My first Los Angeles trip was in December 2021, when I flew out to visit my friend Hana, who was living there at the time. If you’ve read my San Francisco, New York, or cross-country road trip stories, you might recognize her. At this point, we’ve traveled together enough times that she deserves an honorary position as my unofficial travel coordinator.

Since it was my first and only visit to Los Angeles, I wanted to see as much as possible. Between theme parks, beaches, nostalgic pop-ups, and some seriously good food, we managed to squeeze a lot into my trip.

There was just one small problem: I apparently forgot that December is winter. LOL

Yes, I knew Los Angeles was known for its sunshine and warm weather. In my mind, that meant I could pack a suitcase full of cute, summery outfits and call it a day. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. I ended up buying extra layers to stay warm, and some of the clothes I packed never even made it out of my suitcase.

But despite the chilly weather, my first LA adventure was one I’ll always remember.

Disneyland vs. Disney World: Finally Visiting the Original

Being from Georgia, I’d already visited Walt Disney World in Florida, including a previous trip with Hana. So naturally, when I finally made it to California, we had to check Disneyland off the list.

And honestly, I loved it!

The biggest difference to me was the nostalgia. Disneyland is the original Disney theme park, and there’s something about walking through it that feels especially connected to childhood and Disney history. It felt a little more nostalgic and historic, and I loved getting to experience that for myself.

Disneyland is also more walkable than Disney World, which makes sense because it’s smaller and has fewer parks. You’re not dealing with the same enormous scale as Disney World in Orlando. That made it a fun experience in its own right, rather than simply feeling like a repeat of a Florida trip.

Don’t get me wrong, I love both. But visiting Disneyland for the first time felt like checking off a special little bucket-list item.

Universal Studios Hollywood: My Ravenclaw Dreams Came True

If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I’m a Harry Potter nerd. And if we’re getting specific, I’m a Ravenclaw. So when Hana and I visited Universal Studios Hollywood, you can probably guess which area of the park stole my heart.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was, without a doubt, my favorite part of the entire trip. Walking through Hogsmeade and seeing the shops, buildings, and details from the movies made me feel like I’d stepped right into the Harry Potter universe. It was magical…no pun intended. LOL

And remember how I said I was freezing?

Well, Universal ended up getting some extra money out of me because I needed to buy things to keep warm. Of course, I couldn’t just purchase a regular sweatshirt. I came home with a Ravenclaw hat, scarf, sweatshirt, and wand. LOL Listen, if I’m going to be cold, I might as well be cold in house colors!

We also explored some of the rides like Jurassic World, Transformers, and The Simpsons’ Springfield area. There was so much to see that it was easy to spend hours wandering around and discovering something new.

On our way out, I even came across the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo. As a 90s kid, that was a fun little surprise to end the day!

Behind the Scenes of Hollywood’s Biggest Movies

Another highlight was taking a tour of the film lots and sets at Universal.

We got to see locations associated with famous movies and television shows, including Bates Motel, Fast & Furious, and The Flintstones. It was fascinating to see how much work goes into creating the places and scenes we recognize from the screen.

There were also demonstrations showing how disaster movies are filmed. Watching how filmmakers create dramatic effects and convincing destruction made me appreciate just how much goes into movie production. It’s one thing to watch a movie and believe what you’re seeing. It’s another thing to learn how those scenes are actually made.

I loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, especially in a city so closely associated with Hollywood.

Eating at Margaritaville and the Leaky Cauldron

Of course, not every meal was a spontaneous street-food discovery.

We also ate at Margaritaville at Universal Studios. Was it a little pricey? Absolutely. Was it a tourist trap? Probably.

But sometimes you do it for the plot. 😂

When you’re visiting a theme park, you might as well lean into the experience.

We also ate at the Leaky Cauldron in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where I ordered fish and chips and a Butterbeer.

As a Harry Potter fan, eating inside the themed area was a fun part of the day. Between the atmosphere, the food, and the chance to experience something I’d seen in the movies, it was another one of those moments that made the trip feel special.

And yes, I was probably still wearing my Ravenclaw gear.

Griffith Observatory: Views of Los Angeles From Above

Outside of the theme parks, Hana and I drove through Griffith Park and took the road up to Griffith Observatory. We didn’t have tickets to go inside, but even just visiting the area and looking out over the city was worth it.

The views of Los Angeles were beautiful, and it was so cool to see the city spread out below us. After spending so much time driving around LA, seeing it from above gave me a different perspective on just how large the city really is.

