LOS ANGELES, CA
Sprawling, sunny Los Angeles sits on southern California’s coast and is a hub for glamour, entertainment, and scenic views. My friend Nick is from LA and shared his favorite spots. This guide is mostly focused on the West LA area. Happy traveling!
Travel Tip:
- Prepare for the vastness of LA. The city is very spread out and you need a car to get around. Renting a car is the best option for visitors. You can get around in Ubers, but it gets very expensive. LA’s reputation for bad traffic is accurate so be ready for that, but it’s also a very friendly, feel-good and kind city.
One fun thing:
- Go see the sunset over the ocean at the Beach View or “The Ridge.” It’s Nick’s favorite place in LA. While the spot is becoming a bit more popular, it’s still a local secret. Get there early, park on the street and watch the sunset.
- Palihotel Culver City: a good boutique chain with a few locations
- The Standard: a hotel downtown with a 24-hour diner and a good rooftop bar.
- AirBnB: probably the best option if you want flexibility. There are loads of options.
- Downtown LA: check out some spots in downtown LA! Spend some time in the Last Bookstore, the largest new and used bookstore on the West Coast. Walk through Grand Central Market for good quick eats. Wander over to Olvera Street, a Mexican marketplace with lots of little gadgets and things. There’s great food here too. Go to the Arts District where there are loads of cool galleries and exhibits. While in the Arts District, stop by Wurstkuche for loaded sausages and a cold beer.
- Go for a hike: A perfect way to take advantage of the weather. While there are many areas you can hike, one of the most popular hikes is the Hollywood Hills Hike that includes the Griffith Observatory, great views and, of course, the Hollywood sign. A few other favorites include dog friendly Runyon Canyon Park, Franklin Canyon Park and the Temescal Canyon Trail.
- Kayak or paddleboard at Marina Del Rey: an active and fun way to get out on the water. There are a few rental shops in the marina where you can rent a kayak, paddleboard or little boat. Grab some friends or paddle out solo and explore the harbor. It’s close to Venice Beach which is also nice to walk around.
- Getty Center: A museum with a view. The museum itself has loads of interesting art from paintings and drawings to contemporary sculptures and photographs. There is no entrance fee — it’s free! Along with the art, the Getty Center offers beautiful views of Los Angeles.
- Go to the beach: A must-do when in LA. Sunny California is known for its breathtaking beaches and it can be overwhelming to choose where to go. Nick’s favorite beach is El Porto near Uncle Bill’s restaurant. It’s a bit less touristy but still can be crowded.
- S&W Country House Diner: a casual stop where the locals go. It’s an old school diner with the welcoming warmth of a family kitchen. They have a massive menu and their food is delicious. The pancakes “slap,” biscuits have an interesting sour and buttermilk-y taste with a thick cornbread consistency. A personal favorite is fried tomatoes which are cornflake crusted. They are cash only, but there are a few ATMs around the corner. No website.
- Eggslut: a trendy place for breakfast sandwiches. It has a celebrity following, but isn’t too pricey. There are a few different locations across LA. It’s lovely to go to the location in Venice Beach, grab a sandwich and walk around.
- Uncle Bill’s: a pancakes spot, right by Manhattan Beach. Their bacon is thick and delicious. Wait times are decent, but worth it. The atmosphere is quintessential SoCal – dogs galore, waiters right out of the water from surfing.
- Quick grab and go places: there are plentiful options for a quick grab and go coffee and bite in the area. Check out Conservatory Coffee for exceptional coffee. Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts is a celebrity-owned (Danny Trejo) trendy spot with menu highlights like horchata and bacon jalapeño donuts. They have vegan options too. Urth Cafe is a bit touristy, but they have unreal coffee.
- In-N-Out: a must-try chain that might change your life. Yes, there is a lot of hype for this chain, but it’s deserved. Nick describes it as the best fast food cheeseburger on the planet. If you’re feeling frisky try the animal-style fries loaded with extra cheese and secret sauce. Get the Neopolitan “neo” shake- strawberry, vanilla & chocolate, or try their hot chocolate in colder weather.
- Bay Cities Italian Deli: An Italian deli that’s been in business forever. You have to go in with a plan – it’s fast-paced and they aren’t always patient, but their sandwiches are amazing. Try their famous Godmother sandwich with the works, a thick Italian sandwich. They have a delicious “Spanish version” too called the Spaniard. If you’re feeling up for a picnic, get some fresh bread, cold cuts, and your favorite cheeses and go have a picnic at Palisades Park, enjoying the Pacific Ocean and near the Santa Monica pier.
- The Room Sushi Bar: a sushi spot that’s a little pricey, but very good. It has some of the best sushi in LA. They have interesting rolls, the classics, and shellfish-free options. Alternatively, try Tom’s Sushi House (no website) which is a window-serve sushi restaurant with tasty crispy rice.
- Sawtelle Neighborhood: where you find fun Japanese markets and restaurants. Go for ramen at Tatsu Ramen. Then, after lunch, you can head over to Volcano Tea for some boba tea. The milk tea boba is the perfect level of sweetness. They have funky flavors that, sometimes, can be almost too sweet. If you’re balling on a budget, but still looking for quality sushi, check out Sushi Stop. Everything on the menu is around $3-$7, but it’s still great sushi.
- Felix Trattoria: “the best pasta and Italian restaurant in the United States.” Nick is a pasta connoisseur, so I trust that statement. Renowned for its handmade pasta, there are no machines in sight. In the middle of the restaurant, you’ll find the “laboratorio” where you can see the chefs making handmade pasta all day long. Try the cacio e pepe, pappardelle with rich ragu, or Diavolo pizza. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The portions are small and it’s pricey, but you will not regret eating here. You will need a reservation. If you arrive early, walk along Abbot Kinney road where you’ll find lots of posh stores.
- Little Fatty: an absolutely delicious Taiwanese soul food restaurant. The vegan fatty noodles or Xo fatty noodles are recommended. The “fatty noodles” are rice noodles kind of wrapped in themselves forming an almost gnocchi-like food. Reservation probably not needed.
- Tacos el Primo: a quick stop family-owned hole-in-the-wall restaurant with flavorful and special tacos and Mexican food. Try the al pastor tacos and quesadillas. It’s located in a perfect spot to watch the sunset, so grab a taco and watch the sun go down.
- Gracias Madre: a meatless Mexican restaurant. Their vegan and organic food is a big draw. Their tacos al pastor are mouthwatering. They have a beautiful ambiance and a garden patio with fire pits too.
- Diddy Riese: a spot for fresh homemade cookies in the UCLA neighborhood. In addition to cookies, they have ice cream, brownies and other sweet treats. Open late!
- Flour Belly: small-batch pies and other baked goods. They don’t have a storefront, ask you to order one week in advance (via Instagram DM) and you’ll pay what you can. Vegan and gluten-free friendly. Nick’s brother started the business as COVID hit and it’s grown enormously since! Check out Flour Belly’s Instagram and support this awesome small local business!
- Auld Fella: an Irish bar in Culver City. It’s lively, modern and fun.
- Angel City Brewery: a big beer hall and brewery downtown with a good selection on tap.
- Brewport Tap House: a low-key spot where you get to pour your own beer. It’s less touristy and has a solid selection of beer, wine and cocktails.
- Backstage: a dive bar across the street from Sony Studios. Good pickleback shot. It’s a local spot.
