Cali Dream
This trip was a dream come true. I always wanted to visit California and be able to see up close what I had so often seen in movies and TV shows, and I finally did.
Trip Recap
- Days 1 to 2: Exploring San Francisco on foot is challenging but incredibly rewarding!
- Days 3 to 4: Exploring LA's highlights, Santa Monica vibes, and stunning views was unforgettable!
- Day 5: Explored Malibu's stunning beaches before ending our day at Venice Beach.
- Days 6 to 7: Santa Monica offers beach fun, great food, and vibrant nightlife—I'd revisit!
Highlights
Golden Gate Bridge: It is amazing! Griffith Observatory: The best view of LA. Best sweet: Ghirardelli Most Famous Fondue.
Days 1 to 2
We started the trip doing what we love most: walking to explore the city. But I have to confess one thing: walking in San Francisco requires a lot of energy and determination. You might see on the map that a place is just 5 minutes away and think, 'I can walk there,' but then you come across a hill that really challenges your physical strength.
That said, here is our itinerary on day 1:
1. Hotel Majestic
2. Japantown
3. Alamo Square
4. Painted Ladies
5. Golden Gate Park
6. Hidden Garden Steps
7. Lunch at La Mediterranee
8. Mission Dolores Park
9. Dessert at Tartine Bakery
10. Golden Gate Bridge
Day 2: The next day, we explored the city center more thoroughly and some of the main tourist attractions:
1. Union Square
2. Chinatown (The biggest outside China)
3. Embarcadero
4. Financial District
5. Pier 1
6. Pier 39
7. Lunch at Fog Harbor Fish House
8. Fisherman's Wharf
9. Coffee at Cafe de Casa
10. Ghirardelli Square
Days 3 to 4
On the third day, we took a plane to Los Angeles and were already very surprised by the great weather and blue sky.
To explore this area, I suggest that you rent a car to make the most of your trip, as we did. Things can be very far in LA, and you also get a lot of traffic depending on the time of day, so be calm and relaxed on the day.
Since we love the beach, we decided to stay in Santa Monica, but we went to LA and spent the entire day there enjoying ourselves. I honestly suggest doing this, not only because the vibe in Santa Monica is wonderful (as are the restaurants), but also because I found LA quite expensive.
Here is what we did on LA:
DAY 1:
1. Toluca Woods (to see some great TV studios)
2. Walk of Fame
3. Dolby Theatre
4. Lunch at In-n-Out
5. Griffith Park (AMAZING view of the city)
6. Lake Hollywood Park (Best pic of the sign)
7. Beverly Hills Area and Park
Day 2:
8. Rodeo Drive
9. La Brea Tar Pis & Museum
10. Los Angeles County Museum
11. The Grove
12. Lunch at Sogno Toscano Restaurant
Day 5
We started the day around Malibu and finalized on Venice Beach.
Below you can see the places we went:
1. Pacific Palisades
2. Las Tunas Beach
3. Malibu Pier
4. Adamson House and Museum
5. Zuma Beach
6. Venice Beach
Days 6 to 7
Santa Monica is a delightful beach that appeals to everyone. Whether you enjoy good food, exercising, enjoying the beach, going out at night, or relaxing by the sea... I would go back countless times!
1. Santa Monica Pier
2. Downtown
3. Palisades Park
4. Santa Monica State Beach
5. Tongva Park
6. Third Street Promenade
Anything you would add or do differently?
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Maybe stay for at least 2 more days. I really enjoy this trip and would love to know more beaches.
