The Ultimate Lana Del Rey Experience
The best way to spend a day in California as a Lana Del Rey fan.
Lana Del Rey is the American girl. And her songs are filled with references to countless American cities and states. Although she’s originally from New York, Lana and her music is very much Californian. You don’t have to visit for long to feel her vibes.
So, if you’re a Lana Del Rey fan, and you find yourself in California, buckle your seatbelts, blast Lana on the stereo, and ... "just ride".
Here’s a list of must-visit places that will make you feel like you're in Paradise — you don't want to miss them!
Hollywood
“Then, we dance on the ‘H’ of the Hollywood sign”
- ‘Lust for Life (feat. The Weeknd)’, Lust for Life (2017).
The big white letters that sit on the Hollywood Hills mark the iconic neighborhood located in Los Angeles. Hollywood — the place dreamed of by actors and artists all over the world. Whether you spot it as you stroll through the streets or visit the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign is a must-see landmark.
Visit the Walk of Fame to see the famous pink stars dedicated to the achievements of thousands of celebrities.
It’s no secret that Lana is a big fan of Elvis Presley. She’s all about Old Hollywood and alludes to Elvis in many of her songs. Find Elvis' star and thank the “King of Rock and Roll” for his work and inspiration upon Lana.
“But Hollywood legends will never grow old”
- ‘Terrence Loves You’, Honeymoon (2015).
Milkshakes at Mel’s
The Lana Del Rey aesthetic is incomplete without a cherry-topped milkshake in an old-school diner.
Grab lunch at Mel’s Drive-In on Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood. With a retro atmosphere and vintage decor, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a milkshake and the 50s diner experience. But not any milkshake… Lana has two milkshakes on Mel’s menu that are equally delicious!
Lana Del Rey Shake:
“Our classic chocolate shake blended with Oreo crumbles. A perfect match!"
The Grants:
“Sweet chocolate hazelnut Nutella spread with fresh banana and chocolate sprinkles blended together in a classic Mel’s Shake!”
For the ultimate experience, request to sit in a booth with a jukebox. If you scroll through the selection of music, you’ll find a list of Lana’s “Greatest Hits” that you can play by inserting coins.
While you sip your shake and listen to your favorite songs, keep an eye on the door because Lana has visited this restaurant many times!
Before you leave, take a quick trip to the corridor outside the toilets to see two signed Lana posters on the wall. You may also spot a picture of Rob Grant, her father, visiting the diner.
“To see your pretty pictures in Sunset Boulevard”
- ‘Wild at Heart’, Chemtrails over the Country Club (2021).
Malibu
“We play the Eagles down in Malibu”
- ‘The Next Best American Record', Norman F*cking Rockwell (2019).
Malibu is a beautiful beach city and the home of many stars. In 2015, Lana purchased a white Malibu beach house on the Pacific Coast Highway. It is the very house featured in the “High by the Beach” music video.
It’s rumored that this house has been destroyed as a result of the California wildfires. However, a piece of Lana’s heart still lives in Malibu, and the gorgeous sites from the pier are worth the journey.
Venice Beach
This location directly relates Lana’s “Venice B*tch” on Norman F*cking Rockwell (2019).
Venice Beach is a beach town noted for its unique atmosphere and unusual characters. You can find hundreds of street vendors and performers scattered along its busy boardwalk and see well-known places such as Venice Skatepark and Muscle Beach Venice. This area is also featured in some of Lana’s music videos, including “Doin’ Time”.
If you visit the Ellison Suites, you can see an impressive vintage mural of Lana Del Rey, painted by Jonas Never, on the building's outer wall. It’s a black and white painting of Lana, accompanied by lyrics from “Video Games". It’s a stunning piece of art and also a great photo opportunity.
Santa Monica
End your day in the perfect way by enjoying dinner on Santa Monica Pier. Indulge in Pepsi Cola and all-American food while you watch the sunset over the sea.
“Santa Monica, I’m racing the lights for you, baby”
- ‘Burning Desire’ - Paradise (2012).
Channelling Lana, I leave you with a beautifully poetic quote from her short film Tropico (2013) that describes her relationship with Los Angeles:
“Los Angeles. The city of Angels, a land of Gods and Monsters, the in-between realm where only the choices made from your free will will decide your soul's final fate. Some poets called it the entrance to the underworld, but on some summer nights, it could feel like paradise, paradise lost.”
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