When you ask people what they think of L.A., responses are a mixed bag: Some people start complaining about the traffic and pollution, while others mention the beaches and the sunshine.
After living here for a while, I've come to the conclusion L.A. has something for everyone, and if a trip is planned well, everyone can be a happy camper.
How this guide is organized:
Geographically, the city is spread out and so it can take two hours during rush hour to get from one side of the city to the other. Therefore, to make the most of a trip to L.A. - and to avoid spending time in the car / Uber - it's best to plan your days based on location.
This guide is based on how my family organizes our weekend adventures: We choose one activity and one place to eat (we're foodies) and then we fill in the spaces with a bit of spontaneity, like popping into cool shops we stumble upon, visiting residential neighborhoods to look at houses and spending time at nearby parks. Check the notes to learn about those fun discoveries.
Read this: How to use this guide
Each day in this guide is filled with MORE activities and food options than you could possibly do / eat in one day; that's intentional! Do as we do: pick your favorite one or two activities, and your food of choice, and you'll have a wonderful day.
We visit new places on a weekly basis, so this guide will be updated!
If you go to any of the places I recommend, be sure to tag me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast.
If you appreciate this guide and would like to leave a tip, that's also very much appreciated! :)
📍Northern Los Angeles
Day 1
On Day 1, I'd start by going to Porto's bakery and then Warner Bros. Studios for a tour. Mid-way through the tour, you'll stop at the set of Friends and the Big Bang Theory, where you'll also get to eat / drink a coffee at the famous Central Perk cafe.
If you're trying to save money, carry some food in your backpack. There's a Trader Joe's in Toluca Lake where you can go for picnic items. I can't think of a better place for a picnic than in front of the Hollywood sign; I like the view from Lake Hollywood Park.
Afterwards, I'd head to the Griffith Observatory (the time shown below is with traffic). You can grab food there at Franklin's Cafe or hold off and eat in Los Feliz, which is not only worth visiting, but you'll find many amazing restaurants there, like Home.
Instead of Griffith, if you spend a long time at Warner Bros. Studios and aren't eager to do many other activities, consider going to Universal CityWalk! It's close, and it's the perfect place to grab some food and catch a movie at their IMAX theater.
Learn tips, tricks, and more info, by clicking the links below.
The Warner Bros. Studio guided tour takes 1-1.5 hours and brings you on the set of Friends, The Big Bang Theory and many other Hollywood shows and films.
We took our time and ended up spending 4 hours learning, playing and taking pictures!! So plan ahead! :)
Here are some of the things you will / must do at the Warner Bros. studio:
- Ride the typical golf cart.
- Sit on that bright orange couch at Central Perk.
- Visit Monica's and Rachel's kitchen.
- Sit in front of the famous fountain from the intro of Friends.
- Go into the Gazebo from Gilmore Girls, you'll also pass Luke's diner!
- Visit Sheldon and Leonard's Apartment from the Big Bang Theory.
- Visit the fake streets of New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
- See where they make the sets and the four-story building filled with props.
- Sit in the cupboard under the stairs, just like Harry Potter.
- Put on the sorting hat in the Great Hall.
- Make a Potion in Potion's class at Hogwarts.
- Check out all of the D.C. costumes (they have a lot of Batman memorabilia).
- Learn so much movie/film history!
In addition to coffee, Central Perk serves lunch, so if you have the 10 o'clock, 11 o'clock or 12 o'clock tours, you'll hit that prime location right at the right time! We were pleasantly surprised by the food and coffee there.
If this tour is your jam, you might also consider being on the set of a show in the making! You can get tickets at https://on-camera-audiences.com.
WB studio is located in Burbank, close to many world-class restaurants. If you decide not to eat at one of the on-site locations, check out the recommended places below.
A short drive from there and you’re in the stunning Toluca Lake neighborhood, Studio City and Universal Studios itself!
You can hike to the Hollywood Sign, but I prefer going to this park that's right down below it. You can get fun family pictures from here, play at the on-site park if you have little kids, or even have a picnic.
There's street parking right next to the park. Since most people come quickly for the photo and then leave, parking spots (free of charge) are often made available.
You can also drive up to the top of Beachwood Drive to get a close look of it.
Fun facts about the sign:
- Each letter is 50 feet tall (15m).
- It was originally built by a real estate developer, Harry Chandler.
- It was built in 1923 and used to light up with 4,000 lightbulbs.
- An unemployed actress once jumped off the letter H to her death.
If you decide you'd like to go on a hike to the Hollywood sign, I've heard many wonderful things about some hiking tours that takes place nearby.
If you want to watch a movie and grab some food, consider visiting Universal CityWalk, which is just outside of Universal Studios.
Be aware though, parking is expensive! Buy movie tickets through their website and YOU'LL PAY A FRACTION of the price.
Places you should try:
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium!
- Pink's Famous Hotdogs
- Voodoo Doughnuts
There are a total of 28 places to eat and drink so you're not limited to junk food. Just remember, you can go on a diet once you go home. :)
Portos is called Portos, not after the city in Portugal, but after the Portos family who started this massively popular bakery / restaurant / coffee shop in Echo Park in 1976.
Today, there are numerous Portos locations in Southern California, and they draw in South and Central Americans eager to buy their exotic treats; You can buy cakes, cookies, croquets, smoothies, coffee drinks, full loaves of bread and more. The treat case is longer than any case I’ve ever seen.
If you have a craving for something heartier, you can get sandwiches, Ropa Vieja with fried plantains and a number of options at a price cheaper than most restaurants in L.A..
