The Adventures of Debbie Dimples - in Los Angeles, the USA
- Debbie Goodman
- Jun 11, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2024
Known as the 'City of Angels', and one of the most recognisable cities in the world, Los Angeles is a combination of Hollywood glamour and California cool. Los Angeles is famous for it's amazing skyline, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood and Beverley Hills. I visited LA at the ages of 8 and 9 with my family. I also took a solo visit to LA (after a difficult year) in May 2023 for a once in a lifetime (or three) adventure. I spent 5 days in LA. I managed to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios, see Beverley Hills Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Blvd, and Malibu Pier.
Bposhtels, Anaheim
I stayed at the Bposhtels in Anaheim for 2 nights. The Bposhtel was a really good base for any solo travellers wanting to visit Disneyland.
Mimi's Cafe, Ananheim
The first place I visited on my first day was Mimi's Cafe in Anaheim. Mimi's Cafe is a wonderful little cafe opposite Disneyland. I ordered the buttermilk pancakes with blueberries, strawberries and cream. This was my first taste of American-style pancakes and I knew after one bite that it wouldn't be the last!
Disneyland
Disneyland is a theme park in Anaheim, California. Opened in 1955, it was the first theme park opened by The Walt Disney Company and the only one designed by Walt Disney himself. I spent the rest of my first day in Los Angeles at Disneyland in Anaheim. Disneyland is great fun for all ages. I found a few other solo travellers were there alone too. I got to see the Sleeping Beauty Castle, watch the parade and have a selfie with Princess Tiana. My favourite rides at Disneyland are the Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain.
Past Holidays to Los Angeles
As a family, we stayed at the Sheraton Anaheim Hotel on both of our visits. We also visited Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, Hollywood and Beverley Hills.
Sheraton Anaheim Hotel
Disneyland
Universal Studios Hollywood
Knotts Berry Farm
Universal Studios, Hollywood
I visited Universal Studios, Hollywood on the second day of my trip. Universal Studios is another amusement park which is great for all age groups. My favourite parts of my visit were the Studio Tour and the Harry Potter land.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is an observatory in Los Angeles, California, on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest.
The Mondrian Hotel, West Hollywood
Situated in the heart of West Hollywood, the Mondrian West Hollywood epitomises Los Angeles glamour. The rooftop pool and Skybar are the highlights of the hotel. The views of LA from the rooftop pool are second to none. I stayed at the Mondrian for 1 night during my visit to Los Angeles, whilst visiting Hollywood, Beverley Hills and Universal Studios. I really enjoyed my stay at the Mondrian.
Beverley Hills
Beverly Hills – also known as “The 90210” – has always been a mainstay of popular culture. It has been immortalized by movies such as Pretty Woman and Clueless, and tv shows like 90210. There’s a lot to love about the area so it’s not hard to understand why it became such an iconic location. “The Home of the Stars”, as some call it, is packed full of famous Hollywood homes to this day. The famous Rodeo Drive is a high-end shopping street featuring a variety of renowned designer shops. I had a walk around Beverley Hills before taking the Big Bus Tour.
Ladurée, Beverley Hills
With its ritzy Parisian decor and gorgeous sweets display, Ladurée in Beverley Hills was the perfect place for a spot of English tea and french toast before the Big Bus Tour.
Hollywood
Hollywood - also called Tinseltown - is a district within the city of Los Angeles, California, U.S., whose name is synonymous with the American film industry. I took the Big Bus Tour which runs through Hollywood. The tour has a brief stop on Hollywood Blvd to take a look at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Malibu
Malibu is a city west of Los Angeles, California. It’s known for it's celebrity homes and beaches, including Malibu Lagoon State Beach, known as Surfrider Beach for its waves.
M Motel Malibu
The M Motel is a boutique hotel located along the Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Malibu. I stayed at the M Motel for 2 nights.
Malibu Pier
Malibu Pier is a Southern California icon in an area once called the Riviera of America. The historic landmark is located in the heart of California's surf culture.
Malibu Farm Cafe
The Malibu Farm Cafe is located in the perfect location, just at the end of the Malibu Pier. I enjoyed the delicious meal overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which consisted of chicken tacos, followed by the chocolate cake and gelato.
What I missed out on....
