California

The question in Los Angeles is never what to do, but where to begin. Just recently I spent some time in California visiting a friend from college. From the time I walked off the plane to the time I left, it was an adventure. I hadn’t been to LA in 2 years and I knew that there was a lot I wanted to do. Thank goodness I have friends who are full of energy and always on the move. I was out and about every day/night.

My first night in LA my friends and I went to Cabo Cantina for happy hour. The Cantina is a great 2 for 1 margarita place on the Sunset Strip. Cabo Cantina is like bringing Mexico to West Hollywood. The crowd is mixed, but it seems to be more of a college scene. After a few margaritas (one for me of course) and a bite to eat we decided Social- Hollywood was on the agenda for the night. The Social- Hollywood is your typical California glamour scene. You know the kind where you wait in a long line and pay a ridiculous cover charge, but you know it’s always fun, so you do it anyway!  The most exciting part of the night was that Lady Gaga performed. The Social-Hollywood also has a restaurant so it’s the perfect place to have dinner, and then dance all night. The club is filled with so many different rooms that it’s impossible to get bored.  http://www.citrusatsocial.com/

I had to have a beach day, so we went to Hermosa Beach. Hermosa was celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and I became a little home sick and missing the annual Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. But, the Hermosa crowd was just as fun and to be honest I had the beach and sunshine instead of the dreary cold Pennsylvania weather. Hermosa Beach was beautiful, and I definitely recommend that you visit. Just hearing the wave’s crash as you eat dinner on the strand is so relaxing. http://www.hbchamber.net/lifestyle.htm

You cannot visit Los Angeles and not indulge in its nightlife. Downtown LA is for the adventure seekers. Anything goes! My friends and I went to LA Live. LA Live is a huge complex filled with broadcast studios, restaurants, movie theatres, bowling lanes, clubs, and a music museum. We spent the night in Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge. It’s bowling in one room and a club in another room. It was a lot of fun, and the crowd was diverse. www.lalive.com

Another great attraction is the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s filled with tons of shopping, Venice Beach, great places to eat and also live entertainment. I actually saw a man line up five people on the Promenade, run, and jump over all of them. He didn’t fall, and actually made the jump. It was exciting!  http://thirdstreetpromenade.org/visitors/index.html

California was a great release from the East Coast, and the weather was perfect every day. I am very lucky that I was able to spend some time with my friend from college, and also lucky to have met a lot of new friends. California I hope to see you again very soon!

Have you ever traveled to California? Where is your favorite vacation destination?