Los Feliz is a cute neighborhood in L.A. that gives off vibes of Berlin / Brooklyn / Portland. It feels trendy, perhaps this is why many A-list actors and actresses have homes in Los Feliz and Silverlake.
I've chosen this restaurant because of the neighborhood, it's not too far away from the Griffith Observatory (see the map), and the food, drinks and atmosphere are just all-around fantastic! They serve food all day, so whenever hunger strikes, head HOME.
While in Los Feliz, I'd walk down Hillhurst and N. Vermont Avenue to see all of the action, there's a movie theater to catch a film and stop at Jeni's ice cream, which is a local favorite!
If you have time, or just want to spend time outdoors, you can also walk towards Barnsdall Art Park. There are a lot of cultural events there - including a wine and sunset evening, that I recommend taking part in if you're there at the right time! Just check out their website to see the dates.
If you're not from the U.S., and have never been to a Trader Joe's, you're in for a treat. They have plenty of delicious pre-made meals for you to grab and go or picnic goodies.
The store looks really nice inside, so it might give you the impression that it's more expensive than your average store; it's not. Their products are priced well compared to other local grocery stores, if you don't believe me, be my guest and compare!
What I like about this TJs is the location. Toluca Lake is a really nice neighborhood to walk in, especially around Halloween and Christmas, when the affluent locals deck out their houses and lawns with decorations. It's also close to where Bing Crosby and Amelia Earhart used to live, so go check out their homes, if you're a fan.
- Amelia Earhart (10042 Valley Spring Lane, Toluca Lake)
- Bing Crosby (10500 Camarillo St, North Hollywood, CA 91602)
- Frank Sinatra's former residence (10051 Valley Spring Ln)
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📍Hollywood
Day 2
Day two is all about entertainment and fame. Technically, you could do all of the activities listed here in one day, but I think you could do the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater plus either Runyon Canyon Park OR Universal Studios.
On this day, you might also consider seeing a concert at the Hollywood Bowl or Hollywood Palladium OR a comedy show at The Comedy Store or The Laugh Factory.
If you're in L.A. for a shorter period of time, consider combining Day 2 and 3, everything is fairly close.
When I was new to Los Angeles, I went to the dentist and he asked me where I was from. When I mentioned that I was from Northern California, he raved about the beautiful Redwood trees and hiking trails. I agreed and then followed up by asking him about hiking options in L.A..: Runyon Canyon, he said. Runyon Canyon is the place to go, but in L.A., many people go just to see famous people.
I don't know about that; the views from Runyon Canyon are stunning and it's great exercise.
However, I took note for you guys in case you want a celebrity sighting. My tip: Go during the week and try not to be too creepy. :)
Is it worth walking Sunset Strip? One local says that between La Cienega and San Vicente streets, there are a lot of restaurants, shops and bars to hang at.
Going out to eat a lot in Los Angeles can get expensive, the best way to counter the high prices is In-N-Out, debatably one of California's BEST fast-food restaurants, and it's affordable!
If you came to California as a tourist and didn't try In-N-Out, I'd be embarrassed to say I was giving you tips, simple as that.
This is a really cool experience, if you and your kids (if you have them) are interested in the subject matter: excavations, dinosaurs, the Ice Age and more.
La Brea Tar Pits is open to the public daily.
Free for L.A. residents from 3-5 pm each day, otherwise it can be pretty pricey to get in ($15 per adult).
You can watch their Ice Age show at 11:30 and 1:30 for an additional $6 a person. I haven't seen it, but it looks cool! There's a real actor in an authentic-looking sabertooth tiger costume (70 lbs of it) and it has integrated robotics so that its expressions and movements are also authentic!
The Melrose Trading Post is open every Sunday at Fairfax High School from 9AM to 5PM. Fashionable locals rave about it. Imagine a million trendy thrift stores outside.
If you can't make it to Melrose Trading Post on Sunday, it still might be worth visiting Melrose Ave. if you like shopping. Just start walking westward from the Melrose Trading Post and you'll run into hundreds of unique shops; you're bound to find one-of-a-kind pieces here.
L.A. is beautiful in many ways (the ocean / beaches, the neighborhoods and certain places in between), but be prepared, you might feel a bit underwhelmed in Central L.A.; aesthetically it makes me sort of sad. Keep your expectations low and you may be pleasantly surprised.
As I mentioned in the beginning, this guide is a work in progress. I'll keep adding reviews as I've visited new places. This is one of the few places I haven't been to.
About:
The Petersen Automotive Museum has "one of the largest automotive collections in the world."
- 3 floors
- over 250 cars
I don't think I've ever seen a museum with such insane reviews. People claim that they're not car lovers and love this place.
Reviewers have suggested 3 hours to complete this museum.
The Original Farmer's Market was opened in 1934 by a local dairy farmer named Gilmore. One day, Gilmore decided he wanted to expand his farm and started drilling for water, but struck oil instead! He started the Gilmore Oil Company and also the Original Farmer's Market, giving local farmers a prime location to sell their produce / products to consumers. It was a hit, even throughout the Great Depression.
Today there are over a hundred vendors whose shops have been passed down from one generation to the next. There's also a huge variety of food, for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
We like grabbing unique items from Marcel's shop and indulging in Nonna's empanadas with their spicy vinegary sauce (the chicken, mushroom, cheese one is delicious).
