day trip la girl fight

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Girl Fights - Best Street Fight

Let me KO you real quick, I’m late to class

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Tall girl fight!

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It will take a while to recover from this

Serious head-shots

Brutal Girl Fight: The Clash of Titans

Night fight between two Latina girls

Attention! A fight in the neighborhood!

A ring made of the audience – this is how it starts

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💥 girl fights: unleash the femme fatale fury.

Get ready for an electrifying journey into the heart of street-wise women's battles in our captivating Girl Fights category. Whether it's the intense one-on-one showdowns or unexpected group clashes, these videos are a mesmerizing tapestry that reveals the unyielding power, extraordinary skill, and unbreakable resilience of women navigating the challenges of the urban jungle.

🌟 Why Watch Girl Fights?

👊 Empowerment in Action: Immerse yourself in the inspiring narratives of women who stand tall and refuse to back down, showcasing not just physical strength but a profound resilience in the face of adversity. These fights transcend the physical; they embody empowerment, smashing through societal stereotypes and preconceived notions.

💄 Style and Strategy:

Prepare to be dazzled by the diverse fighting styles and strategic brilliance of these street-savvy women. From lightning-quick jabs that defy expectation to calculated maneuvers that leave opponents in awe, these ladies redefine the very essence of street fighting, blending grace with grit.

👭 Unity and Solidarity: Some battles are not solitary endeavors. Witness the incredible camaraderie as women join forces, forming alliances that demonstrate the power of unity in the unpredictable world of street fights. It's a testament to the strength that comes from supporting one another in the face of adversity.

🚺 Celebrating Strength: The Girl Fights category is more than just a showcase of physical prowess; it's a celebration of the indomitable spirit, both physical and mental, of women. Here, strength knows no gender, and these women unequivocally prove that they can not only hold their own but emerge victorious in any street showdown.

Remember, as you dive into the captivating world of Girl Fights, these videos are crafted for entertainment purposes only. Respect and camaraderie form the foundation of our community. Join us in celebrating the untamed strength and tenacity of women in the raw and unfiltered world of street fights! 💪🥋🚺

Teen girl dies after alleged fight with bullies at South L.A. high school

by: Vivian Chow

Posted: Mar 20, 2024 / 06:47 PM PDT

Updated: Mar 20, 2024 / 08:08 PM PDT

A 16-year-old girl has died after her mother said she suffered severe injuries from a school fight. She claims school officials failed to stop the bullies from targeting the girl.

Cell phone video captured a violent altercation between two teen girls in a bathroom at Manual Arts High School in South Los Angeles. 

The victim, Shaylee Mejia, is seen hitting her head against a stall as she falls down at one point.

The girl’s mother, Maria Juarez, is devastated and believes her daughter died as a result of that bathroom fight. 

Mejia enrolled at Manual Arts High about eight months ago after Juarez, a single mother of two, moved the family into a new apartment. 

After several months at the school, she said Mejia began coming home with bruises all over her body, presumably from fights.

She took photos of the injuries and reportedly complained to school officials and campus police but said nothing was done to address the issue.

Meanwhile, her daughter continued being targeted by bullies at school, with several of the fights captured on cell phone video by the teen’s friends.

On March 5, Juarez said her daughter was involved in a school fight but did not notify her because she didn’t want to cause worry. Juarez is a housekeeper and the family’s sole provider so Mejia didn’t want her mother to lose any work hours.

Juarez said her daughter complained of a headache for several days but continued to attend school. 

Later that week, she went to a party on Saturday night and that was the last time Juarez would see her daughter alive.

She was told her daughter had fainted at the party and was rushed to the hospital by a friend. Doctors said she suffered from a fatal hemorrhage due to brain injuries.

Mejia never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead six days later on March 15.

After her daughter’s death, that’s when Juarez was first notified about the violent March 5 fight.

She presented videos of the fights to school officials but claimed nothing was done to the perpetrators. She now blames the school for her daughter’s death.

“Everybody knows about my daughter hitting her head, the teachers too,” Juarez said. “Everybody knows.”

As Juarez struggles to process the pain of her daughter’s death, she said her 3-year-old son is completely devastated.

“He’s sad,” Juarez said on the verge of tears. “He misses his sister. “I just, I don’t know. I want to die.”

Los Angeles police confirm officers were called to the hospital the night Mejia was admitted. The cause of her death remains under investigation. Detectives are investigating claims that she may have fallen down a flight of stairs that night.

A statement from the high school’s principal, Alejandro Macias, said in part:

“I am saddened to report the recent death of one of our students off campus. On behalf of our entire school community, I want to offer my deepest condolences to those who are impacted by this loss, including the student’s family, friends, and teachers. At this time, we request that the privacy of those who have been impacted be respected during this difficult time. Please know that our entire school community offers our support.    

Every member of the Manual Arts High School community matters and this loss impacts us all. Our school has crisis counselors available to any student who may need support. While this tragic incident took place outside of school hours and off campus, our heartfelt thoughts remain with those affected by this loss.”

A GoFundMe page to help Juarez with her daughter’s funeral expenses can be found here.

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, optimal los angeles itinerary for first time visitors.

I used to live in LA for a long time – ten years to be exact. I spent a good chunk of my formative year growing up in the suburb of LA before getting thrown straight into the heart of the city when I attended UCLA for my undergrad studies.

Safe to say, I spent my best years in LA. I love the city so much and I want to help make your stay here to be as enjoyable as possible. So, I’ve put together a Los Angeles itinerary that is hopefully easy to follow for you, whether you’re spending just a weekend in LA, or a whole week and more.

It’s going to be a long one, so buckle up!

Before we go on, I wanted to say my special thanks to my good friend Kat for being a true champ. This post would not have been possible without her. Kat and I met a long time ago when we were both students at UCLA. She continued to live in LA while I moved across the world to Singapore.

When I was in LA visiting her, she drove me around LA. And I do mean, EVERYWHERE which is not an easy feat in a city as trafficky as LA! We even went to all the parts that we didn’t get to explore as the poor car-less students that we were.

Thank you so much, Kat!! <3

Okay so without further ado, here is everything I know about visiting Los Angeles.

• Tips for visiting Los Angeles
• How to drive in Los Angeles
• Parking in Los Angeles
• Public Transportation in Los Angeles
• How much time should I spend in Los Angeles?
• When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
• Where to stay in Los Angeles
• Day 1: Central LA (Hollywood)
• Day 2: Historic Downtown LA
• Day 3: Westside LA (The beach!)
• Day 4: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• Day 5 onward: Day Trip Ideas from LA

My tips for visiting Los Angeles

To make your visit to LA more enjoyable, here are some of my tips:

1. Get a travel pass to save money! – There are lots of things to visit and do in LA, which means you’ll spend money on those activities. Getting a travel pass could ease the pain!

Here are a few travel passes you can consider:

• Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass – If you are only in LA for less than a week and plan to see as many attractions as possible, it’s usually worth it to get the Go City All-Inclusive Pass to cover you for some of those days. The pass will already pay for itself if you plan to get the multi-day card and plan to visit one of the amusement parks (except Disneyland) – check the list of attractions here .

To make it easier for you, I’ll leave note in the itinerary below which landmarks are included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass.

• Go City Explorer Pass – On the other hand, if you decide that you only want to visit a few select attractions, you can consider this instead. The Explorer Pass entitles you to see these attractions at your own pace – the pass is valid for 60 days and you can select any 2-7 attractions.

2. Book ahead an airport pick up from LAX . Unless you plan to rent a car straight from the airport, this is the best way to get to your hotel from the airport. You can book a private Airport pick up here . Otherwise, you can consider looking at a shuttle bus. It’s cheaper than taking a taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

3. Rent a car. Book a car rental that you can pick up and return at LAX here . Why? Public transportation in LA, though arguably better than what it was before, is not the best – I’ll talk more about this later . Taxis must be booked in advance, and ride-sharing could get expensive. Trust me, I didn’t have a car when I was living in LA, and it was a nightmare. For more information on driving in LA, check out the next section of this blog driving in Los Angeles , which includes things like parking in LA.

4. If you cannot drive , then your best bet is to go by tour or sightseeing tours or bus. While it might not be the most efficient way, it will still take you to all the places you’d want to see in LA. Here are some tours that would take you to most of the must-do activities in LA and include hotel pick-up:

• Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More
• The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More

Tip: The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus 1-Day Classic Tour could be a great option and is included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass . It normally costs US$ 46 per adult.

5. Take note of the opening time of the attractions you want to see. For example, The Getty and the Griffith Observatory are closed on Mondays and Getty Villa is closed on Tuesdays. So generally, the latter half of the week (Wednesday – Sunday) is the best time to visit LA if you are interested.

6. Learn how to tip the American way – yes, I know, the tipping culture in the US baffles every visitor. It’s confusing! But, you don’t want to shortchange someone just because you disagree with this social norm. The most common instance where you’ll need to tip is when eating at a restaurant. The general rule of thumb is to tip 15% for average service, 20% for great service, and 25% for exceptional service. You don’t need to tip at establishments where the food is not served to you. Fast food, bakeries, or dessert places are examples of these types of establishments, but it certainly would be nice if you felt the staff did an exceptional job. You also don’t need to tip ride-sharing drivers (but again, it is always nice to), but you must tip taxi drivers.

7. Watch out for the CA sales tax! In California, you’re subjected to a sales tax every time you make a purchase. This sales tax is usually not included in the stated price and will be charged upon payment. In Los Angeles, the sales tax is 9.50%. So for example, say you see a nice purse for $30 – it will actually ring up as $32.85 when you pay for it.

8.  Wise Card  worked super well in the US  – If you’re an international visitor like myself, definitely get yourself  a Wise Debit Card . You’ll save on foreign transaction fees with it. I never had to use cash when I was in NYC and  San Francisco !

9. Be at the beach in the late afternoon for sunset – You’ll see some of the best sunsets of your life, so plan to be at the beach during sunset time! I recommend visiting Santa Monica Beach or Venice Beach around 5 PM.

10. Last but not least – HAVE FUN! I feel like most of my travel tips have been negative, but trust me, it will all be worth it. I just wanted you to be mentally prepared to be able to enjoy this special city.

How to drive a car in LA

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that driving is pretty much a requirement if you want to explore Los Angeles. Aside from the vast area, you would need to cover, there isn’t a good public transportation infrastructure in LA.

Anyone can drive and rent a car in LA so long as they have a valid driving license. Good news for international tourists – you don’t need an International Driving License to drive in California . But you DO need a valid driving license from your country of residence.

What is the driving requirement in California? See the DMV page on California driving requirements .

Once you’ve secured a vehicle, be prepared to deal with the LA traffic. You can try to avoid it, but I’ve been told traffic is bad all day long. You just have to accept it and plan your day around it. Be prepared to factor in extra driving time.

Also, make sure you are a confident driver. LA drivers are notoriously aggressive drivers. You’ll also be doing a lot of street parking so make sure you know how to parallel park.

Last but not least, practice basic safety to ensure your car doesn’t become a target for car break-ins – don’t leave anything visible in the seats (bags, earphones, or other small electronics). Always take your valuables with you.

Parking and car parks in Los Angeles

Another thing you need to learn about is how the car park works here. And let me tell you, parking is expensive in LA, especially in the Downtown area. There are usually parking lots with either an hourly rate (capped to a certain amount per session) or a flat rate regardless of how long you park your car. In the downtown area , this is usually a steep flat rate of US$12-15, so you’ll want to keep your car in the same lot while you’re sightseeing. You can refer to this map to plan your parking before coming to downtown LA.

The cheaper way to park your car is to find street parking , which is sometimes metered or sometimes free, but obviously, these are super coveted spots and everyone wants them. Don’t bank on it, but if you do find a street parking spot, make sure you pay attention to the signs since street parking is usually only allowed at certain hours and there might be a block out time for street cleaning.

If you’re lucky you might be visiting a museum/restaurant/shopping mall that offers validated parking , meaning they’ll cover your parking cost or offer discounted parking up to certain hours, so keep looking out for that too!

And again, please take note to not leave any valuables in the car or even leave anything small on the car seat that can be seen from outside, because it might make you a target for car break-ins.

Taking Public Transportation in LA

I came from Singapore, where public transport is probably the best in the world. So I can’t say I was impressed by public transport in LA, but in retrospect, it’s not too bad. It’s still not the most comprehensive, but at least it’s not nearly non-existent like how it was when I lived here ten years ago!

Here is a quick rundown of the two types of services you’d likely take as a tourist in LA:

• The LA Metro – The metro is a transportation agency consisting of rails and buses. Their rail lines now take you from downtown LA to Santa Monica! This is something that didn’t exist when I was in college.
• DASH Bus service – LADOT (short for Los Angeles Department of Transportation)’s bus service that services mostly downtown. Free with the TAP card you use to ride the metro.

To use the above services, you need to get a TAP card online . If you have a smartphone, you can even just pay for the fares through the app instead of a physical card. Then, you can buy a 1-day, 7-day, or 30-day pass for unlimited rides if you’re in LA for longer.

How much time should I spend in LA?

Let me start by saying that LA is a HUGE city and the landmarks are spread apart from each other. Ideally, you should try to spend 5-7 days here if you don’t want to be rushed and want to see everything.

But if you are okay with missing out on certain stuff, you can still see a good amount of stuff in just 3-4 days, or even a weekend if you’re good at organizing your time. After all, you can always come back 😉

When is the best time to visit LA?

So this is why I love LA so much – the weather here is simply the best. It’s great to visit all year round! The summers are not too hot, and the winters are not too cold. Spring and Fall are just downright beautiful. California tends to be dry, so you don’t have to worry too much about rain ruining your travel.

However, forest fires have unfortunately become a common occurrence in California, so be prepared if you’re visiting when it’s forest fire season. Pay attention to the news!

Where to stay in LA

There isn’t a specific area you can stay in LA where everything will be close by. No matter where you visit, you’ll likely still have to drive. That said, here are some recommendations!

If you have a high budget then staying in Downtown LA or West Hollywood is great for that LA feel. Here are some notable hotels if you need ideas:

• Chateau Marmont – Aside from being one of the most iconic hotels in Los Angeles, this hotel is also frequented by A-list celebrities.
• Ace Hotel DTLA – A historic hotel right in the heart of Downtown LA. The building interior is a spectacle on its own.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel – One of the world’s best-known hotels located on Sunset Blvd. It is said that “Hotel California” by the Eagles is based on this hotel.

Otherwise, if you want a more chill beach vibe then I recommend staying closer to the coastline in Santa Monica or Venice Beach. Bonus: It’s also close to LAX!

• HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel – This is a hostel so expect basic amenities. You can stay in a bunk bed or opt for a private room.
• The Georgian Hotel – This hotel caught my eye during my visit as it looks straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. Aside from that, the location is also really good – right in front of the beach and within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier.
• Venice Breeze Suites – Located within walking distance of Venice boardwalk. Venice Beach can be a bit noisy and kind of dodgy at night, but it’s still one of the best places to enjoy LA.

The Must-Do Los Angeles Itinerary

To visualize the itinerary better, I’ve created a Google Maps link that marks all the routes and landmarks I’ll mention in this blog.

Here is the complete LA Itinerary map (If you can’t see the map, click here ):

🗺 Save this map to your phone!  If you are a Google user, click on the image of the map above. The map will then be saved to your “Recent” maps viewed.  Click here for instructions on how to view the map later . It will work from your phone too.

I hope you can see why I keep saying LA is huge. Most of the landmarks and points of interest are not concentrated in one place. But don’t worry! This is why I’ve grouped the activities into one area for each day, so you can plan and optimize your time in LA.

Here is a quick look at the areas we’ll be covering in this itinerary:

• Day 5 etc: Day Trip Ideas from LA

PS: If you are getting a travel pass, the Go City All-Inclusive Pass is mostly useful on Day 1 and 2. If you want to visit an amusement park though, it’s still worth it by adding extra days.

Here is a Los Angeles itinerary for your first visit:

Day 1: Central LA (The Hollywood Route)

This itinerary will take you through what LA is best known for – the fame, glamor, and glitz of Hollywood. On my LA Map itinerary, The Hollywood Route is marked in Purple . Here is the same itinerary map zoomed to just the Central LA portion:

Open Map on a new window

1. The Hollywood Sign & Griffith Observatory

Start your morning by going up to the Griffith Observatory. It’s a great place to see Los Angeles city from above, as well as the famous Hollywood sign. Contrary to popular belief though, you can’t get too close to the Hollywood sign since the area around it are private properties. If you do, it might be considered trespassing unless you know the owners of the lands.

The Griffith Observatory itself is an interesting place to visit, but very limited availability. Please also take note that it’s closed on Mondays . Admission is free though! ( Click here for information on Griffith Observatory )

⛰ Tip: If you fancy a hike, a Hollywood Hills Hike tour is included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass (normally US $28 per person). They depart at 10 AM and take 2.5 hours, so plan carefully whether you have time for this given all the other stuff you’d want to do for the rest of the day.

2. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Make your way down to Hollywood Blvd for the Walk of Fame, where you can see the star-studded sidewalk, literally! The Walk of Fame is where 2,600 Hollywood entertainers have earned the achievement of a lifetime, in the form of a 5-point star embedded in the sidewalk along the street.

3. Grauman’s Chinese Theater (TCL Chinese Theater)

Down the street from the Walk of Fame is the famous Chinese Theater, a theater whose decor was modeled after the red Chinese pagoda. It is the site where countless blockbuster movies held their global premiere, including the 1977 George Lucas’ Star Wars!

The theater has changed ownership a few times and changed names because of that – it was originally named Grauman’s Chinese Theater, but to me, it was known as Mann’s Chinese Theater. And now, the official name currently is TCL Chinese Theater!

Aside from being the site of major premieres, the theater is also known for housing over 200 handprints and footprints of famous Hollywood celebrities in the front yard of the theater.

Tip: If you fancy a tour, they have a VIP 30-minute walking tour that runs daily ( check the schedule here ) and is included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass (which normally costs US$ 14 per person). Note that if you take this tour, then you cannot go to Hollywood Museum using the Go City All-Inclusive Pass anymore.

4. Kodak Theater (Dolby Theater)

This theater is perhaps best known for hosting the ultimate Hollywood event – the Academy Awards (aka the Oscars) since 2002. The Kodak Theater has been officially known as Dolby Theater since 2012, but it will always be Kodak Theater for long-time LA residents – such as myself, I suppose. I moved away before the name change and was shocked when I found out!

Tip: They used to have a guided tour that runs daily every half hour from 10 AM – 4 PM, but now it runs more on the latter half of the week (check the schedule here ). The tour is included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass . The tour takes 30 minutes.

5. Hollywood Museum

Across the street from the Chinese Theater is the Hollywood Museum, where you can learn about the history of Hollywood and see props, costumes, and scripts from classic movies.

