I’ve been dreaming of jet setting off to California for some time now, but most recently after having spoken to friends who live just a short car journey away from the state, I’ve really been making it my mission to try and visit there once and for all. After really researching the things to see and do there, I’ve made a list of what I’d love to be able to check off my California bucket list!
Take a Warner Bros. Studio Tour
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6vgkSITofc]
All my life I have been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of the movie making world. It was even an award-winning hobby of mine during my early teens. Since California is home to Hollywood where the movie magic happens, it would be wrong for me not to head off on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour. From visiting the sound stages of current productions to backlot tours and even getting the chance to have a coffee in the famous ‘Central Perk’ of Friends, this is what every movie buff dreams about and more.
Visit the original Disneyland
If you haven’t been able to tell by previous blog posts, I am a total Disney Nerd. I visit Disneyland Paris quite regularly and have even been lucky enough to visit Walt Disney World twice. However, my dream is to be able to visit the original Disneyland park in Anaheim, to see the Walt Disney history and just soak in the atmosphere of the world’s most loved theme park. As well of some of my all-time favourite attractions from the other Disney theme parks, there are quite a few originals such as the Matterhorn Bobsleds and the Silly Symphony Swings, plus the characters seem to be much more interactive than the ones in Disneyland Paris.
Head to Universal Studios
Having visited Florida twice when I was younger, I’ve had a good taste of Universal Studios, but it would be great to see what it’s like in Hollywood and how different the parks would be compared to when I visited some ten years ago. Between the thrill of the rides and move movie magic, this is a park I’m very much interested in visiting.
Universal City Walk
Along with the parks, I’m really eager to visit the City Walk. The three-block entertainment promenade has been dubbed as LA’s best place for unexpected entertainment and seems so highly appealing to me. With over 30 places to eat, 5 nightclubs, an IMAX and more than 30 unique shops, I’m definitely busting a gut to visit and soak in LA’s favourite place to play.
Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve dreamt of visiting the walk of fame. My gran even got me my own star plaque made just like the ones the Hollywood legends receive when they are given their own floor star. Some of the stars I dream of visiting are Ellen Degeneres, Walt Disney and Elvis Presley. It would be a big fat check off the bucket list to live this experience.
Look around the Grammy Museum
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1YvJ8NDAHM]
I’m a huge music fan. From modern music such as One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer all the way to legends such as Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. I also love to learn about the history and get interactive, which is exactly why I’m interesting in giving the Grammy Museum a visit. To be able to learn from this museum would be such an amazing experience and one I think I’d definitely find memorable.
Shop at Third Street Promenade
Whenever I read about places to go shopping in California, particularly LA, Third Street has always been recommended. Having looked at the website, there are many American stores I’ve been dreaming of visiting for years such as Nasty Gal, Forever 21 and Sephora.
Santa Monica Pier
It was suggested by a friend of mine to visit a pier as they can be quite fun to visit. I found Santa Monica pier online and it looks amazing. Full of shops, an amusement park and aquarium, plus many other tourist attractions, this is one place I would love to visit and spend time with my friends who live fairly local to the state.
So, those are my top places I want to visit in California! Have you ever visited California? Where would you love to visit in the state?
Jazz is a Disney, tea and pop culture enthusiast with a passion for blogging. Also a proud introvert.
I haven’t visited there at all, however I dream of taking my 3 kids to Florida and Walt Disney world. It must be one of the most amazing places as a child…..and as an adult!!
I adored Florida! It’s amazing and my parents found it incredible, too!
There are many places I want to visit and Santa Monica Pier would be one of them. Disneyland has no appeal to me, but if I had children, that of course might change.
I’m a very big Disney Nerd and it runs in my family, so it’s an absolute must for me! But Santa Monica Pier looks so fun and not overly priced.
Love this post. I’ve been to California twice already, once with friends and the second time was my honeymoon. We are going again in April. It’s worth going, you’ll love it. My husband fell in love with it.
I’ve done everything on your list except the Grammy museum and the 3rd Street promenade. The theme parks are great fun and the Warner Bros tour is excellent!
I’d love to visit Washington DC next. Xx
A great list. I went for a day and managed to see the Hollywood sign, the star floor and we went to universal studios which was fab. They have an amazing transformers 4d ride there. Wish I could have gone to Disney too x
You definitely have to do the original Disneyland! If you are a Disney fan, make sure to add a few other things to the list- catch a movie at the El Capitan in Hollywood, Visit Walt’s Carolwood Barn at the LA Live Steamers in Griffith Park ( check the website, as they are only open at limited times) and have dinner at Walt’s favorite restaurant- The Tam O’Shanter. It’s delicious and a special place to dine!
Also, another vote for the Warner Brothers Tour. It’s excellent and something that I always direct visitors to add to their list. I used to work for Universal and it’s another place that I highly recommend. But truthfully, the Warner Brothers tour is better for behind the scenes. It’s a smaller group tour.
I have been to California twice. Last year I did a road trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley then down the Pacific Coast Highway to LA and San Diego and over the Las Vegas. California is beautiful. I highly recommend the Warner Bros Studios and Universal too ( I went the first time). Alcatraz was really interesting and San Diego is lovely. I wish I could live there. Here is an overview of the trip http://www.thediaryofajewellerylover.co.uk/2015/07/a-california-and-vegas-road-trip.html