The location of this very impressive market is right next to The Grove, which is a popular outdoor shopping mall. I'd definitely walk off the calories you gained in the market. There's a 3-story Barnes and Noble and a fountain that dances to music! It's a must see.
If you're eager to take a walk in the park, the Pan Pacific Park is next door. You can walk around, go to a kid's playground if you have little ones, or go to the Holocaust Museum which is at the far end.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
9AM-9PM
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
9AM-8PM
10AM-7PM
It's tempting to go here just based on how the atrium looks, but people also rave about the food, specifically the breakfast and brunch.
I haven't been here yet, so I won't pretend that I have, but my mouth is watering after looking at just about 20 of the 19,000 pictures on Yelp.
The menu is really unique and diverse; they have everything from shakshuka and potato pancakes with smoked salmon to short ribs and sweet items as well, like ube brioche, Belgian waffles and pastries and many of the sweet treats shown on the British Baking Show, that you can't find anywhere in real life.
This brunch place is also next to Milk Jar cookies (OMG).
If you're obsessed with watching food vloggers and Netflix food shows, then you already know about this place. Pink's Hot Dogs are an institution, so if you're writing your bucket list, put it on there, then walk on over and cross it right back off.
While the mild or spicy polish dogs are often ordered, the most popular hot dogs at Pink's are the Chili Cheese Dog and the Chili Dog.
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📍Santa Monica
Day 4
Does Santa Monica have it all?
At first glance, you see the Pier, the Ferris Wheel and the end of Route 66. It's pretty cool! The beaches here are pristine and lined with palm trees. Off in the distance, the Santa Monica mountains create an epic backdrop for all of your beach activities, and believe me when I say there are many! Apart from the rides and arcade games on the Pier, from the beach you can take surf lessons, rent a bike, exercise, or even build a sand castle.
But wait, there's more.
Santa Monica has three main downtowns: Main Street, Third Street Promenade and Montana Avenue. If you go to any of these areas, you'll find amazing restaurants, shops and more. If you wander far enough on Main Street, you'll even hit Venice and their artsy Main Street: Abbott-Kinney Boulevard!
Driving: Parking can be pretty expensive and a little annoying to deal with here. I'd either park near the Pier (there's ample parking there) or near 3rd Street Promenade, then I'd ditch my car and rent a scooter! They're everywhere, just ask a local. READ MY NOTES FOR DETAILS! :)
Take a stroll through this park. It's located right next to the pier and it's just beautiful. While L.A. wasn't so great with city planning, Santa Monica was one smart cookie putting that park right next to the ocean.
Not only are there great views from here, you're sort of out of the mess of people that are down at the pier. Why not have a picnic with a view?
Lots and lots of people and it's no wonder why, there's a bunch of rides and restaurants at the end of a pier, from which you have beautiful views of the Santa Monica mountains, Santa Monica proper and the long stretch of beach down to Venice.
You gotta do it. It's also where the end of Route 66 is, so don't miss out on the opportunity to snap a front in front of the famous sign!
If you're into arcade games, head to the area where the rides are!
Third Street Promenade is fun to walk, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants and shops. After you hit up the Apple Store, you can grab a gelato at Ugo!
Another stunning street is Montana! It's long and has a lot going on; somehow it feels more local than Third Street Promenade also. We love an Italian restaurant there called Forma. If you're lactose intolerant, be sure to take some pills, this place has fridges full of cheese ready to serve you some of the best!
Elefante describes themselves as "serving light coastal Italian cuisine with cocktails inspired by the eccentric flavors of the Mediterranean."
Yes, it's a bit on the pricier side, but the food, environment and views make it well worth it! It's a great place to bring groups and watch the sunset. :)
When talking about Santa Monica to locals and tourists (who are knowledgeable!), almost everyone recommends this place! It's light, fresh and airy with ocean views from any of the seats in the main seating area. In the back seating area, there's also a large fireplace with roaring fire going on those cold evenings and wintery days.
Be sure to make a reservation on their website prior to your visit, so that you get a table with an ocean view.
While all of their pasta and pizza dishes are a hit, one of their most famous small dishes is the WHIPPED EGGPLANT puccia, olive oil $15.
At lunchtime during the week, they do an express lunch meal with three courses for $35 (subject to change). It's a great way to try a variety of their offerings.
We tried the pasta with vodka sauce, a margherita pizza, the brussel sprout salad and marscarpone and prosecco arancini.
For dessert, we had the tiramisu and the affogato vanilla ice cream with espresso and caramel.
We'll be going back soon; I can't stop thinking of the affogato! When we do, I'll update this review with any other dishes that blow our mind.
Wow. These are intense! We tried four different donuts from here, all were delicious. There was only one yeasted donut (fluffy) out of the four we got, the rest were heavy and cake-like. Come here with that in mind! It's also priced as if you're ordering a slice a cake! We paid $21 for 4 donuts :0
Gourmet, gourmet, gourmet.
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📍Malibu + Pacific Palisades
Day 5
The reason we go to the Palisades or Malibu is for the food, the beaches and the killer sunsets. The Getty Villa and Will Rogers State Park are there too, which are also very nice!
Both of these affluent areas are right next to the PCH (the Pacific Coast Highway) and while neither location has a must-see downtown in my opinion, the views from both cities are phenomenal. For one, while on the Malibu Pier, you have great view back at the Santa Monica mountains and all of the mansions atop them. The coastline is also lined up with world-class restaurants that have ocean views!
