The Adventures of Debbie Dimples - The USA - California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Known as the 'City of Angels' or 'LA', and one of the most recognisable cities in the world, Los Angeles is a blend of Hollywood glamour and California cool. Los Angeles is famous for it's amazing skyline, theme parks and lavish lifestyle. I was lucky enough to visit Los Angeles as a child with family in 1993 and 1994. I also embarked upon a solo visit to LA in May 2023. In the 5 days I spent in LA in 2023, I managed to visit Universal Studios, Hollywood Blvd, Beverley Hills Rodeo Drive, and Malibu Pier.

The Mondrian Hotel, West Hollywood

Situated in the heart of West Hollywood, the Mondrian West Hollywood epitomises Los Angeles glamour. The rooftop pool and Skybar are the highlights of the hotel. The views of LA from the rooftop pool are second to none. I stayed at the Mondrian for 1 night during my visit to Los Angeles in 2023, whilst visiting Hollywood, Beverley Hills and Universal Studios. I really enjoyed my brief stay at the Mondrian West Hollywood.

Hollywood

Hollywood - also called Tinseltown - is a district within the city of Los Angeles, California, U.S., whose name is synonymous with the American film industry. I took the Big Bus Tour which runs through Hollywood. The Big Bus Tour had a brief stop on Hollywood Blvd, which enabled me to take a quick look at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Universal Studios, Hollywood

I visited Universal Studios, Hollywood on the second day of my trip to Los Angeles in 2023. Universal Studios is an amusement park which is great for all age groups. My favourite parts of my visit to Universal Studios were the Studio Tour and the land of Harry Potter.

Past Holidays to Los Angeles

I visited Universal Studios in Hollywood back in 1993 during our family holiday to Los Angeles.

Universal Studios, Hollywood

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is an observatory in Los Angeles, California, on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It commands a view of the vast Los Angeles Basin, including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest.

Beverley Hills

Beverly Hills – also known as “The 90210” – has always been a mainstay of popular culture. It has been immortalized by movies such as Pretty Woman and Clueless, and tv shows like 90210. There’s a lot to love about the area so it’s not hard to understand why it became such an iconic location. “The Home of the Stars”, as some call it, is packed full of famous Hollywood homes to this day. The famous Rodeo Drive is a high-end shopping street featuring a variety of renowned designer shops. I had a walk around Beverley Hills before taking the Big Bus Tour.

Ladurée, Beverley Hills

With its ritzy Parisian decor and gorgeous sweets display, Ladurée in Beverley Hills was the perfect place for a spot of English tea and french toast before the Big Bus Tour.

Malibu

Malibu is a trendy, upmarket city west of Los Angeles, California. It’s known for it's celebrity homes and beautiful beaches, including Malibu Lagoon State Beach, also known as Surfrider Beach for its waves.

M Motel Malibu

The M Motel is a boutique motel located along the Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Malibu. I stayed at the M Motel for 2 nights during my visit to Los Angeles in 2023.

Malibu Pier

Malibu Pier is a Southern California icon in an area once called the Riviera of America. The historic landmark is located in the heart of California's surf culture.

Malibu Farm Cafe

The Malibu Farm Cafe is located in the perfect location, just at the end of the Malibu Pier. I enjoyed the delicious meal overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which consisted of chicken tacos, followed by chocolate cake and gelato.

What I missed out on....

Unfortunately, there is never enough time for a city as large as Los Angeles. If I manage to visit Los Angeles in the future, I would like to see Santa Monica, stay at the Shutters on the Beach Hotel, dine at the Penthouse Restaurant at the Huntley Hotel, and visit Venice Beach. I would also like to stay at the Beverley Hills Hotel, visit Melrose Avenue, and take a dance class at PlaygroundLA.

Santa Monica

At the southern end of the USA’s famous Route 66, you’ll find Santa Monica, a city within the wider conurbation of Los Angeles. Santa Monica has the best of everything California – amazing beaches, relentless sunshine, and the style and charisma of Los Angeles. The central focal point of Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Pier is home to a whole host of different attractions. The ever-popular 12-year long TV series, Baywatch, was filmed at spots along the Santa Monica Beach during the first 10 years of the show. I missed out of visiting Santa Monica on my trip to Los Angeles in 2023.

The Penthouse Restaurant at the Huntley Hotel

The Penthouse offers guests a dramatic 18th-floor rooftop dining experience, complete with panoramic ocean views. If I visit Los Angeles again, I would like to have dinner at the Huntley Hotel.

Shutters on the Beach

Shutters on the Beach is a luxury hotel located on the beach in Santa Monica, California. If I get to visit Santa Monica in the future, I would like to stay at the Shutters on the Beach Hotel.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is famous the world over for being the playground by the sea for Southern Californians. It is especially well known for its eclectic mix of bodybuilding (the Muscle Beach Outdoor Gym), roller skating (or blading), surfing, art, and luxury ocean front homes. I didn't get to see Venice Beach during my recent trip to Los Angeles.

The Beverley Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel, also called the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, is located on Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California. Known as “The Pink Palace,” the hotel is a Beverley Hills icon. I would love to spend a night at the Beverley Hills Hotel.

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is one of L.A.'s most famous streets, featuring a myriad of shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. What would be one of the highlights of Melrose Avenue for myself, would be the PlaygroundLA Dance School. PlaygroundLA is LA's hottest dance studio, owned by Robin Antin and Kenny Wormald. The Melrose Arts District street art scene is a vibrant reflection of the creative culture in Los Angeles.

Goodbye LA!