Planning a Perfect LA Vacation – Art. Travel. Eat. Repeat.

I’m excited to announce a contribution from freelance writer and mother of two, Jenny Holt. She loves nothing more than getting away from it and taking her pet Labrador Bruce for long walks, something she can do a lot more now she’s left the corporate world behind. She has written a post for us today about planning your perfect LA vacation. I hope you enjoy her article!

From sandy beaches and scenic mountains to iconic urban attractions and endless shopping opportunities, there’s never a shortage of things to do in the world-famous city of Los Angeles. If you’re planning a trip to LA and want to make sure you get a varied and rounded experience, you’re in the right place. Here are several places you should include in your itinerary to ensure the perfect LA vacation.

Shop till you drop

Whether you’re a fan of luxury brands or love finding a good bargain, LA is a dream for the shopping-obsessed. The Grove is a large open-air shopping mall home to many of your favorite brands complete with a movie theatre. If thrifty shopping is more your style, give LA’s Downtown Fashion District a visit and find yourself a bargain.

LA is also the perfect place to get the classic flea-market experience — and you’ll find many of them here. Get ready to practice your haggling skills and rummage through vintage wares of all kinds in hopes of finding of hidden gems. You’ll also have fun chatting to the locals and feeling like part of the local community. Most flea markets also have food and drink vendors, too.

Get starry-eyed in Hollywood

Of course, no trip to LA is complete without immersing yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Find out which stars you recognize on the Walk of Fame, take a photo of the iconic Hollywood sign, and book a tour of the famous Paramount Studios. In the evening, dine and dance at the Cicada Restaurant and Club: a historic art nouveau venue that will transport you back to a magical bygone era.

Take some time out

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you’ll need somewhere peaceful to chill out and unwind. SuihoEn — meaning “Garden of Water and Fragrance” — is a stunning authentic Japanese garden located in Van Nuys. Spanning a vast six-and-a-half acres with a near-three acre lake, SuihoEn is the perfect location to re-center and reconnect with nature. Take a stroll along the winding pathways and you’ll find beautiful flowering trees, charming waterfalls, and lots of local wildlife designed to be enjoyed all year round.

Get your culture on

When it comes to getting your dose of art and culture, LA offers no shortage of fascinating museums. In fact, LA is home to more museums than any other city in the US. While you should aim to fit in at least a couple of museums during your trip, make the Huntington Library a priority. Home to famous art, rare historical books, and a beautiful botanical garden stretching 120 acres, the Huntington is a delightful experience best explored over the course of a full day.

Final tip? Give yourself enough time to enjoy each attraction you plan to visit. There’s nothing worse than trying to fit in too many activities in a single day and exhausting yourself. Carefully planning your LA vacation will make it a much more relaxing and enjoyable one.

I hope you enjoyed Jenny’s post. If you’re interested in LA, I have a whole section of this blog dedicated to all things LA, as I’m actually an LA native. Head on over there for more tips!