People rave about Nobu and Geoffreys, if you're willing to splurge on a meal, but you can also indulge in delicious food and catch a perfect West Coast sunset from the options I've listed below! Read my notes.
John Paul Getty was an industrialist and oil tycoon, needless to say, the man was loaded!
The Getty Villa, located on the southern end of Malibu is the perfect way to start a day or end it; you'll see a lot of Green and Roman art, the Landsdowne Herakles and the stunning grounds!
What's more: It's free to enter, you just have to pay for parking! (Last time I went it was $20.)
What's cool about the Getty Villa and Center is how accommodating they are to families, you can even drop your kids off at their kid center so that you can enjoy the art in peace. I'm not so sure I'd do it, but one of the staff members at the Getty Villa was raving about how wonderful it is! So, whatever floats your boat! :)
When we were there, we debated whether to leave and have lunch in the Palisades or in Malibu, but we ended up eating lunch at their onsite cafe. If you do, get the aioli burger! It's the best (albeit most expensive) hamburger you'll ever buy.
When you're in L.A., any day is a beach day!
Zuma beach is our favorite place to go; it's encapsulated in the Santa Monica mountains, so it feels secluded and the beach is long and the sand is clean and soft. There are bathroom facilities are also well-kept!
This place is a real gem. So be aware, during the summer Zuma beach gets packed! If you go in high season, I would arrive before 10 a.m. to get a prime parking spot next to the sand.
As for the wave situation, well, it's pretty hit or miss; quite literally. Sometimes they'll hit so hard you're knocked off your feet, while on other days they lightly roll onto the sand.
For those with small kids, be aware of this! I'm not exaggerating: when they're big, they're really big. Once you arrive, check to see what type of wave day you have and then set up shop accordingly (some areas of the beach have calmer waves than others).
In summer, there are lifeguard stations though, which is nice.
We always bring picnic stuff to the beach, but if you get hungry there's a really nice restaurant right at the south end of the beach called the Sunset Restaurant. Enjoy! :)
We went to this historic park last weekend and were VERY surprised by it. Not only is it nice to step away from the hustle of the city, but it's both beautiful and educational.
Atop a hill, you sit on acres of Will Rogers's former property, which includes his ranch style home (there are tours Thursdays and Fridays between 11 and 3 pm for free!), the stables (with horses and horseback-riding lessons) and of course the hiking trails.
The hiking trail, which starts at the end of Will Rogers's massive green front lawn is a two-mile loop to the top of Inspiration Point. You can go on other hikes from there as well – the tour guide told us you can actually walk to Reseda Blvd in the Valley from there! – but Inspiration Point was a fairly short walk uphill and the views were really unbelievable.
From the top of Inspiration Point, on a clear day, you can see Catalina Island, Santa Barbara Island, downtown L.A., Santa Monica and Venice beaches and all of the mansions in the Palisades / Santa Monica! Believe me, it's really cool to get this birds-eye view.
We spent a total of 3.5 hours doing the tour and then taking the hike! That includes a lot of stops for photos.
Who is Will Rogers? He was one of the highest paid Hollywood actors in history; he was a cowboy and professional roper, he had his own talk show among many other feats. He once owned much of Santa Monica and the Palisades! Imagine what these areas would like today if he hadn't sold!
You can watch a 10-minute video about his life in the Visitor's center, right next to his home. Entry is free, you just need to pay for parking.
Do you know Duke? According Duke's restaurant website:
"Duke Kahanamoku was a native Hawaiian, a six-time Olympic swimming and water polo medalist, the father of modern day surfing, and the Hawaiian ambassador to visitors and dignitaries. "
The restaurant is Hawaiian-style and it's one of six locations in California and Hawaii. From the Malibu location, you'll not only get fantastic views of the ocean, you'll get to try the comforting American-Hawaiian cuisine that they're famous for.
Their fish tacos are extremely famous as is their "Hula Pie" which consists of a chocolate cookie crust, with macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge and toasted macadamia nuts and whipped cream.
What's a little annoying is that this place is very popular, so it's best to be prepared. A week before you plan to eat here, I'd schedule your sunset dinner on Open Table. You'll also get to check the weather and decide whether it makes most sense to dine inside or out.
It's easy to understand why this restaurant consistently receives high reviews; the location, the aesthetics, and the quality of their food are all top-notch. Did I mention most the ingredients are locally sourced!? Now it's ticked all the boxes.
They not only have a bunch of healthy options (as well as vegan and gluten-free), but they also have the hearty, all-American indulgences, like lobster rolls, lobster mac n' cheese and skirt steak. So there's something for everyone!
Their cauliflower pizza is also very popular.
I recommend making a reservation on Open Table so that you can snag a spot right next to the window, nothing beats that ocean view, especially at sunset!
Once you're done with your meal, you can walk down to the end of the Malibu Pier to get fantastic views of the mountains, the Malibu mansions on the hill and Santa Monica / Venice off in the distance.
Or walk towards the street (Highway 1) and right across from the restaurant is a crazy-looking venue called Dreamland, which is attached to a trendy clothing store called Aviator (AV). Go there and walk inside, trust me on this. The highly-decorated interior, with colorful wallpaper and murals makes it, not only very instagrammable, but just an exceptional spot to grab a coffee/ cocktail.
This place is a local favorite. If you like seafood, you'll be swimming in seafood heaven: they've got shrimp, calamari, oysters and all the good fish you can find around here!
Let's just say I'm not the first person to claim their fish and chips are to die for!
