Los Angeles

Driving into Los Angeles was interesting because you make it over somewhat of a hill and all you can see is this very heavy hazy smog covering the city skyline. This was very different from what I was used too living in the mountains in Colorado where it was fresh air and no smog. It was still an exciting feeling to finally see the city skyline and drive through one of the most well known cities in the United States.

We made it to our super cute Airbnb that had this gorgeous tent out in the back yard of this really sweet ladies house. The tent/canopy had a very comfy bed and a fridge inside. Outside of the tent was a grill and sitting area and they had a compost toilet and a shower outside as well! It was seriously such a beautiful experience to be essentially camping in the middle of LA. Unfortunately this Airbnb isn’t available any longer.

Griffiths Laboratory

We got to see one of Bethany’s friends while there, she showed us around a bit and we tried going to Griffiths Labratory because it has a perfect view of the city for evening photos or night shots. But unfortunately that day it had caught on fire so we couldn’t go. Either way parking is extremely hard to find there! We walked through some very expensive neighborhoods looking at all the mansions and expensive vehicles. It was still a neat experience and we got to see some very neat views of the city!

We spent a day at Santa Monica pier which was a really neat California experience! You do need to pay to park. And it can be a bit crowded.

• April 1 – Oct 31st  Weekends $3.75 per hour / $18 max
• April 1 – Oct 31st Week days $3.75 Per hour / $18 Max
• Nov 1st – March 31st Weekends $3.50 Per Hour / $15 Max 
• Nov 1st – March 31st Week days $2.50 Per Hour / $12 Max

(Disclaimer these were the prices while we were there and they are subject to change)

There are plenty of places to choose to eat on the pier! We decided on eating at Seaside On The Pier where we had a great pizza and got to sit up top of the restaurant balcony and enjoy the beauty view of the beach.

Places to Eat at Santa Monica

• Seaside on the Pier
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
• Soda Jerk
• Pier Burger
• Rusty’s Surf Ranch
• The Albright
• Japadog
• Marisol Cocina Mexicana
• Pacific Wheel Pizza
• Beach Burger
• Whac-a-mole Tacos
• Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
• Scoops Ice Cream

Be Kind & Make Mischeif

We found this really nice café called Be Kind Make Mischief. They have some great pastries and coffee and they even sell local art and merchandise which you definitely need to check out! Very talented. Their address is 5537 N. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042

Let me know if you get a chance to experience Be Kind & Make Mischief!

That was it for our Los Angeles experience. Very fun experience to do with your best friend!

Please continue to follow our 10 day journey with our next article on The 101 and our previous article on Nevada! Or start from the beginning with our Utah trip!

Until next time!
Keep smiling and stay hydrated!
-Dash