California 2024

My First Time in California: A Dream, A Cardigan, and an Unforgettable Adventure

I hopped off a plane at LAX with a dream and a cardigan! The second that line popped into my head, I knew my California adventure was off to a legendary start. This trip was technically a business trip for my husband, but we made sure to pack in plenty of fun along the way!

Marina Del Rey: A Perfect Home Base

We stayed at the Marriott in Marina Del Rey, and let me tell you, this location was prime! The marina was right across the street, making it ridiculously easy to rent a kayak or paddleboard and hit the beach. With the calm waters and ocean breeze, I was already in my happy place.

©️victoriaam

Universal Studios & The Nintendo World Experience

First stop? Universal Studios Hollywood! This was a no-brainer because the brand-new Super Nintendo World is only in California right now - the East Coast version won’t open until May 2025. We had to check it out! Bumblebee from Transformers casually strolled past us, but our eyes were set on Bowser’s Challenge - a ride so popular we waited two hours for it. Was it worth it? Absolutely! The interactive Mario Kart-style ride was next level.

©️victoriaam

In-N-Out: Overhyped or Worth It?

After hours of walking, we were starving. Since In-N-Out is practically a California rite of passage (and we don’t have it on the East Coast), we had to try it. Honest review? Tasted like cardboard. Maybe I got the wrong thing, but even Animal Style couldn’t save it. Just wasn’t for me!

©️victoriaam

Scooter Rides & The Cold Pacific

To burn off the disappointment (and the fries), we rented scooters and zoomed along the coast to the nearest beach. It was beautiful, but March water is no joke. It’s freezing! So, we stuck to the docks, took in the views, and then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the main event: Collect-A-Con!

©️victoriaam

Collect-A-Con: The Ultimate Hobby Event

If you haven’t heard of Collect-A-Con, it’s the largest trading card, anime, and pop culture convention in the U.S. My husband’s business, BIG PACK HOBBY SHOP, was part of it! (Maybe you’ve heard of it? It’s based in New Jersey!) if you haven’t heard- check it out! His IG is @bigpackhobbyshop. The Collect-A-Con event was packed with vendors selling Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Funkos, comics, and all things nostalgic. Definitely a dream event for collectors.

©️victoriaam

Cruising California in a Convertible

That evening, we met up with a relative who lives in LA, and he let us cruise around the city in his convertible BMW- talk about living the California dream! We drove to Santa Monica Pier just in time for sunset, and I scored some of my favorite photos from the trip. Fun fact: I collect location stickers from every place I visit, and the pier is where I picked up a few more for my shadow box!

©️victoriaam

Japan Town LA: A Foodie’s Paradise

To end the night, we went to Japan Town LA, which is such an underrated gem. We indulged in Uncle Tetsu’s fluffy cheesecake, Ube cookies (10/10), and red bean ice cream fish. Then, we had dinner at Manpuku Tokyo BBQ, where we cooked our own meat at the table. If you love good food and unique shops, Japan Town is a must!

©️victoriaam

Kayaking in Marina Del Rey

The next morning, while my husband caught up on some sleep, I crossed the street for a solo kayaking session. The water was so calm and peaceful, and the sun was shining - just how I like it! While paddling, I even spotted a yacht with my name on it.

©️victoriaam

Local Tacos & Exploring Hidden Gems

Later that day, we met up with our LA local again, and he took us to some hidden taco spots. The best part of knowing someone in a city? Not getting ripped off in tourist traps. The tacos? Elite. Sorry, not giving this name out cause I have to respect the locals! But the photos may give a clue….

©️victoriaam

Malibu & The Hannah Montana House

We decided to rent a car and drive up to Malibu for one very specific reason: the Hannah Montana house! Unfortunately, it’s not publicly accessible, so we had to park, walk a bit, and admire it from a distance. It’s right next to a country club, which apparently owns the home now, and they were building a barrier along the beach. A little disappointing, but hey, we saw it!

The drive back to LA along Pacific Coast Highway was a movie moment. We passed the famous black-and-pink houses, stared out at the endless blue ocean, and cruised through the mountains as the sun set. Pure magic.

©️victoriaam

Hiking to the Hollywood Sign & Oscars Setup

On our last day, we Ubered to the Hollywood Sign hike. Heads up - this hike goes through private property and involves a lot of steep climbing. Wear sneakers and long pants because you’ ll need them. We made it halfway up, which still gave us amazing views of the sign and the city.

Next up, Hollywood Blvd! We walked along the Walk of Fame, passed the Dolby Theatre, and realized- oh wow!! the Oscars were happening the next day! The whole area was blocked off with gates, so we couldn’t get too it.

©️victoriaam

Melrose Trading Post & Local Art

For one last stop, we hit up Melrose Trading Post, an outdoor flea market with cool vintage finds and handmade goods. I grabbed an horchata (delicious!) and even got a special portrait drawn by a student artist named Raul (@raulfvv). Always love supporting local artists!

One Last Meal & A California Goodbye

Before leaving, we met up with our relative one last time for food. We grabbed burritos from Ruben’s Taco Truck and dumplings from Qi Steam Kitchen- both top-tier! One thing I really loved about LA? The food scene reminded me of Long Island so many options and amazing flavors.

As we headed to the airport, California sent us off with a stunning sunset. What a way to end the trip.

©️victoriaam

Final Thoughts on California

Cali, you were everything I imagined and more! From Universal Studios to beach cruising, hiking Hollywood, and driving the PCH, it was an adventure I won’t forget. Would I go back? Absolutely! But next time, I’ll skip In-N-Out….

Until next time, LA!