Unfortunately, 5 nights is not long enough for a city as large as Los Angeles. If I get to go to Los Angeles again, I would like to visit Santa Monica, Shutters on the Beach Hotel, the Penthouse Restaurant at the Huntley Hotel, Venice Beach, Malibu, El Matador State Beach, Nobu Ryokan Malibu, the Beverley Hills Hotel, Melrose Avenue, Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, the Rosewood Miramar Hotel, and meet my very own Brian O'Connor lookalike from the Fast and Furious.
Santa Monica
At the southern end of the USA’s famous Route 66, you’ll find Santa Monica, a city within the wider conurbation of Los Angeles. Santa Monica has the best of everything California – amazing beaches, relentless sunshine, and the style and charisma of Los Angeles. The central focal point of Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Pier is home to a whole host of different attractions. The ever-popular 12-year long TV series, Baywatch, was filmed at spots along the Santa Monica Beach during the first 10 years of the show. I missed out of visiting Santa Monica on my trip.
The Penthouse Restaurant at the Huntley Hotel
The Penthouse offers guests a dramatic 18th-floor rooftop dining experience, complete with panoramic ocean views. If I visit Los Angeles again, I would like to have dinner at the Huntley Hotel.
Shutters on the Beach
Shutters on the Beach is a luxury hotel located on the beach in Santa Monica, California. If I get to visit Santa Monica in the future, I would like to stay at the Shutters on the Beach hotel.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is famous the world over for being the playground by the sea for Southern Californians. It is especially well known for its eclectic mix of bodybuilding (Muscle Beach Outdoor Gym), roller skating, surfing, art and luxury ocean front homes. I didn't get to see Venice Beach during my recent trip to Los Angeles.
Malibu
Malibu is a city west of Los Angeles, California. It’s known for its celebrity homes and beaches, including wide and sandy Zuma Beach. I didn't get to see much of the Malibu beaches on my brief visit due to bad weather. I would like to visit Malibu again.
El Matador State Beach
The El Matador State Beach is arguably Malibu's most stunning beach.
Nobu Ryokan Malibu
Drifting above the Pacific, the Nobu Ryokan Malibu is a triumph of architectural carpentry and subdued hospitality. This intimate 16 room, adult oriented retreat honors the traditional Japanese Ryokan, featuring teak soaking tubs, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, serene outdoor patios, timeless artwork and gracious accents. Seamlessly blending traditional Japanese minimalism with the elegant flair of the California coastline, this discerning sanctuary boasts a rich, natural aesthetic and an ethos of pure tranquility.
The Beverley Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel, also called the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, is located on Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California. Known as “The Pink Palace,” the hotel is a Beverley Hills icon. I would love to spend a night at the Beverley Hills Hotel.
Melrose Avenue
Melrose Avenue is one of L.A.'s most famous streets, featuring a myriad of shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. What would be one of the highlights of Melrose Avenue for myself, would be the PlaygroundLA Dance School. PlaygroundLA is LA's hottest dance studio, owned by Robin Antin and Kenny Wormald. The Melrose Arts District street art scene is a vibrant reflection of the creative culture in Los Angeles.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a small coastal city in Orange County, California. It’s known for its many art galleries, coves and beaches. Main Beach features tide pools and a boardwalk leading to the paths and gardens of nearby Heisler Park.
Capri Laguna
A boutique hotel with Mediterranean roots, the Capri Laguna is a located at the centre of Laguna Beach. I would choose to stay at the Capri Laguna if I get to visit Laguna Beach in the future.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, affectionately known as the 'American Riviera', is just north of Los Angeles and lies at the base of the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains. The city is filled with Mediterranean-style architecture, upscale boutiques, and a picturesque coastline dotted with swaying palm trees.
Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel
Situated north of Los Angeles, the exclusive Santa Barbara beachfront resort occupies a stunning stretch of coastline on Miramar Beach in Montecito.
Meeting my own Brian O'Connor lookalike from the Fast and the Furious (I wish!)
The Fast and the Furious (2001) first movie was the movie is based in Los Angeles, and was the film which kickstarted my celeb crush on the actor Paul Walker and liking flashy cars!
Until next time L.A!
Check out my adventures in the USA here:
Miami, with Key West and the Everglades
New York
Las Vegas
And here you can see where I want to go next in the USA:
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