Colby Melvin's hot guide to Los Angeles!

Sept. 30 2016

by Joshua Pramis

In the second part of our travel series with Colby Melvin, we found out the places he favors most on his home turf: Los Angeles. There are plenty of outdoor activities on his list of ten...oh, and the best damn burger you'll ever eat.

1. Theme parks nearby

No matter where you are in L.A., you’re only a short drive away from a handful of theme parks.

Top theme parks: Colby's favorite is Six Flags Magic Mountain, "it’s the only one with REAL rollercoasters," he says. Universal Studios and Disneyland are his second and third choices.

Local tip: Colby suggests going during the day when the kids are still in school, "you can usually walk right onto the rides and not worry about lines.”

Need to know: Disneyland and Magic Mountain host annual “gay days,” so if you want a day of pride and thrill rides, be on the lookout for those.

Best place to stay nearby: Stay with gay-friendly locals near Magic Mountain in Santa Clara, browse Santa Clara listings on misterbandb.com.

2. Santa Monica Pier

Head here for a mix of surf and rides.

Local tip: The iconic ferris wheel is a no-brainer that everyone should ride at least once. The mix perfect for “anyone who wants to go to the beach, but easily gets bored.”

Fun fact: Also, gamers can rejoice. When Colby goes to Santa Monica these days, it's usually to catch Pokemon, "if you’re a Pokemon Go player, this place is a bustling hub of Pokestops and tons of different types of Pokemon," says Colby.

Where to go: Stay with gay-friendly locals, browse rooms in Santa Monica on misterbandb.com

3. Santee Alley

Local tip: Head to this downtown spot for “what seems like never-ending blocks of vendors with EVERYTHING you can imagine. It’s not the fancy Rodeo Drive experience.”

Fun fact: Colby insists that you’ll feel like you’re visiting another country. “This is my go to spot to find great new clothes and especially hats and sunglasses.”

Before you go: Most of the shops are cash-only, so be sure to hit up an ATM before going. Oh, and as a warning: “The street meat smells delicious, but proceed at your own RISK!”

Where to stay: Stay nearby with gay-friendly locals, browse rooms in Los Angeles here.  

4. Hiking

Local tip: “Runyon Canyon is probably the most popular hiking destination in Los Angeles," says Colby.

Fun fact: And, even though the official Hollwood sign site may not talk about, “You can also take a hike up to the Hollywood sign.” Despite being the most popular hiking spot in L.A., Colby’s favorite is actually in Malibu, at the Escondido Falls. “You get to traverse the beautiful landscape and end your trek at a waterfall.

Before you go: Don’t be disappointed if theres no actual water at the waterfall; we don’t get much rain so many times it’s dry, but still worth the hike."

Where to stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals, browse rooms in Los Angeles on misterbandb.com  

5. Griffith Observatory

Local tip: This is home to “a big ass telescope, and a great lookout point over the city. This is by far one of the best places to go for an amazing view of the city.”

Fun fact: The observatory has been featured in many movies over the course of the years.

Before you go: It’s the perfect spot for anyone who wants one of the best photos ops the city has to offer, or anyone who wants to do a little stargazing.

Where to stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals, browse rooms in Los Angeles on misterbandb.com

6. Museums

Local tip: Art fans rejoice! L.A. is not just full of beautiful people, but plenty of places to view beautiful art.

Fun fact: “My favorites are The Broad, LACMA, and the Getty Center,” reveals Colby.

Before you go: “There are great collections of art from notorious artists.”

Where to stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals, browse rooms in Los Angeles on misterbandb.com

7. Hollywood Bowl

Local tip: This concert spot is an outdoor amphitheater and wildly popular.

Fun fact: “If you’re lucky enough to score tickets to one of the concerts here, it will be unlike any other experience you’ve had.”

Before you go: But because of its popularity, shows sell out quick, so be sure to scope out the calendar of events well in advance if you want a chance to get tickets to see your favorite band.

Where to stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals, browse rooms in Los Angeles on misterbandb.com  

8. La Brea Tar Pits

Local tip: This is a great spot for aspiring paleontologists, or just general fans of dinosaurs.

Fun fact: The tar pits have been around for tens of thousands of years, and have “preserved the bones of many dinosaurs," says Colby.

Before you go: "It’s really cool and not something you’re going to find anyone else."

Where to stay: Stay nearby with gay-friendly locals, browse rooms in Los Angeles here.

9. West Hollywood

Local tip: This area, known as WeHo to the locals, is the hub of gay life in Los Angeles.

Fun fact: “From the Rainbow crosswalks to the LGBT archive at the local library, this city basically revolves around gay culture. WeHo is home to great shopping like LASC and nightlife venues such as the world famous Abbey.”

Where to stay: Stay nearby with gay-friendly locals, browse rooms in West Hollywood here.  

10. In-N-Out

Local tip: This world-famous burger joint is where Colby insists you’ll experience, “the best burger you will ever have.”

Fun fact: Those that are in the know and serious about their burgers know about the secret menu you won’t see posted anywhere in the restaurant. “I like to order mine animal style. They add thousand island dressing and grilled onions," says Colby.

Before you go: "If you order protein style, they wrap the burger in lettuce instead of a bun.”

Looking for your next dream vacation? Be sure to follow Colby on Instagram for some vacation inspiration.