I’ve been traveling to Los Angeles for about 30 years, as some of my family has lived here for a long time. Some of the most memorable moments of my life have been spent in this incredible city—like my 9th birthday when I met Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, or the time I saw Emile Hirsch outside the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Then there was the time I worked as a Leisure Sales Manager for Hyatt, handling the West Coast market. It was my favorite role ever, and it gave me the chance to travel to LA extensively. And let’s not forget the time I went to see the Clippers at the Staples Center and they won that night, or the truly unforgettable sunrise from the Hollywood Sign, or when I randomly bumped into a friend from Costa Rica while walking through Venice Beach.

Each of these moments hold a special place in my heart, as well as the people I shared them with. Over the years, Los Angeles has become more than just a city to me—it’s where memories are made and where I’ve found a piece of my own story, making it one of my all-time favorites.

I also love that undeniable vibe of music, film and entertainment that we’re all irresistibly drawn to and curious about. If you're visiting LA for the first time or have been here countless times, the city has a way of making every experience feel full of possibility. It surprises you when you keep an open mind, because LA has so many personalities.

Let me take you on a journey through some of my favorite spots:

Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is undeniably one of the most iconic symbols of Los Angeles, and for anyone visiting the city for the first time, seeing it is an exciting moment. It can usually be spotted from various places around the city, and it’s one of those landmarks that people immediately associate with LA. But did you know the sign wasn’t always what we see today? Originally installed in 1923, it was an advertisement for a new housing development called "Hollywoodland" — which is what you would have read at the time.

By the 1930s, as the housing development declined and the real estate market struggled, the sign fell into disrepair. By the late 1940s, it was no longer being maintained, and its letters started to fade and deteriorate.

In 1949, the land was sold to the City of Los Angeles, and the future of the sign was uncertain. However, the city decided to restore it, making one major change: they dropped the "LAND" part. The remaining letters were rebuilt, and the sign was officially renamed the Hollywood Sign.

The sign has undergone several major restorations over the years. In 1978, a group of celebrities — including Alice Cooper, member of the band KISS, and Hugh Hefner from Playboy — funded a major renovation to repair the structure.

At one point, you could actually get up close to the sign, but a couple of incidents have made that nearly impossible today. One of the most infamous moments came when pranksters changed the sign to read "HOLLYWEED" and another time when it was altered to say "HOLYWOOD" to coincide with the visit of Pope John Paul II. Today, the sign is heavily protected with fences, cameras, and fines, ensuring no more mischievous alterations.

While not for everyone, if you're looking to get up close to the sign — and even more importantly, enjoy some incredible views of the city and skyline — there’s a perfect spot to hike. We decided to go up at sunrise, and as a huge fan of sunrises, I can confidently say this was one of the best I've ever seen. The colors were so vibrant, it almost felt like a sunset!

There we were, standing just above the towering Hollywood Sign as I had envisioned it, the hike was not easy, but it was not necessarily strenuous either. You could say is a short, but steep trail. It took us about an hour, hour and a half to get all the way up and at some point we had to speed up to make sure we didn’t miss the light rising in the horizon. It seemed like we were the only ones awake to witness the magic that was unfolding. The view from up here was nothing short of breathtaking. Shades of pink, orange, and gold painted the sky. We were just on top of the world, sharing a moment so beautiful that it seemed impossible to put into words.

Cahuenga Peak is one of the hidden gems of Los Angeles and it stands at 1,821 feet in the Hollywood Hills. Along the way, you can enjoy a mix of winding trails, lush vegetation, and rugged terrain that makes the journey feel like a true escape into nature without leaving the city. This is definitely a less touristy and an off beaten path activity.

On our way back, we made sure to spend some time at the summit, where we found the Wisdom Tree, a solitary pine that stands proudly at the top of the peak. This tree has become a symbol of strength and resilience, having endured extreme conditions for decades.

If you are up for climbing the Cahuenga Peak this is where we started the hike: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cCKvHTQGMxxLhK8w9

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is one of those places in Los Angeles that combines stunning views, history, and a bit of celestial magic all in one spot. Perched high up on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, this iconic landmark is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. From here, you get panoramic views of Los Angeles, the sprawling city below, and of course, the legendary Hollywood Sign. It offers public telescopes and indoor/outdoor exhibits about science and astronomy.

The Observatory is usually open Tuesday to Friday from 12.00pm to 10.00pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10.00am to 10.00pm. Entrance is free, and there is nearby paid parking. What are you waiting for?

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is a vibrant, eclectic stretch of coastline that blends beach culture, art, and music into one unique experience. It's one of those places where the energy of the people and the natural beauty come together. But beyond its trendy shops, funky boardwalk, and colorful street performers, this place has a deep history, particularly when it comes to music—and it’s hard to talk about it without mentioning The Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction and The Beach Boys.

The story of Venice Beach and music is inseparably linked to the 1960s culture. In those days, it was the heart of the hippie movement, a place where artists, musicians, and dreamers escaped the traditional norms of society. The area was filled —and still today—with bohemian vibes and an experimental spirit, with poets reading aloud on the sand, musicians jamming on street corners, and painters setting up their easels along the boardwalk.

