I asked my sister, Katherine, to list her LA: Top 5. Being a first timer in the city, I’m not surprised that she responded with the following:
1. Hiking to the Hollywood Sign.
2. Walking Hollywood Boulevard.
3. Driving through Orange County – to Laguna Beach and San Clemente.
4. Exploring Beverly Hills and witnessing everything it is known for – the Lamborghinis; the brand name stores – Gucci, Prada; Rodeo Drive…
5. Drinking a Moroccan mint matcha latte at Urth Caffe in Santa Monica.
Though I’m a resident of LA, even I get excited when I glimpse the Pacific Ocean’s shimmer on a sunny day, take a Star Line tour of Hollywood stars’ homes, and hopscotch the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While Kath’s Top 5 may read like that of a guidebook, it’s a worthy list that reminds me that all that glitters in LA really is gold to the tourist.
My sis and me peeking over the fence at “that” sign
Hollywood Sign c/o the iPhone
Top of the Sign
Kath looking over LA
Lucille Ball’s old home in Beverly Hills
Bijan’s million+ Bugatti on Rodeo Drive
Harry Winston store on Rodeo Drive
Tourists
Oz premiere on Hollywood Blvd
Chilling at the pool at the Loews Hotel Hollywood
Laguna Beach
Warming the fingertips – Montage Hotel Laguna Beach
Photo Shoot at Treasure Island Park, Laguna Beach
The Pacific
San Clemente – through Katherine’s rose coloured glasses
My sis, Kath, with her fave Moroccan Mint matcha drink at Urth Caffe
Well, that set of pictures has started my Sunday off very well:-)
A pleasure – thanks Roger!
What a great set of pictures.
Thank you!
You are making me very envious although I did almost drown near Laguna. The mint latté looks amazing.
I had a near-drowning episode – I know how it feels. the mint tea latte would put any negative thoughts aside
Thank you!
Fantastic blog! So happy your sis came for a visit!!!!
Me too! Thanks Steph!
Fabulous pictures Marina. It looks like you’re all having the time of your lives. Lovely to see, thanks for sharing!!
Thanks so much Adrian. I’m always happy to play “tourist” as a traveler
Love the picture through the sun glasses, though as always, all of them are great!
Thanks so much Arlene
The photo with the sunnies was taken by my sis 
I guess having a good eye runs in the family
Laguna Beach – sigh, that looks like perfection. : )
It’s a beautiful spot Karen. thanks!
Wow, I felt like I was there with you. I especially like the two pictures taken behind the Hollywood sign. I have never seen any pictures taken from behind them before.
Dear Gerard- that was my first time to view the Hollywood sign from that vantage point. A must see! I am glad you enjoyed these
Thank you!
Marina! So happy you two have been having such a ball together. What exactly is a Moroccan mint matcha latte?
Syders – hello! we had a great time
Moroccan min matcha latte = take a teaspoon full of matcha powder and a big splash of soy milk. Mix in a cup with a Japanese bamboo whisk. Heat the rest of the soy milk (under a cup full) and fill to the top. Add a splash of mint syrup, stir, and voila! A moroccan mint matcha latter 
(You can substitute soy for any other milk)
I feel honored that my home town San Clemente was on the 5 point list among the L.A. glitter places.
Love the picture through your sis sunglasses on the pier, hope you had a sunset drink there.
Dear Cornelia, my sister loved San Clemente and that’s her pic through the sunglasses. We had a lunch drink at Laguna Beach – at the rooftop of La Casa del Camino. Hope you’re well! Thank you!
Lovely photos, as usual! You and your sister look so beautiful and so happy to be together.
daisy
Aww thanks so much Daisy xox
I like LA… Probably in the same way I like Miami. there’s a certain level of cheesiness for someone who is visiting, but there is also an interesting counterculture and the underground scene. Some of the best experimental electronic music is coming out of LA (Flying Lotus being the shining example). I would add having a night out in Silverlake to the list. And multiple visits to the In-N-Out burger OR Umami Burger for the more upscale experience. Cheers!
Hi! Thanks for your comment
LA is really very cool when you dig deeper. I love Silverlake and Echo Park, and we did make it to Elysian Park for the downtown view. my sis enjoyed In-n-Out in San Fran and yes, Umami is great but it cost us a parking ticket a while back so that is etched into our minds 
My husband is a DJ and producer so I’ll definitely pass on the music info. Thanks so much!
Oh all that glitter of LA!
Amazing, looks like you had a great time 
And that green tea your sister is drinking looks absolutely delicious! 
Awesome!
I am drawn to the photo through the rose colored glasses! That’s a unique shot and creates a dramatic sunset pic.
Thanks fergiemoto – that shot was c/o my sis!
I’ve never heard of the Morrocon mint Matcha… is that really an LA draw? or just what your sister loved? I feel like I’m missing out now
lol
It’s an LA attraction for us for sure – go to Urth Caffe in Santa Monica or Melrose. You’ll be visiting a great spot for eating, if anything! Thanks!
What an amazing view from the Hollywood sign! Must do that hike some day. I’ve lived in So Cal for 11 years now and the Pacific never gets old. Great set of photos, Marina.
Thank you! I love the Pacific – it’s such a beautiful view always!
Great pics!
Thanks so much!
what do all these places mean to you?