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LA Continues . . . Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

I didn’t get too many pictures of our hotel, but fortunately, Pat, one of the other lovely ladies on the trip got some incredible shots of our room, the hotel, our view from the rooftop and the luxurious streets of 90210 as we stepped outside the hotel lobby.

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Our very mod rooms.

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Of course, the one picture I *did* actually take of the rooms?? The mini bar! *rolled eyes*

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

The swanky rooftop pool with private cabanas…  This is where we crashed the very private red carpet rooftop party!

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

The 360º views from the rooftop were just breathtaking.

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Especially at sunset!

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Just doing a little shopping on Rodeo Drive… :)

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Check out this post from Pat for some more awesome shots. OMG, it’s hard to believe we were right there! Thanks, Pat! :)

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

While we were out in sunny California, Jenny & I decided to rent a car and drive down to Santa Monica.

Wednesday morning we walked down to the car rental place and picked up a car. We just walked down there- Loved that it was within walking distance! That is so totally foreign to me, living out in The Middle of Nowhere, Alabama.

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

We stopped for brunch at Huckleberry. Since we had no idea what to do with ourselves LA, Sarah from Tastespotting, graciously planned our itinerary for Wednesday and Thursday. She told us the best places to eat,  best places to shop, and even the best beach & sunset view in LA!

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Sarah told us we had to try the Maple Bacon Biscuit- “everyone in LA is talking about it!” Of course when we saw all the freshly baked pastries in the cases above, we had to try several other items as well. ;)

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Maple Bacon Biscuit, Prosciutto & Gruyere Croissant, Cinnamon Bun, & Doughnut Holes!

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

After brunch we shopped on Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade & sampled our way through the Farmers Market. This was more like the traditional Farmers Market that I was expecting when we went to the LA Farmers Market. There were golden raspberries that were delicious! There was also a sign that said “Sweetest Strawberries in LA” – and they truly were! We sampled a *ton* of strawberries! :)

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

We had lunch outside at the Blue Plate Oysterette– right on Ocean Ave, overlooking the coast. I had the Lobster Mac & Cheese with gruyere, fresh herbs, truffle oil, and large chunks of lobster. To. Die. For. The guy sitting at the next table saw mine and said, “I’ll have what she’s having!

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

*Dorky pic alert!*

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

After lunch, we walked down to the beach & Santa Monica Pier.

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Excuse my winter parka- It was like in the 60s! The lowww 60s. This southern girl is used to 80º beach weather!

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Gorgeous mountains in the background.

My Trip to Los Angeles, California | Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

I really wanted to ride that rollercoaster! ;)

Up Next…

We drove up the coast to Malibu and found the most gorgeous beach in LA. Then: We hit Hollywood, Sunset Blvd, & Melrose. We may or may not have bought a map to the stars home and we may or may not have found Courtney Cox’s house. ;) But we did drive through & gawk at all the houses in Hollywood Hills!

Thanks for looking!! :)

28 Responses
  1. Bree

    OMG! I was 4 posts behind and I seriously have been grinning ear to ear reading your blog! You must have had a FANTASTIC time! I’m so jealous!

  2. Bec

    haha you call that a parka? Come to winter in Iowa sometime and see how your Alabama blood fairs ;) When it hits the 50s here, we’re in tshirts! Looks like you had a fabulous trip despite the “frigid” temps :)

    1. Lindy

      I was thinking the same thing. I only knew it was a “Parka” because the other gal has on a sweater.

  3. Heather Morgan

    What the heck is “Sea Salt Grissini”? And I love that you ordered Macaroni and Cheese at a fancy restaurant. You’re a girl after my own heart. And LOBSTER Mac and Cheese? That sounds AMAZING! Mmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking of it. JEALOUS!

  4. Amanda Jones

    Looks like so much fun! And that Lobster Mac & Cheese…I wish I could just reach into my screen and grab it…looks ultra yummy!!

