THE BEST SPOTS ALONG CALIFORNIA'S COAST: LOS ANGELES
Nikki Lazaran from Resfeber Junket is sharing the ULTIMATE California Coast road trip! Follow along all month as she shares her favorite stops all over the Golden State. Let’s explore: Los Angeles
Great White Venice. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
From guest contributor: Nikki Lazaran of Resfeber Junket
Planning a California Coast road trip? If you’re not, you should be. From the sunbathed shores of San Diego to to the thick groves of NorCal’s redwoods, California is arguably one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the contiguous United States.
I’ll be sharing my favorite spots all month, so stay tuned to read up on what gives “The Golden State” its signature sparkle!
LET’S EXPLORE: LOS ANGELES
Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick
VENICE BEACH
If you’re cruising the California coast, you’d be remiss to skip over Venice Beach. This LA-adjacent beach brings the slower-paced Beach Boys vibes to the big city. Start your day by munching on LA favorites for breakfast or brunch, like avocado toast and grain bowls at The Butcher’s Daughter, the blue açaí bowl at Great White, or pretty much everything on the menu at Gjelina. Once you’re fed and caffeinated, make your way to the famous Venice Sign!
Pro tip: Wait for the crosswalk to allow crossing in all directions to snap the perfect photo without getting hit by public transit. Had to learn this tip the hard way…
Gjusta, Gjelina’s casual little sister. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Venice Canals. Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick.
Once you’ve snagged your sign photo without getting hit by a bus, head down to the boardwalk and take a leisurely stroll to visit Muscle Beach, the rainbow lifeguard tower, and skateboarders and bikers frequenting the beach. If you’re over the chaos of Muscle Beach, it’s time to head to the Venice Canals to take in the views and window shop for your dream vacation home.
Santa Monica Pier. Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick
SANTA MONICA
Bike along the beach or jump in a car to head up the coast to Santa Monica. First stop is walking Third Street Mall to take in the street performers and peruse the shops. Feeling the need for a reprieve from the crowds? Head up to the top of the Hotel Shangri-La and enjoy a refreshing drink on their rooftop. If you’re looking for a sea view with all the vibes, try Elephante - make a reservation before you go to ensure you get a table.
Grab a bite while you’re there or venture to Flower Child for one of my favorite healthy alternatives. End the day with a sunset stroll down Santa Monica Pier for treats, rides, and subpar restaurants.
Downtown LA. Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick
DOWNTOWN LA
Los Angeles is one of those rare cities where downtown seems to have less going on than the outskirts of the city, but in recent years there has been a veritable culinary resurgence. While it shouldn’t comprise the majority of your trip to LA, it is absolutely worth a stop. Kick off the day with breakfast hopping at Grand Central Market. You need coffee from G&B and an egg breakfast sandwich from Egg Slut. Go early to avoid long lines, bring a camera for pics of all the neon signs, and come hungry. Also parking is a nightmare - take a rideshare if you can.
If museums are on the docket, a pre-booked visit to The Broad art museum downtown is a must.
Grand Central Market. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Once you’ve refueled, make your way to adjacent Hollywood…
HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood is known for well…the Hollywood sign, actors, and the Walk of Fame. The best way to experience the he Hollywood sign is to get out and hike! Hollyhock trail head offers a leisurely climb up the mountains with views of the sign. The Wisdom Tree trail head offers a more rigorous route to the top with equally stunning views. And if hikes aren’t your thing, drive right up to Lake Hollywood Park for views sans incline.
Hollywood Sign hike for the last sunset of the year
From there, it’s just a short drive to the Walk Of Fame to see the handprints of your favorite actor or actress. Maybe consider not touching them because, well...I’ve personally people pee on that sidewalk. If the mood strikes, catch a movie at the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Post movie, take a late afternoon cruise down Mulholland for those La La Land views - you can even stop at several of the turnouts they used to film the movie! During your time in Hollywood, if you plan in advance, you can also book tickets online to The Stahl House (Case Study #22), an architectural marvel and LA icon with unreal sunset views. Start looking into these tickets more than a month in advance to secure them and Uber to the house to avoid the parking nightmare.
The Stahl House. Photo by Michael Palumbo on @nikkthequick
Photo by Michael Palumbo on @nikkthequick
That night, rest your weary had at Hollywood’s famous Roosevelt Hotel or the iconic Chateau Marmont. If you’re staying closer to Hollywood, sample old school Italian at Dan Tana’s, rocker themed Thai at Toi On Sunset, or a martini (and Hollywood glam eats) at Musso and Frank’s.
