Things to Do in Roma Mexico City Neighborhood
Roma Mexico City is a colorful, hip neighborhood filled with culture, local pet-friendly restaurants, plants, and art galleries. Colonia Roma has a lot of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, traditional Mexican cuisine, as well as fusion restaurants. This neighborhood is covered in greenery, plants, and vines that make you feel like you're in a park, not a bustling, modern city like CDMX. CDMX is a big city with an endless amount of things to do.
Scroll down to learn more about popular questions: Is Roma in Mexico City Safe?, Restaurants and Cafes, Places to Stay, Art, Bars, and more.
Roma Mexico City is the ideal place for artists, creatives, hipsters to find inspiration. People describe Colonia Roma as a hipster-type of neighborhood. Merriam Webster defines hipster as a person who is unusually aware of and interested in new and unconventional patterns. There are residential buildings, art galleries, street food, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, art deco architecture, street art, and more. Explore the parks and squares of Roma Mexico, do a bit of shopping, then visit one of the cafes for a bite to eat.
Fodor's Inside Mexico City (Full-color Travel Guide) - Buy the book on Amazon.
Colonia Roma, Roma Norte, Roma Sur: What is the Difference?
There are many colonias or neighborhoods in CDMX. Some of the better known colonias are Bosques de las Lomas, Centro, Condesa, Roma, Colonia Juarez, Coyoacán, Del Valle, Jardines del Pedregal, Polanco, Zona Rosa, and more.
Colonia Roma is also called La Roma, La Romita, or at its simplest, Roma. You'll find this district located in Mexico City's Cuauhtémoc borough which is west of the city's historic center. Roma is broken down into Roma Norte and Roma Sur, which is the northern and southern portion of the neighborhood.
Related reading: The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret.
Is Roma in Mexico City Safe?
Maybe you’re wondering, is Roma Norte safe? Is it safe to walk in Roma Norte at night? Is La Condesa Mexico City Safe? The answer is yes! We felt safe walking around.
Panaderia Rosetta |
Restaurants and Cafes
Top rated restaurant-options include Fonda Recomienda, Tortería Los Güeros, Cine Tonalá, El Parnita, La Pitahaya, Lalo!, La Chicha, Panaderia Rosetta, Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria, Maximo Bistrot Local, Nudo Negro, Contramar, Mog, and so much more. Roma Norte and Roma Sur are buzzing with foodie options to make your stay in Mexico one your taste buds will never forget.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, snacks, wine, there are many Mexico City food options. Some places might have a website and social media presence where they provide their menu and hours online, while other establishments more so focus on in-person inquiries or phone calls. Check ahead to see if you need a reservation. We loved Panadería Rosetta for fresh pan dulce, pastries, and tastiness. Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria was popular amongst Mexico City locals and tourists alike, with a 45-minute wait!
Looking for more tips on things to do? Take a look at this book called Mexico City: An Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler - Buy it on Amazon.
Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria |
Tacos
Depending where you are, there are food options within walking distance. Walking around the street can be an amazing experience in itself as you search for coffee or perhaps a mezcal. Colonia Roma is definitely a lively corner of Mexico City filled with places to eat, shop, and stay. Make a trip to the food hall market, Mercado Roma, or find some tacos at a local restaurant. Taquería Los Parados, La Chicha, El Parnita, Tacos Nena, or any other place in Roma Norte or Roma Sur. There are shrimp tacos, tacos al pastor, chicken, pork, veggie, you name it.
Classic And Contemporary Recipes From Mexico City, a cookbook - Find it here.
Mercado Roma
Mercado Roma is a thriving food hall located at Querétaro 225 Col. Roma 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX Mexico. There are many food stands to pick and choose from depending on what you're in the mood for. You can get takeout or dine in and people watch as groups nosh and sip on their delights. Check out the Mercado Roma website for current hours and food stands.
Roma Movie
You might recall hearing of Roma Mexico City from the film of the same on Netflix, Roma. Oscar-winner Alfonso Cuarón writes and directs Roma, an emotional portrait of a domestic worker's journey set against domestic and political turmoil in 1970s Mexico. It's on Netflix if you'd like to watch it.
Places to Stay
There are a number of bed and breakfasts, rooms, and places to stay in Roma area if you want to stay the night. You can find private rooms, apartments, vacation rentals to suit your style. There are different options based on your budget, number of guests, and length of stay. Here are a few top hotels.
Related reading: El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico
Casa Goliana - luxury bed and breakfast in a restored 20th-century house with high ceilings
Address: Calle Guanajuato 199, Mexico City 06700
Phone Number: 011 52 55 6826 9648
Website: Casa Goliana
La Valise CDMX - adorned with Mexican antiques, unique art, cultured charm.
