Top 10 (+ 1)

So today, I decided to make a Top 10 list of the places I've been to so far in Los Angeles and California in general, with one bonus place. San Francisco was so awesome that I had to include it in the list. Some of them are activities rather than places. Alright, here it is:

1. 17 Mile Drive/Pacific Coast Highway

This is something that I don't think I will ever get to experience anywhere else. The drive is absolutely beautiful and provides awesome views of the ocean, mountains, and beaches. I often could not fathom how something so gorgeous was made and formed. The actual drive was very curvy and hilly which made it fun and difficult too. However, if you come to California, you must do this drive. It was a tremendous experience.

2. Fisherman's Wharf (San Francisco)

Great variety of food, the California Sea Lions, awesome views of the San Francisco bay, crazy shops, it has basically everything you'd want all in one area!

3. AT&T Park (San Francisco)

This has become one of my favorite places to watch a baseball game. The park is beautiful and features a large amount of Giants history in it. Great views from everywhere in the park of the field as well as the bay. Fans were into the game, and the variety of food also raised it up. Great place to go!

4. Universal Studios Hollywood

This place just had so much to do. The park had a bunch of fun rides to go on, and the studio tour was pretty awesome. City Walk was great to go to at night with all the lights on. The restaurants all sounded so good with Tony Roma's being the choice and being very very tasty. The shops were pretty fun to go in as well. Lots of life here and a fun place to be.

5. Hollywood Walk of Fame

The area has so much to do. Walking up and down the street to see the stars and concrete hand/footprints was a unique site. The Grauman's Theatre is a great place to go watch a movie. The Kodak Theatre area had many cool shops and restaurants to go to, and the rest of Hollywood Boulevard has multiple other places to go and check out. The area's a little touristy but definitely something one has to do.

6. Cable Car Ride (San Francisco)

Basically, you must do this in San Francisco. While it's not anything amazing, it's a tradition and a very unique experience. Going up and down the hill provided great views and getting to stand and hold onto the side of the car while riding was much more fun than taking mass transit.

7. Venice Beach

I am not a big beach person, but this day was too enjoyable to not put on this list. The waves in California are twice the size of those on the east coast and swimming in them was a lot of fun. The sand is much softer and smoother as well which was a pleasant surprise. As for the boardwalk, it was simply ridiculous. Strange shops, vendors, and people all made the experience that much more unique. Good times!

8. House of Nanking (San Francisco)

I wanted to have a good dinner in Chinatown while in San Fran, and this was one of the best experiences I've had eating. The food was great, and ordering without a menu and receiving tea in a beer mug with a flower in it was quite uncommon. While I wasn't in love with the place, it was pretty darn good and definitely not what I expected.

9. Dodger Stadium

One tour and two games gave me a pretty good perspective on the Stadium. I enjoyed seeing another traditional, older ballpark and the place was fun to watch a game. The constant bouncing beach balls, lack of good out-of-town scoreboard, late gate opening times, and inability to get to all levels of the ballpark dropped this one down.

10. Hollywood Sign

This was an experience I will do once or twice, but it was worth it. The hike is long and steep through the mountains, but the views are amazing. Everything from seeing downtown LA, Beverly Hills, Burbank, and the sign itself was all an experience you don't get often.

Bonus Place - The Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)

The Golden Gate Bridge is a national landmark and is well-known everywhere. I enjoyed getting to drive back and forth over the bridge and see up close just how amazing of a site it is. It provides great views of the San Francisco skyline, the bay, and the opening to the ocean. Just amazing to see up close.