California Part Two: Beach to City

If you missed the start of our anniversary trip in California and with our time in Santa Monica and Malibu, you can catch up with that here.

Day Three - Free Day
Monday we had zero plans other than the intentions of wandering about Santa Monica a little bit and getting in some beach and/or pool time.  {The one slight negative of the hotel was that it looked like it was very close to the beach - which it was but there was construction going on so we needed to take an open top jeep beach cruiser ride to get down and get back to the hotel - about ten minutes each way because of the detours.  It was a far walk out to the beach club area and then back to the bathrooms/beach bar/etc. so we opted for easy… the pool!}

We strolled down the bike path near the beach (about a mile each way so at least we got in a slight workout) and headed for the pier for some morning exploring and lunch - there are a ton of casual places to eat so we had no problem picking one out.

Staring at the ocean never gets old - neither does the sea breeze - it was probably a good 15 or so degrees cooler here than once we got into Beverly Hills.

We could take or leave the pier activities so we just walked around and then after a lunch - outdoors, of course - headed back to the hotel.

Then it was right off to the pool for the entire afternoon and as much relaxing we could get.  There was a good mix of sun and then napping/reading in the shade.

beach dress: Lilly Pulitzer {similar style} // tote: gap // headband: etsy

We called it a day at the pool in the very late afternoon before heading into the spa to unwind with some massages before heading up to get ready for dinner.

Dinner this night was at our very favorite place {one hasn't opened in Philadelphia… yet - we've heard they are slowly taking over some of the Chart House locations} Mastro's Steakhouse in Malibu.  We at at the BH location last year {which we revisit later in the week} and couldn't stop raving about it.

dress:  nordstrom {same dress, different pattern} % 40% off // purse:  gigi new york // shoes: ralph lauren {& on sale + four more colors}

Our favorite meal, sitting right above the crashing waves AND watching the sunset - definitely one of my favorite nights and we completely stuffed ourselves full.  They have my absolute favorite scallops.  A fisherman caught a stingray right in front of us which we got to see before he set him free again.

Day Four - Switching to Beverly Hills
On Tuesday morning we had one final breakfast at the beach before moving inland to Beverly Hills.  For those who are new here, we spent a couple days in Beverly Hills last year to break up the trip to our honeymoon  {You can see about last years trip here} so it holds a special place in our heart - in fact, when we arrived back at the hotel, all the memories and excitement of the year returned {we've been debating whether to try to fit it in as a quick annual trip every year since it's such a special spot for us}.

dress: old navy {similar style} // purse: gigi new york // necklace: jennifer zeuner // watch: michael kors

Breakfast on the rooftop overlooking the ocean with a bellini in hand.  My new favorite breakfast meal of eggs benedict did not disappoint. 

I clearly did the heavy lifting when switching hotels with the most important item while Derek just relaxed…

We found a great company to do a private stars' homes tour with - we saw Robert from Shark Tank walking his dog and Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing).  We saw everything from Reba, Lucille Ball, Tom Cruise, Courtney Cox and Denzel Washington to people like Justin Bieber and more.  One of my favorites was that Jennifer Anniston (still owns the house, but isn't living there), Michael Buble' and Rihanna all share basically a cul de sac.  I didn't take many pictures, more just enjoyed looking at the gorgeous houses but a few are below…

Top: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew Perry entering his home and the gate of one of Jennifer Anniston's houses.

Bottom: Enterance to Lisa Vanderpumps, Scott Disick's (Post Kardashian Split) and a view of the Hollywood Hills

I loved the ambiance at lunch - we dined on the patio and there was fresh flower displays everywhere.  Every table top, on other display tables, inside the restaurant, in the bathroom - everywhere.

Enjoying our new view.  I enjoyed lounging on the loungers on the balcony almost as much as laying by the pool because of the gorgeous view and nice breeze - so peaceful.

We spent the afternoon post lunch by the pool reading, swimming and relaxing - it's a small pool area but secluded and private with nice scenery.

Looking down on the pool vs. laying next to it… 

 We were "winging" dinner tonight and had some extra time to get ready before we headed out - which included watching some of the sunset.

 dress: similar style // necklace: similar styles here and here

A couple drinks out to finish off the day - but still not too bed too late - same routine again in the morning - up early :)

Helpful Links… 
Mastro's Ocean Club
The Penthouse
Glitterati Tours
The Ivy
The Beverly Wilshire
Pump / Sur

Don't forget to join me in the own it linkup tomorrow!

*Probably the last one for a while - so don't miss out

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