Restaurant that serves homemade pasta dishes

Daisies

Cocktail bar that serves creative cocktails

Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink

Ice cream shop that serves Japanese-style ice cream

Kurimu

Bakery that specializes in Filipino pastries

Kasama

Cafe that serves coffee, pastries, and light meals

Junebug Cafe

New American restaurant that serves creative dishes

Beatnik

Pasta restaurant that serves fresh pasta dishes

Flour Power

Puerto Rican restaurant that serves traditional dishes

Nellie's

Filipino restaurant that serves homestyle dishes

Uncle Mike's

Chinese restaurant that serves creative Chinese dishes

Duck Duck Goat

Peruvian restaurant that serves traditional Peruvian dishes

Cabra

Japanese restaurant that serves authentic Japanese dishes

Momotaro

Restoration Hardware coffeehouse and restaurant

3 Arts Club Cafe

Museum that exhibits modern and contemporary art

Museum of Contemporary Art

Coffee shop that roasts its own coffee beans

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Museum that exhibits a wide variety of art

The Art Institute of Chicago

Museum that exhibits natural history specimens

Field Museum

Garden of the Phoenix

Three Dots and a Dash

Wine shop that also offers a variety of food

Foxtrot

Pujol

Taquería Orinoco

Hule

Maque

Hanky Panky

Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre

AMAMBA

El Pescadito

Some highlights of my trip to CMDX. Eating at Pujol was probably the best food experience I’ve ever had.

Cute bungalow wine bar with rotating chefs.

Melody

Three-star Michelin fine dining restaurant.

Palisades Village

Cutest small brunch + lunch place with house jam.

Sqirl

Salazar

Lavender-themed foods, crafts, and petting zoo.

123 Farm

Guava matcha boba and Taiwanese fried chicken.

Bopomofo Cafe

Huntington Gardens

Shopping district with stores and Smorgasburg.

Row DTLA

Maru Coffee

Abbot Kinney

Hip-hop bar with tropical flair for a night out

General Lee's

Scenic canals for a cute neighborhood stroll

Venice Canals

Live music with tropical flair for a night out

Normandie Bar

Amazing fusion Vietnamese food and cute vibes

Little Sister

Hike with views of mountain, city, and beach

Temescal Canyon Trail

Places I adore in LA and feel like you should definitely hit, especially when trying to avoid overrated spots. Had lovely times at these places and hope you get to experience them too! Got a mix of everything but ordered in priority.

Don’t say you’ve been to London if you haven’t been to this museum. The gift shop is THE one to go to. This museum often has amazing exhibitions (the Dior exhibition was held here and the upcoming Chanel exhibition in September 2023 will also be showcased here.).

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

Dinosaurs? Animals? This is the place for you. Literally a one-minute walk from V&A Museum so don’t miss this adventurous museum while you’re in South Kensington.

National History Museum

Take a journey through the captivating history of flight, from the earliest dreams of humanity to the sleek wide-body airplanes of today. If you prefer Science over Animals, you will enjoy this place. The museum is situated next to National History Museum (and yes it is also a one minute walk from V&A Museum).

Science Museum

If you’re into specimens (human or animals) this is the place for you. This museum, named after the 18th century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter (1728-1793), will reopen in May 2023 following a five-year redevelopment of the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s headquarters.

Hunterian Museum

Just like its name suggests, it’s all about design! Explore the museum with an open mind and be ready to see how objects we use today has been transformed and improved.

Design Museum

If you’re into history or war, you can learn a hella lot from here. Some museum displays can feel rather boring and repetitive but this museum makes sure you are looking at something interesting every second.

Imperial War Museum

Yes, I know, this one should be obvious but it needs to be here. If it’s your first visit in London definitely worth spending some time here. However, personally, I prefer the V&A museum (but of course that might just be me and I am biased).

British Museum

This museum is a weird place. You can see all these fascinating architectural ornamentation in a rather small apartment that used to be the London home of architect Sir John Soane. He was one of the foremost architects of the Regency era and designed the Bank of England and the Dulwich Picture Gallery (just to name a few).

Sir John Soane’s Museum

The to-go museums in London (All free entry!)
(Some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge)

Grab a book (and pee) before diving into the park. Convenient pit stop for park-goers.

Central Library

Cozy indie bookstore with new and used gems. Check out their cute sign and don't miss the budget-friendly cart outside.

Unnameable Bookstore

Cozy wooden interior, perfect for park readers. Fuel up for your park adventures here.

Community Bookstore

Hole-in-the-wall joint serving delicious Vietnamese goodness. Their bánh mì is a picnic-perfect snack with veggie options available too.

Bánh Mì Place

One of the best bagel places around. Enjoy a tasty bagel sandwich in the park. Say no more.

La Bagel Delight

Cute neighborhood coffee shop. I'm not a coffee drinker, but my friends love it. I tried their matcha latte, and it was pretty good. Plus, they have tasty pastries.

Villager

It's ice cream time! Who does not want ice cream at the park or after the park? Treat yourself to their fun flavors. If you're a chocolate lover like me, don't miss the CHOCOLATE FUDGE.

The Social Brooklyn

Get ready for seriously delicious and creative donuts. They have seasonal flavors too. Vegans, you're covered. Big, fat donuts? Yes, please! I love their hibiscus, chocolate, and seasonal jam.

Dough Doughnuts

Indulge in sweet heavenly pastries. Don't miss their vanilla cream donut, scones, and cookies. They're simply amazing.

Colson Patisserie

Cool architecture, awesome exhibitions, and a chill sitting area upfront. Art and nature always make good company.