Tip: Admission is included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass (normally US $15 per person) if you didn’t go for a tour at the Chinese Theater.

6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

If you love museums, definitely stop by here. You’ll probably recognize it right away from the famous Urban Light installation by Chris Burden , placed prominently at the entrance of the museum on Wilshire Blvd, a major street in LA.

Check out the museum during the day if you want to go in (it only opens till 5 PM), but if you’re just there for the Urban Lights then you can come at night since it is open 24 hours and it’s beautifully lit up when the sun goes down.

7. LA’s Farmers Market & The Grove

One block away from LACMA is LA Farmers Market , a fun place to people-watch, grab a bite, and get some refreshments. They are open every day ( click here for more information ).

Right next to it is The Grove , possibly the most beautiful open-air shopping center I’ve ever been to.

8. Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is LA’s most luxurious street, known for its high-end stores, celebrity sightings, and the very fancy cars that often line up the very regular street parking spots. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re here, you never know who you might run into!

Where to eat/drink in Central LA

• Pink’s Hot Dogs – It’s a must-visit in LA. Started as a pushcart in 1939, Pink’s has now become a historic road site spot in LA, serving creative hot dogs.
• Urth Caffe – Organic coffee, tea, and healthy breakfast made from local ingredients. They are mostly known to be frequented by celebrities. There are eight locations around LA now, but the one in Melrose is probably the most convenient to go with your itinerary. It also has the highest chance of celebrity sightings.
• The Griddle Cafe – The place for indulgent hearty American breakfast. Think red velvet pancakes and the like.
• In-N-Out Burger – You haven’t been to California if you did not have In-N-Out. Period. There is a branch near the Chinese Theater on Sunset Blvd, so don’t miss this one!
• LA’s Farmers Market – Great place to get local produce and snacks.
• Yamashiro Hollywood – This place has been here forever! I remember coming here for a date back when I was in college. It’s located on top of a hill, so you’ll get a great view with your meal too.
• Lawry’s The Prime Rib – You might have seen them as the brand for seasoned salt in your grocery store, but Lawry’s is originally a famous steak house that has been around in LA since 1938. Their creamed corn is the best!

Day 2: Historic DTLA (Downtown LA)

This itinerary takes you through the modern, rugged downtown of LA, and what makes the city tick. Most of the landmarks on this route are close to each other and very walkable.

TIP: This is the only itinerary on this post that is potentially walkable or can be done through public transport. If you aren’t already staying in downtown LA, you can just arrange transport to DTLA, as you might not need a car for this day with everything being within walking distance.

On my LA Map itinerary, The DTLA Route is marked in Green . Here is the same itinerary map zoomed to just the DTLA portion:

Optional: Walking Tours!

I included this portion because the downtown LA area is just rich with history and very walkable and I think it’s worth paying extra for some local knowledge. Here are some walking tours you can consider:

• Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour
• Downtown Los Angeles Architecture Walking Tour
• Los Angeles Beginnings Walking Tour
• If you are here on a Saturday, check out the walking tour by Los Angeles Conservancy . The tour costs $15 per person and they have tons of interesting options!

1. Bradbury Building

Start your morning at the Blue Bottle Coffee downstairs of the Bradbury Building. Bradbury Building is a prominent architectural landmark in LA. Built in 1893, it still retains the original design open-caged elevator and exquisite ironwork that gave this place its fame, in addition to being featured in famous movies, music videos, and television shows (how very LA of this building, right?). It is also most well known as one of the shooting locations for the 1982 Blade Runner sci-fi movie.

2. The Last Bookstore

Just a block away from Bradbury Building, this independent bookstore was made famous thanks to the round of photos on Instagram, and rightfully so – they house a handful of very Instagrammable beautiful creative art displays, with a theme centered around, well, books.

3. Grand Central Market & Angel’s Flight Railway

Right around the corner from Bradbury Building and The Last Bookstore is Grand Central Market. You can settle down here for lunch with lots of options. I recommend checking out the oyster bar or checking out Eggslut for a popular Egg sandwich.

Then, right across the street from Grand Central Market is Angel’s Flight, a funicular railway that connects Downtown LA to Bunker Hill. The ride lasts no more than thirty seconds and costs $1. Nowadays it’s regarded as a tourist novelty, but a fair amount of locals still use the railway too.

4. The Broad

Make your way down to The Broad, a contemporary art museum. And in true LA fashion, tickets to the museum are free but parking will cost you an arm and a leg. So if you’re already parked somewhere nearby, just leave your car and walk over here. The museum is closed on Mondays ( click here for more info on visiting the broad )

The Broad is yet another place that has been made even more popular by Instagram in recent years – thanks to the famous Yayoi Kusama installation “ Infinity Mirrored Rooms “, which is currently on view at The Broad.

If you’re there mainly for the Kusama installation though, be prepared to line up. The good thing is they have put in a virtual queue system that will notify you when your number is up, so you can use the waiting time to wander around the rest of The Broad! More instructions on visiting Infinity Mirrored Rooms are here .

But aside from the famous Kusama installation (which I did not bother waiting for), I think The Broad has a solid offering of modern art – you can see works by famous contemporary artists like Takashi Murakami, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons.

5. Walt Disney Concert Hall

Before leaving The Broad, you can walk around the building and check out Disney Concert Hall. You don’t have to go in, but I think the facade from the outside is such an architectural delight.

But if you’re interested, you can go for a complimentary guided tour or self-guided audio tour which runs in the mornings at around 10 am – 3 pm (please check for availability!)

6. Grammy Museum

If music is your thing you might be interested in visiting the Grammy Museum too, where you can learn about the history and past winners of the Grammys. There are some paid exhibitions too.

Tip: The Grammy Museum is closed on Tuesdays . Admission is included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass (normally US$ 18 per person).

6. Olvera Street / El Pueblo Historic District

Los Angeles is nothing without its Mexican community – even the name of the city “Los Angeles” is in Spanish! So, end your day by visiting the colorful Mexican marketplace at Olvera Street. First opened on easter in 1930, the street now houses shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You can take the bus DASH Downtown Route A to get there .

The market is open every day, but most merchants are only open 10 am – 5 pm. Click here for more information on visiting . If you’re lucky, you might be there during one of the big events such as Dia De Los Muertos in October or Cinco de Mayo in May – check their calendar here !

7. Arts District

If you still have time after Olvera Street, you can walk over to the Arts District. The arts district was a pretty run-down, sketchy part of LA, but had undergone a major clean-up under its iconic mayor Joel Bloom. Nowadays, it houses many trendy restaurants, cafes, and breweries! You can take the bus DASH Downtown Route A to get there .

Where to eat/drink in Downtown LA

• Blue Bottle Coffee – I know they are not originally from LA, but there is one right downstairs of the Bradbury Building so you might as well try the coffee here if you haven’t before.
• Grand Central Market – Great place to visit with a group and sample many different things at once.
• Eggslut – This breakfast fast-food restaurant became a viral success back in 2011. The most popular item is “The Slut”, which is a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato puree, poached in a glass jar and served with toasty crostini. There is a branch in Grand Central Market!
• Koreatown – Or locally known as K-town. I’m a huge fan of Korean cuisine , but I find the ones in LA are often even better than in South Korea itself. I recommend checking out BCD Tofu House if you do decide to go.
• Ave 26 Tacos at Little Tokyo – The original location is a little bit out of the way, but now there is a location in Little Tokyo! You don’t get more LA than inhaling Lengua tacos off the back of your friend’s car in some shady parking lot.
• Langer’s Deli – One of the few Jewish delis in LA. I didn’t get to try the matzo ball here , but you should!
• Pacific Dining Car – Another iconic LA steakhouse that’s been around since 1921. I heard reservations are hard to get, but you should still try. As the name says, you’d be dining in a railway dining car.
• Clifton’s Republic – Used to be Clifton’s Cafeteria, the building has now turned into a hip bar. There are a total of 4 floors and each floor has a different theme.
• SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa – This is a very trendy sushi place in DTLA that is also known for serving great food.

Day 3: Westside LA (The Beach!)

This itinerary is a much more chilled-out day compared to the previous ones. It takes you what you probably had in mind when you hear “California” – the palm trees and the beach! This area is my favorite since not only is it beautiful, but it’s also my old stomping grounds.

On my LA Map itinerary, The West LA Route is marked in Red . Here is the same itinerary map zoomed to just the West LA portion:

1. UCLA Campus – Where the Internet was born

Okay, I might be super biased cause I’m a Bruin, but I do think UCLA is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the US! You can stroll around the campus, see how American college students go about their daily lives, and visit the room where the internet was born at 3420 Boelter Hall (learn more about it here )

PS: I was a Computer Science student and once spent a week straight, day and night, at Boelter Hall finishing my CS project. I have a love-hate relationship with that place.

UCLA was also used as a set for many Hollywood movies and TV Shows. It’s been used to illustrate Harvard University in Gilmore Girls and Legally Blonde , among many others. If that interests you, check out the full list of movies and TV shows filmed at UCLA .

2. The Getty Center

The real name of this place is The J. Paul Getty Museum, but we all call it “The Getty” for short. It’s only a few miles away from the UCLA Campus. The museum houses famous art and painting (most notably Irises by Vincent van Gogh) but aside from that, it’s also famous for its architectural design and an amazing view of LA from above.

Take note that they are closed on Mondays . Admission is free, but you should still reserve a ticket here . Check out what exhibition is currently on here . Parking costs $20 , but if you plan to visit Getty Villa on the same day, parking there would be free.

3. Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade

Once you’re done with The Getty, drive down to Santa Monica and head to the pier. Santa Monica Pier was declared as the official endpoint of the legendary highway Route 66 on the highway’s 83rd birthday. Nowadays you can see a road sign that marks the end of the trail in the Pacific Ocean.

On the pier is a small amusement park called Pacific Park , where you can grab a bite, get on some rides, or play games.

🛼 Tip: You can also rent a bike/roller skate from Perry’s Cafe, included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass (normally US$12 per hour).

From Santa Monica, it’s just a short walk to Third Street Promenade , a peaceful open-air shopping mall that’s perfect to chill out at. And just to add to the LA-ness of this place, one time as I was shopping here and Vanessa Carlton randomly showed up for an impromptu performance (remember her??).

4. Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a neighborhood that started flourishing in the 2010s and was referred to as the coolest block in America by GQ in 2012. You can explore trendy shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries here. I recommend checking out Intelligentsia for coffee and Salt & Straw for ice cream.

You can check out merchants in the Abbot Kinney Boulevard here . They also hold events on the first Friday of every month, which you can check out here .

5. Venice Canals Historic District

You can’t stop by Venice without checking out the manmade canals, which are modeled after Venice in Italy (hence the name of this area). If you’ve watched the show “Californication” on Showtime, this area would look REALLY familiar.

If you’re wondering who Abbot Kinney is, he’s the guy responsible for building this area in 1905. The Venice canals used to be 2-3 times bigger than it is today, but most of the canals were closed and turned into normal roads when automobiles gained popularity.

Keep in mind that although historic, they are still expensive high-end residential areas and people DO live here, so be respectful of people’s privacy when visiting… even though I would imagine they’ve gotten used to tourists.

6. Venice Beach Boardwalk

Finally, end your day at Venice Beach, just a short walk from the canals. You should try to get here a little before sunset. Walk around the Venice Boardwalk , check out the famous Venice Beach sign , watch muscular people work out at the open-air Venice Muscle Beach, the Skate bowl watch skaters perform their tricks, and end your day by enjoying one of the best sunsets in the world.

Where to eat/drink in West LA

• C&O Trattoria – Nice place for Italian dinner. The garlic balls are the best!
• In-N-Out – You haven’t been to LA if you did not have In-N-Out!
• SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa – I’ve mentioned this in the DTLA portion, but there is also a branch in Santa Monica.
• Sushi Zo – I used to go here for omakase dinner. I’m glad they are still around and kicking!
• Sidecar Doughnuts – My friend Kat brought me here and I’m in love! I did not try the decadent maple bacon doughnut, but I quite enjoyed the Butter & Salt and the Huckleberry doughnuts.
• Afters Ice Cream – Their milk and cereal ice cream is SO good
• Salt & Straw Ice Cream – Portland-based ice cream that has opened a branch in Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Day 4: Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Driving Route

Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH for short) is undoubtedly the most famous highway in America. It’s a very scenic drive along the coast of California, starting from San Francisco and going all the way down to Los Angeles before continuing to San Diego. If you were to do the entire drive it would take you up to a week, but while you’re in LA it’s entirely possible to catch a glimpse of the famous PCH drive.

On my LA Map itinerary, The Pacific Coast Highway Driving Route is marked in Orange . Here is the same itinerary map zoomed to just the PCH portion:

1. The Getty Villa Museum

If you’ve been following my itinerary so far, you would have visited The Getty on the Westside LA route. This villa is part of the same Getty property! But unlike The Getty, Getty Villa is more of an architectural delight than the arts. Sure, the arts were cool, but I feel that the immaculate garden and the beautiful buildings overpowered them.

Take note that they are closed on Tuesdays . Admission is free, but you should still reserve a ticket here – though I must note that nobody checked our reservation when we were there. Check out what exhibition is currently on here .

Parking costs $20 , but if you plan to visit Getty Center on the same day, parking there would be free.

Malibu needs no introduction. You’ve most likely heard of this name before, so try to make a stop here! We stopped by Malibu Lagoon State Beach , evidently a surfer’s paradise based on how many surfboard-carrying vehicles we saw parked on the side of the street. Point Mugu State Park is also a great place to stop and enjoy the beautiful California coastline.

4. Oxnard & Santa Barbara

It’s up to you how long you want to continue the drive, but I suggest making your way up to either Oxnard or Santa Barbara before turning back. Oxnard doesn’t have much for tourists, but it does have some of the BEST Mexican food. We stopped by Carnitas El Rey here, and I still think about their carnitas even 5 years later.

Santa Barbara is a beach town with cute restaurants, spa treatments, and hiking. It could be a day trip in itself if this is something that interests you.

5. Camarillo Premium Outlets

LA is known for shopping, but the best kind of shopping is the one at premium outlets. Stop by here if you need to do some shopping. You can pretty much get the same brands, and sometimes the same clothing that is currently being sold in the mall for much cheaper here. Think Lululemon, Adidas, Banana Republic, Coach, Kate Spade, and so much more. Check out their full list of stores here .

Where to eat along the PCH

• Duke’s Malibu – I have great memories of Duke’s. This was where my sorority held one of our formals!
• Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market – You can enjoy seafood overlooking the Malibu beach
• Carnitas El Rey – If you make it to Oxnard, make sure you stop by here! You know it’s legit when a place only serves one kind of dish – Carnitas. I’m convinced I’ll never find Carnitas as good as this place again…

Looking for more? Day / Short Trip Ideas from LA

If you have more time in LA and you’ve done all of the above itineraries, you can take a look at the following activities:

1. Visit Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are perhaps what Los Angeles is best known for, second to Hollywood. We do have a lot of exciting parks around! Most of these parks are about a 1.5 – 2 hours drive from LA, so visiting one of the parks will take the entire day.

Tip: All of the amusement parks below are already included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass (except Disneyland) , so if you’re planning to visit these parks and other LA landmarks, highly suggest purchasing the pass !

• Universal Studios – Fun park to visit for movie buffs. It’s the closest to the city out of all the amusement parks near LA. Note that Universal Studios is considered a premium attraction and is only included with the 3, 4, 5, and 7-day Go City pass.
• Six Flags Magic Mountain – Great for those looking for more thrills. The rides here are amazing, full of twists, turns, and loops!
• Knott’s Berry Farm – a quintessentially American amusement park. This is the park I used to go to when I was living in LA. They have rides that cater to both adults and children. If you’re here during Halloween month (October), you can also check out Knott’s Scary Farm, their Halloween event.
• LEGOLAND – This is way down south closer to San Diego, about a 2.5-hour drive from LA, but a must if you love those LEGO blocks! Note that if you use the Go City All-Inclusive Pass here, you cannot use it for San Diego Zoo.

2. Go to Disneyland

There are two Disneyland Parks in Anaheim, CA. Disneyland Park is the original Disney amusement park, built in 1955 under the supervision of Walt Disney himself.  Disney California Adventure is the newer park with more exciting rides – I remember I had just moved to LA when this park was first opened in 2001. I was still in high school back then and I had great memories of this place.

Tips for visiting Disneyland

• If you are only going for one day to either of these parks, you can book Single Day Tickets here, it’s cheaper than booking from the Disneyland website. BUT If you want to go to both parks and you are going during the low season, it would be better to buy separate single-day tickets rather than the multiday link below. Check the calendar in the link above.
• If you want to go to both parks during regular or peak season, then the Multiday Tickets will be a better deal (also cheaper through this link than booking straight from Disneyland’s website).
• Download the Disneyland App and use the Genie service to manage your ride wait times.

3. Nature, Beach, and National Parks

If nature and hiking are more your things, you can check out the following areas:

• Joshua Tree National Park – This park is about a 2.5-hour drive inland from LA. If you want to make this a day trip, you’ll have to leave very early to avoid traffic.
• Palm Springs – Palm Springs is close to Joshua Tree National park, and a popular weekend getaway for Angelenos. It’s one of the earliest settlements that has flourished to this day, offering desert life, resorts, and a spa.
• Mojave National Preserve – Also about a 2.5-hour drive inland from LA, just a bit more north. It’s about the halfway point from LA to Las Vegas.
• Big Bear Lake & Lake Arrowhead – These lakes are up in the mountainous region in San Bernardino, just a little under 2-hour drive from LA. In the winter it’s famous for snow sports such as snowboarding and skiing. In the summer, you can do watersports and hiking.
• Catalina Island – Catalina is an island that is about a one-hour ferry ride off the coast of LA. You can do kayaking, ride a glass bottom boat or go snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Southern California Ghost Towns – Unlike Palm Springs, there are plenty of ghost towns left in the desert of California from the early settlements that did not last. All that’s left is an abandoned town and a cool preserved look into life back in the 1800s. You can read this article for more information .

4. Cities near LA

• Santa Barbara – I’ve mentioned Santa Barbara in the PCH route itinerary, but if you didn’t make it up there, it is a beach town with cute restaurants, spa treatments, and hiking.
• San Diego – Visit San Diego Zoo (included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass if you haven’t used it for LEGOLAND), the beach, or have some good food.
• Beach Cities – Stop by Huntington Beach for a whale-watching cruise or Long Beach for the Aquarium of the Pacific (both activities are included with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass)
• Burbank – North Hollywood, Warner Brother’s Studio Tour (included with Go City All-Inclusive Pass), and Porto’s Bakery!

Okay, that was a lot longer than I expected. I guess after living in LA for 10 years, I do know a thing or two about the place.

