Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, CA
Ah, California Dreamin’!
Beverly Hill, that’s where I want to be!
I bet those songs are on everyone’s playlist when heading to California. I know they were on mine! For days, actually, leading up to the trip…and while on the trip. This was partially a work trip and partially leisure with my better-half, Pepe. We have been to several other parts of CA in the past, but Beverly Hills and Santa Monica were new to both of us. Exciting!!!
Beverly Hills
We flew in to Beverly Hills Friday morning from Washington, DC and arrived just in time for an early lunch at the Westfield Mall on the way to Rodeo Dr. The weather was GORGEOUS! No humidity, gentle breeze - the typical California weather.
Rodeo Dr. is a must-visit. It is lined with beautiful high-end stores, paparazzi sitting around with giant cameras hoping to catch a glimpse of a celebrity, and a Louis Vuitton museum. After a few hours, we checked-in to our AirBnB which was really not up to our standards but was fine enough to sleep in for two nights.
The next morning, we endeavored on The Big Bus (hop on hop off) and rode it around Beverly Hills, and Sunset Blvd. It is definitely a great way to see the massive city without having to drive or Uber around. At Sunset Blvd., we stumbled about Pearl, nestled on a hill with a beautiful view of the valley and hills. The service was poor, but the decor felt as if we were having brunch in a garden. It is highly recommended for its nightlife. We decided not to give it a second chance. Followed by a late lunch at Pearl, we jumped back on the Big Bus and rode it across town to the beach side - Muscle beach (filled with body builders and gym rats) all the way down to Venice Beach. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. The blocks are LONG.
Erwin’s
A rooftop hotel bar at the end of the Venice Beach strip. Rather, a relief from the mile(s) of walking. Now, they do not - I repeat - do not offer happy hour pricing like their lobby bar does. Seating at Erwin’s is limited, and you might have to share the seating area with another party. Either way, the drinks are amazing. Crab cake appetizer is delicious! A rooftop bar overlooking Venice beach puts it all together very nicely.
And off to Santa Monica we go!
After two nights in Beverly Hills, we were off to the JW Marriott in Santa Monica. Check-in was somewhat rocky. Their app said the room was ready but the front desk insisted it is not. After a short wait, we were placed in an oceanfront King room with a balcony. Can’t beat that view!
The JW Marriott offers a lobby bar, restaurant, business center, complimentary coffee in the morning, cold infused water throughout the day, spa, an outdoor pool, and beach access from the back of the hotel. They also provide beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas for those who want to venture out and enjoy a day at the beach watching the waves. (The water is always too cold!) At night, outdoor fire pits are on so guests can enjoy a meal and/or a drink on the patio. They will even bring a blanket upon request so you can get cozy next to the fire pit with a glass of wine! Well done, JW Marriott!
Malibu
Malibu is a short drive from the JW Marriott. A gorgeous, short drive, I must add. We drove along the shoreline most of the drive, with mountains and gorgeous homes on the opposite side. Much of the day was spent stopping at oceanfront restaurants, driving through the mountains, stopping for picturesque breathtaking views before we finally made it back to the hotel.
Must visit bars in Santa Monica
Onyx: A rooftop bar located at the Shangrila hotel. Offering ample seating on the outside and the inside of the bar, soothing views of the sunset over the ocean, fire pits to keep the guests warm. Be sure to take a shawl or light sweater/jacket if visiting during the non-summer days. It does tend to get chilly up there.
The Penthouse: The feel of this rooftop bar/restaurant cannot be described in words. You have to visit in-person to really appreciate the ambiance, views, architecture, food, and drinks. I’d recommend that you catch a sunset from their ceiling to floor windows. You can watch it for a while as the sun disappears behind the mountains. I fell in love with the views and the upscale but low-key atmosphere.