I also loved knowing that inside the observatory, visitors can explore exhibits and see the stars through telescopes. I’m always fascinated by anything that makes you feel a little closer to the universe. Even without going inside, it was a memorable stop and a nice change of pace from the theme parks and busy streets.

Hiking for the Hollywood Sign

Of course, I couldn’t visit Los Angeles without getting some pictures of the Hollywood Sign. Hana and I went for a walk through a nearby neighborhood to reach a viewpoint, and let me tell you, the uphill climb was no joke. The struggle was real! But that’s what we do…we walk uphill and we struggle LOL

But once we got there, the views and photo opportunities made the trek worth it. We got some really good shots, and naturally, I had to make the occasion a little more personal. Being the petty Atlanta girl that I am, I showed up wearing my Atlanta Braves World Series Champions hat and T-shirt. And yes, this was absolutely intentional.

For context, the Braves had beaten the Los Angeles Dodgers on their way to winning the 2021 World Series. So I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take pictures near the Hollywood Sign while representing my team.

Was it necessary? No. Was I going to do it anyway? Absolutely. HAHAHA Nothing like a little friendly rivalry while sightseeing in LA!

Santa Monica Beach: Still Waiting to Touch the Pacific Ocean

As a Yellowcard fan, visiting Santa Monica Beach off Ocean Avenue was something I had to do. Elder emo millennials, you know what’s up. LOL I wasn’t about to visit Los Angeles and skip the beach, even if the weather wasn’t exactly cooperating.

The area was pretty much what I expected: people walking, rollerblading, listening to music, shopping, eating, and enjoying the ocean views. There was a relaxed atmosphere, and it was fun to see everyone doing their own thing along the coast. The weather was mostly sunny with intermittent clouds, and although it was chilly, it wasn’t unbearable. The only problem was that swimming was definitely not happening.

I was a little disappointed because I’d hoped to finally get into the Pacific Ocean. And here’s the funny part: over the years, I’ve visited San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and somehow the weather has failed me every single time. It’s either been too cold or it’s rained. At this point, I think I have a personal vendetta against West Coast weather. Or it has one against me!

I’ve visited the West Coast multiple times, but I still haven’t properly touched the Pacific Ocean. That remains unfinished business, and I fully intend to correct it one day.

The 90s Experience: A Nostalgia Lover’s Dream

One of the most unexpectedly fun activities we did was visit The 90s Experience, a pop-up event dedicated to all things 1990s. As a 90s kid, I was immediately sold!

The experience took us through a series of rooms filled with 90s decor, memorabilia, and details that brought back so many childhood memories. The attention to detail was incredible. It wasn’t just a few old toys thrown into a room; the entire experience felt like stepping back into the decade.

There was a throne chair inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a payphone, a school hallway with lockers, and reconstructed bedrooms filled with posters, inflatable furniture, see-through phones, and all the things I remembered from growing up. As one does, I took a ridiculous number of photos and videos.

I got to sit in the Fresh Prince throne, pose by the payphone, and walk through rooms that reminded me of the bedrooms and school hallways of my childhood. It was one of those experiences where every room brought back another memory.

If you’re a 90s kid like me, you understand the appeal. Sometimes you just want to revisit the things that made growing up fun.

Kura Revolving Sushi: My Eyes Were Bigger Than My Stomach

Let’s talk about food, because Los Angeles did not disappoint.

One of my favorite restaurant experiences was Kura Revolving Sushi. I’d never experienced a restaurant where the plates of sushi come to you on a conveyor belt, so the entire concept was new to me. And I loved it!

There’s something so entertaining about sitting down, watching the plates move along the conveyor belt, and choosing whatever catches your eye. It makes the meal feel like an experience rather than just going out to eat.

Hana and I shared a lot of sushi, and of course, we made room for mochi ice cream for dessert. Well, I say we made room. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach, but I regret nothing!

The novelty of the restaurant, the food, and the experience made it one of my favorite meals of the trip. Thankfully, there appears to be a location in Atlanta, so I can go back anytime I want to!

The Birria Taco Mission That Almost Didn’t Happen

Now, if you know me, you know I’m serious about trying local food when I travel. One of my missions during this trip was to find a food truck serving birria tacos. The only problem? Finding one turned out to be harder than I expected. LOL

Many of the food trucks we were looking for didn’t stay in one fixed location, and they weren’t always easy to find online. So Hana and I spent some time driving around, hoping we’d just randomly come across the right truck and it took us until the day before I left to finally find one.