Leave me a comment below if you found this itinerary useful. I love hearing from you guys!

PS: If you need this guide for later,  click here to save this post on Pinterest !

102 Comments

• June 6, 2024

Hi Melissa,

Thanks for the useful info — very helpful indeed. My family and I are traveling to LA in mid August. We’d heard people saying it’s not safe in LA/DTLA, so we have some concerns. What would you suggest as to where to stay, and what and where to avoid during even day time from a safety perspective.

Best. Moore

• June 7, 2024

Hey Moore, it’s true that DTLA could be gritty, but I think if you blend in and don’t draw attention to yourself, you’ll be fine. I would avoid Skid Row area. In my itinerary above, you would come close to it on Day 2. However, I have to say that I never had anything bad happen to me even when I was traveling alone and I don’t personally know anyone who has had bad experience in LA. Hope you’ll have a great and safe time in LA!

• April 28, 2024

Incidentally, I am father of a Bruin who completed undergrad in Math of Computation in March 2024 and am heading to LA for his graduation ceremony in June 2014. Will follow your advice as we plan to stay there for 15 days. Have booked an Airbnb in Westwood. Cheers!

• April 29, 2024

Mrinal, congratulations to your son and I hope you have a great time in LA!

• March 12, 2024

A trip to Los Angeles is always exciting! There’s never a dull moment, whether it’s the famous Hollywood sign or the energetic streets of Venice Beach. A local food truck serves delicious tacos, so make sure to indulge in some delicious food while watching the sunset at Griffith Observatory. There is something for everyone in Los Angeles.

• February 19, 2024

is your iti good for public commute?

Hi Jen, only Downtown area and maybe west LA is good for commute by bus. The rest, you’ll need a car.

• November 24, 2023

HI Melissa, I am visiting LA next month, have marked most of the places your have mentioned in your itinerary but the way you have sought it out region wise. You save my trip. Thanks for making my upcoming trip successful.

• October 15, 2023

Why have I not found your guide sooner!!! This guide is on point and have sent our relatives from other counties to use this. Thank you!!!

Thank you Julie for your kind words! It’s comment like yours that makes writing post like this worth it!

• September 1, 2023

Hi Melissa:

In terms of visiting your alma mater the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), apparently, UCLA has multiple addresses. As a result, for future reference, at which address/location of UCLA should a taxi drop me off at, and at which address/location of UCLA should a taxi pick me up at?

In addition, in terms of eateries in and around UCLA, which eatery (if any) or eateries (if any) would you suggest, advise, and recommend that I consider eating at that is relatively healthy?

I made it to LA! I am currently here for an LA getaway this summer for seven (7) days in which four (4) days have already elapsed.

In terms of transportation, I have utilized the taxi, and my good old fashioned feet to get me to particular places.

Hey TJ, you can ask to get dropped off at Ackerman Union. That is the student center and it has some food options there. I hope you are enjoying LA!

• August 13, 2023

Hi, thank you very much for this, great help in preparing our itinerary. Our family will go to San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles this December. Do you have a suggestions to experience Christmas in LA?

• July 29, 2023

No car, no experience. LA is huge you must rent to get a better view of the LA vibe.

• July 13, 2023

Hello Melissa,

Thank you for your itinerary! I am going to LA for honeymoon with my husband next week. We will be following your itinerary on Day 1 and day 2 (Hollywood and Downtown LA). We will be driving and I am wondering where can I park in these two areas? Thanks!

Hey Rachael, in those areas you’ll want to look for a dedicated carpark or street parking. carpark is easiest to find, but will be more expensive

Thanks for your reply! Do you have any suggested carparks?

I wouldn’t say I have a suggested carpark per se. But I did find this interactive map of carparks which will tell you the cost and where to park: https://downtownla.com/maps/getting-around/parking . I would say if you’re following my itinerary closely, you might want to park close to The last bookstore since it’s closer to where the other stuff is. For hollywood, park near the walk of fame.

Dear Melissa,

Thank you so much! 🫶🏼

• July 5, 2023

This is such a great site! There’s so many amazing spots that I look forward to visiting with my family and friends. I’m completely obsessed, thank you!!

• July 3, 2023

Thank you for this itinerary. I appreciate it. I have not been able to read it in full and in depth yet. However, I will definitely be reading this in full and in depth when I have a chance.

It would be my first (1st) time visiting Los Angeles as I am planning an LA getaway this summer.

Not too short, but not too long either. Perhaps five (5) to seven (7) days (give or take) as you suggested, advised, and recommended.

I am struggling a little bit right now figuring what I would like to do in LA while I am there.

However, I do not know that I am a man who loves to be in the middle of the action, in the middle of the vibe(s), in the middle of the social scene, to be where the action is, etc. (applies to both daytime and nighttime).

I love to party. I love to go clubbin’, bar hoppin’, socially drink, etc. The nightlife is usually my lifestyle.

In terms of the nightlife, where should I go partying, clubbin’, bar hopping, etc.?

Additionally, if I have another question, or, any other questions, how can you be contacted?

• July 4, 2023

Hey TJ. LA is a city that sleeps early 😉 for nightlife, i would suggest heading to west hollywood.

• May 23, 2023

This is such a thorough and great itinerary! Thanks so much for taking the time to craft something so thoughtful. I’ll be in LA at the end of July for five full days, and I’m following your plan very closely.

Have fun Charles! July should be great for weather in LA

• February 12, 2023

thanks this is great itinerary i’ve been looking for..hope can make it this summer

• January 13, 2023

Such a great list! I’ve been living here my whole life and there are several places on here that I still haven’t been to! Sidecar Donuts has been on my list for a long time. I’m gonna have to go this weekend! 🙂

• December 27, 2022

Exactly the info I needed! Thanks for making the time and content for this post. You’re awesome 😎

• December 24, 2022

Thanks for this useful blog. I plan on visiting Los Angeles this January along with my girlfriend and family. I hope I can eat affordable foods there. See you soon LA.

• November 20, 2022

thank you for taking your time and provide us with this post.

• September 6, 2022

This information is very useful for my next trip to the city and to be able to visit it with my family.

• April 20, 2022

The above blog is very useful for first-time visitors to Los Angeles. The places you have mentioned are very beautiful places. and some great information to check the new places.

• November 30, 2021

Hey Melissa! Awesome itinerary and places to visit. I’ll be flying in for the Kanye West show at the LA memorial collisium in about a week, any advice on where to stay the night of the show? I’ll move around after, since I’ll be here for a week, but I want to make sure the day of goes smoothly.

• November 12, 2021

Hi Melissa! I’ll be visiting LA very soon next week with my sister and I’m so excited and thankful for your detailed itinerary, it really gave me a lot of information and I think it would be very helpful to us there since this is our first time in LA (we’ll be staying for about 2 weeks). Thank you so much!

Prestisa, I’m glad you found it useful! Enjoy LA

• October 12, 2021

This is great informative and helpful content. Thanks for the itinerary!

• September 16, 2021

Your post is about some good advice and tips for visiting the city. It is hard to know where to begin when you visit a large city like Los Angeles.

• July 11, 2021

Beautiful article! Thanks for sharing

• June 26, 2021

Actually, it will be my second time in LA but I can’t wait to be there again!

Thanks for this amazing guide!

• May 19, 2021

Hi i’ll be visiting for my first time ever in July this year, whats a good car rental company to rent a car from with good prices?

• August 13, 2020

Thank you so much for this! I’m heading to LA for the weekend for business but wanted some cool things to do during my downtime. I’m really excited about the Hollywood itinerary since I’m staying in that area. This made my planning so much easier!

• May 30, 2020

This is great! I have yet to pass my test (due to the pandemic) but once I do, I do want to go LA and drive around there myself and experience what it’s like there. Thanks for the itinerary!

• May 23, 2020

I’d love to visit LA, your photos look amazing and it looks like there’s loads to there!

• May 4, 2020

Los Angeles is an amazing city with so many things to see and do! This itinerary is very detailed and is indeed a big help.

• March 23, 2020

these tips are surely very helpful and informative as well my brother who is planning to go to Los Angeles may find these tips very informative, I will surely share this with him, and with my friends as well for their future reference. As it is Los Angeles is so beautiful place that everyone seems to visit .

• March 4, 2020

Hi, love how you break down the itinerary by area. We will be renting a car for your holiday as we are driving down to SF, in this case, do you suggest us staying at different hotel or? Thanks

Hey Hazel, the areas I listed is still good even if you’re driving.

Thank you for your reply.

Would it be better if we stay at different hotel? like Santa Barbara? So that it will be easier to drive down Yosemite National Park and Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel? Actually i am still in dilemna, where to visit first….your advise? Do you have itinitery to share on San Francisco, California?

I did SF – LA- Vegas last year and I’m happy to share my experience with you Hazel?

Great, Thank you!

• February 25, 2020

Hello Marissa,

Thank you for the itinerary you posted it gave me some very good ideas for my first trip.

My wife and I and two children (10 and 12) are visiting LA for first time in April 2020. We will rent a car. Is parking available/expensive around Hollywood Walk of Fame, Farmers Market,Walt Disney concert hall, etc? My son will enjoy the skate bowl at Venice beach. Any other ideas for young children? A friend mentioned the San Diego zoo.

Hi James, my name is Melissa 😉 There are parking around these areas, but they tend to be expensive – you’ll probably end up paying about $15 to park your car. You can try to find street metered parking but they are hard to come by so most likely you’ll just have to pay the cost. If you are following my itinerary you only have to pay one parking fee per day (usually $15 is flat rate you need to pay regardless how long you leave the car). San Diego Zoo is quite far from LA but if you don’t mind the drive then it could be a good option (2 hours without traffic). What about amusement parks like Universal Studios and Disneyland?

• June 18, 2021

Hi Melissa If I follow your itinerary you said for each area you pay parking fee once per day, I’m assuming you park your car (example) somewhere in the Hollywood area and then walk to all the different places in Hollywood you want to see? Are they all walkable within its area? What about the Santa Monica area, is it the same?

• January 18, 2020

We went to Venice beach and it was awful! So many homeless people laying around the beach and just everywhere. It was very dirty and had horrible smell. Did not even feel like I was in America. Santa Monica was a little better than Venice but it also had a homeless problem. I would avoid these 2 beaches in the future and maybe go to Laguna Beach area- we did that and it was beatiful.

• January 7, 2020

Can I drive at LA with an Australian driving license?

yes, there shouldn’t be an issue. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/dl_info#international

• December 9, 2019

Hi, first I want to thank you for this amazing article, one of the best written online for such itinerary.

I am traveling with wife and 2 kids (9 and 4), can you recommend some areas to stay at?

Hi Mohammad, it really depends what you want to do in LA. I would recommend staying near the beach (Santa Monica / Venice) or somewhere near West Hollywood would be good if you are planning to follow all of my itineraries. But as I said, you’d have to drive in LA anyway since the area is huge.

• December 3, 2019

I would like to check with you if it is recommended to rent car with driver or get LA pass or both since either me or my hubby cannot drive but we also would like to explore those places recommended by you.

Will that be better to go SF via flight?

• December 5, 2019

Hey Jesslyna, if you can get a car with driver that would be best, but you can also just book Uber or Lyft when you are there to take you around. You can get the LA pass which includes some bus lines, but I don’t really recommend relying on public transport while in LA.

Thanks for your reply. Is it recommended to go both SF and LA in 2 weeks or LA only in 10 days

I think 2 weeks is doable for both SF and LA.

• November 8, 2019

Hello Melissa and thank you for providing us your itenerary,my friends and I are going to Los Angeles in early December for the first time and your blog is the blest helper for our trip.I would like to ask you 2 things,we are from Greece so the drivers license is a European,do you know if we have to make the license international or it is okay with the European?Also we are going to book the Go Los Angeles card you recommend and I am wondering about visiting universal studios which is in the city pass,is there also a way to pay extra for not waiting in the line and for example visiting the Harry Potter experience or Jurassic world,do we have to pay extra for the experiences inside the universal studio? Thank you for your time,you are the best!!Greetings from Greece

• November 11, 2019

1. Universal Studios – Harry potter and Jurassic World should be included in the Go Los Angeles card since it’s part of the theme park. But if you don’t want to wait in line, you can upgrade at the park for Express privilege. I am not sure how much it costs though, and the upgrade is limited per day. If you aren’t able to upgrade, try to get there early to minimize the wait time, and try to not go on weekends. But you should be okay since early December is not yet the peak season for these parks. Note that admission to Universal Studios is available only for the 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Pass packages

Another option is to buy the express pass separately: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/18057-universal-studios-hollywood-express-vip-los-angeles/?aid=5711 BUT i would only recommend this if you decide not to buy the Go Los Angeles Card.

2. If your driver’s license is in English, you can drive in California with just your European license without converting to international license.

Thank you very much for your help,you are the best!!!

• November 3, 2019

Where would be the best place to stay to do most of what is on your itinerary?

• October 23, 2019

You are a Legend Melissa, amazed by the amount of details especially we are travelling with a little one, so everything counts. Thanks heaps for this and keep posting

i’m glad to have been able to help!

• October 9, 2019

You saved my trip! What a complete and dedicated itinerary. Thank you for that Melissa. Any recommendation for Beverly Hills and hollywood stars homes’ tour ?

Thanks Julia. sorry I just saw your comment – hopefully you found a good tour!

• January 30, 2020

Do you have any recommendations for good home tour?

• September 13, 2019

Thanks for your reply and tips about driving from LA to SD. As for the car rentals, can I use the same car to drive from LAX to SD and to Las Vegas and back? Any trusted car rental companies u recommend?

Hey Adri, yes you can use the same car, provided you pay for the fuel and fill the car up before returning. The road to Las Vegas from LA/SD is nicely built so any car you rent for the city should be fine. As for rental company I usually just go with whatever is the cheapest. I think I went with Enterprise last time and I had no issues.

Great thanks Melissa. Will check them out.

• September 9, 2019

I’m intending to visit grand canyon and antelope canyon next year. Is it mandatory to book a tour in advance? or we can book the entry ticket on the spot

Hey Tris, I’ve only been to grand canyon, but I think you can just purchase ticket on the spot if you are driving. You only need tour if you need transportation to get there too.

• September 8, 2019

This is the best info I have read on LA – thank you!!

I am visiting early October, driving Pacific Highway 1 night Santa Barbara then 2 nights at the Loews Hollywood. So much I want see but so little time. I not bothered about Disney or Wax works etc What are must sees in 2 days? Gosh wish I was there longer!! Should I do beach stuff on day I arrive as we will be that way already? Thank you!

hey Sharon, if you are just there for two days, I recommend doing this itinerary: https://girleatworld.net/los-angeles-itinerary/#westside for the beach, and maybe the downtown LA portion https://girleatworld.net/los-angeles-itinerary/#dtla

This should keep you busy for 2 days!

• August 24, 2019

A great blog to read indeed! Will be visiting LA in Nov for 2weeks. But am totally clueless whether I should be spending time in San Diego or Los Angeles first. Am arriving LAX on a Wednesday morning. Could u kindly advise or propose a route on where I should visit first? Am travelling with teens so we will be doing more of amusement Parks, Disney, Big bear Lake and zoos. Not forgetting outlet shopping as well.

• August 26, 2019

Hey Adri! I am happy you like the blog post. As for San Diego vs LA, I don’t think it matters much which one to go first. However the one you should be aware of is probably the traffic situation when going from SD to LA and then back. I would avoid that route on weekends, and I would also avoid traveling during peak commute times (morning and afternoon).

• August 22, 2019

Loved reading through your adventures! So many places to visit, but we went for a family holiday by car and really enjoyed it. By the way, gorgeous photos!

• July 31, 2019

Hey Melissa

Thank you for your detailed post. Can you recommend a site to buy cheap tickets for Disneyland? The one you posted (klook.com) doesn’t seem to be working now. Thank you!

Hey Andre, I have updated the link. Thank you for spotting this!

• June 7, 2019

Hi Mellisa,

Thanks for sharing with us your itinerary, how about san Francisco? do you have a similar itinerary? thanks

Hey Tris! Glad you enjoyed this LA itinerary. Unfortunately it has been over a decade since I’ve been back to SF, so I don’t have anything on it :/

• May 22, 2019

Hi, Thanks for your detailed itinerary. Which part of LA will you recommend to stay?

• May 20, 2019

I used your itinerary for Tokyo and it was amazing! Will be using your California tips in December 🙂

• May 21, 2019

thanks Emma!! have fun in California

• May 3, 2019

From LAX to the Hotel (i am not sure which hotel to choose) but I am thinking of Hotel Hwood Near the Sunset Strip (Hollywood).of The Dixie Hollywood Hotel.

• May 2, 2019

Hi, your itinerary is very detailed. It will be my first trip to LA. May I know whether should I arrange Greyhound transport instead of the Shared Transport.

Hey Susan – transport to where?

• April 20, 2019

Hi Melissa, great to chance upon your blog and I’m Singaporean. Where would you reccomend the area to stay in LA? I’m travelling with my husband in Nov this year and it is our first time and we would like to get to the know where best to stay for first timers. Thank you

Hey Mael, it really depends what you want to do since LA is huge. If you want to see the Hollywood side then I recommend staying Weho (West Hollywood) area. But if you don’t mind the drive then Santa Monica area close to the beach is nice too!

• April 4, 2019

Thank you, Melissa! I just bought the ticket to LA for the 2nd week of December and it’s gonna be our 1st trip to the states, so your itinerary is really helpful. We’re planning to do the road trip from LA – San Diego – Grand Canyon – Vegas – Pacific Coast – SF. Can you tell me about the December weather in these areas, i. e. How cold will it be in SF and how warm it’ll be in Grand Canyon? Thanks again!

Hey Anya, I assume you are from Singapore? In December it will be cold in all the places you are visiting, especially in relative to Singapore. Definitely bring a jacket and wind breaker for SF. It’s the wind that makes cold weather unbearable. Also note the weather is very dry (again in relative to humid Singapore) so make sure you moisturize hands and especially lips! Mine gets dry to the point my lips start bleeding when I don’t properly moisturize it. It hurts a lot when it gets to that point, so prevent it with daily lip balm.

Hi Melissa, sorry I just realized you replied! Yes we live in Singapore. Thanks a lot! I’ll go with my husband, my 8 yo, and 4 yo daughters so we’ll make sure we prepare the right outfit, esp for the kids.

• March 25, 2019

Thank you so much! I am planning for a trip to LA with senior relatives in a month and I am going crazy with the trip planning. Your itinerary is such a great help!

Thank you for the comment Maggie. Hope you will have fun in LA!!

• March 19, 2019

This is my second time in LA & i must say :: THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL ITENIRARY 😭😭😭 ! It is the best I have ever seen and have helped me as a tourist know exactly where to go. Thank you so much & keep posting !

