Tips for first trip to LA

Flying to LA tomorrow (from NY). First time in CA in general. My girlfriend and I are staying in someone's airbnb in Topanga Mountain range, about 30-40 minutes north of LA. Seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Staples center on Tuesday, which was original inspiration for the trip out there.

I know a lot of you guys are from CA so I figured I'd ask for any advice on things to see or do while out there. Neither me or my girlfriend are drinkers so that type of thing isn't for us. We're more into the beaches/forest/nature type things. Also want to experience things in the city and can be into doing some tourist type activities.

Thanks Guys!

 

Don't get caught slippin'.

 

But seriously, you'll be in the Santa Monica mountains and there's alot of great hikes and such right out your door. About an hour north is santa Barbara which is a pretty dope place. You can also do the token tourist things like hollywood blvd, Chinese theater, etc. Santa Monica, 3rd Street, pier is a great all day activity with hotel bars/lounges at night.

 

Sweet man. Yea it seemed like there will be a lot of nature/hikes/beach stuff right around where we're staying. This is the airbnb spot we're staying at, its pretty awesome. We're looking forward to being at this peaceful spot, waking up and drinking tea in the mountains.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/438464?eluid=1&euid=4ed2b48d-fa87-ca0d-f540-91655b685447

 

Beaches:
Malibu
El Matador
Leo Carillo
Point Dume

Hiking:
Solstice Canyon
Escondido Falls
Backbone Trail
Los Liones Canyon

These are the nicer beaches and trails with views around where you're staying. All these are within 30-40 minutes of each other depending on PCH traffic.

 

Awesome! Thanks!

 

Any tips on good drives to take that will go along the coast line or have good views?

 

PCH

 

Good drives: You can take mulholland highway or Las Virgenes rd all the way to PCH coming from the Valley. When you hit PCH, you can either take right turn going north all the way to oxnard, ventura, santa barbara area, or make a left going down all the way to santa monica all through out the beach cities of OC. ACH is a nice drive too but I'm not sure if it's open till Newcombs Ranch..

 

Stay off the freeways between 7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm. Traffic is horrid.

 

Don't forget to stop by Pinks and grab a Hot Dog or two!

 

Smoke some good weed. Stay the fuck out of my way on the 101. This is all I ask.

 

Appreciate the tips all! We're ariving tonight and going to plan out the week