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📍Venice Beach
Day 6
Venice is all about beach time and shopping and that about sums up my recommendations below. Since most of the beach stuff is next to each other, I'd organize my day based on where you want to eat. Many of the phenomenal restaurants are on Abbott-Kinney Boulevard, however, Fig Tree is right next to the water.
If you're interested in an adventure-filled day, you could park your car at the Parking Venice Beach, go directly to Venice Beach Rentals and hit all of the must-see spots below by bike. You could even ride up to Santa Monica, it's just 3 miles away! :)
If after you've done all that there is to do in Venice, I'd either go beach hopping down south (Manhattan, Redondo, Hermosa) OR go back into the city. Culver City is fun to visit too, it's right next to Santa Monica.
When you think of California, you might think of rollerbladers, skateboarders, beaches and the sun. I think it's realistic to say that you're probably thinking of Venice Beach. In the summertime, this area is teeming with tourists and locals. To make the most of it, consider joining a drum circle, taking a surf lesson, or renting a scooter to zoom up and down the boardwalk.
Be aware though, there are a lot of homeless people in Venice, especially near the beach. Can you blame them? Free beachfront property and nice tourists. :)
Comparison is the thief of happiness. With that said, don't even start comparing the Venice, California canals to those in Italy. Other than the fact they're both made of water (yes, they're canals), they're very different. Look at the images of above for reference.
We came here on a cold and breezy day; we sat down, they handed us blankets, and then the host zipped up a clear wall in front of us so we got the ocean plus the warmth of the cozy cafe / restaurant.
This interior of Fig Tree is just so dang cute (look at the pics!) and you can't beat the food; there are a lot of fresh options that make you feel as fit as the beach babes skating by on the boardwalk.
If green stuff isn't your jam, you can pound a burger and fries also. ;)
Have you ever stuck some food in your mouth and instantly your eyes start to widen? Every bite here causes that reaction. Frankly, I've tried a lot of different dishes here; we came to a chic rooftop birthday party in the spring and they served up loads of appetizers, pasta, pizza, veggies and more. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Btw, I'm not a vegan, but the birthday girl was. There are options for everyone at this place!
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📍Beverly Hills + more
Day 7
What would a trip to Los Angeles be without venturing through Beverly Hills?
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the first film studio was opened on Sunset Boulevard in 1911. Shortly afterwards, the Beverly Hills Hotel was built, in hopes that many actors and actresses would purchase the surrounding land to build real estate there. It was a success! Today, the trees soar above the many perfectly manicured lawns and mansions. The former homes of Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Michael Jackson and many more are here.
While you can do a Celebrity Home Tour in this area (see link below), I'd plan this day by separating it into two parts.
Morning: UCLA, drive through Holmby Hills, maybe walk the area and go to Holmby Park, drive to the Playboy Mansion, Lucille Ball's House (1000 North Roxbury Drive), then drive to the Spadina House (516 Walden Dr.), the drive is short but spectacular, you'll probably want to drive up / walk up and down every street.
Afternoon: After seeing the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Beverly Hills Sign, having lunch at one of the places listed below and walking down Rodeo drive, I'd spend the afternoon at the Greystone Mansion or the Getty Center.
This mansion, and its surrounding grounds, was property of the Doheny family until 1955. Today, when it's not leased out to film studios, it's open to the public.
It's fun to walk around here, especially if you've seen any of the many movies that have been filmed here including:
The Big Lebowski
Spider-Man
Rock Star
Rush Hour
The Prestige
Star Trek - Into the Darkness
The Social Network
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
The list goes on...
A long time ago, I went to the Getty Center with a friend and was very impressed with the experience. It was free to enter, you just have to pay for parking!
What's cool is how accommodating they are to families! Their website has a ton of recommendations on how to make the most of a trip with a family / kids; you can ride the train up, have a picnic on the grounds and even drop your kids off at their kid center so that you can enjoy the art in peace. I'm not so sure I'd do it, but one of the staff members at the Getty Villa was raving about how wonderful the kid center is! So, whatever floats your boat! :)
Getty made his fortune in the oil industry and collected many types of art. The Getty Villa in Malibu, with the Landsdowne Herakles and stunning grounds is also worth visiting.
UCLA stands for the University of California, Los Angeles and it's one of the most prestigious universities in California.
UCLA campus is massive, with pathways connecting the large brick auditoriums to many green patches of grass and seats to plunk down and read a book.
While at UCLA last, we stumbled upon a Lacrosse game, which was open to the public. If you can organize your trip so that you go to a football game, I'd definitely try! It's an experience.
If not, you must take the tourist photo in front of Royce Hall and grab a coffee at the gothic-style Kerckhoff coffee shop and art gallery.
It's very peaceful walking around UCLA, especially when school's not in session. It's also fun to reflect on how many famous people walked those same paths!
Lucas and I decided that one day we want to live in Holmby Hills. The streets are wide, the trees are tall and the houses are breathtaking, just take a walk around and see for yourself.
Michael Jackson used to live here, as did Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney. You'll even run into the Playboy Mansion, although you can't get a good view of it because it's behind a big gate!
I found my dream home in Holmby Hills, which was cute and simple; its listing price was 8 million dollars. L.A. is not cheap.
Tip for foreigners: If you're interested in real estate, you can look up an address of a house you like on Zillow (even if it's not for sale) to see how much it sold for the last. Pictures from the time it was last listed are usually still visible, so you can see the inside! :)
This homey restaurant looks like it hasn't been changed for 50 years. To be honest, it sticks out like a sore thumb (very obviously different) because the shops surrounding it are haut couture!