Thanks Abi! I guess i should rename this itinerary not just for first time visitors? 😂

• February 21, 2020

Melissa, my Kids (25 & 16) will be visiting California for the first time in July. We want to visit the touristy places; Universal Studios, Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, Museums, Trendy Eateries, Santa Monica Pier and both Disneyland parks. My dilemma is where to stay to easily navigate to these places. We’ll be there for 4 days and will have a rental car.

Please advise on where to stay

• February 24, 2020

Hi Marissa, I would recommend staying near the beach (Santa Monica / Venice) or somewhere near West Hollywood. But you’d have to drive in LA anyway since the area is huge.

• February 4, 2019

I fully agree that without a rental car in Los Angeles it will be difficult without a rental car. I was here last summer and car rental saved our holiday. It’s good that there are good prices and a normal selection of cars.

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Why we fight on vacation (and how to stop the madness)

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Summer travel: It’s something we think longingly about all winter long — even more so after sticking close to home for more than two years . We daydream about possible trips and plan meticulously with loved ones. Wherever we go, we expect to frolic and eat delicious things and have the best, most relaxing, most edifying time ever.

Yet, inevitably, there is a moment in which things do not work out quite as expected.

You scream at your kids, who can’t look away from their screens, that you didn’t spend money on a beach house for this. You and your partner, who somehow manages to lose his phone on the way from airport check-in to the gate, end up hashing out the darkest details of your relationship in front of a bunch of strangers, who look away, having been there themselves. Or maybe you and your friends, after a drunken night in Cancún that turns very, very bad, fly home silently together, not sure if you’ll ever speak again.

First things first: Breathe. This is totally normal.

“I don’t know a single person who this doesn’t happen to at some point,” says Dr. David Austern , clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine . “I have 100% had adult tantrums at Disney.”

I have 100% had adult tantrums at Disney.

— Dr. David Austern

Yelling at each other on vacation is a panic response coded into our DNA. It’s connected with the amygdala, a part of our brains involved with processing fear, which perceives not just physical threats but emotional and psychological ones, says Dr. Antoinette Gupta , a psychologist based in Orange County. When we don’t feel like we’re getting what we need from loved ones, we sense that we don’t matter to them, that they’re not there for us. That causes physical distress as well as behaviors and emotions intended to help with our self-preservation, from withdrawing to attacking.

In a way, vacation is a prime moment for this because your expectations are high and your frustration tolerance is low, notes Austern. You might be somewhere relaxing and beautiful, but “you’re out of your normal routine. You might be in a different time zone, your circadian rhythms might be off, and that tends to mess with executive functioning. We are pulled in so many directions, especially on a group trip.”

While the logical part of the brain might otherwise quiet the amygdala when it comes to minor frustrations, now, “It takes control and tells your body you’re in danger, and we get amped up … even if it’s just that the phone isn’t connecting to the car.”

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“When we talk about emotions on the anger/frustration continuum, usually cognitively there’s a gap between what we think we want to happen and what is happening,” adds Austern, who brings up the Griswolds arriving at Walley World in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” only to find that the park is closed for renovations . His plans destroyed, Clark, the patriarch of the family, snaps, and things veer completely off the rails, going from vacation daydream to vacation nightmare.

No one wants that. Here’s what to do instead.

Before you go: Share expectations and prepare for unknowns

Of course you should communicate. But not just about logistics and getting to the airport on time.

Tamika Lewis , CEO and founder of the Los Angeles–based WOC Therapy Inc., recently vacationed in Thailand with her 11- and 13-year-old children. “Everyone had to do their own research and have their own idea of what they wanted to experience,” she says. For her, that meant going to temples; for her daughter, there was a plan to visit Terminal 21, a shopping center in Bangkok; for her son, a tuk-tuk ride. “Be really clear about what everyone wants to do and feel. Where people get into trouble is when those conversations don’t happen.”

Recently, for instance, Lewis, also a licensed social worker, went on a trip with a group of women in Sedona, Ariz., in which “everyone [had] a different idea of what they wanted to experience” (for some, a wine-infused mom getaway; for others, a time of sober grounding). “The problem was that we had never established the intentions for this trip. We had to sit down and reset expectations. It was a little rocky.”

“Assess what other people’s values are and set expectations,” adds Austern, who recently took a trip to the Berkshires in Massachusetts with his wife — the first time they’d gone away together without their twins. “We did not step foot on a trail,” he says. “We just drove to different towns and went antiquing. For us that was great, but we talked about it upfront: Is that OK, are you hoping to climb some mountain? No? Good.”

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If differences emerge at the planning stage of your trip, you can work on figuring out compromises, decide if there will be parts of the trip where you go off on your own and let others do the same or, if there’s no way to compromise, determine that maybe this isn’t the trip to go on at all.

Walley World might, in fact, be closed! Call ahead if you can (especially, says Austern, in COVID times); buy advance tickets to anything that might sell out; check on what the weather might be. And “if you can tell yourself, ‘This vacation does not hinge on one experience going exactly the way I’m hoping it will,’ that will probably manage some possible disappointment that could come later,” he adds.

If you can tell yourself, “This vacation does not hinge on one experience going exactly the way I’m hoping it will,” that will probably manage some possible disappointment.

“I knew we were coming during the rainy season,” Lewis says of her trip to Thailand. “But I did a great deal of research, planning activities and anticipating roadblocks, like the weather.”

To alleviate stress, Lewis also prearranged airport pickup and booked a few prepackaged experiences, like that tuk-tuk tour. Perhaps the most important plan of all was “preparing workwise, tying up loose ends and giving myself permission to be with my kids and unplug,” she says. “When you are away with the people you love, you want to be able to mentally be there and enjoy the time.”

In the heat of the moment: Pause and reflect

When agitation starts to rise, in addition to using relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, it’s useful to remove yourself briefly from the situation so you can calm down and regulate. This can be tricky if you’re in a car or small hotel room, recognizes Austern, but you can always say, “Let’s pause this, I need to calm myself down,” or, if your traveling companion notices you’re getting upset, they might intervene with something like, “Do you want to take a breath and we’ll come back?”

“When a person withdraws, it’s not because they don’t care, it’s because they’re overwhelmed,” says Gupta, who urges empathy with regard to your partner, whether they take a fighting or freezing stance. “All of these things are built up over time, and then something happens at the airport, one person loses their boarding pass or you’re late.” Suddenly, we jump to our perceptions of “I don’t matter to you” or “I’m trying my best.”

In those moments of reaction, recognize what you’re doing, step back and take a break. When you and your partner agree you’re both ready, go back and talk about it, openly and with vulnerability.

Lewis adds that it’s helpful to take the position of observer rather than critic, especially when annoyances begin cropping up. If you can stay out of the judgment zone, you can avoid unnecessary nitpicking that leads to fights.

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“We went to this beautiful waterfall in Chiang Mai,” she says, “And there were insects, really big insects. My kids would not walk past; they are such Valley kids! I was so frustrated. But I had to be mindful of their sensitivity and let it go. And you know, the day was still amazing!”

After the fight: Don’t beat yourself up

“You’re not going to prevent your primal panic from exploding, but the reason you have all this is you care about your family,” says Gupta. So be kind to yourself and your loved ones. Everybody fights; everybody makes mistakes.

“In the world that I want to live in, it’s OK to have an adult tantrum occasionally,” says Austern. “It’s just humanity that is going to pop up from time to time.”

Unfortunately, not every fight is going to end with everyone hugging and making up, even if you do step back and try to reconnect afterward. But you still have options. “If you’re feeling a certain way toward certain people, know that you can validate that: I do feel this way, this is true,” says Gupta.

Even if the other party isn’t interested in changing, you can be accountable and take care of yourself. One way to do that is setting boundaries, like limiting vacations with that person.

On the vacation: Remember why you’re there

Perfection isn’t possible, and it’s probably not why you’re vacationing together, notes Lewis. So take it off the table, and instead pursue fellowship, curiosity or just spending time together, however that pans out.

“Focus on ‘Why am I doing this thing right now?’ rather than ‘How did it go?’” suggests Austern. “What made people decide it was meaningful to go to a lake house with that group? What sort of relationship/leisure values do you want to connect with? It says something about what matters to you; try to remember that.”

When in doubt, remember that spending time with people you care about and relishing the authentic, messy glory of the experience is a gift.

“It could be that a vacation doesn’t lead to happiness or relaxation at all, but it’s still incredibly meaningful to put yourself in that environment with those people,” says Austern. “The more we can emphasize that, the better.”

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Malala Yousafzai

Girls’ education activist Malala Yousafzai survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban at age 15 and is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

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1997-present

Latest News: Malala Yousafzai Calls for Full Cease-Fire in the Israel-Hamas War

The 26-year-old began advocating for peace in the region soon after the conflict began on October 7. She witnessed violence while growing up in Pakistan and became a target, herself, surviving an assassination attempt as a teenager, after speaking up against the Taliban’s prohibition on girls’ education. Last month, Yousafzai said she donated $300,000 to three charities helping Palestinians and encouraged the public to sign a petition demanding Israel stop attacking schools and both sides release their child hostages.

Quick Facts

Early life and activism, shot by the taliban, u.n. speech on malala day, malala fund.

• I Am Malala, Other Books, and Documentary

Return to Pakistan

Recent years and 2023 oscars appearance, who is malala yousafzai.

Malala Yousafzai, often known simply as Malala, is a Pakistani girls’ education activist who survived an assassination attempt at age 15 and became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Yousafzai began advocating for girls’ education when she was still a child, which resulted in the Taliban issuing a death threat against her. In October 2012, a gunman shot Yousafzai when she was traveling home from school. The activist survived, became a Nobel laureate at age 17, and continues her work through her international nonprofit, Malala Fund. She has written several books, including the best-selling memoir I Am Malala , and helped produce the 2022 Oscar-nominated documentary short Stranger at the Gate .

FULL NAME: Malala Yousafzai BORN: July 12, 1997 BIRTHPLACE: Mingora, Pakistan SPOUSE: Asser Malik (2021-present) ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Cancer

Malala Yousafzai was born on July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan, located in the country’s northern Swat Valley. For the first few years of her life, Yousafzai’s hometown remained a popular tourist spot that was known for its summer festivals. The area began to change as the Taliban tried to take control.

Yousafzai’s father, Ziauddin, is an educator, but her mother, Tor Pekai, was illiterate until she was in her 40s. The couple always supported their daughter’s education. Malala attended a school that her father had founded.

After the Taliban began attacking girls schools in Swat, 11-year-old Yousafzai gave a speech in Peshawar, Pakistan, in September 2008. The title of her talk was, “How Dare the Taliban Take Away My Basic Right to Education?” In early 2009, Yousafzai began blogging for the BBC about living under the Taliban’s threats to deny her an education. In order to hide her identity, she used the name Gul Makai. However, her identity was revealed that December.

With a growing public platform, Yousafzai continued to speak out about her right, and the right of all women, to an education. Her activism resulted in a nomination for the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2011. That same year, she was awarded Pakistan’s National Youth Peace Prize.

Yousafzai and her family learned that the Taliban had issued a death threat against her because of her activism. Although Malala was frightened for the safety of her father—an anti-Taliban activist—she and her family initially felt that the fundamentalist group would not actually harm a child.

On October 9, 2012, when 15-year-old Yousafzai was riding a bus with friends on their way home from school, a masked gunman boarded the bus and demanded to know which girl was Yousafzai. When friends looked toward her, Yousafzai was given away. The gunman fired at her, hitting the girl in the left side of her head; the bullet then traveled down her neck. Two other girls were also injured in the attack.

The shooting left Yousafzai in critical condition, so she was flown to a military hospital in Peshawar. A portion of her skull was removed to treat her swelling brain. To receive further care, she was transferred to Birmingham, England, which became her family’s new home.

Once she was in the United Kingdom, Yousafzai was taken out of a medically induced coma. Although she would require multiple surgeries—including repair of a facial nerve to fix the paralyzed left side of her face—she had suffered no major brain damage. In March 2013, she was able to begin attending school in Birmingham.

The shooting resulted in a massive outpouring of support for Yousafzai that continued during her recovery and today. Although the Taliban still considers Yousafzai a target, she remains a staunch advocate for the power of education.

Nearly two years after the attack, Pakistani authorities arrested 10 Taliban militants for their part in the assassination attempt. Most were acquitted in April 2015 due to lack of evidence, meanwhile two men were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Ehsanullah Ehsan, the alleged shooter who is also connected to other terrorist activities, was arrested in February 2017 but escaped custody in early 2020.

Nine months after being shot by the Taliban, Yousafzai gave a speech at the United Nations on July 12, 2013—her 16 th birthday. It was her first speaking in public since the attack. Yousafzai highlighted her primary causes of education and women’s rights, while urging world leaders to introduce peace and prosperity, as well as fund mandatory education for all. She encouraged other activists to continue speaking out and appealed to individuals to end any prejudices they hold:

“The extremists were, and they are, afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women... Let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons.”

Of the Taliban’s attack, Yousafzai said, “They thought that the bullets would silence us. But they failed... The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions, but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear, and hopelessness died. Strength, power, and courage were born.”

The United Nations declared July 12 “Malala Day” in honor of the young leader’s activism to ensure education for all children. The U.N. Secretary-General at the time, Ban Ki-moon, said at the event : “Malala chose to mark her 16 th birthday at the United Nations, celebrating her cause for education... No child should have to die for going to school. Nowhere should teachers fear to teach or children fear to learn. Together, we can change the picture.”

Two months after Yousafzai was shot, UNESCO and the Pakistan government created the Malala Fund for Girls’ Education. Then, in 2013, Yousafzai and her father launched the similarly named nonprofit, Malala Fund, that works to ensure girls around the world have access to 12 years of free and safe education.

The nonprofit primarily supports its Education Champion Network—previously known as its Gulmakai Network, a reference to the pseudonym Yousafzai used when she wrote for the BBC—of local activists in places where many girls don’t receive secondary education. The network has grown to include 10 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Turkey.

For her 18 th birthday, in July 2015, Yousafzai continued to take action on global education by opening a school for Syrian refugee girls in Lebanon. Its expenses covered by the Malala Fund, the school was designed to admit nearly 200 girls from the ages of 14 to 18. “Today on my first day as an adult, on behalf of the world’s children, I demand of leaders we must invest in books instead of bullets,” Yousafzai proclaimed in one of the school’s classrooms.

That day, she wrote on The Malala Fund website:

“The shocking truth is that world leaders have the money to fully fund primary AND secondary education around the world—but they are choosing to spend it on other things, like their military budgets. In fact, if the whole world stopped spending money on the military for just eight days, we could have the $39 billion still needed to provide 12 years of free, quality education to every child on the planet.”

In January 2018, Apple announced it was partnering with Malala Fund to help provide education to more than 100,000 girls around the world. The company pledged to contribute money and technology, as well as assist with curriculum and policy research.

According to the Malala Fund website, the organization has invested more than $47 million in total across its various programs.

Yousafzai has received a host of awards and honors to date. Chief among them is the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, which she received along with Indian children’s rights activist Kailash Satyarthi “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.” Yousafzai, then just 17 years old, became the youngest person—and first Pakistani—to receive the Nobel Peace Prize when the announcement was made in October 2014. It was her second time being nominated for the prestigious award.

In congratulating Yousafzai, then–Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in a statement : “She is [the] pride of Pakistan, she has made her countrymen proud. Her achievement is unparalleled and unequaled. Girls and boys of the world should take lead from her struggle and commitment.” Then–U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described Yousafzai as “a brave and gentle advocate of peace who, through the simple act of going to school, became a global teacher.”

Additionally, Yousafzai was awarded Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize in 2011. The award has since been renamed in her honor as the National Malala Peace Prize. She is also the recipient of:

• the 2012 Mother Teresa Memorial Award,
• France’s 2013 Simone de Beauvoir Prize for Women’s Freedom,
• the European Parliament’s 2013 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought,
• the 2014 Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, and
• the 2018 Gleitsman Award from Harvard University’s Center for Public Leadership.

She was shortlisted for Time ’s Person of the Year in 2012 (the year then-President Barack Obama earned the honor) and named to the Time 100 the following year.

In April 2017, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Yousafzai as a U.N. Messenger of Peace, the youngest in history, to promote girls’ education. The appointment is the highest honor given by the United Nations for an initial period of two years.

That same month, Yousafzai was also given honorary Canadian citizenship. She is the sixth person and the youngest in the country’s history to receive the honor.

I Am Malala , Other Books, and Documentary

Yousafzai has written several books, including the October 2013 memoir I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban . It became an international bestseller. The book was abridged in 2014 for a young readers edition and again in an illustrated version for kids as 2018’s Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights .

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

The international activist has published two more children’s books about her life: Malala’s Magic Pencil in October 2017 and My Name Is Malala in October 2022.

Her second book for adults released in 2018. We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World explores Yousafzai’s story as well as the stories of girls she met in her travels to refugee camps in Colombia, Guatemala, Syria, and Yemen.

Yousafzai gave the world more insight into her daily life in the 2015 documentary He Named Me Malala . Directed by Davis Guggenheim ( An Inconvenient Truth and Waiting for Superman ), the film gave viewers an intimate look into the life of Yousafzai, her family, and her commitment to supporting education for girls around the world.

In April 2023, Yousafzai and publisher Atria Books announced she is working on a new memoir. Atria described the untitled work as a “breathtaking story of recovery and search of identity, a candid exploration of her coming-of-age in the public spotlight, and an intimate look at her life today.”

Through all her activism, Yousafzai remained committed to her own education. She graduated from Edgbaston High School for Girls in Birmingham, England, in July 2017. She continued her studies at Oxford University that fall.

On March 29, 2018, the Oxford student returned to Pakistan for the first time since her brutal 2012 attack. Not long after arriving, Yousafzai met with then–Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and delivered an emotional speech at his office.“In the last five years, I have always dreamed of coming back to my country,” she said . “I never wanted to leave.” Yousafzai also visited her former home and a military-run cadet college in Mingora during her four-day trip.

In June 2020, Yousafzai graduated from Oxford University with a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics. The following March, Apple announced the start of a multiyear programming partnership with the activist. The company stated that Yousafzai and her production company Extracurricular would create original programming across multiple genres for Apple TV+ that draw on her ability to inspire people around the world. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner than Apple to help bring these stories to life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support women, young people, writers, and artists in reflecting the world as they see it,” she said .

Separately, Yousafzai served as an executive producer on the 2022 short documentary film Stranger at the Gate , which tells the story of how a former U.S. marine planned to commit a terrorist attack at an Indiana mosque before meeting the congregants there and finding his extreme beliefs challenged. Stranger at the Gate was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film, leading Yousafzai to attend the 2023 Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles with her husband. “It’s been so surreal. There are so many beautiful, gorgeous people by my side,” she told ABC in a red carpet interview.

