My First Visit to the U.S.: A Week in Los Angeles January ‘25

Visiting the U.S. for the first time was a dream come true, and what better city to start with than Los Angeles? Before my trip, I meticulously planned my itinerary in my notebook, listing all the must-see places and experiences I wanted to have. However, as I quickly learned, L.A. has a way of forcing you to adapt. Due to the ongoing fires in the area, I had to shift some of my plans around—but in the end, I still managed to check off nearly everything on my list!

Arrival in Los Angeles (January 6th, 2025)

My journey started early in the morning at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, where I caught a 06:20 flight. After layovers in Frankfurt and Montreal, I finally landed at LAX at 20:33. Tired but excited, I checked into my hotel, Hilton Checkers, and got some much-needed rest for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Hollywood, Griffith Park & Classic LA Eats (January 7th)

My first full day in L.A. was dedicated to Hollywood. I visited Griffith Park, which offered breathtaking views of the city, and, of course, made a stop at In-N-Out Burger—because what’s a trip to California without trying their famous burgers? I also took the opportunity to do some grocery shopping to stock up for the week.

Day 3: Plans Change, But L.A. Still Delivers (January 8th)

Originally, I planned to visit Universal Studios and take the iconic studio tour, but unfortunately, it was canceled. Instead, I pivoted to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and then took a trip to Beverly Hills, where I explored Rodeo Drive and admired the luxury stores.

Day 4: Santa Monica & Unexpected Experiences (January 9th)

This day was all about the beach and classic L.A. experiences. I made it to Santa Monica and soaked in the coastal vibes. My evening plans originally included bingo, but due to the fires, it got canceled. However, I still managed to squeeze in a psychic reading—a very L.A. experience!—and grabbed some treats from Dunkin’ Donuts.

Day 5: Malibu or Pasadena? (January 10th)

I had hoped to visit Malibu, but due to the fires, I had to consider alternative plans. I ended up exploring Beverly Hills again and made a stop at Erewhon, the famous (and expensive) health food store. Later, I finally got to visit Universal Studios, which was initially scheduled for earlier in the week.

Day 6: Cancelled to Venice Beach (Due to fire) & A Chill Day at the Hotell (January 11th)

My last full day in L.A. I opted for a relaxed night with Dunkin’ Donuts, a quick workout at the hotel gym, and a Chick-fil-A meal—because why not?

Departure Day: Saying Goodbye to L.A. (January 12th)

My flight back to Oslo was scheduled for 17:30, but with the time difference, I left L.A. at 08:30. After an unforgettable week, I was both sad to leave and grateful for everything I had experienced.