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!
