I had so much fun here!  We got tickets online the month prior (worth not waiting in line), but didn't get into the infinity room (but, we weren't too worried about that since I'm here so often - next time!).  We dropped by the Walt Disney Concert Hall before hand (right across the street) to visit their rooftop gardens and it was beautiful.  

Above: upstairs in the garden area, there is one spot near a doorway in which is very instagrammable.  And of course, we were lucky enough to get rain this year, so the beautiful flowers upstairs were in bloom!

Below: gallery from our time at The Broad early April 2017 - the exhibits seem to change quite often and the first floor was actually being updated while we were there.  So, it seems that this might be a regular stop for me as long as I can get tickets ahead of time!

I've been heading to LA every month or so lately since the sister lives down there now!  It's nice because it's not an awful drive and I get to bring my pup, Cleo.  Los Angelas isn't know for "walkability," which I love when I'm exploring places, so often we're driving around from spot to spot - 10 minutes to ice cream, another 15 to dinner, etc.  But, Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach is totally walkable!  It's not too far from the beach boardwalk and there are fun shops, beautiful street art down alleyways, and places to snack.

Although most of the shops and restaurants are right along the main street, the best artwork is tucked into the alleyways.  Sometimes larger than life and easily seen by strolling the several blocks of Abbott Kinney, many are unseen, making for a good excuse to get more steps in, right?

Palm Trees & So far "so good" artwork: between Rag & Bone and Kit Ace
Love wall: Santa Clara Ave on Greenleaf Chop House

Two reasons that I'd used to go to Portland quite a bit are now right on Abbot Kinney!  

Blue Star and their amazing buttermilk donut (perfectly crisp outer texture and soft fluffy inside) is a must try if you haven't been.  It's really special, I swear!  But, really only the buttermilk donut - I like the original glaze, but if you have room for more, then the other glazes are fun to try, but it's really all about that perfect texture.  The best part is that the lines aren't crazy like they are in Portland!  www.bluestardonuts.com/

Salt & Straw has some fun flavors - but what I always go there for is their Strawberry Balsamic.  I'd used to get sad when I'd try other flavors (even if I tried it as the second flavor) - because I'd always want more of that Strawberry Balsamic.  The lines are just as crazy here as they are in Portland, which kinda makes sense to me seeing as it's warmer in LA.  I'd wait in line for it down here or anywhere.  They're finally opening a few shops in SF, so I'm pretty excited about it and likely less sad when trying more flavors with it more easily accessible! saltandstraw.com/

Unrelated to Portland love...
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Intelligentsia has great coffee, period.  Those that know me, know that I need my coffee in the AM.  The ambiance at this store is beautiful, too.  Indoor/outdoor seating with beautiful artwork on the outside space and modern, minimalist decor inside. www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/

Just over 2.5 hours away (depending on traffic), Monterey Bay makes for a great day trip.  I'm in love with the ocean, so, I'm down in that area quite a bit.  There are quite a few things to do in that area:

• Drop by Santa Cruz Boardwalk
• Carmel town/beach
• Big Sur (further south)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium 
• 17 mile drive/Pebble Beach

​For this post, I'm highlighting the 17 mile drive and the Aquarium!

Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you've never been, it's a full day's worth of fun.  Slowly meander through the entire museum's vast grounds, spend time outside the back entrance taking in the sights and smells of the ocean, and grab dinner at one of the amazing seafood spots in the area afterward.  Some of my favorite spots that you might want to linger around a bit longer:

• Touch pools - even if you're not a kid, the guides are amazing here and there's a lot to explore, be ready to get a bit wet, though.  They do have towels and sanitizer around for those that are germaphobes.
• Jellyfish exhibit - those photos, however stunning, don't actually do this exhibit justice.  They have their dedicated section of the aquarium and there's plenty to learn about these amazing creatures.
• Penguins!  This is my all time favorite spot to explore while at the aquarium.  Learn how they communicate, watch a feeding happen live, and just enjoy how fun these creatures are.

17 mile drive
I love taking friends and family here when they visit - especially those that have seen the major sights in the SF Bay Area already.  It's stunning even in the gloom.  This is one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy the rocky, Northern California shoreline.  Second only to my fave beach, Montara Beach (closer to SF).  Here are a few tips:

• I'd save about 4 hours to get through the whole thing if you stop, meander, and don't rush
• There's a fee at the two entry points to the road - but it's worth it
• There are many stops along the way - definitely stop at the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and Harbor Seals
• However, I encourage you to stop by anything that looks beautiful, climb on some rocks, check out a few tide pools, and get away from the crowds (especially if it's sunny out)
• Weather is usually cooler along the coast, so layer up