complete without a snap with the iconic Hollywood sign. 

We didn’t have time to trek close enough up the mountain, but I still managed to get a snap with the great view from the Griffith observatory. There’s just something surreal about actually seeing something that you’ve seen on your TV screen, in magazines and newspapers all the time... ‘for real!’

What many of you may or may not know is that you can also take a seat on the bench featured in the movie La La Land to marvel at the views.

But the trip wasn’t just about Hollywood. L.A is such a vibrant state with so many different parts so here’s my run down of all the places you must visit whilst there should you ever have the opportunity to.

Santa Monica - by far my favourite part of L.A. The promenade is so nostalgic and feels like you’ve gone back in time to a 50’s high school musical set (think the closing screen of the musical Grease). The vibe in Santa Monica is very cool and chilled and if you can, you should definitely rent one of the electric scooters to make your way around the city. I just couldn’t get the hang of it but Vicky was a pro! There’s a cool bar The Bungalow overlooking the seafront and attracts a very eclectic L.A. crowd most evenings. In terms of food there are so many great options from healthy brunch spots to iconic burger bars and of course the infamous Cheescake Factory where your biggest decision will be what to order off that mamouth menu! I’d suggest you start with the strawberry cheesecake of course! 

Venice beach - you have to visit whilst you’re there. The vibe is very hipster with amazing street art and unique fashion stores selling hip and boho styles and with the famous Muscle beach and skate parks nearby is the perfect people watching spot.

West Hollywood - no trip would be complete without a walk down the ‘walk of stars’. It’s very busy with lots of tourists but you just have to get in there and take those cheesy snaps with your fave stars signs. If you’re looking for a good night out,  check out Good Times at Davy Wayne’s. It’s a secret bar where you enter through a fridge door! You never know you may even get to do some star spotting there!

Beverly Hills - this is where I was in my element! Well where I was able to window shop at designers stores and definitely had my Pretty Woman moment taking a walk down Rodeo Drive

Malibu - so chic and cool the beaches stretch long and wide and the people are all very fashionable. The pier is smaller than in Santa Monica but there’s a great place called Malibu Farm at the end for a fab breakfast/brunch.

So this time around I may not have been able get right up close to the Hollywood sign. But sometimes it’s fun to leave some things on the list for next time! And it’s ok to change your expectations of what you aimed to achieve so long as you still feel that sense of accomplishment. And this just gives me an excuse to go back to the city of dreams!