The City of Angels

My first time in Los Angeles opened my eyes and cleared my mind in a way that no other trip has ever done. After spending 3 weeks there and appreciating everything that LA has to offer, I can easily say that if you like a warm climate, palm trees, sunsets, acceptance, and diversity, this city is clearly for you. Here is a list of the must-go places in LA, according to the short amount of time I got to be there.

1. Santa Monica Pier

What I really loved about Santa Monica was how full of life it is. Coming from Greece I must say I wasn't amazed by the ocean and the beach. The waters weren't clear (you cannot see your own hand once you put it in the water) and the beach was too crowded. However, the fun part is the whole vibe you get to experience on the deck. You can enjoy a long walk on a deck filled with food stations, dancers, singers, acrobats. Once you reach the end of the deck, you can admire the rising energy of the pacific ocean.(Most people may not be that amazed with the pacific, but in Greece we don't have so powerful seas with waves that big, so it was interesting for me). Returning back, don't forget to try a couple rides at the pacific park, just to feel the California vibe a little more. 

2. Point Dume State Beach, Malibu

If you want to feel the total relaxation and relief of the intense city life, this secret spot in Malibu is the best get-away place you could go to. Not many people know it, which is why it is never crowded or loud. What I loved about this small beach is the power that it hid. Even though it is small and simple, you can't imagine the size of the waves there. It feels as if the whole Pacific Ocean ends up at this little shore, which is why it made me feel so powerful. It's moment like these, where you just run and laugh with your friends in a little coast of Malibu, that you realize how valuable life really is.

                                                          3. Rodeo Drive

What most people think when they hear about Rodeo Drive is two words: expensive shops. Even though it's true, this place is so much more than that. I don't remember getting into any of the stores and still having the best time. The street is beautiful, filled with palm trees and elegant buildings. There's this kind of atmosphere that makes you feel fresh and detoxified. For all the photography lovers, it's an amazing street to take sunset pictures, as well as there are many drawings on walls that serve as a great background for photography.

4.Griffith Observatory

Up high in the mountains is where you get to see LA from the widest angle of them all. I went there at night, which was I think the best time to go there, because you can see how the city looks lit up.  Your trip gets more interesting once you step inside the facility, where you can learn so many things about astrology and the universe. Personally, I am a huge fan of astrological sciences due to the astonishing theories that they provide about our universe and the world. Go to Griffith and you'll be amazed by all of these discoveries about our planets, the moon, and the stars.

5. Six Flags Magic Mountain

Without any hesitation I can 100% surely state that this was the most fun and risk-taking trip place I went in LA. I can't even describe the exhilaration and excitement I felt while riding those roller-coasters. I believe that people who are scared to try rides like these should seriously take the risk and actually do it cause I don't think there's a better emotion in the entire world. I managed to do 15+ rides in less than 4 hours and I wanted to do them all again. I don't think that this kind of fun is stupid nor childish. This is what gets you out of your comfort zone, trying things that you never would have tried in your every day life.

6. Hollywood Walk of Fame

As a huge fan of the film industry I couldn't go to LA without visiting Hollywood. The stars of all your favorite directors, actors, singers, entertainers, they all lie on that street. What is so magical about this place is that you feel as if you're in the center of the world, where everything takes place. The most exciting part from my experience is that I got to see the backstage filming of Quentin Tarantino's new film "Once Upon A Time In Hollowood". I was just walking and suddenly saw this whole camera crew filming and everyone waving and screaming at the director. I was actually very lucky to see a Hollywood movie being filmed on this one time I went to Hollywood.

7. Dockweiler State Beach

I saved this one for last because I think it's the best way to end your trip. Just grab a bag of marshmallows and your loved ones and go have a chill and ideal bonfire. It sounds as nothing much, but I swear that it will be the highlight of your trip. Arrive at the beach a little time before the sun sets, so you'll enjoy your last golden hour in LA. Once the sun sets, gather around a fire, eat marshmallows, and sing and dance with your friends. 

LA has many more beautiful places worth seeing, but these are the top 7 in my opinion and based on my experience. The most important thing, however, is to enjoy every single moment as much as you can. Don't bother taking hundreds of pictures and posting on social media all the time. What made this trip so special for me is that there were times I actually forgot I had a phone, and that's I think the goal of every travelling experience. Just live in the moment and appreciate everything that the trip has to offer you.