Last week, I made a trip to the West Coast for Global Traveler‘s 2014 Leisure Travel Awards. It was my first time in California, so I was very excited! We stayed in Santa Monica at the Hotel Shangri-La. Staying at the Hotel Shangri-La was ideal, as the view from my bedroom window (picture below) was of the beautiful ocean and beaches of Santa Monica. I definitely wouldn’t mind waking up to such a view every morning. The weather happened to be in the 90s, which apparently is fairly warm for Los Angeles this time of year. However, compared to the weather in the Northeast, I couldn’t complain!

While we were only in town for three days, we took a trip outside of Santa Monica, which was nice because I was given a small tour through Hollywood and down Sunset Boulevard. Our driver was nice enough to point out all of the hot spots. I thoroughly enjoyed driving through the neighborhoods in Hollywood, which were filled with beautiful, enormous homes, just like I imagined. While the yards were not very large, I was impressed by the immaculate landscaping.

The Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica was also very enjoyable. Lined with stores, cafés and restaurants, it made for a perfect afternoon coffee break and stroll.

While I think I am a true East Coast girl at heart, I am glad to have visited California, and I certainly wouldn’t mind returning to experience more of it!

— Olivia Falcione, advertising manager