Address: Tonalá 53, Roma Norte, 06700, Roma Norte
Phone Number: +1 (305) 999 1540
Website: La Valise CDMX
Nima Local House Hotel - a boutique hotel in Mexico City
Address: Calle Colima 236 Col Roma Norte 06700
Phone Number: +52 55 7591 7175
Website: Nima Local House Hotel
Recipes and Stories from the Heart of Mexico City - Find it on Amazon.
Art
There are plenty of things to do in Mexico City. Start with a walk to an art gallery. such as Fifty24mx, Trouvé, Rojo Bermelo (in Condesa), Cultura Colectiva Galería, Vértigo Galería, Tinta Naranja (Condesa), and more.
Shopping
From shoes to books, shopping is easy in Roma. There are local boutiques and cool places all around the neighborhood. So bring your pesos or a credit card and let's get shopping. Vinyl Rules is a thrift store in Roma Norte. There's Saanta Vintage, Macundales (cards, stationery, books), Head to Bazar Cuauhtémoc for antiques. Pabellón Cuauhtémoc is a shopping center in Roma Sur. Shop vintage clothes, cute boutiques, and other things.
Bars
Sip and savor the view at one of Colonia Roma's bars. This neighborhood has quite a few options. The bar scene is ready for you. Order mezcal, tequila, pulque, whatever your heart desires. The world is your oyster. Stop by Limantour at Álvaro Obregón 106 Col. roma 06700 México, D.F. Mexico. Okupa has mezcal. You can also fine Cine Tonalá, Club San Luis, La Botica, Dance Floor (if you want to dance/go to a gay bar) XOIO Bar (has gluten-free options!), Perros y Burros, and more.
Market, Corner Stores, Groceries
If you rent a room or entire apartment in Roma, you might be on the lookout for a market to buy some basics like bottled water, veggies, fruit, and other local goods. There are Oxxo's and other markets throughout the neighborhood.
Have a Fun Trip!
This is your sign to visit Mexico City's colorful Colonia Roma neighborhood for coffee, places to stay and shop, music, culture, and amazing local Mexican food. Explore the colonias (neighborhoods) in Mexico City. I hope this entire article can help you navigate your stay in Mexico City's Colonia Roma. You could also visit nearby colonias (neighborhoods) such as Condesa and Polanco neighborhood.
Do you have any trip tips for Mexico City? Feel free to share or save a photo on Pinterest.
Learn more about traveling to Mexico on the Visit Mexico website. You'll enjoy visiting Mexico City if you like coffee shops, food stalls, museums, beautiful buildings, hidden gems, and nature! Popular things to do in CDMX are Bellas Artes, Soumaya Museum, Frida Kahlo Museum.
Read my other blog posts about Mexico:
A Mini Guide to Tijuana's Breweries, Craft Beer, & Tasting Rooms
North City San Marcos, CA: Restaurants, Block C Apartments, Parking, Farmers Market
Located in San Marcos, California, North City has restaurants, a farmers market, live music, apartment living, and retail shopping opportunities. Whether you're looking for urban apartment townhomes or a coffee shop to get some work done, North City is your North County San Diego downtown public community hub.
North City San Marcos is near the Cal State University San Marcos main campus as well as Pima Medical Institute and CSUSM Extended Learning. You'll find a mix of retail and residential leasing opportunities. Learn more on the North City website.
In this post, I share details about North City San Marcos CA, the restaurants, Block C apartments, parking, and businesses in the downtown area.
Farmers Market
Stop by North City's open-air market every Tuesday. It features local fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh-baked bread, seafood, dairy, nuts, fresh flowers, handcrafted gifts, prepared hot foods, and more. The market is open year-round Tuesdays 3 pm – 7 pm.
North City Restaurants
Buona Forchetta
The Buona Forchetta restaurant chain is known for its award-winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees. The San Marcos location is family-friendly with indoor seating as well as large patio options.
Address: 250 North City Drive Suite 3, San Marcos, CA
Copa Vida
Copa Vida has multiple locations throughout San Diego County. Drinks are tasty and ingredient-forward. The shop is pretty big, with bright open windows, plenty of chargers for your laptop. Over the years, this spot in North City used to be Halcyon, then GRIT, now it's Copa Vida.
Address: 250 North City Dr. Suite 1, San Marcos, CA 92078
Draft Republic - Not Open Yet
Draft Republic boasts 36 craft beers on tap, an on-site brewery, comfort food, full cocktail bar, 8 lane bowling alley, video wall, retro arcade, live music, private party rooms, outdoor patios, and more.
Fresh Healthy Cafe
Get your health-forward smoothies, fresh-squeezed juice, wraps, salads, or crunchy, warm, and melty paninis at Fresh Healthy Cafe. They also offer catering for your next event.