I wish I could remember the name of the truck because the owner absolutely deserves all the credit. But I can tell you the tacos were phenomenal! They came with consommé for dipping, and that rich, flavorful broth made the entire experience even better. The tacos were a little spicy so my nose was running like a faucet, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. After all that searching, those tacos absolutely delivered.

We also stopped at a fruit cart on the side of the road. If you’ve never had fresh fruit covered in chamoy and sprinkled with Tajín, you’re missing out. The sweet, tangy, spicy combination is so good, and it was a refreshing little treat while we were out exploring.

These are the kinds of food experiences I love most when traveling. Sometimes the best meal isn’t at a fancy restaurant. Sometimes it’s a random food truck you stumble across while driving around a city.

Getting Around Los Angeles: Bring a Car or Plan Ahead

One thing I quickly learned about Los Angeles is that it’s a very spread-out city.

Thankfully, Hana was kind enough to drive me around everywhere we went. Having a friend with a car made exploring so much easier, and I was incredibly grateful that I didn’t have to figure out every route on my own. Coming from Atlanta, the traffic, tall buildings, parking struggles, and general city atmosphere weren’t particularly shocking to me. I was already familiar with navigating a large metropolitan area.

But LA is definitely a place where you need to plan how you’re getting around. Don’t expect to walk out of your hotel and reach every major attraction within 20 minutes. The distances between neighborhoods and attractions can be substantial, and travel time can add up quickly.

If you’re visiting, having access to a car can be helpful, but public transportation is another option to consider when planning your itinerary. Just make sure you account for the time it takes to get from one place to another.

And if you have a friend willing to shuttle you around the city, appreciate them. Hana deserves a medal for putting up with my travel plans. LOL

My Biggest Los Angeles Packing Mistake

I can’t talk about my LA trip without returning to the biggest mistake I made: packing for warm weather in December. I knew it was winter. I really did…but I also had this idea in my head that Los Angeles was warm all year, so I packed a bunch of summery clothes that I barely wore.

Instead, I ended up purchasing a Ravenclaw hat, scarf, and sweatshirt at Universal to stay warm. Which, to be fair, turned out to be a pretty good souvenir situation. Still, if you’re planning a winter trip to Los Angeles, don’t assume that the California sunshine means you’ll be comfortable in summer clothes. Weather can vary, and evenings can be chilly.

Check the forecast before you pack, bring layers, and don’t make the same mistake I did. Your suitcase and your wallet will thank you.

Is a Los Angeles Trip Worth It?

Absolutely!

I enjoyed my time in Los Angeles, and I’d recommend visiting at least once in your lifetime. Between the theme parks, film experiences, beaches, food, and pop-culture attractions, there is so much to see and do. I guarantee I’ve barely scratched the surface.

For me, Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter were easily the highlights. The nostalgia of Disneyland and The 90s Experience also made the trip especially memorable.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more time in nature. I enjoyed Griffith Park and Santa Monica Beach, but I would have loved to explore more hiking trails, natural scenery, and quieter outdoor spaces. That’s something I’d want to prioritize if I returned.

And definitely bring money. Los Angeles can be expensive, especially when you’re visiting major attractions, eating out, and getting around. Planning your budget ahead of time can make a big difference!

Los Angeles, I’ll Be Back…But I Need Better Weather

My first and only trip to Los Angeles was a fun mix of Hollywood magic, 90s nostalgia, theme parks, delicious food, and time spent with a good friend.

It also reminded me that traveling isn’t always about checking every single thing off your list. Sometimes you discover what you love about a place, and sometimes you leave with a few unfinished plans.

For me, those unfinished plans include exploring more of California’s nature and finally getting into the Pacific Ocean.

I’ve been to the West Coast multiple times, and somehow I still haven’t managed to enjoy a proper beach day in the way I’ve imagined. At this point, the Pacific Ocean and I have some unfinished business. LOL But until then, I’ll keep the memories of my Ravenclaw adventure, the birria tacos that made my nose run, the 90s pop-up, and all the fun I had with Hana.

Los Angeles was worth the visit. I just need to pick a warmer month next time!

Of all the places I’ve visited in the United States, Colorado is the one that keeps calling me back. I’ve explored different parts of the state, traveled solo and with friends and family, celebrated a birthday there, hiked through the mountains, fed alpacas, soaked in a not-so-hot hot spring, and made plenty of memories along the way. My Colorado travel experiences have taken me from mountain trails to unexpected adventures, and no two trips have ever felt exactly the same.

