California

I recently traveled with my brother Josh and his girlfriend Britany to California. They’ve been there twice already but this was my first going. What a beautiful state with tall California Red Wood Trees in the north and as you go south you get the majestic Palm Trees. We didn’t get to travel everywhere but I just wanted to share the places where we did visit and give you an idea of what California has to offer.

ORANGE COUNTY

Instead of landing at LAX, we decided to land at John Wayne Airport in Orange County because the flight there was cheaper. Orange County and the area surrounding it is nice and quiet and beautiful on its own. We got to see the surfers at Huntington Beach and the quiet beachside town of Laguna Beach.

ACS_0037.JPG
ACS_0038.JPG
ACS_0039.JPG

So many food options in California and at a good price! Honestly, we ate at a lot of Whole Foods and In-and-Out.

If you’ve never been to In-and-Out this is what to order - A Double Double with extra spread and substitute regular onions for extra grilled onions. Instead of ordering regular fries, you order animal fries and why not get a milk shake while you’re at it.

F4E5CDE1-CDA0-4942-9707-9EFE38FA67CB.JPG
7385F676-FC02-4117-89F4-7EB2319CBF35.JPG
F3BACBEC-8AAC-4E34-B031-150F92DCD9B3.JPG

LOS ANGELES

Of course our first stop in L.A. had to be a cute café. We went to Urth Caffé in Beverly Hills and I got a Spanish Latté and OH MY GOSH was it ever good. First time having such a drink. Plus I got the cutest latté art ever. My Momma would appreciate.

ACS_0041.JPG
ACS_0042.JPG

We decided to stay in West Hollywood at the Bevonshire Lodge. This place is super central and has THE most amazing sushi place down the street. Honestly I’m still full from this place. The orders are massive and the fish is thick cut and smooth. No I don’t have the name of the place because for some reason we can’t find it on the map…how odd.

ACS_0043.JPG

SANTA MONICA & VENICE

ACS_0046.JPG

From our lodge, we walked around Rodeo Drive which was marvellous and grand. We took a drive to Santa Monica Pier and then to Venice which was super cute.

ACS_0045.JPG

Of course while in Venice we had to hit up yet another cute café, Kreation Kafé. One of the most cutest places I’ve ever been in. It was like a massive outdoor patio with cute wooden tables, mason jar cups, stainless steel reusable straws, and succulents EVRY WHERE!

ACS_0050.JPG
ACS_0057.JPG
_DSC3177.JPG
_DSC3199.JPG
ACS_0047.JPG

MALIBU

Fancy Malibu. Literally ocean side with classy restaurants. We made it just in time for sunset and it was magical.

_DSC3382.JPG
ACS_0049.JPG

LOS ANGELES | MELROSE

We spent 2 days in L.A. The second day was mainly spent on Melrose, a poplar tourist street filled with shops and colourful walls.

ACS_0053.JPG

The second part of that day was spent hiking up to the Griffith Observatory. We made it up there for sunset and got to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood sign. The Griffith Observatory is pretty neat and it’s free! If you’re into outer space like I am then you’ll love it. It’s actually mind blowing thinking of how much SPACE there actually is.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

Obviously not one place. From the L.A. area, we took P.C.H. all the way up to visit Big Sur area and San Fransisco. We ended up staying with a friend in Boulder Creek which was breathtaking. This is where the giant California Red Wood Trees live. The tallest I’ve ever seen (and I know there’s taller ones out there). Driving along P.C.H. is breathtaking in itself. Long and winding roads so make sure you take your poop brake and fuel up on gas or electric charge, and bring some snacks as well. We really only had one real pit stop along the way…just an F.Y.I.

IMG_0797.jpeg

San Francisco | San Jose | Santa Cruz |Cupertino

In a span of 2 days, we got to visit the general area. Seeing the Golden gate bridge in real life is amazing. So giant and strong.

San Jose and Santa Cruz were just walk about days. Didn’t take many pictures of this time as you can see. I was just enjoying the moments in these locations.

Cupertino is pretty cool if you know where to go. It’s the home of the Apple Campus and HQ. Pretty dope eh. You can visit the Apple Campus where they have a virtual setting of their land, have a full on store and beside is a café. It just looks so futuristic yet peaceful. It’s a must see.

ACS_0056.JPG

California is a must see state. One thing I would love to do next time I go is visit a vineyard and do wine tasting. Also…who else thinks of the theme song from The O.C. California by Phantom Planet when they think of California? Literally stuck in my head the moment I stepped out of the airport.