A Whirlwind Day Trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles – 2022
In 2022, we set off on a bold day trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles—a journey of over 270 miles one way. With only a single day to spare, we knew we couldn’t see everything, but we were determined to get a real taste of the City of Angels.
🌄 Early Morning Drive & Breakfast in Burbank
We left Las Vegas just after sunrise, cruising down I-15 through the quiet, sun-drenched Mojave Desert. After several hours on the road, we made it into Burbank, California, where we stopped for breakfast at Red Maple Café Gelato and Coffee. The cozy atmosphere, great coffee, and fresh pastries gave us the perfect start to our LA day. It was a local gem, and the smell of espresso alone made the long drive worth it.
🌊 Lunch & Leisure at Santa Monica Pier
From Burbank, we drove straight to Santa Monica Pier. The Pacific breeze, colorful Ferris wheel, and ocean views welcomed us to the coast. We had lunch right on the pier, enjoying fresh seafood with ocean views and people-watching. Afterward, we walked along the sand and let the waves wash over our feet—a refreshing moment after hours on the road.
🎥 Hollywood & Beverly Hills – A Fast-Paced Glimpse
Next, we made a quick pass through Hollywood, stopping to check out the Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and a distant view of the Hollywood Sign from the Dolby Theatre overlook. Then we cruised through Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, admiring the glamour and picture-perfect streets—but time was already slipping away.
🌇 Golden Hour at Griffith Observatory
As the day neared its end, we headed up to Griffith Observatory. We arrived just in time to catch the golden sunset spreading across the LA skyline. From up there, we had sweeping views of the city and a perfect shot of the Hollywood Sign. It was one of those moments that made us pause and soak it all in.
💡 The Realization
Looking out over Los Angeles, we had a shared realization: LA is too big and too rich in experiences to squeeze into one day. There were so many museums, neighborhoods, and cultural sites we hadn’t even touched. As we drove back to Las Vegas that night, the decision was clear—we’d be back, and next time, LA would get our full attention.
Final Thoughts
Our 2022 day trip gave us a delicious start in Burbank, a breezy lunch on the pier, a quick dash through LA’s highlights, and a peaceful close at Griffith Observatory. It was a whirlwind, but also a reminder that some cities deserve more than a day. Los Angeles, we’ll see you again—next time, on your terms.
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