Although her film didn’t win, Yousafzai was involved in a memorably awkward moment with host Jimmy Kimmel . During a segment in which Kimmel read fake viewer questions to celebrity attendees, he asked the Nobel Prize winner about the viral “spitgate” controversy involving actors Harry Styles and Chris Pine . When Yousafzai gave an evasive response, Kimmel commended her and jokingly quipped that the winner of the night is “Malala Land,” a reference to the 2016 musical La La Land . Although many viewers felt the exchange was disrespectful, Yousafzai addressed the situation with a tweet that simply said, “Treat people with kindness.”

While attending Oxford in summer 2018, Yousafzai met Asser Malik, who was visiting friends on campus. Despite Malala’s reservations about marriage— she said in a 2021 essay she believed she wouldn’t marry until she was at least 35 years old, if at all—the pair wed in November 2021 in Birmingham.

In addition to their educational backgrounds—similar to Yousafzai, Malik earned a degree in economics and political science in 2012—the pair have bonded over their mutual love of cricket. Malik works for the sport’s governing body in Pakistan and is the co-founder of an amateur league.

Yousafzai said in 2021 her time together with Malik helped her see that she could “remain true to my values of equality, fairness, and integrity” while simultaneously being in a relationship. “I still don’t have all the answers for the challenges facing women—but I believe that I can enjoy friendship, love, and equality in marriage,” she told British Vogue .

• Let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons.
• If I win [the] Nobel Peace Prize, it would be a great opportunity for me, but if I don’t get it, it’s not important because my goal is not to get Nobel Peace Prize, my goal is to get peace, and my goal is to see the education of every child.
• Dear friends, on the 9 th of October, 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead. They shot my friends too. They thought that the bullets would silence us, but they failed.
• I want people to remember that Pakistan is my country. Even if its people hate me, I will still love it.
• I am only talking about education, women’s rights, and peace. I want poverty to end in tomorrow’s Pakistan. I want every girl in Pakistan to go to school.
• I am still the old Malala. I still try to live normally, but yes, my life has changed a lot.
• Education is neither eastern nor western. Education is education, and it’s the right of every human being.

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15 Top-Rated Day Trips from Los Angeles

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 30, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Within an hours' drive of Los Angeles, beyond the halting traffic, the landscape becomes rugged and refreshing. This area of Southern California has gorgeous beaches and a sunny Mediterranean climate year-round that gives the impression of an endless summer.

In the oceanfront community of Malibu, sunbathers bask on sandy beaches, and surfers ride the impressive waves. Other dreamy places to visit nearby include the quintessential So-Cal town of Laguna Beach, the fun-loving seaside village of Balboa Island, and the picturesque coastal city of Oxnard.

For those seeking a quaint and romantic getaway, Santa Catalina Island is the ideal choice. Families with kids will want to visit Disneyland, one of the top attractions in California .

Several places on this list are two-and-a-half to three-hours' drive away but are worth the extra journey: the sophisticated beach town of Santa Barbara, fashionable Palm Springs for a desert oasis retreat, California's only castle along the Central Coast, the unique California desert environment of Joshua Tree, and Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures or relaxation by the beach, you will find plenty of options just outside Los Angeles. Plan your getaways from the city with our list of the top day trips from Los Angeles.

1. Santa Catalina Island

2. disneyland, 3. santa barbara, 4. palm springs, 5. joshua tree national park, 6. laguna beach: a quintessential so-cal town, 7. malibu's beautiful beaches, 8. san diego, 9. hearst castle, 10. huntington beach, 12. big bear lake: hiking, water sports, and relaxation, 13. balboa island, 14. san gabriel mountains national monument/angeles national forest, 15. tijuana, map of day trips from los angeles.

Santa Catalina Island has been luring visitors since the 1920s, when it was used as a location for Hollywood films. Today, tourists can still appreciate the island's cinematic seaside beauty.

The moment visitors set foot on the island, the idyllic atmosphere becomes obvious. With its leisurely pace, sunny weather, and soothing ocean waves, Santa Catalina Island is one of the most romantic places in California .

Besides being a delightful day-trip destination, the island is perfect for a weekend getaway, short vacation, or honeymoon centered around relaxation and recreational activities. Hiking, cycling, backpacking, sailing, sunbathing, and picnicking are all popular activities.

The picturesque town of Avalon has the island's largest selection of hotels, shops, and restaurants, along with breathtaking ocean views, palm-fringed beaches, and a botanical garden.

All of Avalon's beaches have gentle crystal-clear waters, and most are ideal for swimming. Tucked away in a sheltered cove, Descanso Beach is prized for its beach club, which offers private cabanas and oceanfront restaurant dining.

More remote in feel, Two Harbors boasts secluded coves and unspoiled sandy beaches with swaying palm trees. Two Harbors draws many outdoor enthusiasts because of its wide array of recreational opportunities. Among the many things to do are boating, camping, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

Santa Catalina Island is an hour-long ferry ride on the Catalina Express from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point to the port of Avalon. The Catalina Flyer operates ferry boat transportation from Newport Beach to Avalon, which takes just over one hour.

From Los Angeles, it takes about two hours (a one-hour drive to Long Beach plus a one-hour ferry ride) to arrive at Santa Catalina Island.

Most families with kids will already have Disneyland on their list of places to go. Often it's a destination in itself, however Disneyland is an easy day trip from Los Angeles, less than 30 miles away. This world-famous amusement park is a "Magical Kingdom" that delights children of all ages.

Little kids love the charming rides like the oversized Caterpillar cars of Alice in Wonderland; the big-eared planes of Dumbo the Flying Elephant; the Mad Tea Party, with its giant spinning teacups; and the musical boat ride of "it's a small world" in Fantasyland.

Older kids enjoy exciting attractions like the Matterhorn's bobsleds that careen through a scene of the Swiss Alps; the drama of Pirates of the Caribbean; and the Indiana Jones Adventure that features thrilling rides, a cliff-hanging journey, and a "cursed" temple.

Parents will appreciate that Disneyland has a wide selection of shops and restaurants. Some restaurants feature special ambience or entertainment such as appearances by Disney characters to delight the kids.

For a truly memorable experience, dine at the Blue Bayou Restaurant next to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at New Orleans Square. This wildly popular Louisiana-themed restaurant serves Cajun and Creole cuisine (including jambalaya and gumbo) in an enchanting outdoor dining patio illuminated by lanterns. The ambience even includes flashes of fireflies and the sounds of chirping crickets and frogs. Because of the restaurant's popularity, it is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance.

Families can stay overnight within the Disneyland Resort at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel , decorated with a beach vacation motif; the elegant Craftsman-style Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa ; or the Disneyland Hotel , which has a pool and waterslide play area.

Official site: https://disneyland.disney.go.com

Known as the "American Riviera," this balmy beach town, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, is a favorite getaway destination for Hollywood movie stars. However, almost everyone can appreciate the charm and beauty of Santa Barbara. Handsome historic Spanish-style buildings, towering palm trees, and miles of sandy shores beckon visitors.

The Old Mission Santa Barbara , called the "Queen of the Missions," has a beautifully preserved adobe church that dates back to 1820. This landmark was founded by the Franciscan Friars of Spain in 1786 and is filled with colonial-era artwork. The mission complex also includes a museum that displays paintings and artifacts.

Not far from the Pacific Ocean, the mission is set on 15-acre grounds with luxuriant gardens. A highlight is La Huerta Historical Garden , which features olive, citrus, peach, pomegranate, and peach trees from original mission sites. The Mission Rose Garden is a lovely spot for a picnic.

Other top tourist attractions include the Santa Barbara County Courthouse , a magnificent blend of Spanish, Moorish, Islamic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architectural elements; the Santa Barbara Museum of Art ; the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden ; and the 30-acre Santa Barbara Zoo .

Santa Barbara also boasts many scenic hiking trails , from trails along sea cliffs to paths through chaparral-covered canyons. The hikes range from gentle walks to vigorous uphill treks.

The restaurant scene gives travelers another reason to visit Santa Barbara. Foodies will appreciate the wide selection of restaurants, from gourmet fine dining to trendy eateries.

For French-inspired seasonal cuisine, try bouchon in downtown Santa Barbara's Art District. The menu features classic dishes like duck breast and grilled rack of lamb, as well as locally caught fish and vegetables grown on nearby farms.

Cozy and convivial, Bettina specializes in wood-fired pizzas and other authentic Italian dishes. In the Art District area of downtown Santa Barbara, Loquita treats guests to delicious Spanish cuisine prepared from local ingredients and served in a trendy dining room or on the bougainvillea-draped garden patio.

Sushi aficionados will be wowed by Sushi|Bar Montecito within the historic Montecito Inn . This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience, focused on 17-course sushi menus.

If you'd like to try a famous local taco joint, head to La Super-Rica Taqueria for authentic Mexican fare. This tiny, casual eatery almost always has a line of people waiting to order at the counter. You can choose to take out or sit down in the bright, cheerful dining room.

Los Agaves is an award-winning Mexican restaurant with two locations in Santa Barbara. The ambience is inviting yet casual (you order at the counter), but the cuisine is refined and made with high-quality fresh ingredients. Offering a unique twist on Mexican flavors, Mesa Verde Restaurant serves hearty plant-based vegan cuisine.

In addition to upscale restaurants, Santa Barbara also has many luxury hotels that deliver a first-rate vacation experience. For a pampering seaside holiday, treat yourself to a stay at one of the high-end beach resorts in Santa Barbara, which feature 5-star service, ocean views, fabulous swimming pools, chic restaurants, and other amenities.

Palm Springs became a legendary winter resort in the 1930s, when Hollywood movie stars came here to relax in style. Holiday seekers still flock to this desert oasis (107 miles from Los Angeles) to bask in the sunshine at luxury resorts and enjoy recreational activities, especially from January until April when the weather is mild.

The attractive natural scenery makes Palm Springs a pleasant place to enjoy outdoor activities, such as swimming, tennis, and golf. Other tourist attractions and things to do include hiking and rock climbing.

Gorgeous wilderness trails are found at Indian Canyons (a desert oasis outside downtown Palm Springs). This pristine nature site includes Palm Canyon , with its lush flora and dramatic mountain views; Andreas Canyon , a favorite spot for bird-watching; and Murray Canyon , which has a creek and waterfalls.

Another magnificent nature site is Mount San Jacinto , a 10,000-foot, snow-dusted mountain, which can be ascended by an aerial tramway. From the 8,500-foot drop-off point, the views of the desert floor are spectacular.

Considering its quiet location, Palm Springs has a surprising number of cultural attractions and events. The Palm Springs Art Museum boasts a superb collection of California paintings, Native American art, and Western American art, as well as Pre-Columbian artifacts.

A must-see attraction for those who appreciate mid-century modern design, the Palm Springs Art Museum is devoted to modern and contemporary architecture, art, and design. The museum displays more than 12,000 items and includes an iconic modernist building.

Many travelers visit Palm Springs to admire the city's modernist architecture. During Modernism Week , visitors can take guided tours of the town's notable mid-century modern buildings.

Palm Springs is also known for its upscale shopping , from fashion boutiques and locally owned craft shops to outlet malls.

In the sun-parched California desert, Joshua Tree National Park was named after the trees (known scientifically as " Yucca brevifolia ") that are indigenous to the Mojave Desert. Native Americans gathered the tree's flower buds, as well as seeds, for consumption and used the tree's fibrous leaves to make woven baskets.

The moniker "Joshua" comes from 19th-century Mormon pioneers, who thought the tree's twisted spiky branches resembled the biblical figure's outstretched arms leading them to the Promised Land.

Since the park is 131 miles from Los Angeles (about a two-hour-and-45-minute drive away), those visiting Joshua Tree National Park just for the day will want to try one of the shorter hikes or walks . Other things to do at Joshua Tree National Park include bird-watching, bouldering, admiring wildflowers (in springtime), and horseback riding.

The Fortynine Palms Oasis trail is a moderately strenuous three-mile round-trip hike that features strands of fan palm trees and refreshing pools of water.

For a short and easy walk, head to the Cottonwood Spring Oasis , where a permanent spring and shady cottonwood trees provide an inviting environment. One of the best places to visit near Los Angeles for birding, this lush palm oasis attracts hummingbirds, bushtits, and Gambel's Quail.

The Hidden Valley trail is another moderate nature walk that would appeal to day trippers. The one-mile (round-trip) loop trail traverses a valley enclosed by rocks and includes a picnic area.

If you want to turn your day trip into an overnight getaway, consider camping at Joshua Tree National Park. The park has beautiful campgrounds for tents and RVs that generally offer a quiet ambience. The campsites are scattered throughout the park.

About 55 miles south of Los Angeles, this dreamy beach town is blessed with a mild sunny climate and seven miles of sandy shoreline. Nature enthusiasts are drawn to the spectacular scenery, while surfers come for the great waves.

More than simply a place to sunbathe and surf, Laguna Beach has many tourist attractions , including splendid gardens, scenic hiking trails in the rolling hills, art galleries, and cultural events.

The JoAnne Artman Gallery (326 North Coast Highway) displays a collection of award-winning art from museums or private collections. The Laguna Art Museum (307 Cliff Drive) is focused on California art created by local artists or featuring state history as a theme.

About 33 miles from Los Angeles' city center, Malibu is known for its fantastic beaches and opulent oceanfront homes. Many Hollywood movie stars reside here, and the paparazzi are known to lurk around the beaches in hopes of spotting celebrities.

Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu has a stunning 27-mile coastline with striking sea cliffs. The Pacific Ocean waves are ideal for surfing but not for swimming. In this breathtaking natural environment, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers over 500 miles of hiking trails.

Although Malibu has an air of glamour and exclusivity, all of the town's beaches allow public access (up to the "mean high-tide" level), even when bordered by private beachfront property. The public beaches are open from sunrise to sunset every day, while the public-private beaches are difficult to spot from Highway One, as they are hidden from view; many of these beaches bordering private property are only accessible through gates or adjacent beaches.

Malibu Lagoon State Beach is one of the best surfing beaches; it also has picnic tables and a saltwater marsh with abundant birdlife.

A popular spot that feels like a hidden gem when it's not crowded, El Matador Beach is a sandy beach with sea caves.

Malibu's longest stretch of shoreline, Zuma Beach extends for nearly two miles and features a wide shoreline of fine white sand. This expansive public beach has top-notch amenities, including beach volleyball nets, public restrooms and showers, and restaurants.

Year-round balmy weather, beautiful beaches , and a wealth of tourist attractions make this sunny Southern California town one of the most beloved places to visit in California.

San Diego's Balboa Park delights visitors with its gardens, museums, and ornate Spanish Colonial-style buildings, as well as the San Diego Zoo (home to exotic animals and beloved pandas).

Families with kids enjoy visiting SeaWorld , which features killer whale shows, roller coasters, splashy water rides, an aquarium, and close-up experiences with dolphins.

Founded in 1769, San Diego has noteworthy historic areas. The Old Town of San Diego, with its original adobe buildings, is designated a State Historic Park. The Victorian-era edifices of the Gaslamp Quarter have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places; this trendy area is now brimming with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and theaters.

Farther away than the other destinations on this list, Hearst Castle is worth the journey because of its unique cultural value and sensational setting. This incredible landmark is perched high on a hilltop at the southern end of Big Sur on California's Central Coast, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Renowned for its dramatic natural beauty, Big Sur stretches for 90 miles north of Hearst Castle.

San Francisco newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst created California's only castle over a 28-year period (from 1919 to 1947), enlisting architect Julia Morgan to construct a lavish Spanish-style mansion with 165 rooms. The castle's architectural inspiration came from 16th-century churches in Andalusia.

The sumptuous interior is adorned with tapestries, paintings, and other treasures from Europe that Hearst purchased to display throughout the castle. In fact, Hearst Castle is now an art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, although it is listed as a State Historical Monument and is operated by the California State Parks system.

Hearst called his secluded retreat "La Cuesta Encantada" ("The Enchanted Hill") because of the sublime surroundings, including 127 acres of lush Mediterranean gardens filled with palm trees, vibrant flowers, fountains, terraces, and decorative pools.

Also on the grounds are tennis courts; Moorish-style guest cottages; and the marvelous Neptune Swimming Pool , which features classical elements reminiscent of ancient Greece. Equally dazzling, the indoor Roman Pool reveals exquisite floor-to-ceiling mosaics of shimmering Venetian-glass tiles.

The Hearst Castle estate is now the property of the state of California and is open to the public for guided tours. Tickets may be purchased at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center , which has casual dining options, a gift shop, and restrooms. Tours include a five-mile shuttle bus ride up into the hills to arrive at the estate property.

For those taking a day trip to Hearst Castle from Los Angeles (231 miles away), a convenient option is to take an organized tour.

Made famous by the Beach Boys music group in the 1960s, Huntington Beach is known as " Surf City USA" because it's one of the best places to surf in Southern California. The town's beaches still live up to their reputation.

Huntington Beach boasts 10 miles of beautiful sandy shoreline in addition to other tourist attractions such as its Main Street, Central Park, and Pacific City shopping and dining area.

Surfers love the crashing ocean waves and the legendary surfing culture. Huntington Beach, with its five public beaches, is also a mecca for other outdoor sports, including beach volleyball, bicycling, jogging, and nature walks. Just a few miles from the beach, the picturesque Huntington Harbor is a great place for paddleboarding and kayaking.

Bird-watchers will find plenty of terrain to explore at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve , home to over 200 species of birds, including cormorants, egrets, hummingbirds, owls, sandpipers, and swallows.

Oxnard is a lovely waterfront city with miles of pristine white-sand beaches and plenty of things to do . It's worth taking the 60-mile drive from Los Angeles to enjoy the town's relaxing atmosphere, fresh air, and outdoor activities.

The beaches of Oxnard draw many surfers and sunbathers. Other things to do include sailing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and golf.

Sunsets at the beach are incomparable, with the glimmering Pacific Ocean waves and the glowing afternoon light reflected on the Channel Islands in the distance.

In addition to the natural attractions, Oxnard is known for its excellent restaurants, shopping, community performances, and concerts.

At Big Bear Lake, visitors can escape to an invigorating mountain setting (just 97 miles from Los Angeles). Surrounded by pine forests, the lake has sparkling, crystal-clear waters that are ideal for fishing, as well as summertime swimming, jet skiing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Other favorite summertime sports at Big Bear include hiking, horseback riding, and golfing. Many visitors enjoy lakeside picnics and BBQs on warm days.

During winter, Big Bear is one of the best places to visit in Southern California for alpine skiing and snowboarding. Two of California's top ski areas are found here at Big Bear Mountain Resort : Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, together offering around 1,000 acres of skiable terrain and 1,600 feet of vertical drop for exhilarating downhill runs.

