Los Angeles: Travel guide
I have a love and hate relationship with traveling and taking photos. I love it and also hate going through a million photos and debating which ones to keep… because yes, I took too many lol!
I was able to visit Los Angeles twice this year! And let me tell you… I took advantage of my day and time.
The best part of this blog is that I was able to explore so much that I can draw down the places to go and NOT to go. Especially the best places to go and take some photos.
THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN LOS ANGELES, CA
1. MELROSE AVE
$ Free
I remember wearing an outfit and packing up another one and my friend making fun of me for carrying things around until he saw the number of murals you can use to take photos and create content. So, I optimized it and since it was slightly cold in March, I brought 2 different jackets. One retro and one classy. The amount of art in the area is insanely beautiful.
A. THE PINK WALL - LOCATED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE PAUL SMITH STORE
B. TURQUOISE WALL - RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE MADE IN LA WALL
C. RAINBOW WALL – FACED DIRECTLY ACROSS THE TURQUOISE WALL
D. ANGEL WINGS – CAN BE FOUND IN MANY LOCATIONS IN LA
E. PILLS WALL – INSIDE THE LOT FROM THE ANGEL WINGS WALL
2. THE LAST BOOKSTORE
$ Free
This place was absolutely magical. It felt like walking through a fairytale place. The bookstore is located right in downtown LA. Believe it or not this was a huge instagrammable location. The place is designed with photo props in different corners.
3. RODEO DRIVE
$ Free
The good old Rodeo Drive! A place of luxury and mixed emotions. This is a location where everyone looks insta-ready. A place where there are many many tourists and lots of high-end stores. Also, a lot of rude rich people will create drama if you walk 5 inches close to their cars. There is a small mall that looks pretty cool that you can find a secret entrance to! Tip: This is also a location where you can spot famous people in LA!
4. LA URBAN LIGHTS
$ free
The urban lights have been seen on famous posts, music videos and more. This is a place that looks like it's outside the US. Tip: The location is crowded and small, there are security guards watching your every move!
5. GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
$ Entrance is free
This place is magical! I have visited this location twice and still get the same butterflies in my stomach. This is one of my favorite places to find peace. Tip: If you can I recommend going after the sunset & also watching the stars show ( it is magical)
6. THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN
$ Free
Put your sneakers on and comfy clothing. Because if it's summer you will get really hot; if it's winter really cold! Bring a pair of sunglasses and enjoy the view. This is a place where you will need to put work towards especially if you’re going all the way to the top. Tip: if you can afford it there are helicopter tours & horses tours that go all the way up. For me is more the experience and relaxation so I’ve hiked this mountain twice. The first time I hiked all the way towards the observatory!
7. SANTA MONICA PIER
$ Free
Want to really be a tourist? Visit Santa Monica or Venice beach. This is the location where you will end up in the middle of a dance off. It is also a beautiful location to have fun, play some games or even bust your knees from an electric scooter.
8. VISIT AN INTERACTIVE MUSEUM – MUSEUM OF SELFIES
$ 20-40
I had an amazing but rushed experience here. First off, the workers are soo nice and they complimented my hair so that’s a plus. This is a cute little interactive museum to get creative and make so much content. So don’t go an hour before they close like I did!
Other good options are
a. Museum of illusions
b. Mod museum
9. ANGELS FLIGHT
$ 1 to ride the train
Angels flight is right in DT! You will spot this little place from a mile away since its bright orange. You can take photos outside and inside the little train. I recommend you take the ride for the experience.
10. SKYSPACE
$25
This location is to die for! The most beautiful outdoors to take photos with a view of the entire city. Also, a mural of the wings up there for the experience. This is a location to go and relax, maybe go for a drink. Tip: if you already paid for the admission fee, I recommend paying the extra $7 to go on the slide. The slide is quick but a cute experience.
11. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
$140 - 300
This is where I had the most fun on my second trip to LA. I forgot about my problems and responsibilities and I was a kid again. The amazing special effects are to die for! Also taking cute photos of the Harry Potter world. Why not?
12. LITTLE TOKYO
$ Free
We found this place without looking for it. We were seeking a coffee shop to warm up on a rainy day after walking around the city. This is my favorite part of exploring and being a non-typical tourist. You can find hidden gems on the way.
13. BRADBURY BUILDING
$ Free
The famous Bradbury building. I left this for last for a reason. This place left me with many mixed emotions. I was really excited to go there based on the hype and had the perfect old elevator photo planned. When we walked in we found out that we can only go up 3 steps and not in any elevator or floors because these were office spaces and the tenants don’t like tourists. I still did the best I could and got my Bradbury basic photo.
WHERE TO EAT….
MEL’S DINER
We went to the Hollywood location for brunch. Since this was right by our hotel. The food is amazing and affordable for a famous place. The location is beautiful and very instagrammable. The workers are super sweet and best of all the mimosas are bomb!
ALFRED COFFEE
I went to this location for the Instagram hype! I can tell you I am not disappointed being a coffee lover. And hey, had to get my Insta pic with my instagrammable coffee.
IN AND OUT
The famous famous In and out. I found it good but basic and too crowded. I give it 3 stars because I hate onions and that is their main ingredient!
CARL’S JR
Very underrated yet so good. I love avocado and their avocado sandwich won me over not once but twice.
AMAZEBOWLS
If you are looking for a trending and healthy alternative, I recommend passing by the cute amazebowls for some açai.