Randyland is the best! It's unique and beautiful on its own, but to make the experience extra…read morespecial, you'll want to reach out to schedule a visit with Randy in person. Depending on the season and the weather, he'll be able to tell you what time of day is optimal for the best light. In my case, he responded quickly and made it so easy. I'm drawn to quirky people who are compelled to do something, do it well, and keep trying out new ideas simply because they love it. That's Randy in a nutshell, and his enthusiasm and creativity are infectious! You'll leave feeling inspired to see the world a little differently and to make your OWN art more often. Enjoy!

OK, I have had this place on my list of things to do for years. I saw it on Atlas Obscura and then…read moreI saw a video about it on YouTube. It was definitely worth the wait! What an amazing experience! Went with my sister, mom and dad on a Sunday afternoon. Beautiful light in October...beautiful light sculptures and what an interesting interaction with the universe. Randy was just a lovely individual. Like a really interesting, eccentric artist who just is behind what he is proffering 100%. Great talk. GREAT art. Great day. I really recommend it 100%.

Molhulland Drive, California…read more If you're looking for a chill, romantic drive, Mulholland Drive is a great pick!!! The views are beautiful, especially in the spring and fall when everything is green and wildflowers are blooming. The road winds through the hills, so you get nonstop scenic views. Driving with the top down and the wind in your hair makes it even better ~ super relaxing and enjoyable. It's the kind of drive where you just take it slow and enjoy the ride. There are several lookout spots where you can pull over, catch an amazing sunset, and later see Hollywood and San Fernando Valley city lights at night. Plus, there are plenty of spots perfect for Instagram ~ worthy photos. Definitely worth the drive.

Mulholland Drive is one of those famous roads built a hundred years ago just to show off the…read moreamazing views of the city and the valley. I first drove up there way back in the early 90s, and I remember being totally blown away by how big Los Angeles looked from up high. I have been back plenty of times since then, and that twisty drive along the top of the hills honestly never gets old. It is a great place to just cruise around, especially when you pull over at the dirt patches to look down at the city lights. Even though the world down below has changed a lot, driving that road still feels exactly the same as it did on my first trip.

On a meet up hike we came by the Walt Disney house. It's grand to see from outside and must be…read moreeven nicer on the inside. The streets surrounding are bumpy up and down hill and after doing a long hike on the trails I was already getting tired on the street. The nice thing though is it has very few cars driving through so it's easier to walk through the streets.

3 stars for spectacular views. Indeed it is a beautiful residence, but to pay for a super expensive…read more30 minute tour of a 3 BR home is not recommended by this guy. Do yourself a favor. Save $150, enjoy my pix forrrr freeeee! Believe me when I say it's not worth the money to hear some brief convoluted story about how nobody wants to sleep there...BFD I don't want to stay in my ghetto neighborhood, but yet here we are!

Visited Infinity Mirror Room and let me just say... yes, it's stunning. The lights, reflections,…read morethe whole illusion makes you feel like you stepped into another dimension. No complaints about the actual experience itself, it's beautiful and definitely Instagram-worthy. BUT. That wait vs. payoff ratio? Wild. You're standing there forever, building up the moment, just to get ushered in and out in what feels like 60 seconds flat. By the time you're adjusting your camera and telling your family where to stand, it's already "okay time's up." Like... we just got here?? Honestly, I'd rather they charge more and give people a few extra minutes. Let us actually take it in, enjoy it, and get decent photos without feeling rushed like we're on some kind of aesthetic speed run. That said, it is a must-see at least once. Just go in knowing it's more of a quick visual experience than something you can really sit with.

On Friday afternoon, my family and I reserved tickets for the Infinity Room next to The Broad…read moremuseum in Downtown LA. Just a heads up, you'll need to book in advance if you want to secure a time slot to see the infinity room. We picked the 3:45 PM slot and waited about 5-10 minutes before entering. There's no food, drinks, or flash photography allowed (which makes sense). To be honest, I was a little surprised by how small the Infinity Room actually is. It's just a tiny platform you stand on surrounded by mirrors so be careful not to get too close to the edges. I think the photos online made it seem much bigger and more "galaxy-like," so I had different expectations going in You're only inside for about five minutes before it's time to exit for the next group. Still, it was a cool experience to check off the list and afterward we walked around The Broad, which made it a fun afternoon overall. I'm very grateful for the memories my family and I got to make together! Quick Note: If you get hungry, Grand Central Market is close by and has a great variety of food spots to choose from! Your welcome!!

