The 405 is renowned as one of the busiest freeways in the United States, notorious for its congestion. This twelve-lane artery spans approximately 72 miles from Orange County in the south to the San Fernando Valley in the north of Los Angeles. This expanse might seem daunting, especially considering that most motorways in Ireland have only four lanes. It was around 9 PM when we left the Turo pick-up point, merged onto the 405, and began our journey north toward our accommodation for the week in Sherman Oaks.
Fatigue from our flight, disorientation, the adrenaline rush, and adapting to driving on the right side of the road all combined into a sensory overload. But in that moment, as we navigated the airport, picked up our rental car, and adjusted to being in a foreign country, the realization set in: we had fulfilled a long-term dream of being in Los Angeles. We arrived at our accommodation, the Sojourn on Ventura Boulevard, in about 45 minutes. I must admit, the price was reasonable, with ample off-street parking, an outdoor swimming pool, room air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The 24-hour reception and friendly staff only added to its charm.
The following morning, we headed to the reception area, where a small dining space offered a complimentary breakfast. It wasn’t extravagant, mainly cereals, tea, coffee, a few bakery items, and some juices. However, we decided to skip the hotel breakfast on the first morning because we had other culinary adventures in mind.
Before arriving in LA, we had crafted a shortlist of restaurants and places to visit during our journey. Our stop was just five minutes away on Ventura Boulevard: IHOP. Their extensive breakfast menu included options like steak – an unusual choice for breakfast in my mind, but I couldn’t resist trying the breakfast sampler, complemented by a French vanilla creme coffee. It was a delicious start to the day.
We spent the initial hours of our day exploring the Sherman Oaks area, eventually venturing off the beaten track towards the Topanga Mountains stopping at a view point to stretch our legs and capture breathtaking photos of the landscape. Later in the afternoon, we decided to take a drive to the charming city of Calabasas, known for its picturesque landscapes, upscale communities, and a touch of Hollywood glamour. Nestled in the western part of the San Fernando Valley, Calabasas provided a unique contrast to the bustling streets of Los Angeles.
Our curiosity led us to venture beyond the city limits, as we were eager to explore more of the surrounding area. One highlight was the attempt to drive through the exclusive Hidden Hills community, a place known for its privacy and luxury. Though we were politely turned away at the security gate, as the saying goes “You don’t know if you don’t ask.” The experience added a touch of intrigue to our adventure.
Continuing our unscripted day trip, we decided to head to Malibu to see what all the hype was about. As we arrived, Malibu immediately struck us as a more relaxed place compared to the bustling city areas. Despite being only a few miles away from LA, it felt like a world apart.
As we ventured further into Malibu, you’ll discover a unique blend of upscale and bohemian culture. The town has drawn an array of residents, from celebrities seeking refuge in its secluded enclaves to artists and nature enthusiasts who are drawn to its breathtaking natural beauty. The result is a delightful blend of sophistication and a free-spirited, artistic vibe that permeates the local culture.
Malibu is also known for its world-class dining experiences. You’ll find an array of charming beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and international flavours. Perhaps one of the most renowned is Nobu. The restaurant not only serves exquisite Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine but also provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The town’s proximity to nature is another facet of its allure. The stunning Topanga to the east and the vast Pacific Ocean to the west create a picturesque backdrop for Malibu. You can explore hiking trails that wind through the Santa Monica Mountains, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply in search of breathtaking views, Malibu’s natural beauty is bound to leave a lasting impression. We made one final stop along the pacific coast highway and found a hidden away path that lead us down to the shoreline, where we walked along the beach, watching the sun begin to set, bringing day one to a peaceful close.
