This past week I went on a girls trip to Los Angeles, California. While this was my second time going to LA, it was my first as a 21 year old and with 4 of my best friends, so a brand new experience. I decided to make a list of what to do and not do while in LA for those planning a visit in the future.
DO: Hike the Hollywood Sign
When I say "hike," I mean that this was a four mile hike uphill where you're sweating and panting and if you take one wrong step you're falling off the side of a cliff. However, it is 100 percent worth it. The views are stunning, the fresh air is nice, and the hollywood sign up close is beautiful. While it was definitely a workout, it was one of my favorite parts of the vacation and a unique way to see LA.
DONT: Wait in line for Ellen Standby tickets
The website tells you that if you go in line early enough you can get "day of" tickets, so my friends and I went on no sleep to get in line at 4 am, only to find out five hours later, after being first in line, that you need a standby ticket that you get weeks ahead of time to get a "day of" ticket--which seems to me that it isn't actually DAY OF because you get a standby ticket ahead of time. Regardless, if you don't have a ticket don't waste your time and precious beauty rest.
DO: Warner Brothers Studio Tour
If you are a fan of movies and television, you will love this tour. On a golf cart, a tour guide takes you to a set where you can walk around and see how people film and act. They take you around to different sound stages, talk about new shows coming out, show you where old shows were filmed, and then take you to an outdoor area where some of your favorite shows are currently filmed with fun facts. Ross's house from Friends is the same house used for Emily's house in Pretty Little Liars. The diner from Gilmore Girls is now the laundry mat in Shameless. Being able to see things like Rosewood High, The Alibi, and so much more were such a cool experience that I would recommend to everyone.
DONT: Universal Tour
Although we didn't go, we contemplated it and did our research. This ticket is almost double the price of the Warner Brothers tour and you don't get nearly as much. After talking to cab drivers, local people, and reading online we realized that it's not worth the money and takes up an entire day of time. It is a watered down version of Disney World and takes away a day where you could be doing better things, in my opinion.
DO: Eat at one or two pricey yet famous restaurants
While some of LA's restaurants can be super pricey, it's definitely worth it to eat at one or two. Places like the Ivy, Sur, Spago's, etc. are expensive but it gives you a chance to see stars and truly gives you a full LA feel. You might have to eat a snack before and just order soup and a water, but you could be sitting next to a celebrity and that's worth it!
DONT: Eat out for every meal
On the other hand, you don't want to be spending all your money on food so eat at some cheaper places like In and Out burger, or even run to the grocery store and make a sandwich instead. This saves money so that you can go out for drinks later in the night, which brings me to....
DO: Go to Bars/Clubs
There might be a cover and the drinks are more than you'd usually pay, but the environment is incredible. People in LA are so unique and you get a vibe that you won't have at any other bar or club. Not to mention, this is another really great chance to see celebrities or talk to A-listers.
DONT: sleep
The first night we got to LA we didn't even sleep, we were up for a whole 36 hours. While I know this is unrealistic for your whole vacation, you need to make sure you're getting up early and not wasting the day in bed. There is so much to do in LA that you need to make sure you're getting it all done so get up and get going!
