California is a destination that constantly shifts its personality – relaxed one moment, bold and buzzing the next – and this trip was a perfect combination!
My California journey began in Monterey, staying at the Monterey Beach Hotel. The location is fantastic, right on the coast, but a word of advice: upgrade your room so you’re not backing onto the car park – it makes a big difference to the overall experience.
Visiting in winter turned out to be a blessing. The hotel’s Lobby Lounge fireplaces create a beautiful sense of warmth and ambience, and it quickly became a gathering spot. It’s also incredibly pet-friendly, so expect plenty of happy dogs (and owners) enjoying the cozy vibe.
A must-do here is dinner at Tidewater Restaurant, overlooking the beach toward downtown Monterey. The views alone are worth it. Monterey itself is lively, full of attractions, and unapologetically touristy – but in a way that still feels charming and fun.
From Monterey, I headed south to Santa Barbara, which quickly became one of my favourite stops. This town has the wonderful Spanish Heritage, I wished I had more time here to explore deeper, wander the streets, and soak up the local lifestyle. Santa Barbara feels like the kind of place you could easily fall into a rhythm and never want to leave. The village feel town and such friendly people.
Next up was Santa Monica, different to my first stops, more vibrant, more “in your face,” and buzzing with energy. I stayed at the Venice V Hotel, and I highly recommend booking a beachfront view if you can. Waking up to the ocean here is something special – even if it doesn’t get light until 7am – this part of the world starts later and closes even later.
One of the highlights was using the hotel’s beach cruiser bikes. They are a fantastic way to explore, and you can cover so much more ground riding along the coast than you would on foot. It’s an easy, fun way to experience the area like a local.
Heading inland, the pace shifted again as I explored the Hollywood area. The standout for me was the Getty Center – hands down my favourite LA attraction. A handy tip: your car parking fee is your entry ticket. Arrive early and it’s $25, but if you get there after 3pm (like I did), it drops to $15. Either way, it’s incredible value.
The Getty offers stunning views, beautiful gardens, impressive art collections, and even a drawing session, with all materials supplied – a lovely, unexpected experience that invites you to slow down and really engage with the space.
For something more active, walking around the Hollywood Reservoir is a must on a clear day. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great way to stretch your legs while still feeling immersed in the city.
Another fascinating stop was the La Brea Tar Pits. Who would have thought Los Angeles has bubbling asphalt beneath its streets? It’s one of those uniquely LA experiences that surprises you and sticks with you… that you can say “only in America!”
I also loved wandering through The Last Bookstore – a place where you’re encouraged to take your time, browse, get lost among the shelves, and relax with a coffee. It’s a calm, creative oasis amid the city’s buzz.
To round out the trip, I visited the Queen Mary. Entry is $45 and includes a guided tour, but another option is to reserve a table at one of the onboard restaurants and explore the ship at your own pace. Either way, it’s a fascinating step back in time and a unique way to end a California adventure.