Address: 250 N City Dr Suite 5, San Marcos, CA 92078
Mason Ale Works - Temporarily Closed
Address: 255 Redel Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
Tapioca Express
Parched? Searching for teas, boba, and maybe a snack? Tapioca Express offers milk tea, mangonada, juice, hot teas, and loads of beverage options to whet your appetite. Snacks include chicken wings, fried tofu, French fries, fried dumpling, among other items.
Address: 200 E Barham Dr Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92078
Urge Gastropub & Common House - Permanently Closed
Address: 255 Redel Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
Umami Japanese
Umami Japanese serves rich, delicious cuisine in North City. They have a pet-friendly patio, perfect for bringing the whole family. The extensive menu boasts draft beer, Japanese beer, hot sake, wine, appetizers, salads, lunch specials, dinner bento, and so much more.
Address: 251 N City Dr Suite 122, San Marcos, CA 92078
Wynston's Ice Cream Co.
The flavors at Wynston's Ice Cream (formerly called Wynn's Ice Cream) will leave your mouth watering for more options. They have classic, nostalgic favorites always on the menu such as cookies in cream, mint chocolate chunk, peanut butter chocolate as well as rotating fun seasonal flavors. They also have vegan/dairy-free options.
Address: 251 N City Dr Suite 128E, San Marcos, CA 92078
Block C Apartments
Live in North City at the Block C Apartments - now leasing built-to-suit or spec units. You'll find modern, pet-friendly lofts and townhome apartments with state-of-the-art neighborhood amenities. It's walkable and you're right next to a bunch of restaurants, dining options, the university, and more. Perfect for campus-affiliated housing.
Other Businesses
North City has offices and commercial spaces to boot. If you're a local business, perhaps you're seeking retail, commercial office, or medical office spaces. These are available at North City as well. Join the party. Make sure to check online or call ahead to learn each business's current hours.
Mesa Rim
There's climbing, yoga, and fitness right in the heart of North City. Mesa Rim is an indoor rock climbing gym and fitness center. Bring friends, kids, family, and have fun.
Address: 285 Industrial Street San Marcos
Union Cowork
Get your cowork on at Union Cowork. They have flexible desks, dedicated desks, private offices, virtual offices, conference rooms, podcast rooms, and more.
Address: Address: 251 N City Dr #128F, San Marcos
Related reading: Things to Do in North County San Diego, California
CSUSM Extended Learning
Address: 288 Campus Way, San Marcos
Pima Medical Institute
Address: 111 Campus Way, San Marcos
Parking
Structure 1 – 201 Campus Way
7 days a week – Retail Parking Rules
Level 1. 90 min from 5 am - 2 am.
Level 2-5. No limit, just don’t park in Reserved Residential.
Structure 2 – 295 June Way
Mon – Fri – Retail Parking Rules
Level 1-2. 90 min from 5 am to 6 pm, then no time limit until 2 am.
Level 2-6. No Parking (CSUSM only) from 5am to 6pm, then no time limit until 2 am.
Sat & Sun – Retail Parking Rules
Level 1-2. 90 min from 5 am to 6 pm, then no time limit until 2 am.
Level 2-6. No time limit from 5 am to 2 am.
Located in San Marcos, North City's restaurant, retail, and residential options make it a thriving community development and neighborhood in North County San Diego. San Marcos is close to Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Vista, and Oceanside.
Related reading:
Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, California
Oceanside Pier: Restaurants, Fishing, Parking, Everything You Need to Know!
The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret Park, Cancun
Picture yourself floating magnificently down an underground river created by nature, enjoying the view as you swim. Imagine the utter thrill of releasing all control and trusting mother nature to guide you through dark crevices in a natural underground cave.
Experience the wonderful attractions at X C A R E T park, a world full of adventure hidden in the tropical paradise of Cancun Quintana Roo, Mexico. You and your family are bound to have fun and memories to last for years to come.
Xcaret Park is basically the Disneyland of Mexico. There's food, attractions, entertainment, remarkable views, but there's also an underground river, zip-lining, & so much more. Xcaret Cancún Park is popular amongst Riviera Maya locals, citizens from Mexico, as well as tourists from all over the world. This is one of those one-stop-shops. People dedicate days here or just a day, depending on your energy level.
Related reading: El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico
Floating the Natural Xcaret Underground River Cancun
Xcaret Park has underground rivers allowing guests to swim in the waters through dark caves & into the tropical world of Xcaret. The names of the underground rivers include the Blue River, the Mayan River, and the Manatee River. Xcaret is located in Cancun in the Riviera Maya (Maya River Mexico), near Playa del Carmen, giving it a natural vibe that's unlike any other theme park. You can unknowingly trek through a jungle, only realizing it when you see it from about. The pure expanse of trees as far as the eye can see. You have a feeling like you're just one fraction, a tiny leaf or bug in an enormous jungle.
