Let’s talk about LA… So I’ve been to LA twice once for work once for play. I definitely feel like there’s still a lot for me to learn and explore there. I’m just going to share with you my experience.
1 Elysian Fields Secret Swing
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock (or don’t have social media) the hidden swing in LA has been all over “Da Gram”. So when I had a few moments to spare I tracked it down. Let me tell you what you don’t see in the Instagram photos. The swing is nestled on the top of a cliff and the trek up is steep, to say the least. On the way up I started saying a prayer for my safe return. Oh, and if you think you’re going to get up there and be cute…. good luck not getting covered in dust. LOL. My suggestion is to change when you get up there if you’re looking for a “polished” image. Now once you get up there the next challenge is getting on the darn swing. It doesn’t appear to be the most stable thing in the world and if your afraid of heights (like I am), you’ll probably be scared out of your mind. I got up there to find 3 beautiful black girls from London screaming there heads off trying to sit on it without dying. We chatted for a bit all trying to access what would be the best way down. There are two sides you can come up and we had taken opposite routes. They explain there’s was as treacherous as mine. So after collecting a few shots, I went back down the way I came up (praying the entire time). Was it worth it? I’d say yes!! Look at that skyline.
2. The Beverly Hills Hotel
I was excited to take the iconic photo at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I arrived and searched for parking… it took a while so be mindful of that if you decide to visit. After parking, I walked around and a security guard stops me and says “sorry you can’t photos here”. I was taken back.. ” what do you mean?”. He said, “I’m sorry ma’am no photos allowed”. I responded ” this is an iconic photo spot in LA. He went on to explain to me that because of some random people taking nude and obscene photos in front of the hotel, they are no longer allowing photos there. He said his sole responsibility was to stop people from taking pics. I said ok and walked to my car defeated. Then I had the bright idea of taking a photo with the sign near the street. The above photo was the final product. So sad that because of bad behavior some people have to suffer, nonetheless, I’m happy with the results.
3. Venice Beach
Venice beach is my favorite place in LA. Why? It is full of life there are people everywhere, you can bike, skateboard, rollerblade, or even ride electric scooters. I feel free when I’m there like I don’t have a care in the world.
4. The Hollywood Sign
Obviously the Hollywood Sign is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Los Angeles. The great part about this excursion is it is a scenic route. I caught my glimpse from Lake Hollywood Park, it has all the perks without the hike. Fair warning the park will be crawling with other tourists. So if that’s not your vibe don’t even bother. I sat and had a mini picnic in the park after I was done.
5. LACMA | Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Not really much description needed! The LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) is home to the extremely photographed Urban Lights. Its also really close to the La Brea Tar Pits. I talk more about that later, but if you’re into art there are tons of cool installations around the place. I would also check and see if there are any exhibits worth checking out ( there usually are). I also have a couple cocktails there under the sun… ahhhhh i miss the sun.
6. Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles
I’m a southern girl so when I love some Soul Food. Roscoe’s is an LA staple. I actually prefer Lo-Lo’s Chicken and waffles over Roscoe’s by far, but you have to try it at least once.
7. Santa Anita Park
On my second trip to LA, I stayed in Arcadia for work. This meant I got the opportunity to visit Santa Anita Park. Its a horse racing track. I was there for the evaluations and the view is breathtaking. I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit it, but if you are passing by you should check it out.
8. Fork In The Road
It’s no secret I like immersive art. Since I was in arcadia I thought it would be a good idea to check out cool places in the area. This Fork in the road installation was one of them. It was installed by Ken Marshall and Bob Stone and is installed in the middle of a neighborhood.
9. The La Brea Tar Pits
Have you ever seen the movie Volcano? It’s one of my favorites. every since then, I’ve wanted to see the La Brea Tar Pits. I have to admit it wasn’t what I had expected. The actual tar was bubbing as forcefully as I had anticipated (granted there was a volcano cooking it in the film) and the replica animals made it seem a bit cheesy. I mean obviously, if you’re at the museum you totally walk around the corner and check it out, but I definitely wouldn’t go out of my way to check it out.
10. Los Angeles Arts District
No trip is complete for me without some mural hunting. In Downtown LA you will find the Los Angeles Arts District. Tons of amazing mural work, street art, and grub.Its located between Little Tokyo at Alameda to the west and the railroad yards and LA River to the east.