Families with kids love the powder snow during wintertime at Big Bear. Snow tubing and sledding are popular activities for the little ones.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Big Bear, CA

Balboa Island is a tiny island within Beacon Bay of Newport Beach , about 45 miles from Los Angeles. Visitors may arrive by ferry, which drops off near a colorful Ferris wheel .

With its sunny vacation ambience, this quaint seaside town invites relaxation. The town has a sandy, palm-fringed beach with gentle waves and a bustling marina where water sports enthusiasts enjoy sailing, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding.

Visitors will enjoy taking a leisurely stroll down Marine Avenue , a pleasant street lined with enticing restaurants and shops.

During wintertime, whale-watching is a popular activity.

Another attractive beach town, Corona del Mar , is just two miles away from Balboa Island.

Travelers can escape from the Los Angeles metropolitan area by taking a 50-mile drive to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument/Angeles National Forest, a peaceful wilderness environment.

During the summer and fall season (when the weather is not too hot), advanced hikers can take on the challenge of ascending Mount San Antonio , affectionately known as "Mount Baldy" because of its barren landscape.

During winter and spring, the mountain is usually covered in snow, and mountaineers approach it with ice boots, crampons, and ice axes. The 10,000-foot peak is the highest in the San Gabriel Mountain Range as well as the highest point in Los Angeles County.

Looking for a less extreme adventure? The area has many easy and moderate hikes as well as campgrounds, picnic sites, and swimming areas. A variety of hiking trails wind through the forest, and some trails accommodate mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Hiking Tip : Watch out for "Poodle-Dog Bush," a shrub with bell-shaped lavender flowers that can cause skin irritation and blisters similar to a reaction from poison ivy.

An exciting day trip about a four-hour drive away from Los Angeles, Tijuana gives visitors a taste of a foreign country just across the U.S. border. Tijuana may have a reputation for seediness and crime, however a recent cultural renaissance and government investment have enhanced the tourist appeal. With a measure of caution, visitors can enjoy the highlights of Tijuana .

Tijuana is known as the "corner of Mexico" and has a vibrant downtown area with a historic plaza , a typical Spanish bullring , and a modern cathedral . The urban center also boasts noteworthy architectural landmarks including the ornate Moorish-style Palacio de Frontón Jai Alai .

For a dose of culture, tourists can check out the avant-garde Centro Cultural Tijuana , which hosts art exhibits, music concerts, movie screenings, and cultural performances. The center also has an area designed for children, an aquarium, and a botanical garden.

Shopaholics will want to check out the Avenida Revolución , a bustling street with many retail boutiques. This avenue also has many trendy restaurants, where tourists can enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

More on California

• Activities for Kids

Where to Go When You Need a Girls Trip Weekend Getaway

The best kind of mom getaway offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate. Whatever your vacation style, these fun girls trip locations are close to LA and all give moms a much-needed break

You’re an amazing mother who deserves a weekend of lounging around the pool , drinking wine by the fire , spa treatments and great conversations with your girlfriends. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags, climb into your minivans, start your favorite playlist and exchange that mental load you’ve been carrying around for a few luxurious days of leisure, self-indulgence, and peace of mind.

These girl trip ideas include stylish places to stay, palatable provisions, and entertaining pursuits guaranteeing the ultimate moms’ weekend. And of course, we know time is precious so we picked spots that would maximize your time, whether you have a day, two or even a few more to spare. And lucky for us, some of the best girls trip destinations in the country are located within four driving hours from DTLA (traffic notwithstanding—we’re moms, not magicians).

Girls Trip Under 30 Minutes from Los Angeles

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Malibu Beach Inn: Just off PCH is the luxe Malibu Beach Inn where you can enjoy private beach access to Billionaire’s Beach. Yep, you get sand just outside your door, and the ocean, is just a few more steps away. The insta-worthy views from every single one of the 47 rooms—from standard to suites—are transcendent. Everything about this hotel—the Italian linens on the beds, the minimalist furnishings, the self-warming toilet seat (!), and fresh cookies at check-in—scream sumptuous luxury.

The deluxe oceanfront spa, The Cure, is a magical place to get treatments. Stressed out moms need only indulge in Reiki, Hydrafacials, and some thirst-quenching IV Therapy to find relief. The medically-trained staff can also help diminish those frown lines and crow’s feet if you want because, well… there’s a cure for everything!

The thing we love about Malibu is how this California coastal enclave can go from laid-back beach-y fab to high-end impressive in a snap. You’ll find a mix of low-key boutiques carrying top-of-the-line fashion, fancy sushi dinners at Nobu or lively Greek music and eats with belly dancers at Taverna Tony. It’s true what they say, “Malibu makes your soul relax.”

22878 E Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu Online: malibubeachinn.com

Related: Bookmark Our Guide to Malibu with Kids When You Head Here with the Family

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Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows: This luxury beachfront resort has it all, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, love to spend your days lounging by the pool, enjoy world-class shopping or love the nightlife and world-class foodie scene. And located in the thriving downtown area of Santa Monica, you’re within walking distance to all of it.

The bungalows have played host to movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Stewart, JFK—as well as Greta Garbo—a notorious introvert who loved her solitude, and lived in one of the bungalows for more than four years. You’ll quickly understand and appreciate the privacy these rooms provide. Don’t miss out on a GLOW body scrub or foaming enzyme facial at Exhale Spa. And if you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you can easily venture out to the 3rd Street Promenade.

Dining options are abundant, but we recommend the onsite dining spot, Fig Restaurant. Seasonally inspired dishes harvested from the local Farmers’ Markets result in the freshest, good-for-you cuisine. Other favorites for a moms’ night out on the town would be the elevated Italian restaurant Elephante or the upscale French-Asian restaurant, Cassia. After dinner, stop by The Bungalow, an indoor/outdoor bar and lounge for drinks, bar bites, billiards and a fun people-watching scene.

101 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica Online: fairmont.com/santa-monica

Fun Girls Trip Ideas under 2 Hours from Los Angeles

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Two Bunch Palms: Here you can rejuvenate your mind and body, nurture friendships, pamper yourself and rediscover your long-lost passions. Two Bunch Palms in Palm Desert has a stylish, modern vibe decorated with luxury and wellness in mind. The best part? You have to leave the kids at home because this hotel is just for guests 18 years and older.

You can literally spend the day lounging at the spa, soaking in the natural 100-degree hot springs. Or balance your chi with complimentary classes in the yoga dome. Smash out all your stresses on the tennis courts or try your hand at everything from natural indigo dyeing to hand-thrown ceramics. Shared communal areas are the perfect place to reconnect with your mom tribe or have a heart-to-heart on one of the intimate outdoor patios of your suite.

67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail Desert Hot Springs Online: twobunchpalms.com

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Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa: This low-key mom’s getaway is one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California. The picturesque setting is swoon-worthy, and no matter the time of year, there’s something about being lakeside that’ll make you feel refreshed and calm.

If you can swing it, request a room with a view of the lake and a balcony—it’s the perfect place to read a book and toast with your best girl friends. Spoil yourself with a warm stone muscle melt and an oil scalp massage from The Spa of the Pines—one of the best massages our editor’s have ever had. The property also has a private beach where you can rent a kayak or SUP and go out onto the lake, a bonus because this lake is private and typically only accessible to members.

Bin 189, located on site, serves hearty American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a patio overlooking the lake and mountains. There’s really no need to leave the resort, but if you’re feeling the urge to explore—take a short walk to the village just around the corner. You’ll find several lively restaurants, shops and a grocery store.

If you’re a first-time visitor, check out our guide to spending the weekend in Lake Arrowhead . For some kitschy fun, hop aboard the Arrowhead Queen for a one-hour narrated boat tour of the lake where you’ll see close-up views of Lake Arrowheads’ stately homes and learn about the history (and gossip) of this refined mountain-living community. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for gourmet caramel apples and handmade fudge.

27984 Highway 189 Lake Arrowhead Online: lakearrowheadresort.com

Related: Bookmark Our Guide to Lake Arrowhead When You Head Here with Kids

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Bellanca Hotel Avalon: Just 26 miles across the Pacific—and a quick hour-long boat ride aboard the Catalina Express—is a worthwhile island getaway and a not-so-secret celebrity playground. Bring your mom best girlfriends here, and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the Italian Riviera.

Avalon’s oceanfront Bellanca Hotel is centrally located to all the fun things to do on Catalina . Catch some rays atop the rooftop terrace and gaze down at the quaint town and port full of yachts. Complimentary bikes will take you everywhere, from the Wrigley Mansion to the stunning art deco theatre hidden inside Catalina’s Casino.

Shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance, as is the Descanso Beach Club home to Catalina’s only beachside restaurant and bar and one of the last private beaches in California open to the public. It’s also one of the few places where you can legally have a drink in your hand and your feet in the sand…at the same time. In addition to water sports, the island is also known for rock climbing, ziplining, and four-wheel drive excursions into the untouched interior to see bison, leftover from a 1924 movie.

Hit up The Naughty Fox restaurant in the hotel—Catalina’s newest hotspot for dining and lounging. Top menu picks include lobster BLTs, Frito Misto and Ahi Poke Nachos.

111 Crescent Ave. Avalon Online: bellancahotel.com

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Ojai Valley Inn: Surrounded by the scenic Sulphur and Topatopa mountains, this memory-making mom getaway to Ojai is just 90 minutes away from LA. Health-conscious and spiritually-focused moms will find peace, contentment and gratitude here, add to that an award-winning Spa called the Spa Ojai , tennis courts and a championship golf course, it’s no wonder the Ojai Valley Inn is referred to as ‘Shangri-LA.’

While families love splashing around in the family-friendly Pixie Pool, for Moms on vacation— sans kids—you can peacefully enjoy the Indigo Pool. This adults-only pool is a luxury experience with a full bar and dainty morsels like ceviche, sliced fruit and crudité plates. Four other notable restaurants on the property feature delectable dishes made from locally grown ingredients.

For some fun, shop in town for art, fun gifts and home products. Bibliophile moms should check out Bart’s Books, the world’s most fantastic outdoor bookstore offering over 130,000 second hand books to choose from. Most importantly, though, do not miss what locals call the “pink moment”—a daily phenomenon where the sky takes on a soft, pinkish glow at dusk.

905 Country Club Rd. Ojai Online: ojaivalleyinn.com

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Skyview Los Alamos: This 1950’s roadside lodge turned mid-century modern luxury boutique motel is just off the 101 Freeway on a hilltop with views of the Santa Ynez Wine Country. Road-trippin’ moms can park and forget about the car all weekend long because everything is within walking distance from the rustic chic hotel. The fully-renovated rooms come with down duvets for chilly nights.

Borrow one of the Linus Bikes and ride down the hill to Bell St., the old-west-style town. Basically, Los Alamos is seven blocks dominated by restaurants, tasting rooms and art galleries. For dinner, dine at Norman Restaurant and Bar which serves California fare with nods to the town’s country roots. Foodie moms will love the charcuterie board with apricot and goat cheese crostini, the achiote chicken, Wagyu striploin, and the cornbread pudding.

Relax and refresh after dinner at the 21-and-over heated swimming pool or chill out with one of the vineyard wines on an adirondack chair by the fire pits.

9150 US-101 Los Alamos Online: skyviewlosalamos.com

Santa Barbara Funk Zone: With a Mediterranean-like climate and spectacular beaches, Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera. If you’ve got a group full of really fun women who are always up for a good time, one of the best girl’s trip ideas is planning a trip to Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone—an area full of arts, culture, wineries, restaurants, and shopping.

The Funk Zone has a unique history and is one of the “funkiest” areas to explore with mom friends. Extending from State St. and Garden St. to Montecito St. and Cabrillo Blvd., we recommended staying at a hotel right in the middle of the action. Spots include: Hotel Californian, Riviera Beach House, The Waterman, Hotel Milo, Kimpton Canary, Palihouse, Hotel MIlo and the Haley Hotel. Just a short walk away from any of these accommodations is the most eclectic mix of artist galleries that used to be old warehouses. You’ll also find breweries dotted along the way.

Farm-to-table restaurants like Finch & Fork or The Lark offer fresh, seasonal fare and a local vibe. You’ll be right in the middle of Santa Barbara’s most happening area with your ride-and-die moms, so grab a glass of wine from the Santa Barbara Winery—no kids allowed—and then explore all this bustling area has to offer.

Good to Know: Leave the car at home! You can take the train from LA’s Union Station to Santa Barbara. The Pacific Surfliner route offers daily round-trip service from either Los Angeles or San Diego to Santa Barbara. And once you get there, the station is just a 4-minute walk (0.2 miles) to the Funk Zone.

Online: santabarbaraca.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glen Ivy Hot Springs (@glenivy_spa)

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa: Time-deprived moms who want a quick getaway need the Glen Ivy Spa. You’ll love the body moisturizing spa treatments, hydro massages, 17 wellness pools and the “Grotto” experience at this one-of-a-kind day-spa. It’s a wellness destination where moms can get away from it all—without the sounds of those lovely kids we hold so near and dear—even if only just for the day. Grab a glass of champagne from the Paradise bar and have the “spa day” of your life.

Get ready to dip yourself into various 104-degree, sulfur-rich, geothermal springs—an not just for show, they provide a number of therapeutic effects. Expect to ease tight muscles and joints, calm inflammation in the body, boost blood flow and flush out toxins.

The therapeutic red clay mineral baths, affectionately known as “Club Mud” are said to have healing properties as well. It’s not a fountain of youth, but immerse yourself into the mud and you’ll feel like a playful kid again.

Your day will not be complete without a visit to the Grotto. Descend into a subterranean cave where you’ll be painted neck-to-toe with a warm aloe vera, coconut oil, eucalyptus, shea butter and lavender masque. Then, warm your body in the gently heated cavern where the silky formula soaks further into your skin. When you’re ready, step into the next room to rinse off under a cascading waterfall before moving into the final, cooler grotto to relax with tea, water, and fruit. In a word, heavenly!

Glen Ivy sources organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible, sometimes harvested from trees that grow right on the property. Fruit for your orange and grapefruit juices or avocados are used daily. Because wellness is what Glen Ivy is all about, they offer a variety or vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as gluten-free. Our recommends? Start your day in the Goco Café with a Matcha and finish off at The Chill Zone. There you’ll find a variety of fresh pressed juices, delicious popsicles, real fruit smoothies, and even homemade empanadas.

25000 Glen Ivy Rd. Corona Online: glenivy.com

After a day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs, you could be too tired to drive home, so booking an Airbnb might be a way to continue the party through the weekend. There are several great Airbnbs near Corona, CA .

photo: Airbnb

Rancho Santa Fe: The coastal community of Rancho Santa Fe is one of the most expensive and exclusive communities in San Diego County. If you’re a mom who prefers the country club over the PTA, then this resort-style living, rural enclave in the hills is right up your fairway. While there are so many beautiful hotels in Rancho Santa Fe, sometimes with a big group, it’s more fun to rent a house.

Plan a reunion with up to 16 of your best high school buds, sorority sisters or play the consummate party host for just the girls when that decade birthday comes around. We love this private, five-acre resort ranch with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a driveway big enough to park 10 cars and an abundance of amenities. Moms will love the massive pool, jacuzzi, basketball court, mini golf course and in-ground trampoline. And for the competitive set, there are lawn games like corn hole, bocce ball and horseshoe. The palapa for outdoor meals includes mini fridge, sink, grill and stove. Catch up on life at the outdoor fireplace with cocktails in hand. You’ll enjoy every minute of this home away from home.

Sleeps: 16 Price: $1135/night Online: airbnb.com

Fun Girls Trip Locations under 3 Hours from Los Angeles

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cuyama Buckhorn (@cuyamabuckhorn)

Cuyama Buckhorn: The Hidden Valley of Enchantment is the perfect place for passionate, creative moms who relish the idea of being one with nature. Take the uber-scenic Route 33 to get to this former booming oil town at the four corners of four counties. You can even charge your electric vehicles upon arrival.

Cuyama Buckhorn is a laid-back, mid-century meets western-style, fully-renovated motel with modern amenities. Not only is this an artists community, but loads of adventures for nature-loving moms. Visit the Bitter Creek Wildlife Refuge to see endangered California Condors as they roost and forage. In the spring, catch the wildflower superbloom at Carrizo Plain National Monument. Hike to the salt flats, check out the historic cave paintings and the San Andreas fault. ATV through Ballinger Canyon. Mountain bike or hike through Los Padres National Forest. Stargaze at Mt. Pinos. One minute you could be wine-tasting at Sagebrush Annie’s or attending the Fall Food & Wine Festival, and the next minute you could be line dancing at a Chuckwagon BBQ. There’s so much to do on a girls trip to Cuyama.

4923 Primero St New Cuyama Online: cuyamabuckhorn.com

Best Place for Girls Trip under 4 Hours from Los Angeles

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carter Estate Winery (@carterestatewinery)

Carter Estate Winery and Resort: The Carter Estate Winery and Resort in Temecula is the ideal place to spend quality mom ‘me-time’ with friends. The bungalows and suites all have king-sized beds, so you won’t find any families around the property to induce FOMO mom-guilt. Instead, savor every sip of their award-winning sparkling wines on your private patio overlooking the vineyards.

Tempt your palates with a variety of wines from only the best varietals in the Carter Estate wine tasting room at the resort. For curious moms who’d love wine-tasting all of Temecula’s incredible wines, borrow some bikes from the hotel and explore wine country at your own pace or “wine’d” down at the Grapeseed Spa, just up the road at the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.

34450 Rancho California Rd. Temecula Online: carterestatewinery.com

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“I tell my story not because it is unique, but because it is the story of many girls.”

Malala's Story

Learn how malala began her fight for girls — from an education activist in pakistan to the youngest nobel peace prize laureate — and how she continues her campaign through malala fund., i was born in mingora, pakistan on july 12, 1997..

Welcoming a baby girl is not always cause for celebration in Pakistan — but my father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, was determined to give me every opportunity a boy would have.

My father was a teacher and ran a girls’ school in our village.

I loved school. But everything changed when the Taliban took control of our town in Swat Valley. The extremists banned many things — like owning a television and playing music — and enforced harsh punishments for those who defied their orders. And they said girls could no longer go to school.

In January 2008 when I was just 11 years old, I said goodbye to my classmates, not knowing when — if ever — I would see them again.

I spoke out publicly on behalf of girls and our right to learn. And this made me a target.

In October 2012, on my way home from school, a masked gunman boarded my school bus and asked, “Who is Malala?” He shot me on the left side of my head.

I woke up 10 days later in a hospital in Birmingham, England. The doctors and nurses told me about the attack — and that people around the world were praying for my recovery.

After months of surgeries and rehabilitation, I joined my family in our new home in the U.K.

