Top 12 Things to Do to Celebrate Fall in SoCal
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Top 12 Things to Do to Celebrate Fall in SoCal

Fall is one of my favorite seasons, and in SoCal, it’s an exciting time with lots of fun activities to enjoy. The country farms are awash with bright orange pumpkins, it’s grape harvesting season, Thanksgiving is coming back around, plus, in the mountains, you can even see the colors of the leaves changing.

Person standing on a dirt trail at sunset with hills and the Hollywood Sign in the background, smiling after a hike from Griffith Observatory, wearing a cap, glasses, t-shirt, and leggings.
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How to Do the Hike from Griffith Observatory — Local Tips and Sunset Views

If you’re looking for the best hike from Griffith Observatory, you’re in the right place—and no, you don’t need to be an LA influencer in yoga pants to enjoy it (though no judgment if you are). After living in Los Angeles for 15 years, I’ve done the Griffith Observatory hike more times than I can…

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: What to Expect, What It Costs, and If It’s Worth It
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: What to Expect, What It Costs, and If It’s Worth It

Thinking about taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway but not sure if it’s worth the time, money, or potential anxiety about dangling mid-air in a giant rotating box? Totally fair. I just rode it in the middle of a sweltering July afternoon—115°F at the base—and I’ve got thoughts. Here’s the lowdown: how to get there,…

Best Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles
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Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A Local’s Guide to the Best Neighborhoods & Hotels (2026)

Discover the best neighborhoods and best boutique hotels in Los Angeles, California’s biggest and most diverse city. Find out where to stay in Los Angeles for your upcoming trip to one of the United States’ most popular cities. 

what to do in chinatown los angeles
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Chinatown Los Angeles: A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in One Afternoon (2026)

Planning a trip to LA and want to see a deep cultural experience? Let me show you how to explore the heart of Chinatown Los Angeles in just one afternoon—no stress, no backtracking, just the best food, hidden gems, and rich history this neighborhood has to offer. I’ve lived in LA for over 15 years,…

where to find wildflowers in socal
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Where to See the Wildflowers in Southern California (2026)

Spring has sprung in SoCal! This year, we’re expecting tons of flowers after all the rain we’ve had in California. If you’re looking for the best spots to see gorgeous orange poppies within driving distance of Los Angeles, check out my guide on where to see wildflowers in Southern California!

A row of colorful Victorian houses with cars parked in front and trees lining the street, set under a clear blue sky—an iconic scene you'll encounter during your one day in San Francisco.
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How to See the Best of San Francisco in One Day

Can you really see the best of San Francisco in one day? Absolutely – here’s how! San Francisco is packed with iconic sights, but can you really experience its magic in just 24 hours? After 15 years of exploring this city—both as a tourist and a semi-local—I’ve cracked the code on how to make the…

A person stands on a city street, smiling with eyes closed, holding the collar of their dark sweater. Traffic lights and buildings are visible in the background, offering a glimpse into what to wear in Los Angeles regardless of every season.
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What to Wear in Los Angeles: A Guide to Every Season (From a Local)

Planning a trip and wondering what to wear in Los Angeles? You’re in the right place! As someone who’s called LA home since 2008, I’ve seen trends come and go and know exactly what staples remain timeless in our beautiful city of angels.  This guide will help you navigate the LA fashion scene for every…

best los angeles tours - hollywood walk of fame
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10 Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors (2025)

From Universal Studios to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you’ll never tire of things to do in Los Angeles. While you could create your own tour of LA (possibly with the help of my 3-day itinerary), I suggest you enhance your visit by taking at least one guided tour on your first visit to LA.

Driving in Los Angeles, you'll often find yourself on a suburban street with parked cars, houses, utility poles, and palm trees on a clear day. Tips from a local: always keep an eye out for hidden driveways and ensure pedestrians have ample space to navigate the serene neighborhood.
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Ultimate Guide to Driving in Los Angeles – Tips from a Local 

Driving in Los Angeles can feel like you’ve signed up for an extreme sport—think high speeds, sudden stops, and a freeway system that looks like a plate of spaghetti!  I get it because I’ve been there. I started driving in LA when I was 20 years old, as a sophomore in college, back in 2009….