Classic diner food and huge portions.
To say that my family is addicted to ALL Urth Caffe locations would be an understatement. Every time we're in an area with one, we can't help but go in for their De-lox pizza, one of their phenomenal coffee drinks and a cheesecake. Honestly, you could order anything off of the menu and you'll be a convert.
If you go right at mealtime, there will be a long line and you will need to wait 30 minutes to an hour for a table! To avoid that, I'd recommend visiting between 10 and 11 or 2 and 5 to avoid the crowds, especially at the Beverly Hills location. The Pasadena, Orange and Laguna Beach locations are much more spacious.
I have not been here yet, but I can't think of any better way to visit "Hotel California," yes, the Eagles based their song off of the Beverly Hills Hotel, also known as "The Pink Palace" considering the vibrant pink paint job it got in 1948.
Some fun facts about the hotel:
- Howard Hughes lived here.
- Elizabeth Taylor had 6 honeymoons here
- Marilyn Monroe like staying in bungalow #1 and #7.
- John Lennon spent some time there with Yoko Ono.
- It costs $10k and up to stay in a bungalow.
The hotel is now owned by the Sultan of Brunei who originally bought it for $110 million dollars. Many activists continue to protest the hotel and any of the Sultan's properties due to the injustices he stands for overseas. I highly recommend getting informed about it.
This is another one of those bucket list items, a special-occasion-type place. It's known for being a Hollywood hideaway, in fact they have a 'no-tell' policy, so a bunch of interesting, curious and shady business has happened within the chic ambience since its opening.
Grab a drink and learn about the history!
- The famous comedian John Belushi died here in 1982.
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Requires Preparation or Tickets
The following places are amazing, but they're either a bit out of the neighborhoods I've mentioned or they require tickets, which of course requires planning.
If you want to see a Laker's (basketball) or King's (hockey) game, you'll go to the Crypto Arena, you'll see a baseball game at the Dodger Stadium and concerts you could see everywhere, but the Hollywood Bowl or Hollywood Palladium are quite famous. For comedy, the Comedy Store or Laugh Factory are great places to stop.
Be sure to check out the notes to see what there is to do around these spots.
French dip sandwiches are - I'm guessing - on every menu, in every diner across the United States. It's a sandwich made on a soft French roll, with roast beef and au jus (which is a sort of beef broth).
When I heard that the first French dip was from Los Angeles, it immediately became something on my to-do list.
As you can see above, there are some days you won't need a car. For example, in Central L.A. or in Santa Monica, there's a lot to see on foot! Then again, some of the other days do require a car to get from point A to point B. In general, I'd recommend having a car if you're staying for longer than 2 days in California.
Uber and Lyft are common forms of transportation in Los Angeles, but once again, be aware of rush hour. There IS traffic a lot of the time, but it's exceptionally bad between 7:30 and 9 in the morning and 4:30 pm and 6:00 in the evening . Remember the standard work day in the U.S. is from 9-5.
There is public transportation in L.A., however, since I've never used it I cannot speak for that quality or timeliness of it.
Where should I stay?
Where you stay will impact your experience. If I wanted to spend the majority of my time near the beach, I'd probably stay near Santa Monica. If I wanted to spend most of my time in the city, I'd probably stay in Silverlake or Los Feliz, which are really cute, trendy areas that are located close to a lot of cool stuff.
Finding a place to stay in L.A. can be a challenge because everything feels overpriced. For what you get with this hotel, the price is pretty spot on!
First off, you're walking distance to the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, so that alone is amazing.
Other perks:
- There are ocean views
- You have a pool and a gym
- There's a bar / lounge area
- They serve (great) food!
Once again, you're centrally located, so that means you won't be needing an Uber / car to get around. Every night you can walk to dinner, hang out, catch a sunset. That is vacation.
A few friends and acquaintances from overseas have stayed here while visiting and since they recommend it, I'm passing along their recommendation!
If you only have a few days in Los Angeles and want to focus your trip on what there is to do in the city, you might consider staying in or around Universal.
From here, you can easily access Warner Bros studios, Griffith Park, the Walk of Fame and a ton of stuff you see in this guide. You're also close to the 101, which you can hop on quickly if you do want to go to the beach.
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If I wanted to be between the beach and the city stuff, I'd probably go to Culver City, which is a cute little pocket of L.A., with great restaurants, coffee shops and shopping.
My name is Shana and I'm the host of the American English Podcast. My goal is to help you learn and experience the culture and language of the United States. Since both culture and history are intertwined with travel, I can't imagine a better way to share my world with you than through travel guides of the places I know best.
I currently live in Los Angeles, but I’ve also lived in Santa Barbara, the Bay Area, New York City and Austin.
If you're traveling with my guides, be sure to follow the links so that you may learn while on the go! :)
When you ask people what they think of L.A., responses are a mixed bag: Some people start complaining about the traffic and pollution, while others mention the beaches and the sunshine.
After living here for a while, I've come to the conclusion L.A. has something for everyone, and if a trip is planned well, everyone can be a happy camper.
How this guide is organized:
Geographically, the city is spread out and so it can take two hours during rush hour to get from one side of the city to the other. Therefore, to make the most of a trip to L.A. - and to avoid spending time in the car / Uber - it's best to plan your days based on location.
This guide is based on how my family organizes our weekend adventures: We choose one activity and one place to eat (we're foodies) and then we fill in the spaces with a bit of spontaneity, like popping into cool shops we stumble upon, visiting residential neighborhoods to look at houses and spending time at nearby parks. Check the notes to learn about those fun discoveries.