Brooklyn Museum

A must-visit spot all on its own. Pair it with a trip to Prospect Park for a nature-filled adventure if you have the time and energy.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Great spots to hit go before or after Prospect Park picnic

If you’re in the Salt Lake area, the Living Room trail (or loop depending on the variation you choose) is a short 2.3 mile but relatively difficult hike at 970 feet of elevation gain. It’s a very popular, dog friendly hike and rewards with great views of the Salt Lake valley at the top!

Living Room Trail

Another gareat but relatively easy hike if you’re in the Salt Lake area is Heughs Canyon. Tucked behind a neighborhood, this hike clocks in at 3.1 miles. At the top there is a rock scramble that takes you to a cute, relatively small waterfall.

Heughs Canyon

If you’re looking for a low effort, high reward hike, Ensign Peak is the way to go. You’ll get unparalleled views of the Salt Lake Valley and both the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges. In fact, this isn’t really a hike, more like a scenic walk. It’s just about 1 mile long, but you can turn back whenever you choose.

Ensign Peak

Tucked behind Brighton Ski Resort is an alpine lake called Lake Mary. It’s a fairly short hike at 2.6 miles, and 850 feet of elevation gain. There are plenty of beautiful spots to meander around the lake and post up for a snack. Plan to do this hike in the summer when Brighton Resort is closed for skiing/snowboarding. And remember, no dogs are allowed at this trail, or in either of the Cottonwood Canyons.

Lake Mary (Brighton)

Red Butte Garden boasts a few different attractions: a botanical garden, an arboretum, and an amphitheater located within the University of Utah campus. Swing by to see exotic plants, attend an exhibit, take a workshop, or, if you’re lucky enough to get tickets for their concert series, see a show. Incredible artists play here and it’s one of the few bring your own beer and snacks venues in Salt Lake!

Red Butte Garden

This park is the largest urban park in Salt Lake City.

Sugar House Park

Liberty Park is Salt Lake’s second largest urban park (behind Sugar House Park). There’s both a paved path and a mulch path looping around the park clocking in at a distance of about 1.5 miles. The loop is perfect for walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. Throughout the park, there are also a few ponds, an Aviary, tennis courts, a public swimming pool and a few sand volleyball courts. On Fridays during the summer, there is a farmers market and on Sunday’s, a drum circle!

Liberty Park

Located off of the Great Salt Lake and about 45m away from downtown Salt Lake, Antelope Island is a beautiful wildlife refuge with wild bison, deer, sheep, and you guessed it, antelope. Here, you can bike, hike, view wildlife, or even camp. It’s recommended to visit in the late fall, winter, or early spring as the summers can get extremely buggy — to the point where it’s unbearable without proper equipment. Be sure to check the stateparks.utah website for an up to date

Antelope Island

Close to Disney, perfect for hanging out with friends and having a drink. Some street-style food.

Golden Road Brewery

Chill spot with an outdoor patio with a beautiful view of the beach. Also has some street food. Beautiful view of the sunset as well.

Ballast Point

Açaí bowls (build your own). Located in Huntington Beach/Costa Mesa.

Blue Bowls

Shopping center with lots of food options available. Beautiful view of the pier and sunset views. Located in Huntington Beach.

Pacific City

Fun place to socialize. They also have an outdoor patio and indoor pool table. Located in Huntington Beach (Pacific City).

The Bungalow

Outdoor shopping center with a movie theater and great food choices. Located in Huntington Beach.

Bella Terra

High-end shopping center. Very close to Corona Del Mar Beach. Has food courts in case you're hungry after a long day of shopping.

Fashion Island

Secluded beach with steps leading down to the beach. Great place for pictures. Located in Laguna Beach.

Thousand Steps Beach

Small little secret spot overlooking the beautiful beach of Laguna. There are small shops around the area for you to experience the Laguna Beach vibe.

Driftwood Kitchen

Great place to walk along the beach and take in the immaculate view. Large oceanfront that provides access to several beaches with a tropical-like feel.

Heisler Park

Outdoor shopping center with popular shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Offers over 160 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Irvine Spectrum

Historic landmark and popular tourist destination. Located in San Clemente.

San Clemente Pier

Traditional best shabu shabu place with a twist. Located in Irvine.

Mokkoji Shabu Shabu

OC's original food hall that gives you a walkable culinary collection of over 30 artisans. There are also some bars there too. Located in Anaheim.

Anaheim Packing District

Public market that carries a variety of food offerings and compelling flavors to choose from. Located in Stanton.

Rodeo 39

One of the longest piers on the West Coast. Located in Huntington Beach, right across from the shopping center on Main Street.

Huntington Beach Pier

Located on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. Offers one of the best SoCal beaches. Popular hike: Moro Canyon hike (easy 3-mile hike along the coast).

Crystal Cove State Park

Boat tour exploring the calm waters and viewing the most expensive houses of current and past celebrities. Also offers views of famous Newport mansions, yachts, and seals. Located in Newport Beach.

Famous Homes Boat Tour

Taste award-winning lagers, IPAs, and blonde beers from top breweries in the area. Some recommended breweries: Unsung Brewing Company (Anaheim), Helmsman Ale House (Newport Beach), Green Cheek Beer Company (Orange), Gunwhale Ales (Costa Mesa).

OC Brewery Tours

Enjoy your açaí bowl while taking long walks on Main Street in Huntington Beach. Located down the street from the famous HB pier.

Bonzai Bowl

Outdoor communal hangout. Great place to socialize and drink some beer.

Steel Craft

Dine-in and takeout. Perfect place for a date. Located in Huntington Beach (Pacific City).