Since senior year is coming to a close, I wrote down a list of places to go and experience before graduation.
- Hollywood Hike
Wow, this one seems so cliche. I always see pictures of people hiking up to the Hollywood sign, but in my 18 years of living in Los Angeles, I have never gotten around to it. There are roughly three main Hollywood hikes: Brush Canyon Trail which is 6.4 miles, Hollyridge Trail which is 3.5 miles, and Wonder View Trail which is 3 miles.
- Food
There are a lot of food places around Los Angeles, ranging from pretty inexpensive to incredibly pricey. I decided, being on a high school budget, to stick with the more inexpensive places to eat.
Langers is awesome. Depending on the time of day, Langers can be slightly crowded, but it is worth the wait. The sandwiches are ridiculously great, especially the pastrami. Plus, it is super close to the LA Zoo, so after you can always stop by there!
Philippe the Original French Dip: I honestly am not a big fan of Phillippe but I think it is one of those landmark places to go before leaving Los Angeles. Located slightly close to Chinatown, Phillippe is incredibly old with sawdust on the floor. It is an adventure in itself
I haven’t been to Pink’s in quite a long time, but it is definitely an experience. It’s fun to wait in line with friends and order a hot dog from the most famous place to get hot dogs in Los Angeles. Also, the Hollywood area is fun and after you can always catch a movie at El Capitan or go to the Walk of Fame and take pictures with stars.
Grand Central Market: I’ve always really enjoyed Grand Central Market. There are so many places to go eat. Also, I love attempting to speak with native Spanish speakers any chance I have, and it is the perfect place to go. There are a few places I would recommend out of Grand Central Market.
EggSlut: I really enjoy Eggslut. Their sandwiches are good, however I think it has become slightly overrated in the past year. Last weekend when I was at Grand Central Market, the line was insanely long and definitely not worth it. If possible, go on a weekday.
Belcampo: Has great burgers and even better french fries. If you want seating, you may have to wait but the staff members are always super nice, and it’s fun to people watch as you wait.
Valerie Confections is really a pastry shop/cafe. Unlike other stores, Valeries closes early in the day. Their bread pudding is really tasty, but make sure you ask them to warm it up first (usually it takes around 15-20 minutes).
I really like the Nickel Diner. I always see celebrities here (not that I am obsessed or anything), but it’s just a fun place to grab breakfast. They have a variety of donuts and breakfast foods to choose from, so anyone can find something like to eat.
- LACMA: Since I was a young girl, my dad always took me to LACMA and I have always loved it. LACMA has tours around the museum. If you go, be sure to check out my favorite Magritte: The Treachery of Images. There are always new exhibits that are usually worth taking a look at.
- See a show at the Troubadour: The troubadour is fun and hip. It is super intimate and it is a great place to see uprising bands. In the past, I have seen Misterwives, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Augustana to name a few. The venue only fits around 200 people, so no matter where you are standing, you will be able to see.
- Take a Metro Adventure: I actually took the LA Metro the very first time a few weeks ago in North Hollywood and it is super cool. Although I love my convertible, the metro was actually super fun and easy to use. Plus it is inexpensive, so if you are in an area where you can use it, you should.
- Go to a flea market: Flea markets are actually super fun and I love finding new treasures. Most flea markets have something for everyone; A few weeks ago, my friends and I went to Melrose Trading Post that had really nice vendors. I got a pair of sunglasses and I have to say it was a successful day.
- Go camping: Since this year, I actually haven’t gone camping since 5th grade, but some of my friends went up to Malibu the other weekend and it is fun. Camping is basically having a giant sleepover with friends that ends up with making s’mores which is super fun. Mainly because I love s’mores. There are plently of places to go camping and to adventure to. I like Malibu, because it is pretty easy camping. Also there is a beach nearby.