Southern California will be a new experience for both Brad and me, and we're pretty excited about all the adventures we have planned!

First, we'll fly into LA, pick up our SUV, and head to our hotel to freshen up before our first day in the city. While in LA, we plan to see the Dodgers play, visit the aquarium and the zoo, see the Getty Center and the Museum of Natural History, check out the Staples Center and nearby ESPN studios, drive around Hollywood to check out the famous sign, Grauman's Theater and the Walk of Fame, go see the USC campus and the LA Coliseum, take a trip to the Grove and the Farmers Market, and anything else we can fit in. There's so much to do and see, but don't worry, we'll definitely take time out to relax and enjoy our first weeks as newlyweds!

For the second leg of our trip, we'll take the scenic two-hour drive down to San Diego, stopping to check out Anaheim on our way. We'll also make sure to take in the awesome views on the Pacific Coast Highway. Our plans in San Diego include visiting Balboa Park and the museums on El Prado, checking out the best beaches in the area (including the #1 beach in the U.S.), and relaxing with some wine and shopping in the Gaslamp Quarter.

I'll be venturing outside my comfort zone and trying some new and exciting cuisine at restaurants we won't be able to find back home. Maybe I'll also plan a little surprise so Brad can try some new things, too...couples' facials? a night of salsa dancing? We'll see!

As you can tell, we're thrilled to be able to experience some of the great things SoCal has to offer! Thank you so much for considering a gift toward this once in a lifetime trip.