Save Where You Can, Spend Where It Counts

I went around Thanksgiving, when hotels were crazy expensive (like $2–3k!), so I stayed near LAX and rented a car. That turned out cheaper than staying by the beach + Ubering everywhere, and from the airport, most spots are about 30 minutes away (with no traffic, of course 🚗💨). Here’s my must‑do + must‑eat + parking guide for each spot: 1️⃣ Santa Monica — Sunset on the Ferris Wheel In December, sunset is around 4:40 PM — you’ll see the sky shift from pink to orange to blue hour. The winter water is chilly, but you can still dip your toes in! 🌊 🅿️ Parking: 1210 4th St. Lot — like $6 for 4–5 hours. 🍣 Eat: Crudo (please go!!) ~30 min walk from the beach. Their uni taco is sweet and insanely fresh, and the other crudo dishes have unique flavors. Portions are small, so it’s a bit pricey if you want to be full. 2️⃣ Beverly Hills — Shopping & Sightseeing Wanted to visit Chanel but it was closed for a VIP event 😢 Dior’s winter window displays were gorgeous. Also nice to stroll around UCLA if you have time. 🧋 Erewhon — Hailey Bieber smoothie (the strawberry one that’s supposed to be good for skin). 🍝 il pastaio — Biebers’ favorite spot. The pappardelle is delicious but rich — best to share. 🅿️ Nearby lot with 2 hours free parking. 3️⃣ Griffith Observatory — La La Land Vibes 🅿️ Free parking at the base, then a 20‑min hike up. Perfect for photos with the Hollywood sign and city lights ✨. 4️⃣ K‑Town — All About Eating 🦀 Master HA — Soy Marinated Crab GO. The crab and uni rice are incredible. You can refill the marinated crab legs for free (I got three bowls 😅). 🍲 SUNNONGDAN — The Famous Cheese Rib Pot Didn’t get the signature one, but still tasty. Would return if the wait is under 30 min. 5️⃣ Disney California Adventure Park Opens at 8 AM — the day I went was a Tier 4, waits were ~30 min per ride, so I skipped Genie+. If you arrive at 9 AM and keep moving, you can finish everything by 1 PM! Tower of Terror and roller coasters are so fun! 🅿️ Disney parking — $40. 6️⃣ White Point / Royal Palms Beach — Tide Pooling Best at early morning or evening low tide. We went midday at high tide — missed the sea urchins 😢 On the way, you can grab (Bawang Chaji) — totally worth it! #StudentTravel #LATravel #LosAngelesEats #LAGuide #TravelDiaries #PlogLife #California #TravelTips #UCLA #SaveAndSplurge