If you ever feel like flying out to California, and you're not sure where to start first, I've listed some places that I found quite intriguing and worth it to visit. Whether it's historical landmarks, amusement parks or movie sets, there are so many sites to explore if you ever find yourself in the large state of California.
1. The Roosevelt Hotel
With its old Hollywood style architecture, the Roosevelt Hotel looks like something straight out of a melodramatic Hollywood film made in the 1940s. The crystal chandelier that hung in the ballroom cost more than what we’ll be owing in college debt and Marilyn Monroe had actually lived at the Roosevelt Hotel for two years while she was in the works of becoming a model/actress.
If you appreciate a good horror movie, or you get an adrenaline rush from going to haunted houses, then you’ll love what I’m about to tell you next. Rumor has it that Marilyn Monroe’s ghost can be seen through the mirror of her old cabana by the poolside. In case any of you decide you’re interested in seeing the ghost of Marilyn Monroe, ask to see suite 1200.
2. Universal Studios
Do you like to visit movie sets, go on rides, and have the time of your life? If you answered yes to at least one of those, then you’d love Universal Studios in California. Though they had added the new Minions ride about a year after I had gone there; when I went, there was still much to be amazed at. There were three stimulation rides there that were made to be just as realistic as if I were to go on a roller coaster at Six Flags. The first one was the Simpsons ride, which knocked my socks off. I won’t say too much since you’ll have to experience it for yourself to get the full effect, but it’s like watching a 4D movie, only forgetting that it’s simply a movie.
The cart simply rocks back and forth, yet you feel like you’re swinging all around the country. I highly recommend this ride to anyone who believes that they can handle it. There was also the Transformers simulation ride, as well as the King Kong 360 Experience. Both were similar to the Simpsons ride, but with different themes, as well as with different adrenaline rush results. The movie sets were my favorite since they transported you by tram toward where the real action happens. Walking around, you’ll feel like you’re in your favorite movie or TV show. Are you a fan of "Bates Motel," "The Fast and the Furious," "Ghost Whisperer," "Jaws" or "War of the Worlds?" Then you’re in for a real treat.
3. In-N-Out (basically anywhere in California)
So, I know this isn’t a "historical landmark” or a theme park of some sort, but if you ever visit anywhere in California, In-N-Out is a must before your departure. At first, I thought that it would be equivalent to McDonald's or Burger King, but it’s really not. Seeing celebrities post Instagram/Snapchat pictures of them eating a burger or fries from In-N-Out, I figured that I had to, at least, try it.
The day before I left California, I tried a burger and fries from In-N-Out for the first time, and I can honestly say that it was different than any fast food place I’ve ever been to before. Although no fast food restaurant is exactly “healthy and nutritious," the burger tasted like fresh meat, rather than processed meat, which was confirmed on their website. The fries didn’t taste like it was overly salted, which was a plus for me since I’m more of a sweet over the salty type of girl. The french fries aren’t frozen or pre-packaged. They’re made with fresh potatoes, sliced up into fry slices and cooked with vegetable oil. Now if only they’d move their In-N-Out franchise to New York...
4. Warner Brothers Studio Tour (Burbank, Calif.)
This was one of the biggest highlights of my entire vacation in California. While everyone is going to Disneyland and becoming fascinated by the characters, I toured some of my favorite television sets, which was a huge reason as to why I’m now majoring in cinema studies. It’s a huge difference between watching "Pretty Little Liars" on screen, as opposed to visiting the sets. I won’t spoil much, but the sets are so diverse and spaced out, unlike anything I’ve ever imagined before. There was one part of the "PLL" set toward the beginning of the tour, and the majority of it was deeper into all of the sets. Walking into the Rosewood High School made me feel as if I was on the show, waiting to run into Hanna or Emily.
It was incredibly surreal, and hearing how all the magic is created caused a twinkle in my eyes. Along with "PLL," I also got to see the set of "The Big Bang Theory," got to sit on the couch from the TV show "Friends" and I also found out that "Friends" and "Full House" were both filmed in the same studio! I could go on trying to explain what I felt fascinated me the most, but you’ll have to witness it yourself since your opinions may differ from mine. I highly recommend this tour if any of the shows/movies created by Warner Brothers spark an interest in you.
5. The Griffith Observatory
Located in Los Angeles and free of admission, the Griffith Observatory has been featured in many Hollywood films up to date. It’s a nice way to be able to walk around, get some fresh air and look at the beauty that is LA. My sister and I went up to where the telescopes were, and I found out that one of the telescopes that we saw was used to find an unknown planet. If you’re interested in science, then this place would be perfect for you since, at certain times, there are open exhibits that will teach you about the type of science used throughout the observatory, and the methods used to identify the planet.
Going up to the edge of the observatory was beautiful since the first thing I was able to see was a closer view of the Hollywood sign. My sister and I were messing around, trying to take one of those optical illusion pictures where it looked as if we were holding the Hollywood sign in our hands. It seemed as though after I had visited the observatory, I began to see it in almost every California-based movie I watched. So, if you’re the outdoors type, you want a beautiful view of the Hollywood sign and you’re looking to explore the science part of California, then the Griffith Observatory will most definitely please you.