View of DTLA from The Ace Hotel Rooftop by Nikki Lazaran
For a more modern look in one of LA newer properties, head downtown to The Ace Downtown, The Freehand, or The NoMad Hotel for the night. Enjoy dinner downtown at one of the many amazing establishments nearby, from The Exchange at The Freehand for delicious mediterranean, 71Above for 360 downtown views, and Preux and Proper for southern fair, to Bar Ama for elevated Tex-Mex.
Little Dom’s in Los Feliz. Photo by Michael Palumbo on @nikkthequick
EAST LA
If you’re in the area, grab breakfast at Little Dom’s (their french toast skillet is a must) or brunch at Trois Familia. The best coffee can also be found nearby at Eightfold, Dayglow or Woodcat, if espresso is your jam. For delicious pour-overs, Dinosaur has got you covered. Closer to lunch time? Night Market + Song is a on of my all-time favorites when I’m craving Thai.
If you have it in you, consider another hike - this time to the Griffith Observatory. head to the Fern Dell Park (near Trails Cafe) to begin your hike. Take the leisurely hour walk up to stunning views of the city below and the free planetarium! Head out early to avoid crowds.
Sunset at Griffith Observatory. Photo by @nikkthequick
LACMA. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
BEVERLY HILLS, MIRACLE MILE & WEST HOLLYWOOD
A mere hop, skip, and a jump from East LA is Miracle Mile and a cluster of some of LA’s best museums. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art regularly features fantastic interactive exhibits from the likes of James Turrell and is recognized by it’s signature street light display out front. If there is a popular exhibit you’re looking to see, check online a few months in advance to purchase tickets. Plan on a few hours at the museum before grabbing lunch.
Backyard Bowls acai bowl. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Try Cecconi’s for Italian and all the decor. Need a quick bite? Try Potato Chips for sandwiches, Mainland Poke for…well..poke, or Backyard Bowls for acai bowls. Something cute, but still sit down? Joan’s On Third, Croft Alley, Republique, or Gracias Madre (vegan friendly) are all safe bets.
Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Post-meal, it’s time to do what we Angelenos do best – drink coffee and shop. Hit up Melrose for vintage or eclectic clothing, Rodeo Drive for designer, or The Grove and The Beverly Center for a traditional mall with a potential celebrity citing. If it happens to be a Sunday, pay $3 cash to check out the Melrose Trading Post for everything from vintage furniture and succulents to records and handmade jewelry.
Some of my favorite cafes in the area include Verve Coffee Roasters, Coffee For Sasquatch, Smith & Tait, Coffee Commissary, and King’s Road Cafe. It may not be the best espresso in the city, but Carrera Cafe’s is known for their Ryan Gosling’s lattes, if that’s your jam.
Carrera Cafe Ryan Gosling latte art. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Sunset at El Matador Beach in Malibu. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
MALIBU
It’s time to get out of the city and back to the beach, where every California dream begins. Head up the coast to Malibu and straight to the pier to enjoy lunch at Malibu Pier Cafe before jetting to El Matador Beach. If it’s too crowded for your taste, Zuma is also quite beautiful and slightly less popular.
Malibu Farms’ cauliflower pizza. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
For wine and some gorgeous Santa Monica mountains views, purchase tickets several weeks in advance online for the Malibu Wine Safari giraffe tour. You’ll spend the afternoon feeding and viewing exotic animals, including a giraffe named Stanley, and sipping wine in some of the most picturesque spots in Malibu wine country.
Malibu Farms giraffe tour with Stanley the giraffe. Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick
“Malibu Wines Safari got me like the emoji.” Photo by Michael Palumbo on @nikkthequick
Spend the night at the newly opened boutique property, The Surfrider Malibu for all the California vibes you can handle or grab one of the many unique AirBnB’s in the area.
Have you been to Los Angeles? Comment below and tell us what your favorite place is! Or use #estcalifornia on social media to share with us!
Meet Nikki
Hi, I’m Nikki Lazaran, travel TV producer, avid wanderer, and the creator & author of Resfeber Junket. I plan extravagant dates and exotic travel for a living as one of “The Bachelor” franchise producers. On my occasional days off, I like to help you do the same.