Read this: How to use this guide
Each day in this guide is filled with MORE activities and food options than you could possibly do / eat in one day; that's intentional! Do as we do: pick your favorite one or two activities, and your food of choice, and you'll have a wonderful day.
We visit new places on a weekly basis, so this guide will be updated!
If you go to any of the places I recommend, be sure to tag me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast.
If you appreciate this guide and would like to leave a tip, that's also very much appreciated! :)
📍Northern Los Angeles
Day 1
On Day 1, I'd start by going to Porto's bakery and then Warner Bros. Studios for a tour. Mid-way through the tour, you'll stop at the set of Friends and the Big Bang Theory, where you'll also get to eat / drink a coffee at the famous Central Perk cafe.
If you're trying to save money, carry some food in your backpack. There's a Trader Joe's in Toluca Lake where you can go for picnic items. I can't think of a better place for a picnic than in front of the Hollywood sign; I like the view from Lake Hollywood Park.
Afterwards, I'd head to the Griffith Observatory (the time shown below is with traffic). You can grab food there at Franklin's Cafe or hold off and eat in Los Feliz, which is not only worth visiting, but you'll find many amazing restaurants there, like Home.
Instead of Griffith, if you spend a long time at Warner Bros. Studios and aren't eager to do many other activities, consider going to Universal CityWalk! It's close, and it's the perfect place to grab some food and catch a movie at their IMAX theater.
Learn tips, tricks, and more info, by clicking the links below.
The Warner Bros. Studio guided tour takes 1-1.5 hours and brings you on the set of Friends, The Big Bang Theory and many other Hollywood shows and films.
We took our time and ended up spending 4 hours learning, playing and taking pictures!! So plan ahead! :)
Here are some of the things you will / must do at the Warner Bros. studio:
- Ride the typical golf cart.
- Sit on that bright orange couch at Central Perk.
- Visit Monica's and Rachel's kitchen.
- Sit in front of the famous fountain from the intro of Friends.
- Go into the Gazebo from Gilmore Girls, you'll also pass Luke's diner!
- Visit Sheldon and Leonard's Apartment from the Big Bang Theory.
- Visit the fake streets of New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
- See where they make the sets and the four-story building filled with props.
- Sit in the cupboard under the stairs, just like Harry Potter.
- Put on the sorting hat in the Great Hall.
- Make a Potion in Potion's class at Hogwarts.
- Check out all of the D.C. costumes (they have a lot of Batman memorabilia).
- Learn so much movie/film history!
In addition to coffee, Central Perk serves lunch, so if you have the 10 o'clock, 11 o'clock or 12 o'clock tours, you'll hit that prime location right at the right time! We were pleasantly surprised by the food and coffee there.
If this tour is your jam, you might also consider being on the set of a show in the making! You can get tickets at https://on-camera-audiences.com.
WB studio is located in Burbank, close to many world-class restaurants. If you decide not to eat at one of the on-site locations, check out the recommended places below.
A short drive from there and you’re in the stunning Toluca Lake neighborhood, Studio City and Universal Studios itself!
You can hike to the Hollywood Sign, but I prefer going to this park that's right down below it. You can get fun family pictures from here, play at the on-site park if you have little kids, or even have a picnic.
There's street parking right next to the park. Since most people come quickly for the photo and then leave, parking spots (free of charge) are often made available.
You can also drive up to the top of Beachwood Drive to get a close look of it.
Fun facts about the sign:
- Each letter is 50 feet tall (15m).
- It was originally built by a real estate developer, Harry Chandler.
- It was built in 1923 and used to light up with 4,000 lightbulbs.
- An unemployed actress once jumped off the letter H to her death.
If you decide you'd like to go on a hike to the Hollywood sign, I've heard many wonderful things about some hiking tours that takes place nearby.
If you want to watch a movie and grab some food, consider visiting Universal CityWalk, which is just outside of Universal Studios.
Be aware though, parking is expensive! Buy movie tickets through their website and YOU'LL PAY A FRACTION of the price.
Places you should try:
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium!
- Pink's Famous Hotdogs
- Voodoo Doughnuts
There are a total of 28 places to eat and drink so you're not limited to junk food. Just remember, you can go on a diet once you go home. :)
Portos is called Portos, not after the city in Portugal, but after the Portos family who started this massively popular bakery / restaurant / coffee shop in Echo Park in 1976.
Today, there are numerous Portos locations in Southern California, and they draw in South and Central Americans eager to buy their exotic treats; You can buy cakes, cookies, croquets, smoothies, coffee drinks, full loaves of bread and more. The treat case is longer than any case I’ve ever seen.
If you have a craving for something heartier, you can get sandwiches, Ropa Vieja with fried plantains and a number of options at a price cheaper than most restaurants in L.A..
Los Feliz is a cute neighborhood in L.A. that gives off vibes of Berlin / Brooklyn / Portland. It feels trendy, perhaps this is why many A-list actors and actresses have homes in Los Feliz and Silverlake.
I've chosen this restaurant because of the neighborhood, it's not too far away from the Griffith Observatory (see the map), and the food, drinks and atmosphere are just all-around fantastic! They serve food all day, so whenever hunger strikes, head HOME.
While in Los Feliz, I'd walk down Hillhurst and N. Vermont Avenue to see all of the action, there's a movie theater to catch a film and stop at Jeni's ice cream, which is a local favorite!
