How To Spend A Killer Weekend In Hollywood

Ah Hollywood, the city of dreams. The most iconic home to filmmakers, where movies and celebrities are made, and also home to legendary landmarks that have been famous for decades. It is always nice to enjoy a drive by Malibu Beach, marvel at the Hollywood Sign while hiking by some celebrities, or drink some delectable green tea matcha latte at a chic cafe in Beverly Hills. Nevertheless, if you want to spend a killer weekend in Hollywood, here is a TOP 5 list of where to go for an amazing weekend in the most exemplary town.

1. Marvel at some sensational artwork at THE BROAD Museum

I know it may sound like a museum would be a boring idea on a Saturday, but honestly, this museum seirously is amazing. First of all, there is no entrance fee (what is free these days?!), the lines move much faster than other attractions, the exhibits are totally millennial and modern, and are very very beautiful. If you are not much of a museum person, the whole museum can be toured in around 30 minutes anyway, and you can go across the street for a bite to eat. The giant balloon dog by Jeff Koons and Barbara Kruger's amazing conceptual art are especially amazing. I don't think this has changed for a few years, but the Yayoi Kusama's mirror room is very relaxing and beautiful for a cute photo op moment.

2. Drink some Matcha Latte at either Blue Bottle Coffee Co. or Alfred's Tea Room

Even though movies, landmarks and museums are very popular among tourists and weekend goers, if you're the type of person that wants to chillax or talk to your friends/significant other at a cute cafe, Alfred's or Blue Bottle Coffee is the best places to go to. Alfred's is very popular for its cute pink theme inside and out, and their rose milk tea chocolate bars are heavenly. Although the drink prices are a bit more expensive than other cafes, the cute pink cups and photo ops make up for it. The pink drink is pretty but I did not really like the taste, but the matcha green tea latte with sweetener is tasty. I wouldn't go out of my way to drive to Beverly Hills whenever I visit Hollywood, but it is worth a try if you like to go to cute cafes on your off time.

Another great cafe is Blue Bottle Coffee Company, if you're into organic tasty coffee. If you're drinking inside the cafe, they will give you iced coffees in a glass cup, and the matcha lattes are to die for. The first matcha green tea latte I ever tried was from this cafe, and I stopped drinking anything else elsewhere. The ratio of milk to coffee is perfect, the taste is so refreshing, and the cafe ambiance is so perfect as well. Make sure to stop by one since there a lot of Blue Bottle Coffee Co. in Los Angeles.

3. Take a Hike up To The Hollywood Sign

This one is a must-do when visiting Hollywood, even if it is the most cliche thing done by tourists. Even if you do not like hikes, the Hollywood sign is a wonder to look at since it is such a huge cultural icon of California. To get to the sign, you also get to pass through Mulholland Drive, which is where all the Hollywood actors live and is a very famous street that was used in various movies (even the film Mulholland Drive itself).

The best view of the Hollywood sign is through Griffith Park. It will say no trespassing on the way up the narrow uphill roads, but this is only for people trying to park there. Just keep going straight up until you see a dirt path on the right where everyone will be taking a photo. There is free parking a little ahead of that dirt path also (it is pretty steep downhill so put on your parking brakes!)

4. Have some magical cocktails with a significant other at Lawry's Beverly Hills or Catch LA

For this Valentine's Day, my boyfriend and I luckily got a reservation at Catch LA. It is usually super packed and always booked months before so remember to reserve a spot much earlier. The restaurant is very famous for being an upscale and trendy restaurant that is home to many celebrity visitors and influencers. If you type in #CatchLA on instagram, you will probably see thousands of posts of hot girls posing by the entryway.

This annoys a lot of guests but people do it anyway lol (even I am guilty of it). The entrance has a bouncer type person in an expensive suit who checks you in for your reservation, sends you up in an elevator, and out to the entrance filled with beautifully decorated flowers. The bar has some great drinks but also gives you a chance to check out the atmosphere of the restaurant. The dining area inside is dimly lit and is packed with hundreds of guests. There is an outer balcony type area with a view and is beautiful to look outside while dining. The food takes awhile to come out since it is such a popular restaurant but the taste is amazing! We ordered some sushi rolls and mushroom pasta, and the pasta was just so amazing. The sushi was good too, but I thought the mushroom pasta was just so delicious it was overpowering the whole meal. These two girls next to us were served this dessert where you crack it and all this fudge creates a giant river of chocolate opulence. The waiter said that it was the most popular dessert that is very instagram friendly. lol. I wish we could order it but we were way too full from all the drinks and food.

These are some of the things you can do on your night out on a weekend in Hollywood. I really recommend Catch LA for the vibe and food, and Lawry's for the cocktails, even if you are skipping the dinner. The steak is amazing as well, but I feel that it is a bit too much food after packing all those drinks into your stomach. Lawry's is very famous for their service and salad, so don't miss out on those if you are eating there for dinner! The Hollywood Sign is a must go to if you have never been there before, and it is best to go in the morning to beat the sun and the tourists. The Broad Museum is a great free museum, and if you have some time maybe go next door to check out the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Another great museum is the Getty in Malibu and LACMA, but I will get into those next time. Toodles! Hope you enjoyed this list of things to do in Hollywood!!

#thingstodoinhollywood #BeverlyHills #traveltips