4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide to help you plan your upcoming trip around Los Angeles and nearby cities. So this trip has been on my bucket list for a long time now. I have been living in the USA for 14 years and been in and out to tour other countries but haven’t been to the west coast particularly California.
I have been hearing a lot of good things about this state, its beauty and the laid back vibe as well as the perfect weather! Finally we were able to visit as we scheduled it for our 16th wedding anniversary. We planned it as a long weekend trip, mind you we are from Maryland. Since it is a long travel, I looked for non stop flights from DC to LAX so we will be able to maximize our days when we get there.
4 Days in Southern California: Itinerary and Guide
WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO EAT
Day 1
We took an early flight out of DC straight to LA and touched down at noon time. We still have a plenty of time to roam around the nearby area. I already booked a rental car that will be delivered at the airport upon arrival using the turn app, It was easy peasy and very convenient! When we left the airport we went straight to the famous IN and OUT Burger to see what all the hype is all about since we are early to check in to our hotel. It was alright! I still prefer Shake shack 🙂 Then we decided to check out Rodeo Drive since I already wanted to shop. 
Rodeo Drive
Our eyes was stunned by all the cars around the area, it just look like everybody drives those luxurious cars that you would only normally see on TV. So I did some shopping and got me the YSL medium Kate bag to treat myself. We then had another snack as this cafe nearby and then took off to check in to our hotel.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at the Hollywood area and I chose to book this boutique hotel called Tommie Hollywood. It was walking distance to Hollywood walk of fame and from the hotel roof top, you can see the Hollywood sign. So then we freshen up to relax but my husband got an invite from his long time childhood friend to meet with us at a Filipino Bar called Noypitz. Then off we went and fin ally was able to use my new purchase to complete my outfit.
Day 2
Joshua Tree National Park
In our itinerary, this day is to meet up my college GF with her family and have brunch then visit the Joshua Tree National Park which is 2 hours away from LA. So we left early, we had a beautiful weather, sunny cold in the morning and warmed up in the afternoon. We had brunch at JT country kitchen and we love the food then went to Joshua Tree National park to explore the area. I suggest you fill up your tank as this park is huge! We did not get to go around the whole park but was able to see a lot of beautiful hiking trails.
Pioneertown
After Joshua tree we then went to Pioneertown which looks like a set of the wild Wild West. I really enjoyed it and met some other friends there. I even dressed up to fit in the background. They have shops and restaurant there but we did not stay longer as there was not much to see.
We then drove to check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, We were not able to see much since we got there late and its dark already. I suggest to go there probably before sunset to enjoy the view. There were a lot of hikers If you like hiking. We then had dinner there with our friends and went separate ways afterwards.
Day 3
Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Malibu
On this day we then met with another girlfriend of mine who recently moved here from Maryland. She then gave us a tour and went straight to Griffith Observatory and we were able to see the Hollywood sign there closer. It was a free museum just make sure you have your vaccination card so you can enter.
We then went to check out the streets with palms (instagrammble spots) and we headed to the Sta. Monica Pier for Lunch and ate at a Mexican restaurant there and tried walking around the boardwalk, bright some gifts for the kids and then drove to Malibu to check it our and went sight seeing.
Day 4
We went to eat at In and Out Burger again to see if it taste much better but still, I love Shake Shack! Then we went on a sightseeing trip going back to the airport driving around some cliffs and it was amazing! We then returned the rental car and went to the airport!
We were able to do a lot in those 4 days well actually 3 days because the first and last day was held day travel. So I recommend getting a straight flight to maximize your stay.
Simply,
Christianne