I recently discovered Barnsdall Art Park and wow... what a hidden gem tucked right into the heart…read moreof Hollywood! I originally came here for a sound bath class (which I couldn't end up finding ), but honestly, I'm so glad I got a little lost because it led me to this beautiful space. The views alone are worth the visit--perfect for catching a peaceful sunset over the city. This is now officially one of my go-to spots for a relaxing day. Whether you want to lay out a blanket for a cute picnic, bring a book and unwind, or gather a few friends to just chill and vibe, this park sets the tone. It's calm, scenic, and has such a refreshing energy. Bonus: you're surrounded by so many great restaurants nearby, so you can easily turn your visit into a full day experience. If you're looking for a low-key, aesthetic spot in LA that feels like a little escape without leaving the city--this is it.

This is a relatively small park, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with amazing views of…read morethe Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the general palm tree swept landscape of L.A. It's also where you can see Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in person in the Hollyhock House. The house is very angular, but I can see in the almost sand sculpture-like stone carvings the abstract interpretations of the flower. That being said, I wish there were more hollyhocks on the property or maybe they just weren't in bloom. You're free to take all the photos you want outside, but leading into the house I saw a sign saying "No entry without a ticket beyond this point" as well as an image of a camera with a slash across it. Ironically, though, I've seen people post photos of the interior, so I don't know what the deal is with that. Also, it's supposedly closed on Sunday, but I came on a Sunday and the door was open and people were taking a tour. While looking at Google Maps, I saw that there's another Frank Lloyd Wright building they're working on called Residence A, but as of right now I don't think it's open to the public yet. Since looking at the outside of the Hollyhock House and the sweeping views is relatively quick, you can kill more time looking at the art buildings also on the property. I came when the art gallery was closed, but if you go to the Barnsdall Junior Arts Center, you can see murals and sculptures outside. And I don't know if the stone carvings are original or just recreated to match the Frank Lloyd Wright house, but I saw near the restrooms of the Arts Center stone carvings that you can actually get up close to. I looked up who Barnsdall was and she was an oil baron heiress who hired Frank Lloyd Wright to build the house and then she donated it and the land to the city to be an arts center. She also dedicated it to her father. As for parking, there's 3 areas: The bottom level where you'll have to take the stairs to get up to the main area, but if you drive up further onto Upper Road (turn right at the fork) you can park right up front where the views are, or you can turn left at the fork onto Lower Road and try to find parking by the Arts Center, but there will be signs saying certain areas are reserved for students and staff. I came when classes weren't in session, so I was ok, but even then I still tried to keep my distance from those reserved signs just in case, especially since there's security prowling the grounds. If you're a tourist, I can see the appeal of this place since you can check off a bunch of sites in one go. I live in L.A. and even though I've been here already a few times, at the very least the views don't fail to impress.

The ORIGINAL FOOD HALL! Grand Central Market is an essential stop for folks who've never been to LA…read morebefore. GCM has been a part of my childhood as my parents brought me here a lot so we can try multiple eateries. It's the catalyst for the SoCal food hall concept before it became a trend. You'll find American classics, Mexican, Thai, Japanese, Salvadoran, Brunch, Donuts, Ice Cream and everything in between! I recently visited to stop by at Sticky Rice! It's a bit touristy and you'll find a few posers in the crowd but it's still a local classic and it hasn't lost its charm. If you're like me and you enjoy the sounds of hustle and bustle while you eat, you'll enjoy it here. Food is LA priced, don't expect to find a value menu. Even if you're on a budget, check out the dessert spots at least, one overpriced, high-quality donut is better than a $70 meal. Service is pretty solid, I didn't encounter any rude staff during my recent visit.

Nice array of food options for a fraction of the price of a nearby dine in restaurant. The portions…read moreare large at most establishments and one serving could feed two! That was my experience at Tomas' tacos. I ordered 2 tacos for $5 each. I thought the price points was high until I realized I could make 4 tacos from 1! And they tasted good. My daughter had a burger fries from a neighboring business and she said it was delicious. I tasted her fries and those were definitely delicious. For dessert, we opted for McConnells ice cream. The flavors were unique and good. They offered samples when requested which was a nice gesture but their portions were tiny. I paid $8 for 4oz cop of ice cream. The Central Market is definitely worth visiting. There were celebrity chef demonstrations and meals available as well as multiple food options to choose from.

The Hills have Hollywood... Known for amazing views, great hiking trails, beautiful homes, and at…read morethe base great food, shops, venues, local treasures/hidden gems, and hotels. The canyon roads (especially Laurel Canyon and Mulholland Drive) are your windy adventure, in, through, and out of the hills not to mention the 101 Hollywood Fwy. Enjoy Runyan Canyon trails, Fryman Canyon Park, Vine Stairs, and/or Bronson Caves. Bask at the Hollywood Reservoir, see a show at the Hollywood Bowl or The Ford, and stay at the BLVD Hotel. Have some Italian-style cuisine at Pace. Sip a craft wine or brew at Beachwood Cafe or a caffeine cup at The Trails cafe. The Hollywood Heritage Museum off Highland is history personified as are major historical landmarks such as the Cross and Sign themselves. Whether a local, passing through, or on vaycay... The hills of Hollywood have a lot to offer.