“Resfeber” is a Swedish word which describes the “jitter” before an impending trip or “travel fever.” Pronounced, “res/feb/ə(r).”
I chose “Resfeber Junket” to encapsulate the travel fever I hope you experience when you join me here for your curated travel and romance content. I aim to help you feed that hunger to explore and point you towards what you need to live an intrepid life, whether you are fearless in your pursuit of travel or love…or both!
FOLLOW NIKKI
THE BEST SPOTS ALONG CALIFORNIA'S COAST: ORANGE COUNTY
Next stop along the California Coast: Orange County! Whether you are looking for Cinderella’s castle at Disneyland or a drive down Route 66, Nikki (@nikkthequick) is sharing her favorite spots this week. 🍊🍊🍊 Be sure to tag us or use #estcalifornia to share your California adventures too!
Nikki at a Lifeguard tower in Orange County - Photo from @nikkthequick
From guest contributor: Nikki Lazaran of Resfeber Junket
Planning a California Coast road trip? If you’re not, you should be. From the sunbathed shores of San Diego to to the thick groves of NorCal’s redwoods, California is arguably one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the contiguous United States.
I’ll be sharing my favorite spots all month, so stay tuned to read up on what gives “The Golden State” its signature sparkle!
LET’S EXPLORE: ORANGE COUNTY
ORANGE COUNTY
Just a few hours drive from San Diego, you’ll find plenty of quintessential California “fun in the sun” in Orange County. First stop?
Photo by Meg Crade from @nikkthequick
ANAHEIM
Anaheim, better known as the home to Disneyland. No trip through Orange County is complete without it. Scoop up a day pass, plan to head to the park before they open and on a weekday to beat some of the crowds, and make sure to eat an oversized churro for me.
What are the must-do rides? It’s tough to choose, but some of the classics and a few of my favorites are:
The Haunted Mansion
Thunder Mountain
Splash Mountain
Indiana Jones Adventure
Space Mountain
It’s A Small World
Pirates Of The Caribbean
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Mad Tea Party (the “Tea Cups”)
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Grab all the fast passes you can to skip to the front of the line at your favorite rides.
Photo by Meg Crade from @nikkthequick
LAGUNA BEACH
If you’re looking for a relaxing seaside day sans the hoards of people at Disneyland, opt for a day in Laguna Beach, cruising Route 66. Grab a burger and milkshake from one of the many vintage diners, such as the cliffside Ruby’s on PCH (also called Crystal Cove Shake Shack), and go tide pooling during low tide at Shaw’s Cove or Crystal Cove Park. Don’t forget your water shoes so you can explore for critters on the sharp rocks!
Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Pro tip: Check the tides on the “Tides” app so you can determine the best time of day for your tide pooling adventures.
Not into exploring for creatures? Meander Crystal Cove State Park instead and take in the sea views. Or head to Victoria Beach to see the old stone light house. Fair warning: it pretty much disappears at high tide and can get quite crowded on weekends or during midday low tides.
If the surf is more your speed, join the locals at The Wedge or Thousand Steps Beach, but be prepared to walk the steps in (and more importantly) out. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from climbing all those steps, grab breakfast burritos or banana pancakes at Coyote Grill or make reservations at Nick’s Laguna Beach for a delectable steak dinner.
Have you been to ORANGE COUNTY? COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE THING! OR USE #ESTCALIFORNIA ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNEL TO SHARE.
Meet Nikki
Hi, I’m Nikki Lazaran, travel TV producer, avid wanderer, and the creator & author of Resfeber Junket. I plan extravagant dates and exotic travel for a living as one of “The Bachelor” franchise producers. On my occasional days off, I like to help you do the same.
“Resfeber” is a Swedish word which describes the “jitter” before an impending trip or “travel fever.” Pronounced, “res/feb/ə(r).”
I chose “Resfeber Junket” to encapsulate the travel fever I hope you experience when you join me here for your curated travel and romance content. I aim to help you feed that hunger to explore and point you towards what you need to live an intrepid life, whether you are fearless in your pursuit of travel or love…or both!
FOLLOW NIKKI
THE BEST SPOTS ALONG CALIFORNIA'S COAST: SAN DIEGO & LA JOLLA
Nikki Lazaran from Resfeber Junket is sharing the best spots along the California Coast! Follow along all month as she shares her favorite stops all over the Golden State. First Up: San Diego & La Jolla!
