A few years ago, some girlfriends and I headed off to San Diego for a long weekend. Because, flights to SD were expensive, we chose to fly into LAX and drive the hour and half to SD.  The week before our getaway, news of wildfire in the area around SD broke leading us to consider staying in LA for the long weekend (that was the plan when we boarded the flight). What transpired over the five days we were on the West Coast ,is what I call whirlwind travel and although I returned to Dallas needing another vacation I would not trade in the time with my nearest and dearest,

DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY - LOS ANGELES

We checked into our room at Renaissance Hotel Century City around 6 in the evening. After a catch-up session and nap, it was time for dinner at the famous Roscoe's Chicken. After dinner, we headed to China Town, past the Chinese Theater and walk of fame. The area was too crowded for us and because we were still exhausted from the flight it - we called it a night.

DAY 2 - THURSDAY - LOS ANGELES + LAS VEGAS

Due to reports of heavy smoke fog in the area surrounding San Diego, we deferred our trip to SD and spent the day exploring Rodeo drive.  While trying on Jimmy Choos and deciding to not spend my savings on the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere, someone mentioned Vegas. Without much thought or time, we hurriedly abandoned window shopping to pick up our rental car from the hotel. One hour later we were headed for Vegas. An hour  and a half into the drive, it was evident we were not the only ones with Vegas on the mind.  The normally four-hour drive from LA to Vegas took us almost seven hours. 

Arriving in Vegas about 8:15 p.m - we were worn out from the long drive. We checked into the Encore hotel and took much-needed nap/rest before heading out to the strip just before midnight. We walked the length of the strip; played the slots at the hotel casino (I won 75 cents - whot !). The Encore is connected to the Wynn and both have an incredible interior. We walked the grounds before calling it a night. 

DAY 3 - FRIDAY - SAN DIEGO

Before we left for the West Coast "F" had one request - to spend her birthday in San Diego. We left Vegas mid-morning after a lovely meal at one of the Encore restaurants. It was a much pleasant drive than the LA to Vegas drive the day before. We arrived in SD just in time to make our dinner reservations at University Club atop symphony towers. After dinner, we strolled through the gas lamp district before calling it a night.  

DAY 4 & 5 - SATURDAY & SUNDAY. LA JOLLA + LOS ANGELES

Back to Los Angeles - but first, a quick stop in La Jolla and breakfast at Cody's. We arrived in LA mid afternoon and made out way to Santa Monica.  We walked along Santa Monica pier stopping to people watch and stuff our faces with everything unhealthy from funnel cake to ice cream. We missed out on the beach because none of us thought to pack swim suits for a trip to Los Angeles. We planned to round off the day with beverages and an incredible view from  Joan's on third, but the wait was a bit much. Instead, we did some window shopping at Nordstrom.

Our crazy trip itinerary was starting to catch up with us. We had an early (and quiet) dinner at Baja Cantina before calling it a night at the Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey.  Next morning, we packed up and headed back home, but not before stopping at Whiskey Red for brunch. This place was recommended as a great brunch spot, I thought it was overpriced.