Los Angeles is a very large town – in fact, it’s actually several towns (Santa Monica, Culver City, West Hollywood, Los Angeles…) which have merged together. It’s best enjoyed at a gentle pace, dedicating each day to a different neighborhood, in order to avoid spending hours in traffic. And most of all, to appreciate the unparalleled quality of life and slow pace of living.
Eat
– Sqirl: the most Californian breakfast and lunch place in town. Make sure you try the sorrel rice bowl and/or their crispy rice. Their avocado toast is a staple, and they are famous for their ricotta brioche but it’s pretty heavy!
– Gjusta: the sister restaurant to Gjelina in Venice, with a very large menu offered morning to evening. Avoid peak hours and weekends when it gets really busy – Gjusta is best enjoyed on the patio in the early evening.
– Grand Central Market: a large food court Downtown with tons of offerings, from old Mexican joints to hip new spots.
– Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, at the far end of the pier and right above the water. There’s also Malibu Seafood which is a great, casual option right on the PCH.
– Musso and Frank, for the old Hollywood atmosphere. The cocktails are better than the food, this is the kind of place where you would want to take your parents-in-law if they were visiting.
– Angelini Osteria, and Felix, some of the best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles.
– Destroyer: Scandinavian R&D food in the sister restaurant to Vespertine, right across from the Michelin-starred restaurant.
– Night+Market for super trendy Thai food, i.e. khao soi and natural wine pairings! For more traditional Thai food, head over to Jitlada in Thai Town.
– Petit Trois for some dairy-heavy French food and the famous omelet.
– Dune: a great falafel and sandwich place in Atwater Village — get the lamb sandwich and falafel plate. Right across from Proof, a delicious bakery.
– In-N-Out: the classic LA burger which only exists on the West coast.
– Courage Bagels: an excellent breakfast and lunch spot, don’t be discouraged by the line it goes by quite fast!
– Horses: the hip restaurant has been packed ever since it opened, with VIPS and locals alike jostling for a table.
– Bavel: the Middle Eastern restaurant by Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gervis, owners of Bestia and Saffy’s.
Drink
– The Friend: One of the best bars in Los Angeles, with excellent music and a charming decor.
– No Vacancy: Set in an old Victorian house with a patio, this cocktail bar takes you to a whole different era.
– Good Time at Davey Wayne’s: the same owners as No Vacancy, and usually they have a live band on Wednesdays.
– The Ace Hotel: for a rooftop bar in Downtown LA.
– Grandmaster Recorders: a good option for a rooftop bar in Hollywood.
– Trampstamp Granny’s: a bar with live music and a piano karaoke!
Do
– Hiking anywhere around LA: Runyon Canyon, the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, Will Rogers State Park or Los Leones in Malibu.
– Beach day in Malibu at El Matador, Point Dume or Broad Beach.
– Spending an afternoon in Venice, walking along the canals, Abbot Kinney Blvd, Muscle Beach, the boardwalk, and the skate park.
– The museums: LACMA, MOCA, The Broad, The Getty, The Getty Villa…
– Hollywood is not the most charming part of town, but there’s the iconic Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theater, the Scientology building and the Hollywood Forever cemetery – with outdoor movies in the Summer.
– Downtown LA with the Bradbury Building, the angel flights, the Last Bookstore, old theaters on Broadway, Olvera Street and the oldest house in LA… As well as the Arts District neighborhood which is full of art galleries, breweries and restaurants. You can even book a basketball game to see the Lakers play.
– A tour of the studios, such as Warners, Paramount, or Universal.
– Driving around Mulholland Drive to see the scenic overlooks
– Boat ride to see dolphins and whales in Balboa with Captain Nick, or even a day trip to Catalina island.
– Architect houses and interesting ones: Stahl House, Eames House, Sheats Goldstein house, Greystone Mansion, Spadena House, etc.