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Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2 (page 6 of 7)

Discussion started by Pinacoladada on 2025-10-23

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This thread has been translated into English.


Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-18 · Message 101 of 139

RODEO DRIVE - BEVERLY HILLS

34.07060, -118.40439 Start 34.06705, -118.40109 End at Wilshire Boulevard

Rodeo Drive is a famous street in Beverly Hills, California.

Once a horse trail until the 1950s, this street is now lined with luxury boutiques from the most renowned brands.

You’ll get a glimpse of it in this video.

https://youtu.be/_S5-mA24O4s

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-18 · Message 102 of 139

Hi Patrick,

Thanks for your comment and have a great evening!

Anne

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-18 · Message 103 of 139

GREYSTONE MANSION - BEVERLY HILLS

34.09332, -118.40153 Free parking 34.09272, -118.40091 Willow Pond 34.09095, -118.40076 Rose Garden 34.09172, -118.40190 Reflection pool 34.09206, -118.40159 Greystone Mansion 34.09269, -118.40172 Formal Garden 34.09282, -118.40225 Pool House

Greystone Mansion is a neo-Tudor manor located in Beverly Hills, California. Its construction was completed in 1928. The architecture gives it a special charm.

The estate surrounding the mansion is a beautiful and historic place. It’s lovely to stroll along the paths and discover pretty monuments, fountains, and lily ponds where you can spot fish and turtles.

The gardens are vast and well-maintained, offering stunning views of Los Angeles.

There’s no fee to access the estate, and it’s open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Parking is also free.

Self-guided tours of the mansion (first floor and recently restored theater) are available on the first Saturday or Sunday of each month, from January to November. Timed-entry tickets are offered at 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM, with the last entry at 2:30 PM.

Many films and TV series have been shot here, including *Bodyguard*, *X-Men*, *Batman & Robin*, *Indecent Proposal*, *Gilmore Girls*, *MacGyver*, and *Knight Rider*, to name just a few.

https://youtu.be/kvZRA0uapO8

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-18 · Message 104 of 139

HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME - LOS ANGELES

34.10143, -118.34500 The Four Ladies of Hollywood 34.10171, -118.34113 TCL Chinese Theatre

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on the famous Hollywood Boulevard, is definitely a must-see if you're visiting Los Angeles, California, as it’s a true symbol of the Hollywood dream.

This famous sidewalk is adorned with over 2,800 stars honoring celebrities from film, television, music, radio, and theater.

Our visit started at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue. That’s where you’ll find "The Four Ladies of Hollywood," a nine-meter-tall sculpture paying tribute to four women who pushed the boundaries of cinema during Hollywood’s golden age: Mae West, Dorothy Dandridge, Anna May Wong, and Dolores Del Rio.

As you stroll down the boulevard, you’ll discover stars dedicated to legends like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and more, along with stunning murals depicting various personalities.

The TCL Chinese Theatre, designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, premieres most major Hollywood productions.

Outside, in front of the building, cinema’s biggest stars have immortalized their visit by leaving their handprints and footprints in the cement.

The Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars ceremony is held, is located nearby. During our visit, they were setting up scaffolding in the street because the Oscars were taking place that very evening.

Along the boulevard, you’ll also find countless shops, including souvenir stores, museums, theaters, and restaurants.

You’ll also see several people in costumes wandering the street, posing for photos in hopes of earning a tip.

https://youtu.be/3jBxdMlhrnw

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-18 · Message 105 of 139

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY - LOS ANGELES

Location: 34.11843, -118.30038

Griffith Observatory, a lovely Art Deco building constructed in 1935, is situated 300 meters above sea level on the southern face of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.

Not only do its planetarium and scientific exhibits attract visitors, but also the 360° view of the entire region—from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica Bay—and the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign.

https://youtu.be/t1ryqUnlrNg

USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-18 · Message 106 of 139

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY - LOS ANGELES

34.08781, -118.31753 Douglas Fairbanks 34.08846, -118.31688 Toto Cenotaph 34.08859, -118.31717 Johnny Ramone 34.08865, -118.31711 Hattie McDaniels 34.08864, -118.31644 Nelson Eddy 34.08904, -118.31649 Marion Davis 34.08911, -118.31646 Hannah Chaplin 34.08945, -118.31667 Burt Reynolds 40.86240, -75.240107 Jayne Mansfield 34.08967, -118.31622 Don Adams 34.08950, -118.31658 Janet Gaynor & Adrian 34.08987, -118.31679 Cecile B. DeMille 34.08950, -118.31730 John Huston 34.08934, -118.31734 Adolphe Menjou 34.08917, -118.31956 Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer 34.08858, -118.32005 Mel Blanc 34.08815, -118.32039 Joe Dassin 34.08893, -118.32140 Judy Garland Pavilion

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a unique and historic destination in Los Angeles, California. It’s located about 2 km from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the famous sidewalk adorned with stars honoring various celebrities.

