Los Angeles is a city that offers more than just Hollywood glamour — it’s a mix of entertainment, nature, and coastline that can fill a weekend with unforgettable experiences. Here’s how we spent two days in and around LA:
Universal Studios Hollywood
Our weekend began at Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the oldest and most famous film studios still in use. While the theme park has grown into a destination of its own, the heart of Universal Studios is still the legendary Studio Tour.
Guests ride multi-car trams through the Front Lot, Backlot, and iconic film sets. What makes it unique is that it’s not just a theme park attraction — it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a real working film studio. Over the years, the Studio Tour has evolved with technology, from live guides in the early days, to CD and DVD players in the 80s and 90s, to high-definition screens today, even featuring Jimmy Fallon as a video host.
It’s a must for any first-time visitor to Los Angeles — a mix of theme park fun and Hollywood history rolled into one.
Newport Beach Pier
The next day, we started our morning by heading to the coast. Newport Beach Pier holds personal memories for me, as I used to live nearby and would visit often. Walking along the pier again brought a wave of nostalgia — not heavy from trauma, but full of longing for the simple, happy times spent here.
The pier stretches into the Pacific, with views that shift depending on the weather. On this visit, fog rolled in, making the scene moody and serene. Zak walked ahead, taking in the stillness, while I lingered with the salt air in my lungs, remembering the past and savoring the moment.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful travel isn’t about new places, but about revisiting old ones with fresh eyes.
Hollywood Hills
From the coast, we headed inland to the Hollywood Hills. This neighborhood is home to the famous Hollywood Sign, visible for miles and a magnet for tourists. But what makes it special is walking the trails that wind past celebrity homes, including historic spots like the recording studio where The Mamas and the Papas recorded California Dreamin’.
The hike offers sweeping views of Los Angeles on a clear day — or a mysterious, cinematic feel on a foggy one. Either way, standing at the top looking out over the city is the perfect way to close a weekend in LA.
✨ Closing Thoughts
In just two days, we experienced three sides of Los Angeles:
- The excitement of Universal Studios and its Hollywood history.
- The peaceful nostalgia of Newport Beach Pier.
- The scenic trails and iconic views of the Hollywood Hills.
Los Angeles is sprawling, but a weekend is enough to capture its energy — from movie magic to coastal calm to hilltop vistas. Sometimes the best itineraries aren’t about seeing everything, but about finding the moments that mean the most.
All Around The World 