But honestly, it’s not one particular city or attraction that makes Colorado my favorite. It’s the feeling I get when I’m there. Something about being surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and wide-open scenery makes me feel grounded and at peace. Every trip has given me another reason to appreciate the state, even when things didn’t go exactly according to plan.

Colorado Wasn’t Just One Trip

My Colorado experiences have happened at different times and with different people. I’ve visited Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Breckenridge, Morrison, Golden, Littleton, and Aurora, and each place gave me something different to remember.

Some trips were solo. Others were with friends or family. Some were carefully planned, while others were more of a “let’s see what happens” kind of adventure. And honestly, some of my favorite memories came from the trips that didn’t go according to plan.

That’s part of what I love about traveling. You can have an itinerary, but you never really know which moments are going to stick with you.

Colorado Springs: Hiking at Seven Falls

One of my early Colorado trips took me to Denver, where my best friend, Faith, was living at the time. She basically became my unofficial tour guide, which was perfect because I got to experience the area with someone who actually knew where she was going. One day, we decided to hop in the car and ended up in Colorado Springs.

One of our stops was Seven Falls. We went hiking and spent some time taking in the scenery, and it was one of my first real opportunities to experience Colorado’s landscape up close.

Coming from Atlanta, I wasn’t used to seeing mountains like that. There is something completely different about hiking when you’re surrounded by that kind of scenery. Even when you’re tired and wondering why you decided to walk uphill voluntarily, you can look around and realize the view is worth it.

Paying My Respects at the Columbine Memorial

Another Colorado stop that stayed with me for a completely different reason was the Columbine Memorial in Littleton.

The memorial is peaceful and beautifully maintained, with brick walls featuring quotes from family members and students, the names of the students and teachers who lost their lives, and a fountain in the center. Walking through it was both calm and incredibly sad.

The tragedy happened years ago, but standing there and seeing the names made the loss feel fresh. I felt like it was important to pay my respects and remember the people behind the headlines.

It also made me think about how short life really is. Experiences like that are part of why I want to keep traveling, trying new things, and making memories while I’m here. None of us are promised forever, so I want to see as much of the world as I can while I have the chance.

Denver, Good Friends & a Free Flight of Beer

I’ve also spent time in Denver visiting friends, including one I hadn’t seen in years. One trip was pretty low-key. We did a short hike, enjoyed the views, and eventually ended up at Oasis Brewing Co. I’m not a huge beer drinker, but they offered a free flight of beers and a souvenir cup, and I’m not one to turn down free anything. LOL Unfortunately, it seems Oasis Brewing Co. has permanently closed since then.

Not every travel memory has to involve a major attraction. Sometimes it’s just catching up with someone you haven’t seen in years, trying something new, and enjoying a relaxed afternoon in a different city.

Denver also gave me one of my favorite food memories: Barcelona Wine Bar. There’s a location in Atlanta, where I’m from, so finding one in Denver felt a little like stumbling across a tiny piece of Spain while traveling through Colorado. The tapas were delicious, and the wine made me feel like I had briefly been transported back to Europe.

A Day at Elitch Gardens

Another Denver experience I can’t leave out was visiting Elitch Gardens theme park with my friend Faith. Since we’re both from Georgia, we’re pretty familiar with Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water. So naturally, Faith had a comparison in the chamber for Elitch Gardens. She called it the “poor man’s Six Flags.” HAHAHA I mean…I understood what she meant. When you’re used to having Six Flags as a staple back home, you can’t help but compare every theme park to it.

Still, we had a good time exploring the park and getting on rides. The only ride I clearly remember was the Sidewinder. What I remember almost as vividly, though, was how ridiculously hot it was while we stood in line. After all, it was the middle of July! There is nothing like standing in a long ride line under the blazing sun, wondering whether the ride is actually worth sweating through your clothes for.

Thankfully, the experience gave us another funny travel memory to look back on. Sometimes the attraction itself is memorable, but other times it’s the random comments, inside jokes, and little moments that make the day stand out.

Elitch Gardens may not have replaced Six Flags in our Georgia-loving hearts, but it was still a fun part of my Colorado visit.