This cemetery is so vast that you can drive through it. It’s the final resting place of many iconic figures from the entertainment, film, and television worlds.

The Beth-Olam Cemetery, reserved for Hollywood’s Jewish community, is also part of the expansive Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

I already had the locations of some celebrities’ graves, but we discovered several others during our visit.

The pathways are well-maintained, and some gravestones are truly unique and original!

The atmosphere is peaceful, with picturesque gardens and a lake where you can watch turtles basking in the sun.

This cemetery is also a cultural hotspot, hosting various events throughout the year, including film screenings and music festivals.

If you’re even slightly curious about Hollywood’s rich history, this cemetery offers a memorable experience.

To find the locations of the graves, I recommend checking out this website: https://www.findagrave.com/.

https://youtu.be/82yx7YvYkiY

USA 2023 Road Trip - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-18 · Message 107 of 139

WHAT TO SEE IN VENICE BEACH

* Pedestrian promenade, beach, and canals

33.98300, -118.47057 Parking 33.98653, -118.47501 Venice Public Art Walls 33.98554, -118.47262 Muscle Beach 33.97682, -118.47074 Pier 33.98366, -118.46802 Canals

* Murals

33.98379, -118.47067 Luminaries of Pantheism 33.98495, -118.47052 Portrait of Abbot Kinney 33.98574, -118.47224 Arnold Schwarzenegger & Jim Morrison 33.98735, -118.47342 Venice Kinesis - Touch of Venice - St Mark (21 Winward) 33.98910, -118.47543 Venice Beach Chorus Line

Venice Beach is a very lively seaside resort located in Southern California.

A 1.5 km pedestrian promenade runs along the beautiful fine-sand beach, lined with souvenir and tattoo shops, as well as several cafés and restaurants. Stunning murals adorn the walls of many buildings.

You’ll come across street vendors and street performers.

There’s also a recreation center featuring an outdoor gym called Muscle Beach, a skatepark, pickleball, basketball, handball, and beach volleyball courts, as well as playgrounds for kids.

This spot is also very popular with surfers. We saw quite a few during our visit. The pier overlooking the ocean is the perfect place to get a closer look at their skills.

Just a few streets from the beach, there’s a network of six canals. These were built in 1905 in wetlands. Even gondolas were imported from Venice, Italy.

However, with the rise of the automobile, the canals were abandoned by 1940. It wasn’t until 1992 that they were rebuilt and fitted with sidewalks, allowing people to stroll along the canals and admire the arched pedestrian bridges and the luxurious homes lining them.

You can even rent a kayak, paddleboard, or gondola to explore the canals.

https://youtu.be/6gYhrxI01bY

USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 108 of 139

VENICE BEACH SKATEPARK

Location: 33.98710, -118.47552

The Venice Beach skatepark in California is located along the pedestrian boardwalk that runs alongside the stunning beach in this city.

It’s a must-visit for skate enthusiasts and curious travelers looking to experience the unique vibe there.

The skatepark is well-maintained. It features various structures, including ramps and bowls, and its layout allows skaters of all ages and skill levels to hone their skills.

When we stopped by, the atmosphere was at its best. Several skaters were there, and it was great to see the strong sense of community among the park’s users.

We had a great time watching them and were truly impressed by their agility and tricks.

https://youtu.be/tEEcxuSPoYM

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 109 of 139

SHORELINE AQUATIC PARK - LONG BEACH

33.76106, -118.19765 Parking

Shoreline Aquatic Park is located in Long Beach, California. Its large green spaces are perfect for walking, picnicking, or simply relaxing in a very pleasant atmosphere.

It offers stunning views of the marina, filled with luxurious private yachts, the iconic Queen Mary, and Long Beach’s skyscrapers.

The lighthouse, perched atop a small hill in the center of the park, adds a picturesque touch and provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the area.

The marina is packed with luxurious private yachts.

Numerous restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops are located near this site.

https://youtu.be/4DKoT-gy87E

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 110 of 139

ALAMITOS BEACH - LONG BEACH

Location: 33.76369, -118.18329

Alamitos Beach, located in Long Beach, California, is a vast stretch of white sand that offers stunning views of the ocean as well as the Long Beach downtown skyline.

