United States – A City Trip to Los Angeles

A city trip to enjoy the sun, beaches, and movie stars? Then Los Angeles is the perfect place for you. This sprawling city on the West Coast of the United States almost feels like a collection of different destinations all in one. From laid-back days at the beach to iconic attractions and unique neighborhoods. We were there in November and thoroughly enjoyed the lovely, summery weather. It’s truly the kind of destination where you feel like your vacation starts the moment you arrive.

Staying by the Beach in Santa Monica

Our hotel was in Santa Monica, which turned out to be an excellent choice. Santa Monica is quiet, easy to navigate, and has everything you need within walking distance. And then, of course, there’s the famous Santa Monica Pier, an icon in its own right. The Ferris wheel, the game stalls, and the view of the ocean… it feels both familiar and magical. For those who remember the TV series *Baywatch*: the lifeguard huts along the beach are exactly as you remember them. A real nostalgic nod.

On our first day, we set out to explore the immediate area. The shopping streets of Santa Monica are fun to stroll through, and in the evening we had a delicious meal at an Italian restaurant, North Italia, in downtown. Everything here exudes that quintessential California beach vibe.

Road Trip Along the Coast

To really explore the area, it’s ideal to have a car at your disposal. The roads are wide, well-organized, and quiet, and there’s plenty of good (paid) parking everywhere. And it’s also fun to just hop in the car and go for a drive. We drove north toward Point Dume, a dramatic rocky promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean with sweeping views. We got out here to take a walk along the beach and admire the coastline from there. Beautiful and serene. Via the Pacific Coast Highway, we drove past Malibu, where the mega-mansions of the rich and famous line the coast.

Then we headed south: to Venice Beach. And what a world of its own that is! The world-famous boardwalk is bustling with life. Street performers, bodybuilders on Muscle Beach, skaters, painters, fortune-tellers, and all kinds of street vendors—you name it, it’s there. There’s so much going on that you don’t really know where to look first. Venice Beach is a place where everyone can be themselves, and you can really feel it.

Hollywood Highlights

Of course, Hollywood was also on the itinerary. The name alone conjures up images of glamour, movie sets, and red carpets. And although the reality is a bit more down-to-earth, Hollywood undeniably has something special.

We stood by the famous Hollywood Sign, which towers high in the hills of Griffith Park. After that, we strolled along the Walk of Fame, with the stars embedded in the sidewalk bearing the names of thousands of celebrities. You can’t help but bend down every now and then to see if you’ll spot the name of your favorite artist (and sure enough, I found it!). It might be touristy, but you still want to see it at least once. And let’s be honest—there’s something special about walking there and coming across all those famous names.

Explore the different neighborhoods with the hop-on, hop-off bus tour

Los Angeles is huge, which is exactly why a hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. We hopped on and explored various international neighborhoods like Chinatown, Koreatown, and Little Tokyo. We also passed through Downtown Los Angeles and the financial district. Here you get to see a completely different side of the city, with impressive buildings and plenty of references to the film industry.

Luxury and glamour in Beverly Hills

From the beach to the stars, and from street life to pure luxury. When you’re in Los Angeles, you really can’t miss Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. We drove slowly down the wide avenues lined with palm trees and incredibly large mansions. We strolled down Rodeo Drive, where the storefronts are just as impressive as the prices. On Rodeo Drive, we had lunch at a somewhat hidden restaurant on a side street, aptly named The Hideaway, which had a truly English charm. Right in the middle of Hollywood glamour, suddenly tea and sandwiches in a typically British setting—so much fun! It was really cozy to take in all the English-style details, and the food was delicious, too.

Enjoying a meal at a local restaurant

Our wedding anniversary also fell during our stay. My husband had picked out a small Asian restaurant, Cobi’s, right in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Santa Monica. It wasn’t big, but it was incredibly popular. It’s exactly those kinds of spots that always make it extra special for me—not the obvious choices, but something local. The food was truly fantastic.

We also chose a local spot for breakfast a few times. That’s how we ended up at Shoop’s, where we sat quietly having breakfast on their simple patio, with a family with a stroller on one side and two police officers on the other.

Los Angeles in one sentence

Los Angeles is diverse, surprising, and sometimes perhaps a little overwhelming. But it’s precisely that combination of beach, city, nature, and glamour that makes it a destination where you’ll never be bored for a moment.

Whether you’re coming for the highlights, the laid-back atmosphere by the sea, or to explore unique neighborhoods, this city has it all. And trust us: in November, you can still enjoy the sun to the fullest. It’s a great time for a city trip with a summery feel.

Practical tips for your trip to Los Angeles

1. When to go? — November is an excellent month: pleasantly warm, less crowded than in the summer, and with more affordable flights. The weather can still feel very much like summer.
2. Stay in Santa Monica – Santa Monica is an ideal base: quiet, right on the beach, and easily accessible. The pier, the beach, and the shopping streets are all within walking distance.
3. Rent a car —Los Angeles is designed for driving. Without a car, you’ll miss the beautiful coastline of Malibu and Point Dume. The Pacific Coast Highway is an experience in itself.
4. Hop-on, hop-off bus —For an overview of the city, the bus tour is highly recommended. You’ll get to know the different neighborhoods and can decide for yourself where to get off.
5. Explore Venice Beach —Set aside a whole morning or afternoon for Venice Beach. The boardwalk is colorful and bustling—the kind of place you won’t soon forget.
6. Don’t forget your ESTA —You’ll need an ESTA to visit the U.S. Be sure to apply well in advance through the official U.S. government website.

Photo credits: OpstapmetLisa