You'll find something great to explore in every corner. Xcaret is a popular trip destination for a reason. It's one of those places you must travel to at least once. Xcaret's Cancun Eco Park in Playa del Carmen offers the Mayan Village, the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium, & the Butterfly Pavilion. Get your grub on with fresh food at one of their many restaurants. I only spent one day at Xcaret & feel like I missed out on a lot; there was so much more I could have done, seen, experienced, & of course, eaten. A vacation isn't a just chance to rest but an opportunity to learn more about the world around you.
Underground Rivers
The Xcaret river experience is easily one of the most popular things to do in Xcaret Park. The underground rivers flow about 16.4 feet below the ground. Xcaret Park gives you a life vest & flippers for the river experience. I went with my family, a group ranging from a 50-something-year-old who couldn't swim to kids who could kind of swim to myself, an Olympic gold medalist. Oh wait, that's not me. I'm not an Olympic medalist but I know how to swim more or less. The swimming experience is easy. Simply hold on the road as a guide & the lifejacket helps keep you buoyant.
For snorkeling, guests can rent snorkel gear for a cost as well as a refundable deposit. However, if you have an Xcaret Plus ticket, you only need to pay the refundable deposit. Take a look at the Xcaret website for information about the underground rivers.
Related reading: Things to Do in Queretaro Centro, Mexico Top Attractions
Paradise River allows you to witness the beauty of the underground rivers without having to dive into the water. Paradise River runs along stretches of the Tropical Jungle Trail as you waft a raft. If you're not a swimmer or don't want to get wet, this is a superb option. Whether you swim through it or float through it, don't miss the experience of the Xcaret underground river in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Due to the whole underwater aspect, I didn't bring a phone or a camera so I made sure to utilize the photo-taking capabilities of my wristband. I took some photos throughout Xcaret Park but not at all during the underground river exploration. I love photos & being able to fondly look back on memories but sometimes you just have to completely absorb without any distractions.
How Long is the Underground River at Xcaret Park?
The river has an extension of 656 yards & an average depth of 5 ft. The underground rivers aren't for practicing laps, you can't just swim willy nilly wherever you want. Parts of the underground river are literally pitch black & you'll want to follow the rope lead like it's nobody's business. Other parts enable you to revel in the natural light of the sun. If you ever feel over your head, scared, or as though you've had enough, you can leave at one of the designated exits along the way.
Life jacket use is mandatory & it helps you float throughout the course. There are no waves so you don't have to stress about being overpowered. That said, everyone must wear a lifejacket. Why wouldn't you want to? Like I said, it gets dark in certain areas so you'll appreciate those safety precautions when you're in the water.
Related reading: Things to Do in Roma Mexico City Neighborhood
How Cold is the Water in Xcaret?
I visited in December & parts of the Xcaret underground river waters were cold-ish but nothing frigid. If you visit in summer, I imagine the temperature of the water is refreshing or warm! Even throughout that December day, the air felt warm against your skin, the sun shone brightly, drop of sweat rolls down your cheek after tracking all afternoon. The underground river sounds refreshing right now.
Tickets & Admission
There's Food and Beverage tickets, Photopass tickets, adult options, child options, so choose what works for your family, depending on what attractions you want to see. Beautiful Xcaret Park offers experiences you won't forget. They even have fun, educational, exiciting performances! Google it and read a review or two to see what others say.
Xcaret Plus admission includes a number of convenient, fun perks such as:
- One lunch buffet
- Tours in three underground rivers
- Xcaret México Espectacular presentation
- Access to the beach, inlet, & natural pools
- Visits to the Butterfly Pavilion, Coral Reef Aquarium and the Aviary
- Children’s World, a place of fun exclusively for the little ones
- Horse Exhibition, Papantla Flying Men and Pre-Hispanic Dances
- Tropical jungle trail
Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show
Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show is fantastic, showstopping, acrobatic, cinematic, & entertaining as hell. The costumes alone were a masterpiece with bobbing flamingos & jellyfish dancing their way across the stage. Hundreds of cast members make their appearance throughout the show, somewhere around 300 to be presence. You'll experience the history of Mexico through song & dance. You'll watch a terrifying match of the Mayan fireball game. Learn more about the Expectacular Show on their website and check the hours.
Address: Carretera Chetúmal Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Where Can We Stay Nearby?
It also includes the use of snorkeling gear, lounge chairs, hammocks rest areas, free parking, & more. Read about the Plus admission features on the Xcaret website. If you plan to stay more than a whole day, it certainly helps to spend the night in a nearby hotel. If you have money to spend, the Hotel Xcaret Mexico is the most convenient choice. They have 900 rooms ready for you & your family.
The Hotel Xcaret Mexico has an ALL-FUN INCLUSIVE® vacation option which includes unlimited access to the parks Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco & Xenses, tours to Xenotes & Xichen, transportation between parks, airport shuttle, food & drink.