When Our Ski Trip Turned Into a Hiking Trip

One of my favorite Colorado trips was a group trip to Breckenridge to celebrate my cousin’s birthday. We had around ten people, rented two cars, and stayed in an incredible Airbnb cabin with huge windows, lots of wood, multiple bedrooms, and a beautiful mountain view right in the backyard. There was even a lake nearby that was partially frozen. It looked like something straight out of a winter postcard.

The original plan was to go skiing, but this was during the COVID era, and restrictions meant we couldn’t rent the equipment we needed. None of us had brought our own gear either, so skiing was officially off the table. So we did what travelers do when Plan A disappears: we made a Plan B. When in doubt, hike it out!

We found a nearby hiking trail around Dillon Reservoir and went for it. The views were absolutely breathtaking. Literally. Colorado’s air is a different beast, especially while hiking. LOL Between the altitude and the effort, you definitely notice your breathing more than you might expect. But every time I felt tired, I’d look around and see the mountains and the water, and think, “Okay…this is worth it.”

Because of the COVID restrictions, we spent a lot of our time at the Airbnb instead of going out. We played games, listened to music, drank, and just enjoyed being together. We also made it to Continental Divide Winery for food and wine.

And in true Colorado fashion, it didn’t actually snow until the morning we were leaving!

My 30th Birthday in Colorado

Then there was the trip that probably made me fall even more in love with Colorado: my 30th birthday.

I decided to take a solo birthday trip to Denver and rent a car so I could explore at my own pace. Turning 30 alone in another state wasn’t necessarily something I’d planned years in advance. It was more of a “why not?” decision.

I’m a Taurus, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s that being surrounded by nature genuinely makes me feel at peace. So Colorado felt like the perfect place to celebrate a new decade. I woke up early on my birthday and headed to Lookout Mountain to watch the sunrise. The views were incredible, and starting my birthday surrounded by mountains felt like exactly what I needed.

Lookout Mountain is also home to the Mother Cabrini Shrine and the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, which made the morning even more memorable. Standing there and looking out over the city, I remember thinking that this was a pretty great way to start 30.

Yes, I Went to an Alpaca Farm for My Birthday

Later that day, I headed to Morrison to visit the Smooth Alpaca ranch. Yes, I spent part of my 30th birthday feeding alpacas. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I got to pet and feed them hay and pellets, and they were adorable. There was also a goat who liked to head-butt my hand for more food. And really, who was I to deny him?

But the funniest part was the alpacas’ names. My favorite was Pablo Picasso. I mean…how am I supposed to forget an alpaca named Pablo Picasso? LOL Impossible. It was such a random birthday activity, but that’s exactly why I loved it. I wasn’t doing what I thought I was “supposed” to do for a milestone birthday. I was just doing something that made me happy.

Red Rocks Was Exactly What I Expected

Since I was already in the area, I also visited Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

I knew Red Rocks was famous, but I was still surprised by how red the rocks actually were in person. Sometimes you see something in pictures so many times that you forget it’s going to look different when you’re standing right in front of it!

Seeing the natural rock formations surrounding an actual concert venue was such a cool experience. It felt like another example of what makes Colorado special: nature isn’t just something you drive past. It’s part of the experience.

Meeting New People on My Birthday

That evening, I decided to use Bumble BFF to meet some local people.

I always use common sense and stay cautious when meeting people I don’t know, especially while traveling alone. But this experience turned out really well. I met a couple of women, and we went out for dinner and dancing to celebrate my birthday. I even had giant number 30 balloons with me.

The only problem? Colorado apparently has other plans for giant balloons because the wind was absolutely no joke. They were tied to my chair and whipping around all over the place, so eventually I popped them. LOL It wasn’t exactly the glamorous birthday photo moment I had imagined, but it was definitely memorable.

And that’s something Colorado has taught me more than once: sometimes the imperfect moments become the best stories.

The Hot Spring That Wasn’t Actually Hot

The next day, I met up with one of the women I’d met for dinner and we headed to Radium Hot Springs. I’d always heard about natural hot springs and wanted to experience one for myself. Since Georgia isn’t exactly known for natural hot springs, I was excited to finally try one.

The scenery was beautiful, but the water itself was…not what I expected. It was lukewarm at best. Not exactly the relaxing, steaming hot spring experience I’d imagined. But that’s on me for assuming simply based off the name. LOL

Getting there was also an adventure. Because I didn’t know that we had to actually hike down to the water, (and because I apparently enjoy making travel harder for myself), I wore flip-flops. That was a mistake. Big. Huge. It took about 45 mins from where we parked to get down there.

