We’re on our way down the coast of Southern California to San Diego. We just spent four nights in glorious Beverly Hills at the Montage Beverly Hills. We absolutely loved our time in the Los Angeles area and wish that we could spend more time there. To recap the first part of the trip, here are some photos from the iPhone. These are most definitely not the best ones or even close to all the highlights but definitely a good start.

We enjoyed an amazing rooftop lunch at the Montage on our first day in Beverly Hills. I think we were pleasantly surprised by how cool the weather was the first couple of days.

Traveling is not complete without a run through the neighborhoods. It’s one of the best ways to explore. I came back from my morning run in Beverly Hills ready to move there! Who can complain about the amazing weather and gorgeous scenery.

I love breakfast foods! After the run, we enjoyed a great breakfast at Walter’s Cafe.

Followed by a really yummy salad at True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica. I love all the fresh and healthy options in California.

We didn’t just eat the whole time. We did take a nice stroll in Venice Beach. I don’t have a picture of it here, but Muscle Beach Gym right on the Venice Beach boardwalk was quite entertaining and intimidating at the same time.

The sunset at Santa Monica Pier was right out of a movie. I guess it probably was used in a lot of movies.

And of course a picture of the famous Beverly Hills shield is a must. This shield stands at the entrances into the city and the logo is everywhere around the city.

We enjoyed a tour at Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank. I was like a kid at a candy store when we got to see the set of Supergirl and Lorelai’s house and Jeep from Gilmore Girls.

I especially squealed when I got to walk around the set of Central Perk from Friends!

And since they had a real Central Perk café, I had to buy a drink.

We saw so many props and sets on the tour but the highlight was definitely that from Sex and the City.

We enjoyed our last evening in Los Angeles with dinner at Ink. Ink is Michael Voltaggio‘s restaurant. He is the winner of Top Chef Season 6 and of course that means I needed to try it. I am so glad we did. Ink was one of the best meals we’ve ever had and the dining experience will definitely rank in the top of our all-time favorite list. Unfortunately most of the pictures of the dinner will not do the meal justice. I especially loved the non-alcoholic mule in the a copper mug.

And the mango, coconut, sticky rice with chocolate dessert! The entire dinner was incredible and I highly recommend it.

We’re sad to leave Los Angeles but excited to experience San Diego. More to come on our trip!