Cali Roadtrip From LA to Palm Springs

Seneca once said: Our life is divided into three time frames: what has been, what is, and what's to come.

As I reflect on turning 30, I'm happy that I have traveled to and accomplished so many important accomplishments in my life thus far - finishing grad school, starting a stable job and and ending this chapter of my life. But they say that life starts at 30 - and that is what I'm excited for next chapter of my life - with no regrets or forethoughts.

Prior to turning 30, I thought about many places to celebrate such an important birthday - however, none of these places have continued to captivate my mind such as that of Southern California. Everytime I journey to California, I am reminded by the openness and friendlessness of the American people and the genuine kindness of the people there. June is wonderful month to visit southern California, and after spending some birthdays at home, I decided to travel to California again to celebrate a special milestone in my life and a more established century in my life. I decided to take a short trip to California to celebrate my 30th birthday.

The roadtrip from LA to Palm Springs is breathtaking, and if you take the coastal route, you will be excited to see so many wonderful and spectacular sights. Coming to LA, you definitely want to rent a car to explore all the attractions of southern California.Taking the coastal route from LA to Palm Springs, you will stop at many small beach towns that will make your journey more exciting to your destination.

Venice Beach

Make your first stop on your way to Palm Springs at Venice Beach.The Venice Beach area is a nice quiet suburban neighbourhood near the beach with a boardwalk where you can walk along for miles and miles. The Venice Beach canals are also close by, hidden below the suburban neighbourhood. It is in the neighbourhood that you should check out - the Playa de Ray neighbourhood where you should check out Playa Provisions, a New American restaurant known for their fusion food- and think about ordering the German schnitzel. I was very surprised at the food scene in Los Angeles - knowing it to be world- class and a fusion of international cuisines, I was impressed by the flavours of ingredients incorporated into the dishes. Stay at the Playa Del Ray Inn, and you'll be treated to a nice elegant breakfast in a minimalist Californian style.

Point Vincente Lighthouse

From LA to Palm Springs, you can choose to take the coastal route that passes through many small beach towns such as Laguana Beach and Newport beach. Don't forget to stop at Point Vincente Lighthouse on your way there. Built in 1926, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Palos Verdes Pennisula and is a popular area for whalewatching now. This lighthouse is on the way to Laguana Beach and contains a museum and and relaxing surrounding area.

Crystal Cove Beach

Crystal Cove Beach is a popular beach near Newport Beach, California. An underground tunnel leads you from the parking lot to the beach, which you will eventually be meet with a bar and numerous areas to set up your beach towels.

Highlight: Table Rock Beach -this beach is hidden in a residential neighborhood with no washrooms, but the most interesting part of this beach is that you can swim to the other side of the cove, but be aware of the high tides of the ocean. It is an adventure to say the least to swim to the other side of the cove, and I will certainly remember it for a long time.

Laguna Beach

Splashes restaurant is located in Laguna Beach, and be sure to stop nearby for nearby gelato ice cream (Gelato Paradiso) as well, as well as a local bar. Laguna Beach is a small but enchanting beach town that offers wondering views of the ocean and culinary delights.

Palm Springs

A short 2 hours drive from LA, you will arrive in Palm Springs, which is known for its laid-back atmosphere. You will travel through many wind turbines, as Southern California is a happening place for renewable wind energy these days.Palm Springs is iconic for its palm springs and warm atmosphere, but don't forget to check out its art and culture scene as well. Downtown Palm Springs is also a lovely small town where you can browse and stroll down the streets a sweltering summer day, where many stores have water sprinklers to cool you down.

Palm Springs Art Musuem

A very modern museum with localized LA artists serving as a testament to southern California, as well as paintings and artwork of the local area. Happening been to many museums, particularly in Washington, DC, I love it when I see local forms of art and expression - giving a glimpse of the way that people lived their daily lives and the struggles and challenges they encountered living their lives.

PoolSide PalmSprings

Whether you are staying at hotel or your getaway, be sure to relax the pool sometime during your vacation.

Restaurant highlight : French Restaurant

The restaurant Le Vallauris is a nice restaurant serving authentic French cuisine- this is where I celebrated my 30th birthday - and the topped it off with a birthday cake slice.

Head back to LA and try Inn and Out Burger, and end your trip at the Griffith Observatory.

Fast Food Highlight: In and Out Burger - Don't head to LA if you are not willing to try Inn and Out Burger. This is the staple of all fast food chains, which professional customer service from a fast food chain.

Griffith Observatory

Lastly, end your trip at the Griffith Observatory in West LA, were you will be able to see views of the entire LA skyline, including a good view of the Hollywood sign. Opened in 1935, today it is still a symbol of LA and contains a free telescope viewing as well as museum exhibits. From the free parking lot, it is only a brief 20 minute walk to the top of the observatory up the hill in Griffith park.

Spotify Music Highlight: Of all the songs that talk about California -If you truly want to be in the California mood - play the song Pink Pony Club by Chappel Roan and you will truly feel in California.

Chelsea Review : 9/10

I'm so happy that my 30th birthday trip to California was nothing short of what I expected, despite the protests and the current international relations rights now between Canada and the United States. Although the weather on first day was cloudy, most days were sunny and I was not disappointed. In term of a 30th birthday trip, it is certainly one I will remember forever and look back on with fond memories. Cheers to to been 30 and the next years of my life !