On the way back, we got lost trying to find the car. So the return trip ended up being even longer. By the time we found the car, my feet were covered in blisters. If there is one thing I hope you take away from this story, it’s this: don’t hike in flip-flops! Your feet will thank you.

Colorado Travel Has a Way of Slowing Me Down

Looking back at all of these trips, the memories that stand out most aren’t necessarily the biggest attractions. They’re the moments when I felt completely present.

It’s watching the sunrise from the top of a hill. It’s hiking with friends and stopping because the view is too beautiful not to photograph. It’s sitting around an Airbnb playing games with family. It’s feeding an alpaca named Pablo Picasso. It’s meeting new people on your birthday. It’s getting lost on the way back from a lukewarm hot spring and realizing you’ll probably laugh about it later.

Colorado has a way of making me slow down and actually notice where I am and I think that’s what I love most about it.

Why Colorado Is My Favorite Place to Visit in the U.S.

I’ve traveled to a lot of places across the United States, but Colorado continues to stand out to me because of how it makes me feel. The scenery is obviously a huge part of it. The mountains, lakes, hiking trails, sunsets, and wide-open spaces are beautiful in a way that’s hard to explain until you’re standing in the middle of it.

But it’s more than the scenery. Colorado has given me some of my favorite travel memories: solo adventures, family celebrations, time with old friends, new friendships, birthday milestones, unexpected detours, and plenty of stories I still laugh about.

Every trip has reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the ski trip becomes a hiking trip. Sometimes the hot spring isn’t hot. Sometimes your birthday balloons get whipped around by the wind so you pop them. Sometimes you wear flip-flops on a mountain and immediately regret your choices. LOL But you remember those moments.

And when I think about the places I’ve visited in the U.S., Colorado is the one that makes me want to keep exploring. There’s something about being surrounded by nature that helps me feel grounded, peaceful, and fully present.

Maybe that’s why Colorado is my favorite place to visit in the U.S. And honestly, I don’t think I’m done exploring it yet.

My New York City travel story started in January 2019. Eight degrees. A Jesse McCartney concert. And my first-ever trip to New York City.

Looking back, I’m not sure what was colder…the weather or my determination to never visit New York in winter again. LOL

I had never been to New York before, so luckily, I had the perfect tour guide: one of my friends from Atlanta who had moved there. This is the same friend I visited in San Francisco and traveled with during my cross-country road trip. She showed me around, introduced me to some of her favorite places, and made sure I got the full first-time-in-New-York experience.

That first trip ended up being the beginning of a pretty long relationship with New York City. My friend moved back to Atlanta for a while, then moved to New York again, which gave me a reason to visit a few more times.

Four trips later, I’ve experienced New York in very different ways: from freezing January temperatures and Broadway shows to summer beach days, sunset views, incredible food, and being caught in a sea of people during the 2026 World Cup.

And somehow, despite my complaints about the prices, the crowds, and those confusing numbered streets, I keep coming back.

My First Trip to New York Was 8 Degrees

My first New York City trip was in January 2019, and the main reason I went was a Jesse McCartney concert. Yes, Jesse McCartney. Don’t judge me! If you know, you know.

The problem? It was eight degrees. I don’t do well with cold weather under normal circumstances, so being in New York in January was definitely an experience. I remember being bundled up and trying my best to enjoy myself while also wondering why I had voluntarily traveled somewhere this cold.

I made a promise to myself that I would never return to New York in the winter and so far, I’ve kept my word. LOL

Since it was my first visit, my friend took on the role of official New York tour guide. We spent most of our time exploring Brooklyn and Manhattan and checked off plenty of the classic New York sights. We visited Central Park, Times Square, Macy’s, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

We were also huge Gossip Girl fans at the time, so visiting The Met was especially fun. It was one thing to see these places on television, but seeing them in person made everything feel a little more real. XOXO

My Friend Became My Personal New York Tour Guide

One of my favorite things about visiting New York with my friend is that I never had to figure everything out myself. She already knew the city, so I could just follow along and enjoy the experience. We walked around Manhattan, explored Brooklyn, wandered through Chinatown, and stopped at some of the places I’d seen in movies and television shows.

We even went to a rehearsal taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which was such a cool experience. I’d never been to a television taping before, so getting to see how everything worked behind the scenes was a fun addition to the trip. Also, I’ve loved Jimmy Fallon since his days on SNL 🙂

And because my friend knew I loved movies and TV shows, she also made sure to include some stops that felt like little pop-culture pilgrimages.