If you have a car or rental car you can drive in from your own hotel, Airbnb, or wherever you're staying. That's what we did. We drove in for the day. Had fun. Swam in an underground river. Ate tacos with an ocean view. Saw flamingos.
I positively enjoyed my time at Xcaret eco park in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo with a range of family members. Kids, adults, & elders can revel in the diverse entertainment, good food, & fun. I definitely could've stayed longer; I'm sure it would have been fun & I would've tried out more of the features. Hope you have a chance to enjoy it yourself!
Visiting Mexico
Mexico is a large country with so much to offer, making it the perfect spot for a fun trip. Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya is an incredible place to explore. Take a look at the Visit Mexico website for more information on tourism. Did you know Mexico has 32 states? Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur , Campeche, Coahuila, Colima, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatán, & Zacatecas.
Cancun, located in the state of Quintana Roo, is certainly one of the more popular locations but it not for nothing. With crystal clear warm water & absolutely intoxicating food like huitlacoche tacos. What is huitlacoche you ask? What does it taste like? Read this post. Search for a place to eat, there are plenty of options in Cancun. You'll have a great trip!
Read my other blog posts about Mexico:
A Mini Guide to Tijuana's Breweries, Craft Beer, & Tasting Rooms
Things To Do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico
Things to Do in Queretaro Centro, Mexico Top Attractions
El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico
Halliwell Manor: Where is the Charmed House Located? Where was Charmed Filmed?
If you're a Charmed fan you've seen a lot of Halliwell Manor over the seasons. In the TV show, the Victorian-style manor is based in San Francisco, but that's not where the series was filmed.
Where did the Halliwell sisters live on the tv series “Charmed”?
The witches lived in San Francisco. The Halliwell family went through a lot of tribulations & jubilations in that house in San Francisco. And plenty of magic! It was passed down over the generations. The Book of Shadows played an important part up in their attic of those witch sisters, Piper, Prue Phoebe and Paige.
The Warren line of witches is powerful. For the most part, we saw the women inside their home with shots of the outside of the Halliwell house more seen during transitions for scenes. The manor stayed in the Warren family line for four generations. Where was this filmed? If you were ever wondering about the Halliwell manor Charmed houses, this post has the information you're looking for.
Doing some external maintenance on the Charmed House/Halliwell house in LA. |
Where Is Halliwell Manor in real life? The house used for Charmed is a real house that real people live at. There are no tours. It is a neighborhood with people please be respectful. The address is 1329 Carroll Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026. The whole street is historic!
If you're in the LA area you need to check out the Halliwell manor near the Echo Park neighborhood. Where is Charmed filmed? You can actually find the Charmed house location in Los Angeles. Can you believe it? I suppose it's not the biggest surprise considering Hollywood & Los Angeles is well-known for being a big part of the movie industry. That said, the tv show takes place in San Francisco so it is a bit of a shock to find out that's not where it was shot. 500 Hidden Secrets in LA.
@carmenvarner Los Angeles hidden gem: The house from Charmed ##charmed ##losangeles ##la ##fypage ##thingstodo ##hiddengem ##travel ##travelbucketlist ##witch ##fypシ 🔮
♬ original sound - carmenvarner
Plan a trip! The address is 1329 Carroll Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026. The entire street is lined with remarkable, unique homes that you won't want to miss. The home's estimated value as of August 2020 is just over $1,100,000, & it has only gotten more popular with time. These days people have easy access to watching the Charmed TV show snuggled in their pajamas tucked in bed as they watch Netflix. It's certainly having its revival in popularity.
If you like to travel, add this location to your bucket list if you are a big fan. Not only is it a beautiful house but the street is lined with remarkable Victorian-style manors. Read 111 Places in Los Angeles that you can't miss!
“Our powers are not toys.” - Prue Halliwell: Season 1, Episode 2
You can find the original structure of the house on 1329 Carroll Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026, along with a bunch of other beautiful houses on the same street, such as the Heim House which is at 1320 Carroll Avenue. The Victorian mansions are worth a visit since you're already in the area. They filmed loads of outside shots of Halliwell house for the show, so it's easily recognizable. Walk around the neighborhood to get the full scope of the Victorian-style manor, architecture, windows, even the door!
If you want to shop online so you can have episodes conveniently located at your home, opt for Charmed: the Complete Series or start with Charmed Season 1. Do you have a favorite season?
Whether you're a new Charmed fan or you've seen every episode 100 times & can quote every line, no matter what - you are welcome here on my blog!
Los Angeles has literally thousands of things you can potentially do, so this is just something to do if you have extra time or are a Charmed fan. Surprisingly, it's not very well known that the Charmed manor is actually in LA. I found it on accident as I was looking at the map, it just showed up. Carroll Avenue is located in Los Angeles near Echo Park. The neighborhood is beautiful.
Is the Halliwell Manor a Real House?