  5. Kelly @ Dare to be Domestic

    I have never wanted to go to California more than I do right now. These pictures are amazing and it looks like you had SO much fun. I drooled when I read about the lobster mac n’ cheese. It sounds like heaven! ox

  6. Becky

    Absolutely breath taking views. You and Jenny look like movie stars. I would have dived into that pastry table for sure. LOL I’m hungry just viewing the table of goodies. I feel like I’ve been there just seeing the great pics you captured. Thanks for sharing, Becky

    1. Shell

      Thanks for sharing your trip with us, I’ve loved looking at all the gorgeous photo’s, especially since I’m an Aussie thats never been to the US before =D

  7. Kayla

    I love the last picture that is gorgeous. I have a quick question. I have downloaded your fonts onto my blog and it worked great thanks! But I am wanting to move my date so it is parallel with my post title. Do you know how I can change that either in blogger or webs.com. I have tried google and messed around with it myself and can’t seem to figure it out. Thank you!

  8. Aline

    My goodness- I’m so jealous! You must’ve had a blast. The pictures are amazing and you look amazing! You’re so stylish and I love all your outfits! ;)

  9. Barb in FL

    So glad you’re having a wonderful time. The beach is always a nice place to go. I did the tour a few years ago, happy memories! Rodeo Drive….fun isn’t it! The food is awesome! Enjoy! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

  10. Zippy

    So glad to hear you had a fabulous trip. I grew up in Santa Monica and miss it quite a bit–the beach and pier, the farmer’s market, yup…miss it!! Your pictures are gorgeous! : ) Thanks for sharing!

  11. Claudia

    Amanda – what a grand Wednesday you had – love the beach (“Why didn’t you go to the beach?” asked my kids – every time I go to the coasts I drag everyone to the ocean for a peek). The photos drew me in and yes, I’d like the lobster mac ‘n cheese, too!

  12. Debi

    What wonderful pix….. you crack me up Amanda…hahahaha Love looking at this website…. I’ve told several about it…

  13. Marilyn

    I am loving this LA trip of yours. I am extremely jealous, you did lots of stuff on your trip that I am longing to do if and when I ever get to LA. Love the pics!!

  14. Joani McDonald

    Oh thanks for sharing your pic’s! They bring back some memories ~ I lived in CA and we went to So. Cal lots, it’s wonderful there! I’m glad that you had a great time, I look forward to more of your pictures.
    Hugs,
    Joani

  15. Janet

    Love seeing your pictures of beautiful Santa Monica, L.A. and Farmer’s Market! I live in Charlotte, NC for the past 15 years but born and raised in Southern California and how I miss the SoCal beaches and coast! Isn’t the food there awesome? I have the recipe for the biscuits if you’d like it, too!

  16. Tammy

    Amanda…….another Tennessee girl here! I have really enjoyed reading about your trip to LA! The pictures are wonderful and all of the food looks sooooo good. I have never had a desire to visit California but reading about your trip has made it very tempting!

    1. Robin Mendelson

      Oh you simply must! Our family lives in Colorado (which has its own beauty), but California is such a dynamic blend of the dry mountain and wet sea climates. There’s rolling hills, lush foliage and stunning architecture contrasted by the steep cut rocky shore softened with pulsing ocean tides. We’ve been to Cali twice, once to San Diego and a second time to SF…that was a trip of a lifetime! We drove Hwy 1 down the coast to LA and there’s just miles and miles of completely untouched rocky cliffs pounded by the misty ocean. I will never forget the pristine wilderness and the Zen-like peace it embues – I often recall the moisture laden air, the rhythmic music of the ocean and the stunning vistas that still take my breath away. Plan a trip when you can!

  17. Billie

    Amanda – I live in Strawberry Plains, TN, which is pretty much like middle-of-nowhere, Alabama, only a higher elevation. I’m loving
    your photographs — especially the food. I’m traveling with you
    vicariously. You look fabulous. Are you really eating the food???
    Good that you did all that paddling the last few weeks.
    Continue to have fun and keep us informed
    Billie

  18. Robin

    It’s hard not to go to BH and NOT look for stars! My BFF and I went in November and I simply couldn’t leave LA without seeing the Walsh House from 90210! I did, and I got to see Dylan’s house too!

  19. Monique

    I’ve really enjoyed checking out your LA trip and got a little homesick in the process. I used to live in LA and work in Beverly Hills. Just over a year ago I relocated to Atlanta so it’s also been fun seeing your pics of my new home (and surrounding areas). Thanks!

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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