This place is a treasure of restaurants, artsy cafes, and music-themed t-shirt shops—a perfect reflection of its laid-back yet lively vibe. The boardwalk is lined with quirky shops selling everything from retro band tees to funky, artistic designs that capture the free-spirited nature of the city. You can literally find any band t-shirt here.

As for dining, a couple of my favorites are Fig Tree and The Waterfront, which both capture the beachy, relaxed atmosphere while serving up great food. My top pick for music tees, though, isn't actually a store—it's a quirky little truck parked near these restaurants (heading in the direction opposite to Santa Monica). You never know what you'll find there! I’m now the proud owner of some Sublime, The Smiths, and Joy Division treasures, which I snagged during a couple of visits.

Alongside these shops and restaurants, the boardwalk itself is like a live concert on the go. Street musicians, drum circles, and artists line the area, filling the air with everything from reggae, indie rock to hip-hop and funk or even old classics.

Muscle Beach is another iconic spot of Venice Beach, a gym right on the sand. Bodybuilders from all over the world trained there. Made famous in the 50s-60s. Notable bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger would soon become regulars, making Muscle Beach a Mecca for fitness.

Santa Monica Pier

Take a short walk along the iconic Ocean Front Walk to reach the legendary Santa Monica Pier—it’s a perfect way to transition from the artistic, bohemian atmosphere of Venice to the bustling, iconic vibe of Santa Monica.

I’ve even had the chance to witness a Netflix show being filmed on this very walk, where a couple was skateboarding along the path. You know, just things that casually happen in LA.

As you approach the Santa Monica Pier, the sound of carnival music and the sight of bright colors begin to emerge on the horizon, and the energy shifts from relaxed to playful and festive. The Ferris wheel at the pier stands tall, casting its vibrant colors over the water. The pier itself is a beloved landmark, offering an amusement park, seafood restaurants, and an old-school arcade, making it a fun destination.

Just steps away from the pier, you’ll find shopping, chic restaurants, and classic-style hotels that round out the experience.

Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of Los Angeles most iconic landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the city, at least for the first time. Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard, this famous sidewalk is adorned with over 2,600 brass stars, each honoring a notable figure from the world of entertainment—whether they be actors, musicians, directors, producers, or even fictional characters. The stars are embedded into the sidewalk, creating an interactive experience that allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of legends.

People from all over the world come to see the names of their favorite celebrities, snap photos, and sometimes even try to spot their own favorite celebrity. It’s a fun and interactive activity, but it’s also a bit of a historical tour as you get a sense of the legacy and contributions of Hollywood’s most influential figures. As you go down the boulevard, you’ll pass by the famous TCL Chinese Theatre, The Dolby Theatre, and the Hollywood Wax Museum — it’s an area blooming in pop culture.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood, often referred to as WeHo, is one of the trendiest, most vibrant neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Nestled between the neighborhoods of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, WeHo has become a cultural hub that effortlessly blends high-end glamour, artistic flair, and edgy energy. Whether you're here for the nightlife, the design scene, or to explore the mix of fashionable boutiques, art galleries, and iconic landmarks, there's always something exciting to discover in this little slice of LA.

The iconic Sunset Strip is one of WeHo's most famous streets. It’s home to a collection of legendary music venues, such as The Roxy and The Viper Room—places that have hosted some of the biggest names in rock ‘n’ roll history. The Strip also has its share of trendy bars, restaurants, clubs and famous stand up comedy spots making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience LA’s famous nightlife.

The neighborhood has also been home to iconic landmarks and hotels such as the Chateau Marmont, where celebrities have stayed and partied for decades or the Sunset Tower Hotel with its distinctive art-deco architecture. Over the years, the area has evolved from a bohemian enclave to one of the most fashionable places in the city, but it still retains its sense of rebellious coolness that draws all types of visitors.

Malibu

A name that conjures up visions of golden beaches, swaying palms, and the endless Pacific horizon. Just a short drive from Los Angeles, this coastal haven feels like its own world. Known for its luxurious homes, scenic views, and laid-back, beachy vibe, Malibu is the place where California dreams come to life. It’s where surfers catch the perfect wave in the morning, yoga enthusiasts find peace at sunset, and celebrities live just steps away from the ocean. Also, offers great hiking trails with panoramic views of the coast and cliff viewpoints.

The vibe is relaxed yet chic, making it a perfect place to indulge in fresh, local cuisine while soaking in the ocean breeze.

The Grove

This outdoor shopping complex in the heart of Los Angeles is as much about atmosphere as it is about shopping. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by beautifully manicured landscapes, winding pathways, and an undeniable sense of stylish luxury. The center is designed to feel like a little oasis within the hustle and bustle of the city, offering an escape into a world where everything feels effortlessly chic.

Last time I visited during the Christmas season, the entire place had been transformed into Santa's little town—lovely decorations, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer everywhere.

Theme Parks

Let’s not forget the theme parks. When it comes to theme parks, Los Angeles is definitely a hub for some of the most iconic and thrilling destinations in the world. Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, and Six Flags Magic Mountain are just a few of the legendary parks that attract millions of visitors each year—and for good reason!

These are just a very few of the way too many iconic spots in LA, but the city has so much more to offer beyond the usual tourist attractions. Los Angeles isn’t just about the sights; it’s about the lifestyle, the energy, and the diverse experiences that make this city one-of-a-kind.