We all met in the lobby of Golden Nugget Las Vegas, ready to make our way to Los Angeles. The majority of the day was spent travelling with multiple stops on the way. It was strange knowing that we were all about to say goodbye.
*On May 29th 2019, I travelled with Trek America on their Grand Trek tour for six weeks around the USA. We began in New York, travelling south to the West Coast, then North back to the East Coast. I am not affiliated with Trek America. Read all my Trek America posts here. *
World’s Tallest Thermometer
We had just made our first gas stop when our leader said he had something to show us…who knew the World’s Tallest Thermometer even existed?! Located in Baker, CA the Worlds Tallest Thermometer is 134 feet tall and can display a maximum temperature of 134 °F (57 °C). The sign commemorates the record 134 degrees which was recorded nearby in Death Valley in 1913.
When in California…
This was my first time trying In-N-Out, why is it sooo good and so cheap too! It was still a close tie with Sonic burger though, i’m sorry.
So many Cali vibes in this picture ….
Venice Beach
We arrived in Los Angeles in the late afternoon of the day. Our leader explained that we had one hour to explore Venice beach together and then we would be saying goodbye at our next hotel.
We were taking pictures on the sand next to this beach hut when a lifeguard came out and said we were more than welcome to take pictures on it – yaaasss, you just have to!
Venice Beach is an odd place, but it’s somewhere that you definitely have to check out if you are visiting Los Angeles.
Time to say goodbye 🙁
You know how it is on holiday, you have no concept of time. That’s what happened on this trip. You feel like you’ve been gone a while, yet, at the same time it’s gone really quick. After Venice Beach, our leader dropped us at Fairfield Inn & Suites. Those of us joining the next tour were staying here the next two nights, whereas, those who had now finished the tour went to different hotels, some stayed with us for one night. The realisation that it is over is very sudden, even though we knew it was the last day. It’s a strange feeling! I guess when you are having such a good time you think it’s never going to end.
If you are going on a Trek America tour, make the most of every second and say yes to every opportunity. It may not feel like your trip will come to an end, but it will and quicker than you think. Go and have the time of your life!
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
That evening we went to Rubio’s Coastal Grill with our leader. They did great Taco’s and Burrito’s and it is literally across the road from Fairfield Inn & Suites. It was nice to have some time to sit and reflect on our favourite moments of the trip.
There was a nice outside seating area and fire pit at the hotel so we sat there in the evening.
Free Day in LA
Some of our free days were a bit strange because sometimes the group stayed together, other times they split up. I would recommend just making your own plan for what you want to do..you don’t need to miss out just because you have no one to go with! My plan was to get an Uber to Venice Beach and walk along to Santa Monica pier. These were things I hadn’t done previously when visiting Los Angeles.
In the morning I messaged around to see what everyone was doing, I ended up meeting with everyone that stayed in our hotel but were not coming on the next Trek America tour, so it was nice to spend one last day with them. They fancied coming to Santa Monica pier too so it worked out nicely.
Bowlology – Venice Beach
I have wanted to try an Acai bowl for the longest time, this completely fulfilled my expectation. I could eat this everyday! If only I had this view everyday too.
I am so glad I revisited Venice Beach today because the weather was much nicer. Classic California weather! It was a really nice chilled day checking out the Pier.
If I visit again, I really want to check out the rides on the pier!
I sent this picture back to my family because it was a surreal moment. I have a picture of me and my brother from 2006 (our first visit to LA), further down the beach, at night time, we quickly stopped in a car park and ran on to the beach to take a picture with the pier in the background. Years later, little did I know I would be back by myself.
Last picture with these guys before we went our separate ways!
Mixed feelings about visiting Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a VERY hit and miss area (as is anywhere tbh). If you plan on visiting, I would pick out the things you want to do first. For me, when I think of Hollywood for example, I think of movies and the film industry. When I visited years ago, I absolutely loved visiting Disneyland & Universal Studios. It’s what you choose to do that is going to impact the outcome of your trip.
My favourite things to do in LA
- Disneyland
- Universal Studios
- Knotts Berry Farm
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Citadel Outlet
- Venice Beach & Santa Monica Pier
Still on my to do list in Los Angeles:
- Runyon Canyon
- Griffith Observatory
- Walk Hollywood Blvd (I’ve only driven down it)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium (If I did a road trip SF – LA)
- The Grove Mall
If you book on to the Grand Trek – you are essentially doing two trips back to back. The Southern Sun and Northern Trail. It’s so nerve-wracking going on your first solo trip, not knowing who you are going to be spending the next three weeks with. We all had the best time together and made amazing memories that I won’t ever forget! Now to do it all over again on the final three weeks of our trip…
Continue reading Trek America 2019
Let me know if you have any questions regarding Trek America or the places we visited ?
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