American Southwest roadtrip – Williams to Long Beach, California

Our roadtrip is nearing its end. We are setting the direction towards Long Beach, my former home, the place I hold very dearly in my heart.

September 17. The drive to Long Beach is long, so we decide to split the drive. I have great memories of Prescott, little town in the Prescott Valley, with a feel of the past – saloons on the famous Whisky Row will pull you in and you’ll feel like you are a part of the Gold Rush. So we spend several hours browsing the town, buying western hats and having lunch in the supposedly haunted Palace Saloon before crossing the border to California.

September 18. It’s scorching hot outside. We are driving through the land of yuccas, the vast desert seems never-ending. While founding ourselves in the famous Coachella Valley, we stop in the Desert Hills Premium Outlets, close to Palm Springs, and spend the most of the day shopping.

In the evening, we finally get to Long Beach. After getting settled in our hotel, we take a stroll in the Pike area, through the Shoreline village and we take a glimpse of the Queen Mary. She is still here, as majestic as always. We grab a dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and I reminisce about how my life has been changed forever while living here 7 years ago.

Where to stay

Stay at the Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach. We were so happy with our stay here! The hotel has awesome location right in the Pike, walking distance to downtown, the Aquarium and other sights. Rooms are big and beautiful – but what was the best about the hotel is the rooftop pool with a view over the sea and the Queen Mary! Definitely recommended.

September 19. Alarm is set to 6AM and we are trying to beat the morning traffic while driving up into the Hollywood Hills. We spend the morning at Griffith Observatory, admiring the size of Los Angeles, that’s spreading itself right in front of us. While driving back to Long Beach, we drive through Hollywood, Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills and we feel a little tingle in our bellies. Is this where the dreams are made?

It’s the last full day in Long Beach before flying back to Europe tomorrow. We spend the rest of the day by the pool, shopping and strolling around. Our roadtrip is over and we are coming home full of memories and experiences. And my heart is, once again, full – full of memories of the place I once called home.