New York Through Movies and TV Shows

One of my favorite stops was FAO Schwarz. I’m a huge fan of Big starring Tom Hanks, so naturally, I had to see the famous giant piano.

Getting to recreate that little movie moment was such a cool experience. It’s one of those things that might seem small to someone else, but when you’ve loved a movie for years, actually standing in a place connected to it makes the experience feel special.

We also visited Logos Bookstore, the small bookstore in New York that was used as Mooney’s bookstore in the Netflix series You. (Hello, Joe!) The bookstore itself was small and quaint, but that was part of the charm. Of course, I had to go inside. We also made a stop by the apartment building featured in the popular show, Friends. Kind of a must!

Between Gossip Girl, Big, You, Friends, and The Tonight Show, these trips made me realize just how much of New York City I’d already experienced through a screen before ever visiting.

There’s something really fun about recognizing a place you’ve seen in a movie or show and suddenly realizing, Wait… I’m actually here.

My First New York Subway Experience

Another first from that trip was taking the New York City subway.

Coming from Atlanta, I’m familiar with MARTA, but I’m much more accustomed to seeing the train above ground. New York was a completely different beast because so much of the city happens underneath the streets. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was doing.

Eventually, though, you realize that the system isn’t quite as intimidating as it seems. Follow the signs, pay attention to where you’re going, and eventually you’ll figure it out.

The streets were another story. I understand the logic behind the numbered streets, but I’m still personally not a fan. LOL You’ll hear something like “16th and 24th West blah blah blah” and I’m standing there thinking, Okay… and where exactly am I supposed to go?

I’m also from the South, where we’re generally pretty friendly and smiley, so I’d heard the running joke that you have to “look mean” when you’re walking around New York, especially as a woman. That’s not exactly my natural personality. I’m used to smiling at people and saying hello. New York definitely taught me to be a little more aware of my surroundings while navigating a huge, unfamiliar city.

Come Hungry: Pizza, Cheesecake & More

Food is a huge part of the New York City travel experience. You can’t talk about New York without talking about food.

Everyone has their favorite pizza spot, and while Joe’s Pizza is one of the popular choices, my personal favorite was actually L’Industrie. That pizza was so good.

And then there was the cheesecake. Junior’s. Also delicious. Between the pizza and cheesecake alone, I understood why food is such a big part of the New York experience.

On my most recent trip, I also got to try something completely new to me: an omakase-style dinner at Tsumo Omakase. I’d never experienced omakase before, so watching the chef prepare the different types of sushi right in front of us was part of the fun.

And yes, it was delicious.

We also stopped at Pop Up Bagels, because apparently I was determined to eat my way through New York one iconic food at a time. LOL

The New York Sights That Stayed With Me

Some of the places I’ve visited over my four trips are the kind of attractions you expect to see when visiting New York, but that doesn’t make them any less memorable.

The Brooklyn Bridge was one of those places. There’s something surreal about seeing the New York City skyline while standing on the bridge instead of just looking at pictures of it.

On my most recent trip, my friend and I also visited the Manhattan Bridge and arrived just in time to watch the sunset behind the Manhattan skyline. If you’ve been following Travel Britten for a while, you already know I have a thing for sunsets. LOL

And this one did not disappoint. The sky, the skyline, the water, and the city all coming together at the same time made for one of those simple travel moments that sticks with you. We also spent some time at Hudson River Park, which gave us another chance to slow down and take in the city without constantly rushing from one attraction to the next.

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial was a very different experience from the rest of the trip.

For New Yorkers, and Americans in general, September 11th is a day we’ll never forget. Even if you weren’t in New York when it happened, the events of that day are part of American history that most of us remember in some way, shape, or form.

Visiting the memorial felt like an important stop to make. Seeing the names of all the people who lost their lives that day was difficult. Standing there and seeing so many names together made the scale of the tragedy feel much more personal.

It was one of the most memorable parts of my first trip to New York, but also one of the heaviest. Not every travel memory has to be fun to be meaningful.

Stranger Things on Broadway Was Incredible

One of the biggest surprises from my most recent New York City trip happened on Broadway. My friend surprised me with tickets to see Stranger Things: The First Shadow. If you know me, you know I love Stranger Things, so I was very excited.

And honestly? It did not disappoint.