It was then I knew I had a choice: I could live a quiet life or I could make the most of this new life I had been given. I determined to continue my fight until every girl could go to school.

With my father, who has always been my ally and inspiration, I established Malala Fund, a charity dedicated to giving every girl an opportunity to achieve a future she chooses. In recognition of our work, I received the Nobel Peace Prize in December 2014 and became the youngest-ever Nobel laureate.

I began studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford.

And every day I fight to ensure all girls receive 12 years of free, safe, quality education.

I travel to many countries to meet girls fighting poverty, wars, child marriage and gender discrimination to go to school. Malala Fund is working so that their stories, like mine, can be heard around the world.

We invest in developing country educators and activists, like my father, through Malala Fund’s Education Champion Network. And we hold leaders accountable for their promises to girls.

I graduated from Oxford University!

I will always treasure my time at Lady Margaret Hall — the lectures, club meetings, balls and late nights (some spent finishing papers, some just chatting with friends in the dorm). Although a global pandemic meant I spent my final months as a university student in my parents' house, I'm grateful that I was able to complete my education. After taking time to relax, I am more dedicated than ever to my fight for girls.

With more than 130 million girls out of school today, there is more work to be done. I hope you will join my fight for education and equality. Together, we can create a world where all girls can learn and lead.

Support Malala’s fight for girls’ education

With more than 130 million girls out of school today, she needs your help breaking down the barriers that hold girls back.

Your gift today is an investment in Malala Fund programmes that help girls around the world go to school.

Is Girl Fight a True Story? Where is Victoria Lindsay Now?

Directed by Stephen Roark Gyllenhaal, ‘Girl Fight’ is a made for television Lifetime movie that profiles the story of a 16-year-old high school student whose world changes forever once she decides to try and fit in with a group of popular girls. This 2011 film stars Jodelle Ferland, Anne Heche , and James Tupper, amongst many others, and highlights how sometimes notoriety is the worst thing that can happen to someone. So now, if you’re wondering why the brutal fight scenes in the film look so familiar and if true incidents really did inspire the tale, we’ve got the details for you!

Is Girl Fight Based on a True Story?

Yes, ‘Girl Fight’ is inspired by real-life events. The lead character of Haley Macklin (Jodelle Ferland) is based on a then-Florida high school cheerleader Victoria Lindsay, who was beaten so severely by six of her classmates in 2008 that her story made national headlines. Just like in the movie, where an academically advanced teen who was tired of feeling like an outsider had made some harsh comments about popular girls on a social media site, Victoria had apparently done the same. However, in an unexpected turn, she ended up befriending one such individual.

As time passed, which we see in the movie through Haley, Victoria turned into a drastically different spirit after merging with the new group entirely. But that changed once again when her so-called friends discovered what she had previously written online and elected to physically beat her while videotaping it to be posted on MySpace and YouTube. Thus, on March 30, 2008, Victoria was invited to a “friend’s” house, where six girls ambushed her, as two boys allegedly stood guard outside, and swung at her for more than 30 minutes — unlike the hour and five girls mentioned in the film.

A brief clip from Victoria’s attack was subsequently released to the media by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which has been recreated almost to a T in ‘Girl Fight.’ From an academic girl to popularity and from receiving the thrashing of a lifetime to the court proceeding that follows, the story of Haley Macklin is that of Victoria Lindsay. Out of the eight people charged, the counts against three were dropped. The other five got probation, community service, and orders to pay restitution. Only one received the sentence of 15 days in prison. These five are the ones portrayed in the movie.

In an interview, when asked what she thought of the physical incident as portrayed on our screens, actress Jodelle Ferland said, “It was horrible. I mean, I obviously knew that it was fake because I was a part of it. But, still, watching it, it was horrible, and that was me in there. I can’t imagine [what it would have felt like] if that actually happened.” That same year, in 2011, Victoria Lindsay’s parents also revealed that although the last few years have been tough, they’ve forgiven their daughter’s assailants and were now looking for the issue of online bullying to be adequately addressed.

Where is Victoria Lindsay Now?

Victoria Lindsay spoke out about her ordeal for the first time more than 7 months after it transpired to ‘ Good Morning America ,’ admitting that she felt as if she was “going to die” on the night of the gruesome crime. While taking the taunts, punches, and verbal abuse, the teen’s only thought was that she could do absolutely nothing. “I couldn’t fight back,” she said. “There was too many of them. So my only thought was just to protect myself and not to hit back and try to move, like, away when they were punching…It was really unreal for me, how my friends could turn on me… and do that to me.”

As for her injuries, Victoria, or Tori as she prefers to be called, confessed that she has trouble with her hearing and vision, the latter of which seemed permanent at the time. “It kind of felt like something was stuck in [my ear] after a while, but that went away eventually…The only thing I don’t like is… my eye. It’s still kind of blurry. But I think glasses may help that.” More importantly, though, it is the emotional trauma that she continues to grapple with the most. “It’s hard for me,” Tori declared. “I get scared when I’m in situations where I don’t know certain people.”

“I [keep on] thinking, ‘what did I do to them for them to do this to me?’…I thought it had to do with jealousy at the time…with boys,” Tori stated, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. “I didn’t have any explanation why, and I really still don’t.” The accusation that Victoria bad-mouthed her “friends” on the internet is something she vehemently denied.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFcTBcqHfX4/

As for details about her current whereabouts, Victoria Lindsay is a biomedical engineer who now resides in Orlando, Florida, and has been serving as a Product Analyst at Aviation Management Associates since 2018. The mother of one also completed a dental assistant course a few years ago.

Read More: Best Lifetime Movies of All Time

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Home > United States > 28 Girls Trip to LA Ideas: Perfect for a Girls Weekend

28 Girls Trip to LA Ideas: Perfect for a Girls Weekend

By Dymphe / April 17, 2023

Planning a girls trip to LA ? Los Angeles is the perfect city for a very fun weekend getaway with the girls!

Los Angeles is an incredible city in the United States . It's in the state of California and it's home to many amazing sights. For example, you can find The Getty and the Hollywood sign there.

If you're looking for a new place to visit with the girls, this city is wonderful. That's because there are many fun things you can do here.

For example, you can do a walking food tour of Venice Beach. Venice Beach is a beautiful place in the city and if you love food a lot, this tour is very fun.

Another very fun activity is going to Laugh Factory and attending a comedy show. And if you want to relax during your girls weekend in LA, you can go to the spa The Langham!

Going to Flutter is also great. This is an art experience where you can find the most unique and gorgeous art installations. You can take amazing photos at this place.

Here are the best girls trip to LA ideas!

Table of Contents

1. Do a Walking Food Tour at Venice Beach

One of the best activities for a girls trip to LA is to do a Venice Beach walking food tour . During this tour, a guide will take your small group to various eateries where you can do food tastings.

Through this, you'll get to know the food of Venice Beach.

Also, the guide will tell you about Venice Beach's history, which can be very interesting.

In total, this activity will take about 3 hours.

2. Go to Laugh Factory and Attend a Comedy Show

Want to have a very fun evening during your girls trip to LA? Then, you have to check out Laugh Factory .

This is a place where you can see great live comedy shows that I'm sure you'll all love.

There are 2 shows every evening and there's definitely a show that you'll like.

Also, you can have drinks here and you can combine going here with other activities in the city as well.

3. Get Cute Crepes During Your Girls Trip to LA at Millet Crepe

Millet Crepe is a great place to visit.

This is a place in downtown LA where you can get very unique and cute crepes.

This place serves cone-shaped crepes with unique toppings. Also, many of the crepes come with cute shapes and other decorations.

Furthermore, you can get other treats here as well. For example, there is delicious ice cream too.

So if you want to have a sweet treat, this place is perfect for your girls weekend in LA.

4. Explore the Attractions of Pacific Park and Have a Fun Time

Want to have fun with the girls? Then, you can go to Pacific Park .

This is a very fun and famous amusement park that you can find on the Santa Monica Pier.

There are lots of rides and attractions here that are perfect for a fun time.

Also, there are many eateries and options for shopping. So this is a very good place to visit on your girls trip to LA.

5. Relax During Your Girls Trip to LA at the Spa of The Langham

Another one of the best things to do during a girls weekend in LA is to relax.

A great place for this is the spa at The Langham.

The Langham is a luxury hotel that you can find in Pasadena and it is more than 100 years old.

At this hotel's spa, the Chuan Spa, you can do massages and facial treatments that are incredible. Also, there are saunas, pools, and other facilities at the spa that will make you all feel very relaxed for sure.

6. Go to The Art Theatre of Long Beach

Going to The Art Theatre is another great activity.

This is an independent movie theater that dates back to the year 1925. And it is the only independent cinema that is still left.

It is a single-screen cinema with a great atmosphere where you can see indie movies.

7. Book a Private Tour of Various Places in LA

Another one of the best activities during a girls weekend in LA is to book a private tour of LA.

This is a 4-hour tour that will take you and the girls to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and various other places.

Moreover, you'll visit some of the most iconic sights, celebrity homes, and much more.

Also, you'll get interesting information along the way, which is great!

8. Get Delicious Cupcakes With the Girls at Sinners & Saints Desserts

You and the girls can get great cupcakes during your girls trip to LA at Sinners & Saints Desserts.

This is a bakery that serves amazing cupcakes.

These cupcakes are both delicious and very beautiful, which makes them great to try.

Also, you can get various other pastries and baked goods at this place that you can try as well.

9. Get Your Nails Done at One of LA’s Nail Salons During Your Girls Weekend in LA

Getting your nails done can be a great way to have a fun time.

There are plenty of good nail salons in the city where you can do this.

Moreover, after doing this, you can do other activities in the city. For example, you can combine it with going for a delicious brunch at one of the best brunch spots.

10. Have Amazing Ice Cream at Little Damage

Little Damage is a place that serves unique ice cream that can be great to get during your girls getaway.

At this place, you can get delicious soft-serve ice cream made with local ingredients.

Moreover, this is small-batch ice cream and there are many unique flavors to choose from.

Also, you get unique cones with your ice cream. For example, there are red and black ice cream cones that are very unique.

11. Visit Flutter With the Girls

Going to Flutter is a very unique experience that you can have when you are in the city with the girls.

At this place, you can see very unique and immersive art installations.

These art installations feature a lot of different colors, lights, and materials. And there are lots of unique objects to see here.

Furthermore, these art installations are very photogenic. So if you want to take photos with the girls, you can do that here!

12. Enjoy a Drink With a View at 71Above During Your Girls Trip to LA

Another great way to spend your weekend in LA is by going to 71Above .

This is a rooftop bar where you can have unique drinks with the girls. Also, you can get delicious modern American food here.

Besides that, from this place, you can enjoy a great panoramic view of downtown LA and beyond. There are floor-to-ceiling windows that make the view even more amazing!

13. Enjoy Relaxing Treatments at the Spa of Proper Hotel Santa Monica

You can go to the spa of the Santa Monica Proper Hotel.

At this Spa, the Surya Spa, you can do many different types of relaxing treatments and activities.

There are many unique ones to choose from.

For example, you can do yoga, steam, and oil treatments. And there's much more here.

So choose one that you all like, and have a great and relaxing time during your girls weekend in LA!

14. Enjoy Afternoon Tea With the Girls at the Tea Rose Garden

Do you all like tea? Then, you can do an afternoon tea experience at the Tea Rose Garden. This is a place that you can find in Old Town Pasadena.

During afternoon tea at this place, you can choose from about 50 different types of tea. Also, you can get delicious sandwiches and other bites at the same time.

Furthermore, what's great is that the Tea Rose Garden has beautiful decor. This will make your experience here even better.

15. Go to the Fun World of Illusions Los Angeles

One of the most fun places to visit during a girls trip to LA is the Los Angeles World of Illusions .

This is an interactive museum where you can find many rooms with illusions that you can appear in.

For example, you can make yourself look very tall and another person very small in a photo.

Or you can appear upside-down in one of the museum's rooms.

The illusions are a lot of fun to try, and I'm sure you'll have an amazing time.

16. Check out the Hollywood Sign During Your Girls Weekend in LA

When going to Los Angeles, you cannot miss out on seeing the Hollywood Sign.

This is one of the most iconic things that you can see in the city, so you should definitely do this!

You can see the sign from many spots in the city. And you can also combine seeing this with other places in Hollywood, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

17. Go to West Restaurant & Lounge and Have Dinner With a View

You can also go to West Restaurant & Lounge during a girls trip to LA.

This is a rooftop bar that you can find on top of Hotel Angeleno.

At this place, you can get Californian food with the girls and very good drinks.

Furthermore, you can enjoy a great view of LA at the same time.

18. Go to Le Petit Paris and Have Brunch

Brunch is a fun activity, and a great place for brunch is Le Petit Paris.

This is a very stylish French restaurant where you can get amazing brunch with the girls.

For example, you can go here to get delicious avocado toast, truffle risotto, and many other dishes.

19. Take Photos Together at Unique Spots in LA as a Memory of Your Girls Weekend in LA

There are so many photogenic places in the city where you can go to take pictures with the girls.

For example, you can go to the Santa Monica pier to take photos.

Also, you can go to the Hollywood sign and take photos.

And there are many great spots with palm trees that are perfect for photos.

20. Have Fun With the Girls at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Want to have fun? Then, don't miss out on Six Flags Magic Mountain.

This is an amusement park that you can find very close to downtown Los Angeles.

At this place, there are a lot of different roller coasters. In fact, it has the most roller coasters for one amusement park, which is amazing.

If you like thrill rides, this place is perfect to visit.

21. Have Fresh and Colorful Smoothies at Juice It Up

Another one of the best things to do during a girls trip to LA is to get smoothies.

You can go to Juice It Up! for this.

This place serves very delicious and high-quality smoothies that I'm sure you'll like.

Also, you can go here for great juices and acai bowls that are amazing to try.

22. Go to Universal Studios Hollywood With the Girls and Have a Lot of Fun

Universal Studios Hollywood is another fun amusement park to go to with the girls.

This is a well-known film studio and theme park that you can find in the city.

At this place, you can do tours of real studios.

Also, there are a lot of attractions related to the movie industry that are very fun and interesting to see.

23. Have Coffee During Your Girls Trip to LA at Le Ciel Pink

Getting a cup of coffee during a girls weekend in LA is always a great activity.

And a great place to do this is Le Ciel Pink.

This is a very cute cafe in the city that has a very pretty pink interior. Also, there are a lot of other cute decorations at the cafe.

And what's nice is that the drinks at this place are very beautiful too.

24. Enjoy a Luxurious Stay at SLS Hotel

SLS Hotel is a great place to stay during a girls getaway.

This is a luxury hotel that you can find in Beverly Hills.

The hotel has about 300 rooms and suites in total and all have beautiful designs.

Furthermore, there is a very good restaurant, a spectacular pool, and a very relaxing spa.

25. Have a Fun Time at Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort is a fun place to visit during your girls weekend in LA.

This is a theme park that dates back to the year 1955 and it was Disney's first theme park.

You can find a lot of Disney-themed rides and attractions here.

Also, the fun atmosphere of the park makes it an amazing place to visit.

26. Go to B Sweet Dessert Bar and Enjoy Great Treats During You Girls Trip to LA

B Sweet Dessert Bar is a great place if you want to try out delicious desserts.

At this dessert shop, there are all kinds of tasty treats to choose from.

For example, you can get amazing bread pudding here in a lot of different flavors. And there is much more to choose from.

27. See a Movie at New Beverly Cinema

You can go to the New Beverly Cinema with the girls.

This is a historic movie theater that you can find in LA. The owner of this theater is Quentin Tarantino and you can see all kinds of unique films at this place.

For example, you can see films in 35 mm here, which is very unique.

Also, what's nice is that the movie theater has a very nice atmosphere.

28. See Art During Your Girls Weekend in LA at The Gettygirls

Do you all like art? Then, you should definitely check out The Getty.

This is a museum where you can see interesting exhibitions of art that are rotating.

Moreover, you can see a large variety of art here.

Also, what's nice is that there is no admission fee to go here.

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St. Aug Band returns from D-Day trip with memories for a lifetime

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - With memories that will last a lifetime, over 100 members of the St Augustine marching 100 are back in New Orleans after a triumphant trip to France. The band wowed crowds from Paris to Normandy as they participated in D-Day 80th anniversary events.

The St. Aug band is a carnival mainstay, but now they have achieved some fame on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

“It was part of making history; the students had a fantastic time. They know they made their mark on the street of Normandy,” said band director Ray Johnson, Jr. as they arrived at Armstrong International.

The band participated in D-Day 80th remembrances in their classic purple and gold uniforms, representing their city on the same beaches where thousands of Americans died while liberating Europe.

10th grader Jude Villavaso is St Aug’s student ambassador to France and says the trip was special.

“There were people hanging out their windows cheering us on as the band went down the street. It was very nice,” who gave a speech in both French and English at the D-Day national cemetery in Normandy.

The St. Aug band was also able to pray with three D-Day veterans, all around 100 years old.

“The experience allowed them to learn a lot about World War II and the D-Day landing,” said New Orleans councilman and St Aug band alum Eugene Green.

Band trips are often grueling experiences, and this one was longer than most, but all involved say it was worth it.

“The cause was a great cause in support of our veterans and those people who gave their lives on D-Day 80 years ago,” said Johnson.

Jude Villavaso says the French were gracious and humble.

“It was a part of making history, the students had a fantastic time. They know they made their mark on the streets of Normandy,” Villavaso said.

He and the rest of the St Aug contingent believe they helped strengthen the bonds between France and the United States while recognizing the bravery of those who fought for the Allied cars during World War II.

The St Augustine High band was in France for eight days. Many of the students raised their own money for the trip. After their ten-hour flight, they were resting up today.

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The Perfect Girls Weekend in Los Angeles

I was so spoiled fall of 2021 and had to a chance to take TWO girls trips! My first one was with my Traverse City girlfriends and we went to Savannah, Georgia. Click this link to read all about that! Just two weeks later I had a chance to take a last minute trip out to Los Angeles with my best friends from college for one of their birthdays! We were extra spoiled because one of our nuggie babes lives in Bel Air in an amazing apartment and we got to stay with her and she was our own little LA tour guide. She’s lived in LA for 6 years now and she took us to so many great places, here is our weekend in detail!

Brunch at Élephante in Santa Monica

We picked up the birthday girl from the airport and headed to brunch at Élephante in Santa Monica.

Y’all know I love elephants so I was already sold before I walked in, but holy shit, it is so beautiful here!

Every sitting area is a bit different from the other and they are all stunning.

We started with some awesome cocktails and also got a few of their appetizers.

I just went to their website to type out exactly what we got, but it looks like they switch up their brunch menu quite often. The food was incredible so I can imagine anything you get will be great. Click here if you want to check out their menus. They serve brunch 7 days a week!