The Hollywood Hills offer a breathtaking escape above the Los Angeles sprawl, defined by winding…read morecanyon roads, lush chaparral, and stunning panoramic views of the basin below. I first explored these iconic, serpentine streets back in 1990 and 1991, completely captivated by the steep drop-offs and the eclectic architecture hidden among the trees. Several years later, I had the surreal experience of attending a party at a spectacular mid-century house tucked high up in the hills. Watching the sunset paint the rugged terrain and city lights flicker on from that vantage point was an unforgettable experience. Despite the notoriously difficult parking and narrow residential roads, the neighborhood maintains an exclusive, almost magical allure. It remains a quintessential piece of Southern California living where wild nature seamlessly meets Hollywood glamour.

THE famous Olvera Street, THE birthplace of Los Angeles. Here's what to expect…read more ACCESS To get here you can drive but be sure to prepare to look for parking (street or parking lot) however if you can do public transportation, great stop if you have a layover at Union Station. The marketplace isn't huge so all places are accessible via walking. VIBES Los Angeles is known for its diversity and this is part of the reason why, it's a different feel from the rest with the history brick pathways, market stalls, and sounds of Mexican music or scents of Mexican food to create a lively and nostalgic atmosphere. It wasn't a place to shop but a place to learn as you'll pass by historic landmarks and museums here and there. The stalls have choices you can select from - handmade goods, candies and other souvenirs. Whether you're looking for handmade crafts, traditional food, or simply want to soak in a piece of Los Angeles history, there's something here for everyone. OVERALL EXPERIENCE The people I encountered were welcoming, and many of the vendors were happy to share stories about their products and traditions. TL;DR OVERALL 4.5 Stars. What's not to love. Great selections, fair prices, and a beautiful atmosphere. Olvera Street isn't just another tourist attraction--it's a cultural landmark that tells the story of where Los Angeles began. Despite all the new skyscrapers and freeways, this city was built on generations of history, culture, and community. When in El Lay, definitely stop by. TIPS * Take your time exploring the artisan shops and who knows, you might catch a performance or two.

Olvera Street is in Downtown Los Angeles, right across from the train station. It is open year…read moreround but many of the shops close when it rains and many of the outdoor shops close at dusk in the winter. It is about 3 blocks of fun. Kids love it and it is fun for the whole family. Parking is for a fee. It is just fun. All of the eateries are great, are favorite being La Luz Dia. It is not the oldest restaurant there, but it is great. The shops are fun and have cool gifts from Mexico. This is an historic district and should remind you of when all of California was part of Mexico. It is safe and you will have a great time. Have fun. Any place you choose to eat will be good. They have fine dinning and street tacos. Most of the places serve alcohol.

I was totally drawn to the adorable heart painted stairs on Sunset and Micheltorena. The stairs…read moreinclude 177 steps with 40 of the steps painted with hearts. The history of the stairs in Silverlake is actually quite interesting. Apparently, back in the day, the stairs made it easier in the hilly section of the city to access stops along the Red Car Electric Railway. The stairs were unofficially painted in 2015 and in 2019, it became an official public arts project. We took the steps beyond the painted hearts and you're essentially just walking through a neighborhood. It's a great spot for pics and a shortcut through the neighborhood.

I love stairs! Hearts are extra…read more We parked up on the hill to walk down to the stairs - much easier than looking for parking around Sunset. From the hilltop we walked down the stairs, grabbed a matcha at Alfred Coffee, climbed up the Music Box Steps, and explored a few more staircases around Silverlake before heading back up to the car up the Micheltorena Stairs. Such a fun way to get 7-10k steps in while getting to know the neighborhood.

This attraction is mainly a viewpoint where you can get up close to the hollywood sign. Beware of…read morenarrow roads on the drive up and the lack of parking at the actual site. Visitors can only hike up once you are near the destination (it's not too steep), keeping out of restricted areas as this is a residential neighborhood. We were lucky to find a parking spot on Ledgewood Drive (in the shade on the opposite side of the street) just before Mulholland. Not much at the site besides a drinking water fountain and water bottle refill station, as well as a wooden structure with just the facade of a house attached, seemingly made of green colored steel (looks like shipping container material), sitting on a mound with steps labeled private property leading to it. And yup there are no houses on the road after this one, so it is indeed the last.

The absolute best view of the Hollywood sign you will find!…read more It would be best if you Uber to the location as parking is limited and timed. You don't want to rush. Go past the park and walk the streets up to the house and enjoy!