🇺🇸｜Weekend Trip to Los Angeles

Can’t believe it’s been 8 years since my last trip to LA—time really flies! This time, I spent a weekend playing tourist with two clear goals: visit the Super Nintendo World 🍄 and finally see the Griffith Observatory (I’ll always love La La Land 💫). 🍄 Universal Studios Hollywood This is the only Super Nintendo World outside of Japan (though Orlando’s is opening soon!). Now’s the time to go! Right now, Universal is offering a “buy one day, get one free” ticket deal. Without Express passes, we spent half a day on other rides and used the second morning to fully explore the Mario area — mornings are less crowded! 💡 Definitely get the Power-Up Band 🏁 — the interactive games around the land are more fun than the rides. Collect three keys 🔑 to challenge Bowser Jr.! The Toadstool Cafe 🍝 requires a QR code reservation. Lunch and dinner slots fill up fast — book as soon as the park opens! You can keep the mushroom bowl if you order the soup 🍄☺️ Other favorites: Studio Tour and the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster 🎢. Jurassic World was fun too. Harry Potter, Minions, and Transformers felt almost identical to the ones in Beijing — a bit outdated and not super exciting. 🌇 Griffith Observatory Absolutely one of the best spots for city views and sunset vibes — just standing there feels magical ✨ Parking is tough 🚗. The main lot fills up quickly, so you may have to park along the road and walk ~20 mins uphill. Arrive 1.5-2 hours before sunset for a good spot. Fun fact: There were more Korean tourists than Chinese up there! 🏨 Hotel: The Garland We stayed here for easy access to Universal. Great vibe, service, and value + hourly shuttle service 🚌 Only downside: noise. The glass balcony doors don’t block sound well, and the nearby highway can be heard day and night. 🌴 Hollywood Sign Photo Spot Classic viewing location: 523 S Windsor Blvd 📸 Got plenty of pics — super satisfied! The street was quiet and photo-friendly 😌 #Los Angeles #LATravel #NintendoWorld #GriffithObservatory