City Guide: Los Angeles
If you know me, you know that I like to travel locally and internationally looking for the best eats, hotels and experiences so that I can make the most of my travel. Welcome to my Los Angeles city guide…
You could visit Los Angeles for every vacation and have a unique experience each time. Some of my personal must-do's for visitors are: visiting a taco truck, some of the best meals in L.A. are found in the street-food scene. Each Angelino has a favorite truck and mine would have to be Ave. 26 Tacos in Eagle Rock.
Los Angeles also has more museums than any other U.S. city, including landmark museums like The Getty or LACMA, but two, slightly unique, must-sees are the Hollywood Museum or Petersen Automotive Museum. It’s also important to incorporate time to enjoy the Southern Californian sunshine. My ideal morning is to start the day at Elysian Park with the Angels Point Hike, and then head down to Echo Park for coffee and pastries from Valerie or Blume & Plume.
Lastly, an insider tip is to plan your visit by regions and plan ahead by making reservations. Los Angeles is made up of 7 distinct regions to immerse yourself in various neighborhoods and to avoid spending less time in your car.
Eat & Drink
Brunch Spots: The Rose Venice, Butcher’s Daughter
Brunch/Lunch: Olive & Thyme (Burbank, near Warner Bros.), Republique (Mid-city area, near Museums), Jon & Vinny’s (several locations in LA – Brentwood, Mid-city, Mid-city area, relaxed/modern Italian-inspired fare),Abernathy (Causal lunch by Music Center & Museums)
Dinner in Valley: Casa Vega (near Universal)
Dinner in Downtown area: Bavel(Mediterranean), Bestia (Italian), Girl in the Goat (suggest making reservations in advance), LA Cha Cha Cha (rooftop Mexican restaurant in Arts District Downtown LA)
Quick Tips
Best beach: Zuma Bach & El Matador, but for more inspiration click here
Best walk/hike: Topanga State Park, amazing views of the Ocean, here’s more trails for consideration
Best local shopping area: Abbott Kinney in Venice
Best mall: Beverly Center
Best coffee shop: Go Get Em Tiger (various locations in Downtown, Los Feliz, Larchmont, & Culver City)
Best lunch spot: The Farmers Market - for over 100 lunch options from around the world
Best tea house: Tea by the Sea at the Getty Villa, offered Thursdays and Saturdays at 1 p.m., Tea by the Sea is inspired by the herbs, vegetables, and fruits that grow in the Getty Villa’s authentic 1st-century Roman gardens. The Mediterranean-inspired seasonal menu includes savory sandwiches
Best ice cream/gelato: Salt & Straw (various locations including Larchmont & Venice)
Best casual restaurant: Canters Deli in The Fairfax District
Best nice restaurant: San Laurel – Located inside The new Conrad in Downtown (opened July 6th), for other suggestions
Best sunset spot: Griffith Observatory
Best restaurant bar: Hippo in East L.A. - Highland Park
Best local bar: Apotheke or for more fun places to check out
Best roof top bar: Bar Lis in the Thompson Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District or Cara Cara at the Downtown LA Proper Hotel, for more
Best spa: Fairmont Century Plaza Spa
Best golf: Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Observatory, for more
