Welcome to La La Land!

Hollywood has always felt like a DREAM…glamorous, iconic, and just a little bit surreal. For so many of us, seeing the famous Hollywood Sign in real life is something we’ve only imagined while watching our favorite movies. But there’s nothing like stepping into that world for yourself even if it’s just for a few days.

Los Angeles is one of those must-visit cities, especially for first-time visitors. Whether you’re chasing palm trees, searching for celebrity hotspots, or just soaking in those classic California views, LA has everything. I’ve been to California a few times before, but on this trip, we stayed right in the heart of the action.

Waking up and hiking up to the Hollywood Sign early in the morning felt like stepping into someone else’s everyday life. The sun rising over the city, the skyline in the distance, and that legendary white sign towering above. It was all so magical! I finally got to see why people fall in love with LA.

I’ll forever cherish this trip to Los Angeles. Even though I didn’t spot any celebrities, I had the BEST time. The energy of the city was contagious, and there was something new and exciting around every corner.

Have you been to LA yet? If not, I hope this guide helps you plan your trip ASAP!

1. Visit the Griffith Observatory

One of the highlights of our Los Angeles trip was waking up extra early to catch the sunrise at the Griffith Observatory. It was so worth it! We had planned this morning in advance, and even though it meant setting an early alarm, I was so excited! Since we decided to fly instead of road trip this time, we hopped in an Uber and made our way up to the iconic hilltop spot.

The air felt crisp and clean (we visited last November), and there was the most refreshing breeze that made the early wake-up call feel like a dream. As the sun started to rise, we watched Los Angeles slowly light up from above. From the downtown skyline all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The views were just as magical as all the photos you’ve seen online. In fact, they were BETTER!

You could see gorgeous silhouettes of the city, framed by soft morning light and the soft pastel tones of sunrise. It felt peaceful, quiet, and almost cinematic.

If you’ve never been, Griffith Observatory is one of the most famous landmarks in LA. It’s totally free to visit. Inside, you’ll find fascinating space exhibits and panoramic views that stretch across the entire city. It’s also a popular filming location, so you might recognize it from movies like “La La Land”, “Rebel Without a Cause”, and “Yes Man”.

2. Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve been to Los Angeles a few times before…but the Hollywood Sign was always just this tiny thing way off in the distance. Sometimes I’d even convince myself I could see it through the fog or mist like, “wait, is that it?!” 😂

But this time? This trip was all about finally getting up close. One of our main goals was to actually hike to the Hollywood Sign and enjoy the beautiful green hills that surround it. I’m so happy we did! I finally got super close to the sign. Yay! It felt like a little dream come true!

The hike itself was even better than I imagined. The views kept getting better the higher we went. You get these peaceful moments of quiet and nature, then boom panoramic views that make you stop in your tracks. It’s the kind of hike where you want to take your time and soak it all in.

And on the way back down, we stumbled upon the cutest little coffee spot called “Beachwood Cafe“. It felt like a nice reward after the hike! I had a super tasty cup of coffee and the most nutritious bowl of oatmeal…exactly what I needed. If you’re in the area, you’ve got to stop by.

3. Visit the LACMA & Urban Light Installation

I highly recommend adding the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to your list. I had no idea it was actually the largest art museum in the western U.S. How cool is that? There were so many unique and beautiful pieces to see from bold sculptures to modern art. Just a quick heads up though…it’s closed on Wednesdays, so make sure to plan around that!

Right outside the museum is one of LA’s most iconic photo spots, the Urban Light installation. You’ve probably seen it all over Instagram. The rows of vintage street lamps all perfectly lined up make the dreamiest backdrop. You definitely need to snap a cute photo here. You can’t visit LA and not get a photo here!

After wandering through the museum, we decided to walk over to The Grove, a super popular outdoor shopping center nearby. I’d never been before, and I totally see why people love it! It has that charming, open-air vibe with great stores, cute little spots to sit, and lots of food options. We grabbed lunch there. It was the perfect way to wind down!

4. Stroll on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

One of my favorite moments during this trip was walking down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I’ve seen it in movies and pictures for years, but being there in person just hit differently. I had the best time trying to spot all the stars I recognized. I kept pointing them out like, “Oh my gosh, there’s Jennifer Aniston!”😂

So much is going on in that area. From the TCL Chinese Theatre and El Capitan Theatre to street performers, souvenir shops, and people dressed up like movie characters. It’s chaotic, but in a really fun, only-in-Hollywood kind of way.

It honestly reminded me a little of the Las Vegas Strip. Even at night, it still feels like daytime because it’s so busy and alive. The streets are packed. There’s music playing from all directions, and the whole area just feels like it never slows down.

Ohhh and as you can see from my photo, I had to stop and snap a picture with Pitbull. Not exactly with him, but hey…close enough!😂 Forever a Pitbull fan. Dale!

5. Catch a Dreamy Sunset at Malibu Beach

Out of all the beaches in Los Angeles, Malibu Beach specifically El Matador Beach completely stole my heart. It’s just so stunning! We went during sunset, and I loved every second of it. It was one of those moody, cloudy sunsets where everything felt a little foggy and soft, but still totally dreamy. The kind of vibe that makes you feel like you’re in a music video or a romantic film.

El Matador is known for its dramatic cliffs, rocky caves, and golden sand. When we arrived, it seriously felt like we walked into a photo studio. Everywhere I looked there were people capturing a special moment in their life.

If you’re planning a beach day, you have to check out El Matador Beach. It’s a little more tucked away than some of the other beaches, so bring comfy shoes for the path down. And definitely stay for sunset. It’s peaceful, romantic, and unforgettable.

Whether it’s your first or your fifth visit, there’s always something new to discover in Los Angeles. I’ll always cherish this trip for the places we explored, and the moments that made it all so special. If you’ve already been to LA, let me know your favorite spot in the comments!