Oh yes! It's definitely a real house & a stunning one at that, well from what I've seen at least since you can't tour it. However, the exterior of the house is different than the set they used for the inside of the house. The furniture on TV is not the same as the actual interior of the house. When I visited they were doing construction on the exterior of the house. It looked like they were just doing standard maintenance to make it look refreshed. It's an old Victorian house after all. Explore the area, there are other gorgeous houses to see.
People live in the home so it's not available for tours or anything tour options I know of. Where did the Halliwell sisters live on the tv series “Charmed”? In the tv show, the home is supposed to be on 1329 Prescott Street, San Francisco. But there's no location to tour in San Francisco!
“We kick evil’s ass every day.” “Sometimes twice a day.” - Paige Matthews and Piper Halliwell: Season, 4, Episode 15
Is the Charmed House Los Angeles Historic?
In 1976, the entire 1300 block of Carroll Avenue was listed as a National Register of Historic Places. (Learn more about the National Register of Historic Places.) The Carroll Avenue 1300 block contains the highest concentration of Victorian Era residences still standing in Los Angeles. The interesting homes are considered part of the Eastlake & Queen Anne style. Built by real estate developer and city councilman, Daniel Innes, the Charmed house location in real life is called the Innes House. It's one of the original homes build during the 1880s on Carroll Avenue in Angelino Heights.
These nine Victorian residences are considered Los Angeles-Historic-Cultural Monuments as they represent times long gone, a dedication to architecture, beauty, design. This house had some external work done such as a paint job & fixing the roof, but much of it remains intact. For the most part, it's still the original structure.
Buy the full Charmed DVD disc set on Amazon.
Can You Visit the Halliwell Manor?
Here's the thing: the Halliwell house is a real house & real people live there. It's a private residence and historical landmark. It's a historic home, the Innes House. The whole street is a historic site. It's not a fake house on a fake street with fake people. It's a neighborhood with humans who genuinely live there. Be considerate & respectful when you visit. Don't walk directly onto their property, keep your distance & get a shot from the sidewalk. The home is tall so you don't want to cut it out by getting too close anyway! You can't go inside but you can take photos from the outside. The real name of the house is the Innes House.
Where was Charmed Filmed?
Perhaps you're searching for the Charmed house San Francisco. For the most part, the filming location for Charmed was at Paramount Studios at 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Exterior shots of Halliwell manor were shot at 1329 Carroll Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Despite the tv show being based in San Francisco, they didn't film there! There is no Charmed house San Francisco.
Don't Forget to Check Out the Thriller House
While you're in the area, check out the Thriller House on the same block. The address is 1345 Carroll Avenue in Angelino Heights. The home is called the Sanders House & is well-known as the place featured in Michael Jackson's Thriller music video. Check out the Thriller CD on Amazon. You'll love walking around the neighborhood known for its architecture and history.
You might be interested to read my blog post about checking out the Gilmore Girls location: Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed? Where Is Stars Hollow?
About Charmed
The Charmed series has eight seasons that aired from October 7, 1998, until May 21, 2006. Fans across the globe were devastated when the show was canceled but at least we can watch it now. Since the show first aired in 1998, the fashion & style really reflects the era. They have some pretty iconic outfits & cool looks. These badass witches use their powers to fend off the world of evil & other creatures & demons that come into the mix.
The Book of Shadows is a family spellbook filled with all the essentials of witchcraft. The manor has been in the Warren line for four generations. The Book of Shadows includes spells, incantations, instructions for potions, & everything in between. There are even some Book of Shadow Replica books out there. The tv show received a cult following of people who enjoy watching the episodes to this day. Perhaps you are one of those people! I know I am. They are the Charmed ones.
“Stop trying to predict the future, that’s my job.” - Phoebe Halliwell: Season 2, Episode 16
The main actors include Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, T.W. King, Dorian Gregory, Greg Vaughan. Karis Paige Bryant, Brian Krause, Julian McMahon, Rose McGowan, Drew Fuller, & Kaley Cuoco. The show is supposed to take place in the city of San Francisco, California: located on 1329 Prescott Street, San Francisco.
The main characters are Piper Halliwell, Phoebe Halliwell, Prue Halliwell, Paige Matthews, Leo Wyatt, Darryl Morris, Cole Turner, Wyatt Halliwell, Elise Rothman, Inspector Andy Trudeau, Billie Jenkins, & a bunch more. Did you know you can buy Piper Halliwell action figure dolls online?!
Once again, find the Halliwell Manor located on 1329 Carroll Avenue in Los Angeles, California. The street has a bunch of interesting houses. Los Angeles has rooftop bars to enjoy creative cocktails & trendy places to eat, but it also has the Halliwell Manor! The Victorian-style manor is near Echo Park, so you can spend the afternoon in the area; hang out at the park, reading a book under the cozy shade of a swaying palm tree.
