Experiencing Los Angeles: A Travel Diary

Welcome to Los Angeles: A Travel Diary

Just an hour’s flight switched up my IP — hello, Los Angeles! 🌴 This vibrant city has long been on my bucket list, and I can happily say it didn’t disappoint. Alas, my time was short, and I didn’t get to experience everything I wanted.

Shopping Spree at Palm Springs Outlet

As soon as I walked into the Palm Springs Outlet, I was blown away by the jaw-dropping 50% off beauty products! 💄 I snagged a bottle of Estee Lauder serum, a MAC foundation, and Clinique cleansing balm—all for half price! Plus, I treated myself to six lipsticks for just $60. At my favorite brand CK, I found an amazing deal: two t-shirts (unisex) for $50! The white one is sheer yet gives off youthful vibes—definitely worth it! Make sure to enter your email at checkout for an extra 20% off, and guess what? I received a 10% Tommy coupon too! [Crying emoji] 😭

Captivating Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach is breathtaking during the early evening hours. If you can, arrive around 6 or 7 PM to catch the sunset; it falls so quickly! The picturesque view of palm trees against the backdrop of the sun sinking into the sea makes for stunning photos. Honestly, it reminded me a lot of my hometown, Qingdao.

Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory

Next up was the famous Hollywood Sign! We took photos near Griffith Observatory, which offers a great position for catching the iconic landmark. The sign is smaller than you might expect, but the observatory view of LA is undeniably magnificent. I recommend visiting at night for an even more overwhelming experience.

Sunset Boulevard Bliss

For awe-inspiring views, head over to 6931 Vista Del Mar Ln, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293. I found this spot to be the most beautiful place to watch the sunset, especially at 7 PM when the sky transforms into a canvas of colors!

A Bite of California: In-N-Out Burger

I’ve read that In-N-Out is a must-try burger in California, so I opted for the Animal Style cheeseburger based on various recommendations. The patty is grilled with special mustard, and the caramelized onions bring a unique sweetness—totally no spicy raw onion here! Coupled with their secret sauce, it was absolutely delicious and affordable. The fries, though, didn’t impress me much; I prefer McDonald’s fries.

Unexpected Adventure at the Lakers’ Arena

By chance, I ended up at the Lakers’ arena! Since many of my classmates are die-hard Lakers fans, it was great to take some photos there.

A Note on Downtown LA

If you venture into downtown, travel in a group—especially women. I encountered tons of homeless individuals on the street asking for money, and a few showed signs of aggression. 🌟 It’s essential to prioritize safety while exploring this area.

To make the most of your LA trip, consider renting a car or joining a small group tour. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help avoid unnecessary hassles. This journey has certainly been a learning experience for me!

Looking Forward to My Next Adventure

Where will my travels take me next? I can’t wait to find out!

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