21 DAYS USA Roadtrip California - #4 Santa Monica - Venice Beach - Los Angeles

Embark on an exhilarating journey with us as we navigate from Los Ozos to Santa Monica, with Los Angeles on the horizon for tomorrow. Under the Californian sun, we cruise along the coastline, rain trailing behind, destined for our first stop. The debate was fierce on whether to include Los Angeles and Santa Monica, opinions swinging wildly. To settle the debate, we opted for a "light" version: an afternoon at Santa Monica Pier and Venice, followed by a morning in Los Angeles. Stick with us, and later, I'll spill the beans on whether it's worth it.
Malibu welcomes us during our drive, revealing its white beaches and exclusive villas-a haven for the wealthy, albeit closely packed and flanked by a bustling coastal road. Not our style, but definitely intriguing.
Our abode for the night is the Hampton Inn in Santa Monica, a pricey yet impeccable base near the Pier and Venice Beach. Walkable and safe, it sets the stage for exploration.
We decide to amble from the pier along the beach to Venice Beach-a splendid 2-mile path teeming with colorful chaos. Street performers, skaters, cyclists, and eclectic characters create an irresistible vibe. Palm trees on either side complete the subtropical spectacle.
Fun fact: Venice Beach ranks second in tourist attractions in California after Disneyland. In 2015, it welcomed 10 million visitors-imagine half of the Netherlands strolling the boardwalk in a year.
Venice Beach draws visitors mainly aged 25 to 34, a phenomenon I, as a 34-plusser, find amusing. "Muscle Beach" is more famous than spectacular; we prefer the nearby skate park, exuding a genuine street vibe. Spending time here is a must.
After encountering skaters, we retrace our steps towards the pier, contemplating the bustling scene. Honestly, we could linger all day if we hadn't chosen the "light" version. Adapting to the crowd's pace and environment is a must, a luxury our tight schedule doesn't allow. Homelessness in the area is less severe than expected, surprisingly even more relaxed than San Francisco.
Our journey continues north to the Santa Monica Pier, a cinematic marvel dating back to 1909. Its endurance over a century is evident, offering a breathtaking view of the coastline and beach houses in the fading sun.
A stroll over Pacific Park on the pier, with its '70s vibe, invokes scenes from classic movies like "The Sting." The Pier also marks the starting point of the famed Route 66-stay tuned for that after Joshua Tree. Subscribe and hit the notification bell.
Much like the Venice Boardwalk, the true allure lies in observing peculiar characters. As the sun sets, we position ourselves for the mesmerizing performance aptly named sunset-a spectacle worth revisiting.
Our pier adventure concludes, prompting a return to our hotel for a restful night before exploring a slice of Los Angeles. As we bid farewell to the Californian coast, we set our sights on the iconic Beverly Hills. In our Dodge, we cruise past palm-lined avenues, channeling the vibes of Beverly Hills 90210 and Beverly Hills Cop.
From Beverly Hills, we venture to Hollywood-a one-time visit suffices. A faded glory with an abundance of homeless people, it's too sullied for words. The Walk of Fame becomes more of a Walk of Shame. Swiftly passing through, we glance at the stars in the pavement, heading promptly to the Griffith Observatory, a time-honored institution since 1935. Arriving before ten, we relish free parking in an empty lot-a luxury gone by afternoon.
The observatory offers a prime view of the Hollywood sign, confirming that bypassing the initial detour was a wise choice. Although closed, the observatory's tranquility, architectural splendor, and panoramic views captivate us.
A stroll around the Art Deco White Building concludes our visit before heading to Palm Springs. Join us for more in our next video. Don't miss it!