The cast and crew were fantastic, but the special effects were what really stood out to me. The lighting, smoke, sound effects, and set design were incredibly well done. You could tell that a lot of thought went into making the production feel like the world of Stranger Things rather than simply putting the characters on a stage.

The transitions between the real world and the Upside Down were especially impressive. The lighting and sound made it immediately obvious which world you were in, and seeing those transitions happen live was completely different from watching something like that on television.

There was so much attention to detail that, for a moment, it almost felt like I wasn’t watching a play at all. I was inside the show.

10/10 highly recommend! *NOTE: The show is set to close on January 3rd, 2027, so get your tickets while you can!*

A Beach Day in Queens? Yes, Really.

My visit this past July gave me another side of New York that I hadn’t really experienced before: Rockaway Beach in Queens.

We took the train out to the beach, and even the ride there was part of the experience. I got some great views of the water along the way, and as we got farther from the city, everything started to feel a little less hectic. Once we arrived, it almost felt like we weren’t in New York anymore.

Almost.

There were beach bars playing music, people watching World Cup games, groups hanging out, and plenty of people enjoying the summer weather. So it definitely had a party atmosphere.

We grabbed some snacks and drinks, brought a speaker to listen to music, and eventually found a quieter spot where we could put down our towels and actually relax. It was such a nice change of pace from spending the day surrounded by skyscrapers and crowds.

Sometimes you need a little beach break in the middle of a city trip.

New York Was Expensive… Especially After Living in Europe

One thing I definitely noticed during my latest visit was how much more expensive New York felt after living in Europe for the past two years.

I had just come from Gran Canaria, and let’s just say Europe had gotten me a little too comfortable with lower prices and not having an extra tax magically appear when I reached the register. LOL

No matter where I am, I’ll probably always complain about prices in the United States. But New York? Yeah… I noticed. I honestly don’t remember exactly how much I spent on the trip because my friend was incredibly generous and paid for a lot of things. But the difference in prices was still noticeable.

It was a funny little culture shock coming back to the U.S. after spending so much time living in Europe.

The World Cup Made New York Even More Crowded

My July visit also happened during the FIFA World Cup, which added another layer to the city’s already busy atmosphere.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was held at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026, so the city was full of international visitors and football fans around that time and you could definitely feel it. There were people everywhere.

New York is already crowded, but when you’re walking through a sea of people and can barely move, it can become a little overwhelming. At the same time, there’s something fun about seeing so many different people and cultures coming together in one place.

It just wasn’t necessarily the peaceful summer vacation atmosphere I might have imagined. I’m also not a soccer fan, so the event itself meant nothing to me. LOL

What Four Trips to New York Taught Me

After four visits, I still don’t think I’ve experienced everything New York has to offer. Honestly, I’m not sure that’s even possible. But I have learned a few things:

New York is expensive. Maybe that seems obvious, but living in Europe for two years definitely changed my perspective on American prices.

New York is crowded. Sometimes that’s part of the fun. Other times, you just want everyone to move approximately three inches to the left so you can breathe. LOL

The subway is manageable. It might seem overwhelming at first, but once you follow the signs and understand where you’re going, it’s much easier.

The numbered streets are still confusing to me. I’m sorry. I said what I said.

And perhaps most importantly, New York can feel completely different depending on where you are.

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Chinatown, Hudson River Park, and Rockaway Beach all gave me different impressions of the city. That’s probably part of what makes New York so interesting. You’re not really experiencing just one city. You’re experiencing a bunch of different neighborhoods, cultures, environments, and personalities all packed together.

Would I Visit New York Again?

So after four trips and plenty of New York City travel memories, would I go back? Yes. But there’s a catch.

To visit my friend specifically? Absolutely. She’s been the common thread through all of these trips, and having someone I know and trust in the city makes the experience completely different.

To fly to New York by myself for no particular reason? Probably not. LOL New York isn’t necessarily a destination I feel like I need to check off my list again just for the sake of saying I’ve been there.

But that’s okay. Some places become special because of the people you experience them with.

My multiple trips to New York have given me a pretty random collection of memories: an eight-degree January night at a Jesse McCartney concert, exploring Central Park and The Met, recreating a Big moment at FAO Schwarz, eating amazing pizza and cheesecake, seeing the 9/11 Memorial, watching Stranger Things come to life on Broadway, catching a sunset over Manhattan, relaxing at Rockaway Beach, and navigating a city that somehow still confuses me with its numbered streets.

Four trips. Four very different experiences.

And maybe that’s what keeps bringing me back!