Let me just say that this was a trip totally done up for my 30th birthday experience. I lived in LA for a summer back in college so I had seen it before (though Adam had never been) and I knew what I wanted to do and what I didn’t. I, shamelessly, am a Bravo fanatic and the loyal housewives follower that I am wanted to totally do it up in that way. We did not do a whole bunch of touristy things but I will include some things I have done in the past and are certainly worth taking the time to do and see.
What We Did:
San Diego – We flew into San Diego. Adam had never been to California so this gave us a great way to see more things, and you know we have started to love making little road trips out of our travels. We didn’t do a whole bunch here but we stopped in La Jolla for lunch and stopped off and hopped around a few of the famous beaches. We stopped in Laguna Beach at the 1000 Steps Beach and yep, it was 1000 steps alright! Good thing we’re in shape 🙂 Once you walk down the stairs, the ocean is just breathtaking. It was well worth the *trouble to find street parking* and hike up and down the stairs for that view.
Griffith Observatory – Sooo…the wildfires in Southern California have been so bad this year and unfortunately they were acting up while we were out there. That meant that the trails and the observatory were closed. I was actually really excited because I did not go here when I lived there so it would have been a new adventure for me. To say we were bummed is an understatement, but we moved on. All that to say, if the Observatory is open, I would recommend going to take in all of the views.
Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive – Obvi. The shopping on Rodeo Drive is iconic. Obviously I can afford none of it, but window shopping is a favorite past time. We were walking through and all Adam could say was “Wow, it really does look like it does in the movies!”
Westwood – I lived in LA the summer of 2009 and stayed at UCLA in Westwood. Adam wanted to go see my digs and it was so fun to drive around there and reminisce about that fun summer.
Santa Monica/Venice – When I lived in LA for a summer in college, my office was in Santa Monica 4 blocks from the pier. So I’ve been there done that, but Adam hadn’t and I hate hate hate that we did not make it out to Santa Monica or Venice on our trip. We had the intention of going the day after my birthday, but the night out completely won and had us needing a lounge chair by the pool the entire following day. I wouldn’t trade it, but I do wish I could have show Adam this iconic place and I would definitely recommend making the trek there if you’re anywhere in or around LA.
Beverly Hilton Pool – We spent one whole afternoon at the pool (mostly because we were hungover from going out a little too hard celebrating my birthday!) and we had so much fun. The pool staff was so friendly and helpful and offered everything we could have needed and wanted. It was the relaxing time that we definitely needed before heading to Las Vegas the next day.
Las Vegas – And that brings me to VEGAS, BABY! Cliche?? But honestly, Adam and I had never been and we thought “what the heck” since we were out on the west coast anyways. We were so lucky that my parents and my aunt and uncle flew out to meet us there and finish off my birthday week celebration. We stayed at The Bellagio, where we had booked a pool cabana for the day. July in Vegas is HOTTT, and that is the understatement of the century, so I thought a pool day would be perfect! The cabana was so nice and we had our own waiter and just drank froze’s and Miami vice’s all day long. We also of course saw an amazing show and gambled the night away!
Where We Ate:
George’s Ocean Terrace in La Jolla – This restaurant has a few different sections, like a fancier dinner part and a more upscale section. But there is a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean and the views were perfect for a little lunch spot. The food was delish and the rose wasn’t bad either! I believe they take reservations but it was mid week and we were able to just walk up and get a table right away.
Villa Blanca – Helloooo Lisa V. No, we didn’t run in to her but my gosh if we had… However, the food here was SO GOOD. I was pleasantly surprised because with famous restaurants that have been made popular through reality TV, you just never know how the food and service is really going to be. We sat outside on the patio and it was lit with candles and string lights. I had a glass of LVP Rose and a huge plate of pasta! Adam had slipped it in there that it was my birthday and they brought out a delish dessert. We had traveled up from San Diego that day and with traffic and a hotel checkin fiasco, our wits were about done. So this was the perfect cap to the evening.
208 Rodeo – Adam discovered this little lunch spot for us on his way to get me after returning our rental car. He got back to the hotel and said “I found the perfect little terrace lunch spot next to Tiffany’s”…I mean swoon. It was in the middle of Rodeo so a tick pricey, but it was my thirtieth so who cares?! I had the french dip and it was delish.
Pump – We did not eat here, just came for the PUMPTINI! And yes, it was so good! It is just a block away from SUR, where we were eating dinner that night, so we had to stop in for the iconic cocktail.
Sur – Obviously, another Bravo superfan must. I’d say the food and service here was definitely not as good as Villa Blanca. Again, we sat on the patio which is perfectly fine because I am a patio gal. It was also a Friday night so it was crowded and I think they just try to pump through tables. We kept the drinks flowing and ended up having such a wild and incredibly memorable night here! Definitely one for the books.
Fleur – We went to see a show at Mandalay Bay so I wanted to go to dinner at a restaurant there so we could eat and easily get over to our show. We also had some sensitive palates in the group and Fleur had such a great menu that I thought everyone would enjoy. It also offered my favorite dish of all time – Osso Bucco – so I was sold.
Where We Stayed:
The Beverly Hilton – I would totally recommend the Beverly Hilton. We had a slight hiccup at check in, but I won’t get into that. Otherwise, our stay was lovely and they actually upgraded our room for our troubles. The accommodations were great and the view from our room looked right out over Beverly Hills.
The Bellagio – The Bellagio was a gorgeous hotel. This was our first experience in Las Vegas, so we don’t really have anything compare to. We reserved a fountain view room and at only a few dollars more, it was totally worth the view and the show. We were able to check in online and avoid the long lines; we also checked out using the television in our room so it was a super convenient experience. We were only here for one night, so again I don’t really have a lot to go on, but we had a great experience.
View in La Jolla for a terrace lunch.
1000 Steps Beach, Laguna Beach
Room with a view – The Beverly Hilton
Villa Blanca with a Vanderpump Rose
UCLA
Rodeo Drive
Pump
SUR
The Bellagio
kristinateam.wordpress.com 
Love it! Looks like it was an awesome trip. Amazing pictures, too! Thanks for sharing 🙂