The great thing about television is that it allows you to live a different life, meet new people, take part in a world you've never been to.
Have you visited? Please feel free to share your experience, your favorite Charmed episode, or anything. Hope you have a great day & happy watching! Do you have a favorite season or character? What's your favorite thing to do in Echo Park/Angelino Heights?
Other Things to do: San Diego Edition
Things to Do in North County San Diego, California. North County San Diego has hundreds of e experiences to offer, from coastal surfing to hiking in the mountains to sipping craft beer. The coastal cities are Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Solana Beach, and Vista. Inland cities are Escondido, Poway, San Marcos. The mountain cities include Ramona & Valley Center.
Things to do in Oceanside, California: food, coffee shops, beaches, & more.
Things to do in Encinitas, California: surf, fun, food, & other stuff.
San Diego Influencer: What is Influencer Marketing? What Do Social Media Influencers Do?
I'm a blogger.
I'm an influencer.
I'm a social media manager.
I'm a blogging coach.
I'm a freelance writer.
I'm all of the above!
There are so many buzzwords these days - blogger, influencer, influencer marketing, engagement - but what does it all mean? Well, some have different meanings, some are similar, & some are industry words much like you'd view on a resume. I don't go around introducing myself as a San Diego influencer in all instances.
I've written over 500 blog posts & hundreds of posts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, over the years. I've had a blog since 2011, long before I ever had an Instagram page. I majored in journalism & decided I didn't want to spend my life at a newspaper, the next best thing was a lifestyle blog. In 2011, it wasn't about followers, it was about finding a place on the internet where you felt at home. What a different time! In 2017, I quit my corporate job to find the next step for me: freelancing, remote work, writing, social media management.
Read my yearly freelancing anniversary updates from Years 1, 2, & 3!
Hanging out & hiking in Julian, California. |
When I do social media management for small local businesses & other clients, I'm a social media manager. What does a social media manager do in a day? Read here. When I'm completing contracted writing for magazines, I'm a freelance writer. If I'm invited to a restaurant opening in San Diego, it's probably because of my blog or social media accounts, so in that case, I'd call myself a San Diego influencer.
I remember attending a press trip for Visit El Paso in 2018 & talking to a man in his 50s. He was on the press trip too, but more on the event planning side, I was on the blogger side. He asked me about the term "influencer" & asked if that's what young people refer to themselves as these days. It was a good question.
Click here to contact me. I'd love to learn more about you & your top business needs.
Related reading: Life in Quarantine as a San Diego Blogger + Social Media Manager from April 2020
What Are Influencers vs. Bloggers?
Influencer marketing isn't just in San Diego or the United States, it's all across the world. There are influencers everywhere, from San Francisco & Los Angeles to New York & Paris & Warsaw, Poland. Overall, being a top blogger, influencer, etc. really depends on the person & what they want to be called. Generally, a blogger has a literal blog. Whether on WordPress, Wix, BlogSpot, SquareSpace, what have you, a blogger is a blogger because of a blog.
Someone who blogs is a blogger; someone who knits is a knitter; someone who plays basketball is a basketball player. It's more about the action, not about semantics.
Read this post for a whole exercise on how to find blogging inspiration & blog ideas.
An influencer might not have a blog but instead has a social media presence, such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, the list goes on. PS, read this blog post for tips to increase your Facebook reach. So because an influencer could be on any/all social channels, the term influencer is a general description of what we do. Social media influencers have influence because of the followers & online presence they've created, similar to a blog, but in a different capacity.
For example, at one point in May 2020, I had up to 2.2 million monthly viewers on my Pinterest profile. Is Pinterest social media?
A blogger might also have an active social media presence, & an influencer could have a blog. Because there isn't a magical exact preciseness to it all, each person might refer to themselves as something different! You can view examples of what a person calls themselves on their blog or social media channels, sometimes in their email signature.
Have questions about influencer marketing in the city of San Diego? Click here to contact me.
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What is Influencer Marketing?
Both the top influencers & bloggers create content, write (whether it's captions or blog posts), take photos, negotiate, & so much more. Whether you are a therapist, beauty brand, or a beach towel company, there are ways to improve engagement, get a follow or two, increase visits, increase page views to your contact page, & more.
Influencer marketing is basically like user-generated marketing for the brand; they essentially hire the influencer to do work, ie. content or photos & then share it with their family, friends, audience that they personally developed.
Sometimes I'm a lifestyle blogger, travel influencer, travel writer, social media consultant, the names change because I'm all of them. It depends on who I'm speaking to or what I'm doing! When I went on that press trip in Texas, it makes sense that I'm a California blogger/San Diego influencer since I'm coming in with a California perspective & California viewers make up one of my biggest percentage of followers.
Want to contact me? Click here.
What Do Social Media Influencers Do?
