This summer I embarked on a massive solo cross-country road trip that would take me a full 2 months and 9,000 miles across America and back again. So I began my journey in a city I know and love well – Los Angeles – the perfect launching point for a whirlwind excursion into the unknown.

I’ve been to LA many times before, but I never feel like I get enough time to see everyone and do everything I love here. So it was nice to spend a full week packed with fun, good food, fitness, and a super fantastic (and somewhat belated) birthday celebration.

If you’re also planning a visit to the City of Dreams, you can’t go wrong with these sights, stops, and diversions.

First, I planned a spectacular birthday dinner and drinks at Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood’s oldest eatery with iconic red booths and legendary martinis.

Eat a delicious meal at the iconic Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood on your trip to Los Angeles
Photo from Danny Hajek/NPR. Waiter Sergio Gonzalez, 66, has been working at Musso & Frank Grill since he was 19 years old.

After that delicious and classic Hollywood dinner experience, we made our way to Black Rabbit Rose for their top quality drinks. Plus a pretty amazing live jazz show in the back room. There’s usually always something playing back there, so be sure to ask about it.

Black Rabbit Rose LA

We decided to keep the fancy cocktail train going at No Vacancy next, where we were also treated to quite the burlesque show. I was too busy enjoying the show (and respecting the dancers’ privacy) to snap any photos of this, but trust me, it was well worth the pretty long line this place often has. Unless you can sweet talk the bouncer, like one of my friends managed to do. But if you don’t have someone like that in your group, I highly recommend booking a table and/or showing up extra early. You’ll be glad you did.

No Vacancy LA

After all that amusement, it was time to bid farewell to the “ragged promised land” of Los Angeles (oh that Kerouac).

But I’ll be back again soon for sure, and I hope you will too.

Now on the road I go!

LA US Road Trip