The five best places to visit in the Los Angeles area.

 Before I ever took my first trip to Los Angeles I had only heard tales of crowded tourist destinations, smog-filled city streets and high-priced shopping excursions.  What I encountered during my initial visit leveled any preconception I had.  And here's why...

THE GROVE

To be completely honest I had never heard of this place prior to my sister's recommendation that we visit it during one of my trips. And I'm so glad she suggested The Grove because I absolutely loved it!

LONG BEACH

Of all the locations I've visited in the Los Angeles area Long Beach is my favorite. There's just something so relaxing, calming yet creatively stimulating about this locale. I can't quite put my finger on it. I simply now that when I stepped out of the car and saw the colorful store shops along the pier my heart kinda fluttered. I strolled through different shops but I enjoyed just staring at the sailboats docked at the harbor. We had lunch outside right on the pier and I couldn't stop telling my sister how much I loved the place. Living so close to the New Jersey shore I've visited many similar ambiant locales likes Avalon, Stone Harbor and Cape May. So why was Long Beach different for me? I don't have a good answer but I'd be happy to go back for further research!

STARBUCKS in Palas Verde (aka Starbucks by the Sea)

Okay, so perhaps only my family and I call this location Starbucks by the Sea but it's catchy isn't it? We come from a Philadelphia suburb where most of our Starbucks are on a busy street, part of the local Barnes & Noble cafe or in a small borough shopping area. As nice as they may be in those locations I much prefer sitting on the outer deck in Palas Verde and listen to the sound of the Pacific Ocean as I drink my latte. Such an artist's dream, really. If I lived remotely near there I'd most likely spend a few hours every day with my notebook in hand and writing to my heart's content.

HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND

The first time my sister and her family brought me to Hollywood & Highland I remember thinking it had to be the coolest shopping mall I'd ever been to! I loved the numerous levels, the outdoor ambiance and the courtyard fountains. But of all my trips to this location there's one reason this place holds special significance to me. In 2007 I attended the Daytime Emmy Awards, which were held at the Kodak Theatre. The out-of-towner that I am didn't realize from pre-show television coverage that the Kodak Theatre was attached to the Hollywood & Highland shopping mall. As my sister and I strolled passed various stores in our best dressed attire I felt like a princess going to a ball. I wasn't even nominated for anything. Yet, I was part of something that day.

REDONDO, HERMOSA & MANHATTAN BEACHES

As I mentioned above, my proximity to the New Jersey coast means I've encountered my fair share of ocean front beaches. Each with their own style, flare and nuance. The same can be said for the three beaches I visited during my travels to Los Angeles county. I could say that Redondo is my favorite beach but that just might be because I bought the most comfortable pink sweatshirt there.