Lifestyle influencer marketing revolves around things people use, eat, or experience on a regular basis, such as tea or a toothbrush or a short trip with family. After the Texas press trip, I created content on my blog. I found a particular aspect about El Paso that I loved & felt my followers & Google searchers would be interested in or would search for later. I wrote a blog post about Franklin Mountains State Park & then shared that content on my social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TripAdvisor).
Going on the press trip gave me content to write about; it gave me experiences, memories, & furthered my own blogging/influencing career by being part of a full-on fly me out, pay for my hotel room type of press trip! In return, the influencers/bloggers create content, take photos, or tag the brand, link to the website, generate interest, views, website clicks, or bookings, etc.
A lot of times a top influencer becomes an influencer by being themselves. For example, I wrote a post about rainbow eucalyptus trees in Balboa Park, San Diego (which you can read here) & it started getting organic search traffic from people Googling fun things in San Diego or where to see rainbow eucalyptus in San Diego.
As an influencer or blogger, you don't work for someone else, it's your platform to use as you wish. As an influencer, it becomes a business that the person chooses what's best. They can choose if they want to work with fashion & style, news, beauty, travel, food.
And remember: it's not always about the number of followers, how much reach do they get? How much engagement?
For example, I had a campaign with Del Taco to promote the Beyond Meat range of burritos & tacos. As someone who has been meat-free for 15 years, I was already buying this product. It made sense to me when the email popped in my inbox about doing a sponsored post on Instagram to talk about it. Make money talking about something I already used, ate, tried? Yes, please. Take a look at my Instagram post!
If you'd like to contact me, click here.
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Examples of San Diego Influencer Marketing Events I've Attended
- I went to an event at Home & Away Encinitas for Thorn Beer. They invited foodie influencers to attend. These are regular people. Most of them have a day job, a life other than influencing. These are people who love food & probably post about it frequently, perhaps they use certain hashtags to find new followers. Take a look at my Instagram post about the event & experience here.
Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town
- I was invited to the opening of the Scripps Ranch location of Juneshine. View my Instagram post from that event. This event was a bit younger, more modern, & fresh. Most influencers were young, under 40. It's all about the brand, Juneshine is a hard kombucha, which might have a fun, fresh young audience compared to a craft beer brand. The influencers you invite to your event should reflect your brand!
- I attended a mindfulness app launch party in San Diego a few years back at the start of influencer marketing. There was a range of professionals - not just bloggers. Each professional might have a different niche & audience, whether influencer or other local business representatives.
Is Influencer Marketing Free? What Does it Cost?
I've been invited to events across San Diego County. Sometimes a public relations company contacts me via email or sometimes you get a quick Instagram message about something from a brand itself. Each company or event is different. Sometimes there are no requirements for a particular event, they just invite you to feel free to post or not post. Sometimes they want you to post a couple Instagram Stories & other times it's more involved. This is where certain influencers have the leverage to have sponsored posts, posting fees, or other requirements, especially if a lifestyle influencer has a large following/reach. And yes, sometimes there is payment, depending on the campaign or type of sponsored collaboration.
Contact me or see about Coaching, Consulting, & Management for your small business.
On a press trip in Lompoc, California with Explore Lompoc. I wrote Fun Things to Do in the City of Lompoc, California on my blog. |
Finding an Influencer for Your Business
From La Jolla, Balboa Park, Del Mar, all the way up to Julian, there are events, restaurant openings, local businesses all around San Diego that could use lifestyle influencer marketing. It's all about finding the correct person for your brand. One influencer might offer daily posting on Instagram about local eateries to try in San Diego County while another might share home decor tips. Follow a few to get a feel for who's out there.
Related reading: How to Set Effective Personal & Business Goals So You Actually Get Things Done
You made it all the way to the bottom so what's the next step? Sometimes you have to take a leap & see what happens. If you need some help, I work with businesses on their engagement, blog writing, social media content, & more.
Whether you live in the city of San Diego or somewhere else, your business might benefit from influencer marketing. Have a question about social media influencers or small business influencer marketing? Contact me. Interested in social media management, help, or consulting? Fill out my Discovery Questionnaire & I'll get in touch with you within 48 hours.
Testimonials
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"Carmen helped me prioritize my goals for my brand as a whole. She provided me with skills to improve my decision-making in everything from blog topics, gauging my audience, and making my personality really shine through in my work." -K.S.
"I have so much more clarity about the direction we are headed in--and we are already seeing results! I implemented her SEO strategy a few weeks ago and in the past week we have started to see more referrals through Google. Most importantly, these are quality referrals that have booked with us right away and been eager to pay our full fee. Carmen keeps me accountable to my goals and also provides feedback on my marketing. I send her 90% of our content before it goes out, and she always thinks of ways to make it better." - C.A.
Want to hire me for social media management, consulting, or something else? Fill out my Discovery Questionnaire & I'll get in touch with you within 48 hours.