We took the opportunity to go for a little stroll along the pedestrian promenade, which overlooks Junipero Beach and Long Beach City Beach, the main beach in Long Beach.

During our visit, we spotted a Goodyear blimp slowly drifting through the sky along the beach.

https://youtu.be/W33qq-V0qns

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 111 of 139

NAPLES ISLAND - LONG BEACH

33.75456, -118.12618 Parking in the neighborhood 33.75451, -118.12620 Start of the +/- 0.75-mile walk around Naples 33.75457, -118.12363 La Bella Fontana Park

Naples Island is definitely one of the most beautiful coastal neighborhoods in Long Beach, California. It’s nicknamed California’s Little Italy because it was originally built to replicate an Italian village.

In fact, most of its streets have Italian names. A fountain, "La Bella Fontana," stands in the central part of the island.

Sailboats and boats move through the picturesque canals that run through the neighborhood. You can even spot gondoliers carrying passengers.

It’s lovely to stroll along the walkways that line these canals, allowing you to discover, among other things, luxurious residences, some of which have unique decorative elements.

https://youtu.be/fPFwIgU1s0w

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 112 of 139

CRESCENT BAY POINT PARK & HELSER PARK KIOSK - LAGUNA BEACH

33.54722, -117.80393 Crescent Bay Point Park 33.54294, -117.78897 Helser Park Kiosk

These two viewpoints offer stunning panoramic views of the Laguna Beach coastline in California.

Crescent Bay Point Park is a small park located at the top of a cliff on the edge of a residential neighborhood. Its viewpoint provides a beautiful view of Crescent Bay Beach.

We also spotted several pelicans perched on a rock in the middle of the ocean, as well as hares roaming around the park’s pathway.

The Heisler Park Kiosk is a viewpoint that offers an incredible view of the public Long Beach. This spot also serves as a backdrop for wedding photos.

https://youtu.be/UENiel366O0

USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 113 of 139

SHELL BEACH AT TWIN POINTS - LAGUNA BEACH

33.54725, -117.80078 Street parking 33.54659, -117.80124 Crescent Beach 33.54510, -117.79989 Shell Beach

Shell Beach, also known as Twin Points Beach, is a small beach tucked between Crescent Beach and Shaws Cove in Laguna Beach, California.

To get there, you’ll first need to head to Crescent Beach, then make your way toward a promontory on the left side of the beach at low tide.

Next, you’ll cross a rocky area filled with tide pools and go around the point to reach the sandy beach nestled in a small cove surrounded by towering cliffs. The scenery is truly enchanting.

The water in the cove is crystal clear, and the tide pools are teeming with marine life, including sea anemones, sea urchins, and tiny crabs.

Plus, an artificial stone wall holds the water in at high tide, creating a natural pool perfect for relaxing.

https://youtu.be/bQxl7aahS9k

USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 114 of 139

PRAIRIE DOGS AT AGRA VISTA POINT

Location: 33.31422, -117.48288

Agra Vista Point is a roadside stop along Highway 5 between Los Angeles and San Diego in California. It offers a stunning view of the ocean.

The unique thing about this spot is that lots of ground squirrels (often called "prairie dogs" here) live along the cliff. It’s fun to watch them pop out of their burrows and interact with each other.

You’ll quickly notice they’ve gotten used to humans. They don’t hesitate to come right up to us.

https://youtu.be/LDpsXCMC3fE

USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 115 of 139

TOP GUN HOUSE & OCEANSIDE PIER

33.19380, -117.38073 Free indoor parking 33.19572, -117.38051 2-hour free parking on N Tremont Street 33.19410, -117.38470 Oceanside Pier & Oceanside Beach 33.19439, -117.38322 Top Gun House (Now The Famous High Pie)

Top Gun House is a charming little house located in Oceanside, California.

Built in 1887 by Dr. Henry Graves as a vacation home, the Graves House is a Queen Anne-style cottage by the sea.

Today, it’s recognized as the "last best" house of its kind still standing in San Diego County.

This house is best known as the Top Gun House because of its important role in the movie of the same name.

The scenes between Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis were filmed in 1985, and the popular movie was released in 1986.

Now, it’s home to a business called High-Pie, which sells delicious little pies. We tried the cherry one, and it was absolutely delicious!

The inside of the house is decorated with lovely vintage items, as well as photos and memorabilia from the film.

There’s a nice outdoor patio where you can sit and enjoy your dessert while taking in the amazing ocean view.