This was seriously the perfect place to start off our girls weekend in Los Angeles, and I couldn’t recommend Élephante Beach House more!

Spend the Day Exploring Malibu

After brunch in Santa Monica, our cutie tour guide drove us up to Malibu. We got super lucky and didn’t have bad traffic once (a true miracle) and it only took us 30 minutes to get to the beach in Malibu, this is not normal so plan for about an hour. We spent the day on the beach and exploring a few awesome places!

Drink Champagne on the Beach

Our first mission was to grab a great bottle of champagne and enjoy it on the beach in Malibu. There is plenty of beaches along Highway 1 and plenty of parking as well! It was an overcast chilly day but the company was so amazing we didn’t care! (Keep in mind we were here in November.)

The sun did start to make a couple of appearances throughout the day and it was so beautiful!

Lunch at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

Oh, Malibu Seafood , I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Their saying here is, “We don’t serve breakfast because we are out catching lunch!” and seriously they mean it! Everything is so fresh and incredible. We had fish tacos, Clam Chowder in bread bowls, jumbo shrimp, potato salad, and scallop ceviche and it was all. so. damn. good.

They also have an awesome fish market if you are staying in an Airbnb or for a longer stay. If the yummy food isn’t enough to get you here, this is the view of the ocean while you enjoy your lunch! Malibu Seafood is right off Highway 1 and you can’t miss it!

In my opinion, Malibu Seafood is an absolute must when in Los Angeles!

Drinks at The Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch

We didn’t think the day could get any better until we stopped at The Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch. To get there we drove through the Corral Canyon and it was soooo beautiful. The Calamigos Ranch is a super fancy and beautiful wedding venue but The Malibu Cafe is open to the public.

We had really awesome cocktails here as the sun went down…

While we sat on this beautiful deck? What even is this thing? I don’t know but we loved it!

Overall, I couldn’t recommend making a stop at The Malibu Cafe more, it was so fun and beautiful!

Dinner and Drinks in Studio City

Dinner at yume sushi bar.

We went back to the apartment to shower then made our way to Yume Sushi Bar in Studio City. We sat outside and it was the perfect little sushi bar. When we first arrived I didn’t think it looked that special, but they sure proved me wrong! Everything was great. We all started with a bowl of their miso mushroom soup and it was awesome.

Next, we had their blistered shishito peppers, so yum and so fun because each one was a different spice level!

All of the rolls here were so fresh and yum but my favorite was the Yume Roll. It had spicy tuna with cucumber, topped with tuna, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, arugula and garlic chips! It’s also topped with their special yume sauce and this was one of my favorite sushi rolls I’ve ever had!

Drinks at Firefly

I obviously know Los Angeles is cool and has really awesome bars but it really hit me when we walked into Firefly . I was blown away. This was such a sexy and beautiful bar that in some areas reminded me of a library in London and others outdoor dining in Mexico, how did they do both!? I don’t know, that’t LA for you.

We got lucky and snagged a couple of spots at the bar and hung out here for hours laughing and drinking Old Fashioneds until we were all tired and went home.

Brunch at Bacari W. 3rd

We woke up Saturday morning and the day before felt like an absolute dream. How could anything we do come even close to the magic of yesterday? Two words for you, BACARI BRUNCH, at Bacari W. 3rd . This entire place is an absolute mood from the moment you walk up to the door and the moment you walk out. I mean look how cute the entrance is!

It is so adorable in here and it’s the perfect place for brunch! We saw so many people having the time of their lives here and we were absolutely one of those tables.

Our server was incredible, the food was delicious and the bottomless beverages were everything and more. Not only were they bottomless, you didn’t have to stick to the same drink so you could go from a couple of mimosas, to sangria, to white wine, back to mimosas, and that’s exactly what we did!

I was too busy drinking my giant mimosas to get a lot of photos of the food but they serve it tapas style and there are so many great options to choose from!

We ordered about ten different things and my favorites were the chef’s french toast, bacari fries, shrimp and polenta, and the shawarma tacos! All so damn yum. As for the table favorite, it was definitely that chef’s french toast, it was to die for!

Let’s just say we left brunch the happiest we’ve ever been in our lives…

I didn’t know there was multiple Bacari’s, but now I know and want to visit them all!

Drive Around Los Angeles and Gawk

We were so lucky to have our own little LA tour guide and after brunch she drove us around to see all the gorgeous houses and streets!

Watch the Sunset in Bel Air

Like I stated earlier in this post, we were extra spoiled and we had an incredible place to stay at in Bel Air. This apartment was such a dream! The neighborhood had insanely beautiful houses and there were gorgeous views of the mountains and the ocean!

We decided to relax and lay out in the sun for the afternoon and hung out here until the sun went down.

I am so lucky to have 10 years of memories with these amazing babes but this one right here is definitely at the top of that list now!

Dinner at La Cha Cha Chá

Our last night we had to do it big and we had heard so many great things about La Cha Cha Chá so we decided to try it out for our last dinner. This is a gorgeous and stylish restaurant with a badass terrace and they have modern Mexican cuisine and cocktails, located right downtown Los Angeles.

We got there before it got too busy but by late evening this place was popping so definitely make a reservation. This was the most expensive place we went to on our trip but it was worth it for the ambiance. The food wasn’t our favorite of the trip and we didn’t have the most friendly service here unfortunately, but we would still go back but probably just for cocktails and apps!

I did a little research and found out this is their second location and their first one is in Mexico City! I would love to go to that one someday too.

Ice Cream at Salt and Straw

OH MY GOD I COULD WRITE AN ENTIRE BLOG POST ABOUT MY LOVE FOR SALT AND STRAW . This ice cream shop chain was started in Oregon and this shit was so damn good. The have them all over Los Angeles so no matter which neighborhood you’re in, you’re most likely around the corner from one. I think I sampled like ten flavors and they were all amazing, but I landed on getting three mini scoops and got the Mint Freckled Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Gooey Brownie and Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough🤤.

Brunch at Metro Cafe

For our last brunch we made our way to Metro Cafe in Culver City. Élephante or Bacari W. 3rd but it still was awesome brunch! That’s what’s so great about Los Angeles even if it’s not the best it’s still amazing!

It was the perfect brunch for a bit of a hangover and I absolutely loved my avocado toast!

They were so short staffed and it was just two people serving the entire restaurant and we were so impressed with them! Even though it was crazy, we had great service and enjoyed our brunch there.

After brunch we just wanted to cry that it was over. I always love my travels but this trip will forever have a special place in my heart and is one I will never forget with my best girls! Have you been to Los Angeles on a girls trip? What was your favorite place? Thanks so much for reading along and click here if you’d like to to read about my other travels!

Police: 19-year-old beaten in 'street brawl' outside LaGrange nightclub

Lagrange street brawl caught on camera.

LaGrange police say a street brawl captured on camera shows a 19-year-old woman being beaten by more than a dozen people. Investigators are trying to find who were behind the beating.

LAGRANGE, Ga. - Police are searching for multiple women caught in a violent video showing what they call a "street brawl" outside of a LaGrange nightclub.

The LaGrange Police Department posted a video on Facebook that depicts what their report says was a 19-year-old woman being beaten by at least five women.

According to officials, the video was posted to social media and is part of their investigation into the beating of the 19-year-old victim outside the Xhale Lounge in LaGrange.

In the responding officer’s report, the teen"…was very upset with tears streaming down her face.  She had a torn white t-shirt with blood splatters on it in various places. She was shaking due to her being so upset."

The young woman told the officer she was leaving the nightclub when a group of women ran up from behind her and jumped on her.  The video posted to the LaGrange Police Department Facebook page appears to show several women hitting her.

"These 'street brawls' have been an ongoing issue and the LPD wants all citizens to know these actions will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted," the department said.

According to the police report, officers have identified five possible suspects and taken out arrest warrants. 

If you have any information about those involved, please call Sgt. Fowler at (706) 883-2603 or Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706) 812-1000. 

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Parents facing charges following junior high girls' fight in watson.

WATSON - The mom of a middle school girl from Watson is taking legal action after her daughter was involved in a fight that happened right outside their home. 

Elissa Boudreaux says her 8th grade daughter has been in a feud with another 8th grader who attends Live Oak Junior High for a while, but until Saturday night it had only been words exchanged.

Boudreaux says the other girl's parents, Jen and Joshua Vaughan, have previously spoken to her about the middle-school drama, but she never expected it to come to this.

"How can a grown person watch two children fight like a dog," Boudreaux asked.

Boudreaux says a few days before the fight, Jen Vaughan left a pair of boxing gloves on their front lawn. 

"I thought it was all over with, but when she left the day that she had the boxing gloves she told my daughter it wasn't over and she was gonna get what she deserved," Boudreaux said.

Saturday evening while Elissa was away, the Vaughans allegedly showed up at the Boudreaux's home where they told the teenager to come outside and fight their daughter or else they would call the cops. The Vaughans reportedly made the children fight each other for three rounds, with no shoes or socks on, in the front yard.

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The fight video shows that neighbors tried to stop the fight, but they were stopped by Joshua Vaughan. Boudreaux's daughter was left with a broken wrist and a dislocated shoulder.

"My hope is that the kids realize how big this has gotten, and let it go. I've talked to my daughter and I mean what I say when I tell her no more because I've lived this life. I'm a 24-year survivor of domestic violence. I don't like violence and I don't like police coming to my door. That's a big no-no," Boudreaux said.

The Vaughans were both issued a summons for a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Both teenagers are facing misdemeanor charges for fighting.

WBRZ reached out to the Vaughans for a comment but did not receive an answer.

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Bronx 17-year-old boy gunned down defending gal pal in ‘girl fight’: family

T he 17-year-old boy killed on a Bronx street was defending his girlfriend when he was fatally shot in the neck , police and grieving family members said Friday.

Laquai “Quai” Dash was just a block from his high school when his girlfriend got into a fight with a girl from another school on Cauldwell Ave. near E. 158th St. in Melrose on Thursday afternoon, the teen’s heartbroken grandmother, Vivian Coward, was told.

As the two teenage girls fought, the other girl’s boyfriend, who was standing nearby, stepped in and put Dash’s girlfriend in a headlock, Coward said.

“Quai’s girlfriend was beating up the other little girl and her boyfriend yoked up on Quai’s girlfriend so Quai yoked him up and let him go, just to get him off the girl,” Coward, 62, told the Daily News. “He turned around and just shot him in the neck .”

The shooting took place in front of Dash’s cousin, who also attends Legacy College Prep Charter High School .

“He didn’t even know (the shooter),” Coward said, wiping away tears as he talked about her murdered grandson. “He didn’t even go to school with them. (Quai’s cousin) was right there when my grandson got shot. It happened so quick. She’s not good. Not good at all.”

EMS rushed Dash to Lincoln Hospital, but he couldn’t be saved. The teen’s cousin called Coward, who raced to the hospital.

“They put me in this little family room,” the stunned grandmother recalled. “(Quai) took his last breath at 6:15 p.m. I couldn’t hear nothing the doctors were saying. I just saw (the doctor’s) face. I saw his face and I knew he came to tell us that Quai had died. I didn’t hear nothing that he was saying.”

The gunman ran off. No arrests have been made.

Dash was walking home from school when the 4:15 p.m. shooting occurred, police said.

Surveillance video taken at the scene shows the teen arguing with another boy with a black and purple hoodie. At one point, Dash is seen pulling the other teen back by the hoodie, a police source with knowledge of the case said.

The NYPD couldn’t immediately confirm whether the girl fight sparked the killing.

Dash lived about 10 blocks from his school. Outside his St. Ann’s Ave. home, mourners left votive candles spelling out “Quai.”

“He was just a really good big brother,” Dash’s devastated younger sister, Nia Sky Dash, age 12, told The News. “I feel really bad. I lived with him all my life, so I don’t know anything other than him.”

Coward helped raise Dash, who was expected to graduate this spring. He wanted to pursue a career in the hospitality industry and was looking forward to a senior trip to Spain.

“That smile of his just won everybody over,” Coward said, weeping. “He was smiling all the time. All the time.”

Dash’s death has left her family “torn up,” Coward said.

“Nobody has a bad thing to say about him,” she said. “He wasn’t that type of kid. He was not. He would encourage his friends to go to school to get their education. He wanted everybody to get their education and get out of here. He would wake up early in the morning to get them out of bed, to make sure they go to school.”

When he’s caught, Coward hopes that the gunman “gets the death penalty,” she said.

“I feel like his intent from the beginning, the moment he left his home with that gun… was to use that gun,” she said. “Because, why would you bring a gun to a girl’s fight? What was the purpose of that? I just can’t wrap my mind around it.”

Dash is the second boy under 18 to be murdered on the city streets in less than 10 days. On Feb. 29, 13-year-old Troy Gill was gunned down in Brooklyn in what detectives believe was a gang hit .

An hour after Dash was killed, an 18-year-old boy was shot in an unrelated incident outside the Howard Houses near the corner of East New York Ave. and Mother Gaston Blvd. in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

The teen was shot in the chest and suffered a graze wound to the neck and was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital, where he’s expected to survive. Cops were still looking for two men who took off after the shooting, cops said.

©2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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To mark D-Day, Biden will deliver a defense of democracy that hits on campaign themes

Tamara Keith

World War II veteran Gene Kleindl, age 102, from Rockford, Ill., receives a kiss from Chantell Boivin while leaving the Normandy American Cemetery on June 4 in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Kleindl, a medic in the U.S. Army's 90th Infantry Division, arrived on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

President Biden is in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when tens of thousands of allied troops landed on the beaches at Normandy and turned the tide in World War II.

It's a pilgrimage that many American presidents have made, but as Biden does it, the lessons of 80 years ago are being debated once again — and hold particular resonance for his reelection bid.

The anniversary comes as a land war rages once again in the European continent with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, raising the stakes as World War II fades from people’s memories and into the history books.

"He will take full advantage of the opportunity to talk about the moment we are living in: of democracies working together on behalf of their peoples — but also the importance of American leadership," John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, told reporters.

Biden argues that democracy is under attack

To get a sense of how Biden sees this current moment in the sweep of history, look no further than his most recent State of the Union address. He started with the image of President Franklin Roosevelt in early 1941, months before the attack on Pearl Harbor that would draw the United States into World War II.

President Biden delivers the State of the Union address on March 7, 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

“President Roosevelt’s purpose was to wake up Congress and alert the American people that this was no ordinary time,” said Biden, delivering his remarks in the same House chamber where Roosevelt had spoken. “Freedom and democracy were under assault in the world.”

The United States was still on the sidelines in the war at that point. But Hitler was on the march in Europe, and American allies were under attack. Like then, Biden argued, this is no ordinary time.

“What makes our moment rare is that freedom and democracy are under attack both at home and overseas at the very same time,” said Biden.

The monument at Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers scaled cliffs on D-Day to disable German artillery as troops landed on beaches below. Magali Cohen/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images/AFP hide caption

Biden is giving a speech from Pointe du Hoc

Expect Biden to expand on those themes in an address to the American people he’s set to deliver from Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where the Americans landed on June 6, 1944. More than 70,000 American troops joined allied forces for the dangerous and daring D-Day operation. Casualties were heavy, with 2,500 Americans killed on D-Day itself and some 29,000 more in the Battle of Normandy that followed.

Biden says the fight for democracy is at the heart of his 2024 rematch with Trump

While Biden's address isn’t a campaign speech, the undercurrent will be unavoidable. Biden has framed his reelection campaign against former President Donald Trump in stark terms, as he did at a fundraiser in New York earlier this week.

"What those soldiers died for should never be given up,” said Biden. “Democracy is literally on the ballot this year.”

Asked whether this speech about democracy and freedom was aimed at Trump, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said it would focus on universal themes. “Principles that have served as the foundation of American security and American democracy for generations, including the generation that scaled those cliffs, including today’s generation, including the next generation,” Sullivan told reporters traveling with Biden on Air Force One. “He’s going to be speaking in terms of principles and values and lessons from history that are applicable today.”

Trump has questioned the value of the NATO alliance

Biden, who describes Trump as an existential threat to America’s place as a global leader, takes pride in marshalling U.S. allies to support Ukraine after Russia's invasion, and expanding NATO to include two new members.

While at the international commemoration of D-Day on Thursday, Biden is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the leaders will discuss the state of play in the war with Russia, Sullivan said. Biden recently authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia, an escalation as the war grinds into its third year.

Republicans in the Trump wing of the Republican Party have questioned the utility of ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine. And Trump himself has repeatedly toyed with the idea of the U.S. not keeping its commitment to the NATO alliance.

Trump says he wouldn't defend NATO allies from Russia if they're 'delinquent'

During a campaign rally in February, Trump said America would not defend allies that did not spend enough money on their own defense, should Russia attack them. “In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want," Trump said.

The NATO alliance and its commitment to mutual defense grew out of the experience of World War II. And polling from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs finds the majority of Americans still support that alliance.

“We have understood for so long now since D-Day really, that our security, our prosperity and our freedom depends on the security, prosperity and freedom of our allies around the world,” said Ivo Daalder, who heads the Chicago Council and was the U.S. ambassador to NATO during the Obama administration.

But Daalder says isolationist views are growing. “NATO is becoming politicized in a way it never was until this point,” said Daalder.

President Ronald Reagan and two veterans look at a hook used by the U.S. Army Rangers to climb the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc during commemorations for the 40th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 1984. Ron Edmonds/AP hide caption

What Reagan said at the same spot Biden will deliver his speech

There’s a massive gulf between Trump’s message today and the one then-President Ronald Reagan delivered 40 years ago at a D-Day ceremony in Normandy.

“We in America have learned bitter lessons from two World Wars. It is better to be here ready to protect the peace than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost,” Reagan said then. “We’ve learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with expansionist intent.”

A lot has changed since 1984. The Berlin Wall fell. The Cold War ended. The Soviet Union dissolved, only for Russian President Vladimir Putin to decades later attempt to rebuild it.

In Ukraine, the vote to renew U.S. aid was cheered. But unease for the future remains

There are echoes of that Reagan speech in the way Biden describes Putin and his war in Ukraine. But many people aren’t buying that argument.

“You could feel the loss of understanding at the end of the Cold War of what our allies were for,” said Heather Conley, director of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Conley is in the midst of a tour of the country, trying to make the case for continued U.S. military aid to Ukraine. And she’s getting an earful.

“The American people have some important questions to ask about what’s important about our security, our level of debt,” said Conley. “These are the right questions to ask. But you have to engage them in a conversation.”

Conley, who was a senior official in former President George W. Bush's State Department, said she's glad Biden is giving the speech this week. But she said she wishes he had made this case more forcefully and more often.

“If it’s important to the country, we have to have an important conversation with our citizens,” said Conley.