To kick off the second season of The Drew Barrymore Show, the actress and host returned to her Golden State roots, spending the first week of filming in her hometown of Los Angeles. “I am a true California girl,” Barrymore announced. “I love it here for so many reasons.”
Over the course of her week on the West Coast, Barrymore invited some of the biggest names in entertainment—including Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, and Billie Eilish—to her sunny outdoor studio while professing her love for the Golden State. Here are some of the highlights.
Experience the Culture of San Diego
Barrymore describes the seaside city of San Diego as “one of my favorite places in California.” She recommends checking out the area’s standout craft-beer scene and the Hops Highway is a great place to start. She also advises catching live music at spots like the House of Blues and The Observatory North Park, or trying bodysurfing at one of the many beautiful beaches along the coast.
Admire the Natural Beauty of Joshua Tree
“It just means so much to me personally. I’ve gone to Joshua Tree my whole life,” says Barrymore of this 800,000-acre national park. Located 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, and a short drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree merges the Colorado and Mojave Deserts in a starkly beautiful landscape marked by granite monoliths, sparkling night skies, and the namesake trees (which are actually yuccas).
Explore Hollywood
The beating heart of the American movie industry, Hollywood is known for glitz and glamour—but it’s also a lively neighborhood that thousands of people, including Barrymore, call home. “There are so many reasons to visit this area,” she says. Barrymore recommends hiking to the iconic Hollywood Sign, trying the exceptional food, and admiring the architecture.
Try a Famous Hot Dog in L.A.
Visit the corner of La Brea and Melrose in Los Angeles on any given day and you’re bound to find a line snaking around the block. What’s worth the wait? The iconic Pink’s Hot Dogs, which has been slinging sausages since 1939. Owners Gloria and Beverly Pink visited The Drew Barrymore Show to reveal the Drew’s News Dog, a 12-inch jalapeño hot dog topped with mustard, onions, chili, cheddar, and bacon.
Visit the Elephant Seals on the Central Coast
“I love the beach,” says Barrymore, who recommends an unexpected experience along the Central Coast. Head to San Luis Obispo County where you’ll find Pismo Beach and the elephant seals that live in the pinniped rookeries to the north in Año Nuevo State Park. “It’s like the coolest thing you’ve ever seen,” says Barrymore.
Eat Your Way Through Napa Valley
Napa Valley is best known for its more than 375 wineries and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, but Barrymore travels for different reasons. “I go there for the food,” she explains. “It’s one of the most important culinary destinations in our country.” Try exquisite fine-dining at Michelin-starred restaurants like La Toque and The Restaurant at Auberge—or discover surprising eats like a hidden pasta shop in the back of a liquor store or a biker bar known for its egg rolls.