I went to LA twice this Summer and I still haven’t had enough of the city. There is so much more to it than what you expect, way more than just the usual shopping, eating and more shopping, so I tried to do my best to experience as much of it as possible and I’ve put together a little list for you to tick off during your next trip to the City of Angels.

Hike

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I came to LA to tick off a bunch of things and thought I would be doing it alone. I had no idea I’d grow so close to a group of girls I never knew I needed as friends. Thank you for coming with me on my sunset hike @audrie_segura, @jaxandrose, @cibellelevi. Next time you come too, @pamhetlinger, @taniasarin 🌆

A post shared by Reem Kanj (@reemkanj) on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:11am PDT

I’ve became very addicted to the freedom you feel when hiking and I have a habit of fitting this into almost every itinerary during my trips, whether it’s Table Mountain in Cape Town or Dragon’s Crest in Thailand, I’m always up for a little outdoor time and hiking in LA seemed like a very obvious ‘to-do’.

My first hike in LA was the Griffith Observatory trail, I did it a couple of times and it has great vantage points of the Hollywood sign, but I then grew to love Runyon Park and the views of the city you get from it’s many trails. I’d highly recommend going an hour before sunset and making it to the top in time to enjoy the stunning views. It’s also a great way to see the city at dusk when it sparkles.

Venice

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Overpriced juice, cute boys on birds and shopping for vintage tee’s. I miss Venice ☹️

A post shared by Reem Kanj (@reemkanj) on Aug 12, 2018 at 10:10am PDT

One of my favourite areas in LA has to be Venice, I spent so much time here, it was where I got my eyebrows done (Kelly Baker Brows is the best), where I’d set up camp in a chill café for the day to work from, where I shopped and one of my favourite places to grab a bite and drink with friends.

Abbot Kinney is full of great stores, both independent and the usual suspects and the Venice Canals are also a must see, they’ll instantly transport you somewhere else.

Santa Monica & Malibu

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Am I Malibu Barbie yet? 🌊

A post shared by Reem Kanj (@reemkanj) on Jul 24, 2018 at 10:02am PDT

I think I’m allowed to mention one cliché to-do when it comes to being in LA. Santa Monica and Malibu is a must. Although I didn’t go super often (the traffic is a joke), the first time I got on the PCH and saw that picture perfect view of the ocean and the mountains, I stuck my head out of the roof of the car and went crazy! It is so, so pretty and I’m proud to say that my enthusiasm had my native LA friends appreciate their beautiful city just a little more!

When in Malibu go for lunch and a walk at Malibu Farms and in Santa Monica try the new hot-spot, Elephanté.

Road Trip

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Yesterday was the perfect Sunday driving through Santa Monica and Malibu with my girls. I can’t get over how pretty LA is. 🙏💕🌴🌊 Thank you for the best day @taniasarin, @pamhetlinger, @audrie_segura and @cibellelevi 💥

A post shared by Reem Kanj (@reemkanj) on Jul 23, 2018 at 11:10am PDT

If you’re in LA for a while and you want to explore a little bit more of California, rent a car and get on the highway. Even if you just head to Laguna Beach or the OC, it will be so worth it! California has so much to offer and the views along the way, on the PCH are very worth the effort, just make sure you plan this to perfection so that you can skip the traffic!