🌟 Los Angeles, California

Glitz, Glam, & Golden Sunsets: A Solo Escape to L.A.

From Hollywood Boulevard to Rodeo Drive—where dreams, palm trees, and a little solo magic collide.

Los Angeles isn't just a place to visit—it's a whole vibe, a feeling, a second home. Every time my plane touches down at LAX, I feel it in my soul: I'm back where I belong. L.A. is where I can breathe, explore, and be completely me—no itinerary, no stress, just sunshine, shopping, and solo travel bliss.

Forget the tourist checklist—when I come to L.A., I go where the real magic happens: the swap meets, the Fashion District (I'm always tagging along with my cousin, Stormy, (owner of @Stormy Weather Designs), and Santee Alley, where you can find everything from designer dupes to streetwear that makes you feel like a trendsetter. This is the city where I can get lost and love every second of it.

So if you're thinking about taking on L.A..... Here's how to do it the right way—with a little adventure, a little shopping, and a whole lot of Black girl magic.

🛍️ First Stop: The Swap Meets & Fashion District – A Shopper's Playground

Listen, I know Rodeo Drive gets all the hype, but real ones know the heart of L.A. shopping is downtown, in the swap meets and the Fashion District. This is where style meets hustle, where you can bargain your way into a brand-new wardrobe and still have enough left over for tacos.

I head straight to Santee Alley, a shopping maze where you can find everything—trendy clothes, accessories, wigs, handbags, and shoes that make you feel like you just stepped off a runway. The energy here? Unmatched. Music blasting from storefronts, vendors calling out deals, fashionistas strutting like they own the block.

📍 Must-Do:

• Bargain like you mean it. Prices are negotiable, and walking away usually gets you a better deal.

• Check out the jewelry vendors. Gold hoops? Bamboo earrings? This is the spot.

• Comfortable shoes are a must. You will be walking. A lot.

  
  
  
  

  🌮 Street Eats & Late-Night Cravings – Because L.A. Never Lets You Go Hungry

  Shopping works up an appetite, and let me tell you—L.A. doesn't just feed you. It spoils you. This city is a melting pot of flavors, where you can go from biting into a carne asada taco dripping with salsa verde to spooning up a cup of street corn (elotes en vaso) that hits your soul like a love letter—all in the same night.

  And speaking of elotes en vaso, I am always on the lookout for the street corn guy and his cart. The moment I hear that clink of the metal spoon stirring up buttered corn, mayo, lime, cheese, and chili powder, I'm in line, no questions asked. If you've never had elotes served in a cup, piping hot, with just the right amount of spice, are you even living?

  Now, let's talk tacos, because in L.A., tacos aren't just food—they're a way of life. Whether it's al pastor shaved fresh off the spit, birria dripping with consommé or a classic asada with onions and cilantro, the best tacos are always found at a truck on the corner, usually with a line of hungry people who know what's up.

  But here's the real kicker—Louisiana Fried Chicken in L.A. Yes, you read that right. In the middle of the city, you can find a spot serving up crispy, golden-fried perfection that gives serious Southern vibes. The spicy chicken, dirty rice and coleslaw? Game over. I don't care what plans I had before—if I pass one of these spots, I'm stopping. No debate.

  📍 Foodie Favorites:

  • Tacos on every corner – If it doesn't have a long line, keep walking.

  • Elotes en vaso – Find the man with the cart and prepare to be blessed.

  • Louisiana Fried Chicken (yes, in L.A.) – Spicy. Crispy. Iconic.

  If you're eating your way through L.A. the right way, you're probably standing on a sidewalk, holding a taco in one hand and a cup of elotes in the other. And honestly? That's exactly how it should be. 😋

  
  

  🏝️ Relax & Recharge: Finding My Zen in L.A.

  One of my favorite things about L.A.? You can go from the hustle of the city to total relaxation in minutes.

  When I need a moment of peace, I take myself to Manhattan Beach (more on this location later). It's lowkey, less crowded than Venice or Santa Monica, and perfect for clearing my mind to write my next great story. Sometimes I sit on the sand and journal, sometimes I just watch the waves. Either way, it's my happy place.

  📍 Solo Travel Tip: Bring a notebook and let the ocean inspire you. Some of my best writing ideas come from just sitting on the beach with the sun on my face.

  
  

  🎬 Black Hollywood & A Little Luxury – Living My Best L.A. Life

  When I'm feeling glamorous and girlie, I put on a cute outfit and head to Baldwin Hills or Leimert Park—two of L.A.'s most vibrant Black cultural hubs. Whether I'm browsing bookstores, catching live music, or people-watching with an iced coffee in hand, I always feel at home. You will find the best hand-made soaps and delicious Jamaican food at Leimert Park on Sundays.

  And, of course, no trip is complete without at least one luxury moment. Whether it's a manicure and pedicure at a day spa or sipping a dirty martini at a local spot...Self Care Is A Must!

  📍 Luxury on a Budget:

  • Happy hour at a rooftop bar – The views are just as good for half the price.

  • Hotel hopping – You don't have to be a guest to enjoy a chic hotel lobby.

  • Find a free event! L.A. always has something poppin'.

  
  

  Final Thoughts: Why L.A. Feels Like Home

  L.A. isn't just another city for me—it's a place where I feel free, where I can disappear into the energy of the streets or find solitude by the ocean. It's where I can visit my cousin, Stormy, and shop till I drop, eat till I can't move, and dance in the middle of a festival just because the music is too good to stand still.

  If you're thinking about taking on L.A. solo, do it. Get lost. Explore. Find your own piece of magic. Because in this city, there's room for everyone to shine.

  💬 Been to L.A.? What's your favorite hidden gem? Drop a comment below—I need new spots for my next trip!

  📌 Follow Pierre's Travel Pages for more solo travel adventures!

• 🔗 For all your fashion needs, check out stormy-weather-designs