The Best Spots In So-Cal
For the past few years, Southern California has been my favorite place to go to get some much-needed west coast sun. Specifically, the City of Angels has become a kind of second home to me, and I feel like I’ve seen everything from the most crowded of tourist attractions to all of the hidden gems the LA area has to offer. If you’re ever planning on taking a trip to So-Cal, here are some of the best spots to hit while you’re there.
Melrose Trading Post
This high school parking lot turned vintage market is sure to impress any Pinterest lovers. It happens exclusively on Sundays, and it is a favorite activity for LA natives. Filled with fun antiques, eccentric trinkets, and enough vintage clothes to keep any Levi’s-lover happy, the Trading Post is fun for quite a few hours. I’ve been two times, and it hasn’t gotten old. They’re constantly rotating the sellers, so there’s always something new to see. It’s cool to see the smaller businesses that usually make all of their stock by hand. My favorite jewelry places are from the Post, and I could totally be convinced into going and finding more. If you want a taste of your Los Angeles-themed Pinterest board, the Trading Post is perfect for your first stop.
The Getty Villa
Arguably one of the most beautiful estates in California, the Getty villa is perfect for anyone who enjoys European architecture, or those who simply enjoy large homes. Located in the Pacific Palisades, the home is easy to spot from Pacific Coast Highway and sits on top of a daunting hill. Admission is free, so this really is an easy spot to visit, and it’s super fun, too. The villa was modeled after another complex in Pompeii that was left buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. After the excavation of the original in the 1900s, the Getty Villa was built with the intention of bringing the same architecture to the United States. I had so much fun here, and there’s so much to see. I would definitely go back again!
Glossier LA
Ok sure, we have a Glossier in Atlanta now. But I mean it when I say that it pales in comparison to the LA location. This one is a flagship location, so it has the most effort put into how cool it is. Walking inside feels like you’re entering makeup heaven. It’s really fun to pick out all of your products, and the special items are cool too. There are lots of photo-ops all over the store, so it’s really ‘Instagrammable’. This location is also doing a collab with Alfred Coffee (LA’s favorite caffeine supplier), so after your makeover, you can also pick up some Glossier-inspired treats. This was one of my favorite things I’ve done in LA, and it really captures that “California Girl Vibe”, if you know what I mean.
Malibu Country Mart
What would a trip to California be without shopping? A boring trip, in my opinion! There’s plenty of shopping in the LA area, but if you really want a relaxing experience, take the drive up PCH and stop at the Malibu Country Mart! It’s smaller than the typical shopping mall, but it has some of the best stores you’ll find in So-Cal. My perfect day: start with a leisurely walk through Fred Segal, take a look through the Chrome hearts boutique, then hit some of the smaller stores like Paige and other boutiques. If you need a refreshment, Sunlife Organics has a smoothie that will hit the spot. After all of that, you can end the day at cult-favorite Brandy Melville. I love this spot because it has more of the small Californian stores and fewer of the ones we see daily at home. The Country Mart is sure to satisfy any shopaholic’s craving for fashion.
The Gardens at The Huntington Library
This was an unexpected favorite for me. I’m not usually someone who is a big garden fan, but the Huntington Library really knows how to do it. The Gardens are near Pasadena, and the best way to describe them is two hours of continuous shock at how beautiful they are. There are gardens with different themes, so you’ll see Roman statues and Japanese architecture all in one trip. My favorite part was the rose garden towards the end. I’m pretty sure we saw over 50 different types of roses! My recommendation is to see them close to sunset, partly because it’s really beautiful and partly because it isn’t quite as hot. If you need a break from the bustling culture LA offers, this is a really great spot.
These activities are sure to keep you busy and happy! They’re not too crowded, but they offer just as much culture and enjoyment as the tourist-ridden sites. There’s a lot to do in LA, and this list won’t keep you going for a whole week, but it’s a great starter pack. So, if you’re thinking of booking those trip dates, do it! You won’t regret it.