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Portraits of Hope: The Spheres at MacArthur Park

If you're feeling colorful and in a painting mood, sign up to help paint spheres for the Portraits of Hope project! The last time they were here, all the lifeguard towers became bright and colorful in what seemed like an overnight transition for a summer. I didn't realize this organization was behind it. And now they're back and it's an opportunity not to be missed!

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Some Good Times at Davey Wayne's

Another cool night spot is this swanky bar in Hollywood – Good Times at Davey Wayne's. All you need for this experience to be memorable is entering through the refrigerator door.

They were purposeful and smart about the way they put this place together. You really feel like you went through a time-warp back to a 1970's house party. Between the interior decorating, all 70's songs, and backyard hang-out with an airstream – it's the perfect recipe for the sweetest 70's treat. (I don't drink, so I can't comment on how good the drinks were – my friends seemed to enjoy them.)

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Joshua Tree: City Girl Camping

#TBT to that time Whitney and I went camping and failed on so many levels, but won because we did it together. This is a story of dreams not coming true in the way you initially pictured them, but having fun anyways.

When Whitney last visited Los Angeles, and we were thinking about things to do that she hasn't done before, we ultimately decided it would be the best idea for us to go camping.

Let me preface:

I had this desire to be more "nature-y." In general, I fantasize about being the type of person who goes out into the wilderness on a whim and just sets up a tent, builds a fire, doesn't have any cell service around, and sees some stars. As if I'm some wilderness woman over here who doesn't freak out by an ant inside a tent or gets picky about the design of a hotel room.

But sometimes I get these crazy notions. And sometimes my friends are all for it.

That's why Whit's the best. Not only did she want to go camping too, she was willing to go to a campsite that didn't even have a bathroom. 

I mean, we're talking no amenities here. 

READ MORE ABOUT OUR SUCCESS IN FAILURE...

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San Pedro: Sunken City

The Sunken City in San Pedro felt like a small part of Venice Beach had left an imprint here. There was graffiti, and palm trees, and areas where it seemed like you could make it into a skatepark. It also felt like it's own treasure, hidden from view until you climbed over a wall and down a dirt road.

READ MORE ABOUT THE TREACHEROUS BUT ACTUALLY NOT HIKE...

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San Pedro: Marine Mammal Care Center

Near the Korean Bell of Friendship is the Marine Mammal Care Center.

It's kind of tucked away but completely worth stopping by and learning about. The smell of fish is strong, but don't let that deter you.

The care center provides a place of rehabilitation for sick or injured marine mammals in Los Angeles County.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS CENTER & THE SEALSSSS...

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Manhattan Beach: Roundhouse Aquarium

There's a couple aquariums in the South Bay. They're rather small compared to maybe the Long Beach Aquarium or something of that space, but it's still fun to see the life that you can't usually see under the water.

The Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach is one of my favorites just for the casual visit. It's free to the public with a suggested donation, and the location – at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier, is unbeatable. It's perfect to go and visit at the end of the day and check it out before watching the sunset.

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Malibu: El Matador State Beach

Between the last post, and this one, and the upcoming post (spoiler), it should really be called "Adventures with Brittney." Or something along those lines. But due to ease of search within the blog, and SEO obligations, it shall remain as boring as "Malibu: El Matador State Beach." So basic.

This was quite the adventure of highs and lows.

READ ABOUT THE BUGS...

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Flower Fields Forever (but actually until May 10th)

You now have one week left to see, smell, and frolic (with limitations) in The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.

Britt and I went when there was still more acres to bloom, but even then it was so cool seeing fields of flowers in designated colors lining the ground. They're open through May 10th (this weekend!) and tickets cost $12, and an additional fee (I think it was $5 each) for the wagon ride (which I recommend – super fun!), plus if you want some sprinkle ice cream it's another expanse. Bring cash.

In addition to walking around the fields and seeing all the "Ranunculus" (I keep saying it as "redonkulous" but obviously that's not a word...) in bloom, there's also a sweet pea maze, and a small rose garden. 

You can't walk in-between the flowers and run through them, but there's pathways that you can go into that bring you within the field. 

READ MORE TO SEE PHOTOS...

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