Photo by Kate Gantner from @nikkthequick
From guest contributor: Nikki Lazaran of Resfeber Junket
Planning a California Coast road trip? If you’re not, you should be. From the sunbathed shores of San Diego to the thick groves of NorCal’s redwoods, California is arguably one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the contiguous United States.
I’ll be sharing my favorite spots all month, so stay tuned to read up on what gives “The Golden State” its signature sparkle!
LET’S EXPLORE: SAN DEIGO
Pigment’s famous multi-toned pink wall. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Southern California is known for its sunshine and surfer-strewn beaches and nowhere embodies that more than San Diego. First thing’s first - get outside with a visit to Belmont Park’s vintage fair rides or hike Point Loma all the way to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Feeling more adventurous? Try whale watching or sea kayaking.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, hit up some of the best grub in SD with a stoop into Herb and Eatery, Lionfish, Pisco Rotisserie for Peruvian fare, Born & Raised to sooth your steak cravings or Maestoso for delectable Italian. My ultimate recommendation? Ironside Fish & Oyster. Seafood is the way to go in this city and the folks at Ironside do tasteful nautical decor and massive seafood towers like nobody’s business. For more casual fair, The Grass Skirt specializes in poke bowls and Hawaiian cocktails set amidst a 50’s tiki bar.
Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Photo by Nikki Lazaran
No day in San Diego is complete without watching the sun dip below the horizon Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
If you can muster the energy, head out for a night on the town in the Gaslamp Quarter. Bang, Bang and its famous Ryan Gosling women’s bathroom are a must-see. Ladies, only. Sorry, boys!
Rest your head for the night at Hotel del Coronado for a dose of 1800’s Victorian with modern interiors or the decadent Westgate Hotel. Looking for something a little more low-key? Hit up The US Grant. Seeking modern and millennial? The Pendry San Diego is your spot.
Roy McMakin’s “Favorite Color” tile mural in La Jolla. Photo from @nikkthequick
LA JOLLA
A natural stop on your way out of San Diego is the slightly sleepier, but equally sundrenched La Jolla, a mere 30 minutes north. Stroll La Jolla Cove to spot sunbathers and sea lions and harbor seals. Enjoy swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, or hunkering down on your claimed patch of shoreline for a seaside picnic. Land-lovers can hike nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve for stunning seaside views.
Seal lions sunbathing at La Jolla Cove. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
La Jolla Cove. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Adrenaline-seekers look no further - SD Expeditions specializes in half day cage-less shark encounters. Departing from the La Jolla marina, their tours take you several hours out into open water for the opportunity to free swim with blue sharks, mako sharks, and occasionally, hammerheads! This thrilling experience is not for the feint of heart and is certainly “swim at your own risk,” but I love few things more than a shark encounter.
Boating back from SD Expeditions’ Cageless Shark Diving. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
As the day comes to a close, check the tide tables and head to Wipeout and Hospitals Beach for tide pooling at low tide. When low tide happens to coincide with sunset? Magic.
Tide pooling at Hospital Beach. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
After a long day of exploring, make your way to one of La Jolla’s many delicious restaurants - most sporting a laidback and low-key vibe. A few favorites of mine include Whisknladle, Galaxy Taco (known for what, you ask? Tacos, duh), or El Pescador Fish Market. If you’re seeking fine dining, head to George’s At The Cove.
Overnight at one of my favorite boutique estancia-style hotels, Estancia La Jolla, or the equally adorable La Valencia Hotel.
Have you been to San Diego? Comment below and tell us about it! What was your favorite? use #estcalifornia and tag @nikkthequick and Resfeber Junket on your favorite social media platform to share!
Meet Nikki
Hi, I’m Nikki Lazaran, travel TV producer, avid wanderer, and the creator & author of Resfeber Junket. I plan extravagant dates and exotic travel for a living as one of “The Bachelor” franchise producers. On my occasional days off, I like to help you do the same.
“Resfeber” is a Swedish word which describes the “jitter” before an impending trip or “travel fever.” Pronounced, “res/feb/ə(r).”
I chose “Resfeber Junket” to encapsulate the travel fever I hope you experience when you join me here for your curated travel and romance content. I aim to help you feed that hunger to explore and point you towards what you need to live an intrepid life, whether you are fearless in your pursuit of travel or love…or both!
FOLLOW NIKKI
