A Tourist in Southern California

Merlotte's

While staying in Burbank, it was a necessity to visit one of the studios and get my Hollywood fix, so a short cab ride later I found myself at the Warner Brothers Studio. Traveling around the back lot I was excited to see familiar places from my favorite shows and movies. The first place that got my fan girl going was Merlotte's from True Blood followed by a tour of the Gellar home from Friends. Several museums are located at the studio, including a garage filled with Batman's various cars and the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo. I stood in awe at the sight of Liz Taylor's outfits from her many notable movies and marveled at her tiny waist. One section of a museum was dedicated to Harry Potter memorabilia, including the sorting hat from the first movie. Yes, I waited in line with the other kids in order to be sorted. I am apparently a Hufflepuff. Who knew? 

Central Perk

We walked along the main street which is being used currently for both Hart of Dixie and Pretty Little Liars. The day I visited, Cate Blanchett and Cristian Bale were filming a scene for an upcoming movie. This was a squeal-worthy moment. I know this will shock you that I have crushed on Bale since American Psycho.

We toured the set of The Mentalist which is a very detailed set, down to the humorous post-it notes. Then the true fan girl scene, the Central Perk set from Friends. This was one of those moments I desperately wished my gals were with me.

Long Beach

Huntington Beach

The next day, Laura was daring enough to travel to the beaches with me. Renting a car, we headed down the 410 towards Long Beach. I didn't realize how much industrial waste is in that area. The water was stagnant and left black sediment on our skin, and the beach was filthy with trash and seaweed, though we could see the Queen Mary along our walk. After talking to some locals, we drove along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping for dinner at Seal Beach before finding perfection at Huntington Beach. Rocky cliffs, surfers fighting for dominance over the crashing waves, and a beautiful sunset were the perfect ending to my tourist adventures in Southern California.