Plus, an exact replica of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX900 motorcycle made famous by the movie *Top Gun* is on display in front of the house.

Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, used it to visit his love interest, Charloe "Charlie" Blackwood, played by Kelly McGillis, who lived in this very house in the film.

Whether you're a *Top Gun* fan or just looking for a great dessert with an ocean view, don’t hesitate to visit this spot.

Be sure to check out Oceanside Pier too—it offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline.

https://youtu.be/B6qenn3OHN8

USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 116 of 139

ANNIE'S CANYON TRAIL - SOLANA BEACH (VIA NORTH RIOS TRAILHEAD LOOP)

33.00360, -117.27247 Trailhead 33.00575, -117.26393 Right fork 33.00575, -117.26393 Viewpoint 33.00666, -117.26314 Left to Solona Hills Botanical Loop 33.00573, -117.26574 Right to Rios Avenue Trail (by the water) 33.00489, -117.26905 Viewpoint Return to parking lot

Annie's Canyon Trail, located in Solana Beach, California, is absolutely unique.

This roughly 1.4-mile loop offers a hiking experience that combines natural beauty with a touch of adventure, allowing you to explore a narrow canyon, stunning sandstone rock formations, and sections with ladders and stairs.

It also provides gorgeous views of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, a vital habitat for migratory birds.

If you don’t want to explore the narrow canyon but still wish to reach the viewpoint at the top, you can take the switchback trail on the left.

Once at the top, you’ll need to descend via the switchback trail to return to the parking lot. The narrow canyon is one-way (uphill) only.

On the way back, I suggest taking the Gemma Parks Loop trail along the lagoon for different viewpoints during your hike.

https://youtu.be/4nv0KflQX1Q

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-19 · Message 117 of 139

OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO

32.75552, -117.19858 Parking

Most of Old Town, the historic district of San Diego, California, is now a state historic park.

You’ll find numerous historic buildings, including some original adobe structures, as well as historic sites like the Mason Street School, San Diego’s first public school.

Its museums commemorate the early days of San Diego, from 1820 to 1870, including the Colorado House, which houses a reconstruction of a 19th-century stagecoach stop and telegraph office.

There’s also a theater and a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

https://youtu.be/EWMGduVI_fI

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-23 · Message 118 of 139

COASTAL TRAIL IN LA JOLLA - SAN DIEGO

32.84789, -117.27710 Belvedere 32.84750, -117.27855 Children's Pool La Jolla 32.84700, -117.27866 Seal Rock 32.84876, -117.26654 End of the hike

La Jolla is a neighborhood in San Diego, California. We did a +/- 3 km round-trip hike along the coastline that let us discover an abundance of marine wildlife.

Seals, sea lions, pelicans, and cormorants are plentiful, and you can see them up close. It’s fascinating to watch them interact with each other.

While observing the pelicans, one of them opened its huge beak, and we could see its gular sac—a pouch that mainly serves as a fishing net to catch fish.

As for Brandt’s cormorants, several females were incubating their eggs, which we could actually see.

We also spotted a male bringing algae to a female so she could add it to the nest.

There are also plenty of sea caves in the area, and some can be explored at low tide.

https://youtu.be/jxN93tKyhQQ

Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-23 · Message 119 of 139

BALBOA PARK - SAN DIEGO

32.72861, -117.15104 Parking

Balboa Park, located in San Diego, California, is one of the largest cultural parks in the United States. It includes 15 museums, art shops, numerous buildings with truly unique Hispanic architecture, renowned cultural venues, beautiful gardens, sculptures, fountains, and the San Diego Zoo.

The park is open day and night. However, the visitor center is only open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

There’s no entrance fee for the park. However, most museums charge admission, except for the Timken Museum of Art.

A free tram runs daily throughout this vast park. Service hours vary by season.

https://youtu.be/3gnwb7F0iS4

USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 2

Pinacoladada · 2026-01-23 · Message 120 of 139

PACIFIC BEACH - SAN DIEGO

32.80191, -117.25942 Viewpoint at Pacific Beach - Roadside parking 32.80172, -117.25897 Ocean Front Walk Bike Trail 32.79620, -117.25680 Crystal Pier

Pacific Beach is a neighborhood in San Diego, California. The coastline in this area is absolutely stunning!

We took the opportunity to go for a little stroll on the pedestrian walkway that runs along the vast beach, which, by the way, is really gorgeous.

We also headed to the pier to enjoy some beautiful views of the coastline and watch the surfers waiting for the perfect wave up close.

https://youtu.be/DZu8OCO1ask

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