If you have time, or just want to spend time outdoors, you can also walk towards Barnsdall Art Park. There are a lot of cultural events there - including a wine and sunset evening, that I recommend taking part in if you're there at the right time! Just check out their website to see the dates.
If you're not from the U.S., and have never been to a Trader Joe's, you're in for a treat. They have plenty of delicious pre-made meals for you to grab and go or picnic goodies.
The store looks really nice inside, so it might give you the impression that it's more expensive than your average store; it's not. Their products are priced well compared to other local grocery stores, if you don't believe me, be my guest and compare!
What I like about this TJs is the location. Toluca Lake is a really nice neighborhood to walk in, especially around Halloween and Christmas, when the affluent locals deck out their houses and lawns with decorations. It's also close to where Bing Crosby and Amelia Earhart used to live, so go check out their homes, if you're a fan.
- Amelia Earhart (10042 Valley Spring Lane, Toluca Lake)
- Bing Crosby (10500 Camarillo St, North Hollywood, CA 91602)
- Frank Sinatra's former residence (10051 Valley Spring Ln)
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📍Hollywood
Day 2
Day two is all about entertainment and fame. Technically, you could do all of the activities listed here in one day, but I think you could do the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater plus either Runyon Canyon Park OR Universal Studios.
On this day, you might also consider seeing a concert at the Hollywood Bowl or Hollywood Palladium OR a comedy show at The Comedy Store or The Laugh Factory.
If you're in L.A. for a shorter period of time, consider combining Day 2 and 3, everything is fairly close.
When I was new to Los Angeles, I went to the dentist and he asked me where I was from. When I mentioned that I was from Northern California, he raved about the beautiful Redwood trees and hiking trails. I agreed and then followed up by asking him about hiking options in L.A..: Runyon Canyon, he said. Runyon Canyon is the place to go, but in L.A., many people go just to see famous people.
I don't know about that; the views from Runyon Canyon are stunning and it's great exercise.
However, I took note for you guys in case you want a celebrity sighting. My tip: Go during the week and try not to be too creepy. :)
Is it worth walking Sunset Strip? One local says that between La Cienega and San Vicente streets, there are a lot of restaurants, shops and bars to hang at.
Going out to eat a lot in Los Angeles can get expensive, the best way to counter the high prices is In-N-Out, debatably one of California's BEST fast-food restaurants, and it's affordable!
If you came to California as a tourist and didn't try In-N-Out, I'd be embarrassed to say I was giving you tips, simple as that.
This is a really cool experience, if you and your kids (if you have them) are interested in the subject matter: excavations, dinosaurs, the Ice Age and more.
La Brea Tar Pits is open to the public daily.
Free for L.A. residents from 3-5 pm each day, otherwise it can be pretty pricey to get in ($15 per adult).
You can watch their Ice Age show at 11:30 and 1:30 for an additional $6 a person. I haven't seen it, but it looks cool! There's a real actor in an authentic-looking sabertooth tiger costume (70 lbs of it) and it has integrated robotics so that its expressions and movements are also authentic!
The Melrose Trading Post is open every Sunday at Fairfax High School from 9AM to 5PM. Fashionable locals rave about it. Imagine a million trendy thrift stores outside.
If you can't make it to Melrose Trading Post on Sunday, it still might be worth visiting Melrose Ave. if you like shopping. Just start walking westward from the Melrose Trading Post and you'll run into hundreds of unique shops; you're bound to find one-of-a-kind pieces here.
L.A. is beautiful in many ways (the ocean / beaches, the neighborhoods and certain places in between), but be prepared, you might feel a bit underwhelmed in Central L.A.; aesthetically it makes me sort of sad. Keep your expectations low and you may be pleasantly surprised.
As I mentioned in the beginning, this guide is a work in progress. I'll keep adding reviews as I've visited new places. This is one of the few places I haven't been to.
About:
The Petersen Automotive Museum has "one of the largest automotive collections in the world."
- 3 floors
- over 250 cars
I don't think I've ever seen a museum with such insane reviews. People claim that they're not car lovers and love this place.
Reviewers have suggested 3 hours to complete this museum.
The Original Farmer's Market was opened in 1934 by a local dairy farmer named Gilmore. One day, Gilmore decided he wanted to expand his farm and started drilling for water, but struck oil instead! He started the Gilmore Oil Company and also the Original Farmer's Market, giving local farmers a prime location to sell their produce / products to consumers. It was a hit, even throughout the Great Depression.
Today there are over a hundred vendors whose shops have been passed down from one generation to the next. There's also a huge variety of food, for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
We like grabbing unique items from Marcel's shop and indulging in Nonna's empanadas with their spicy vinegary sauce (the chicken, mushroom, cheese one is delicious).
The location of this very impressive market is right next to The Grove, which is a popular outdoor shopping mall. I'd definitely walk off the calories you gained in the market. There's a 3-story Barnes and Noble and a fountain that dances to music! It's a must see.
If you're eager to take a walk in the park, the Pan Pacific Park is next door. You can walk around, go to a kid's playground if you have little ones, or go to the Holocaust Museum which is at the far end.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
9AM-9PM
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
9AM-8PM
10AM-7PM
It's tempting to go here just based on how the atrium looks, but people also rave about the food, specifically the breakfast and brunch.
I haven't been here yet, so I won't pretend that I have, but my mouth is watering after looking at just about 20 of the 19,000 pictures on Yelp.
The menu is really unique and diverse; they have everything from shakshuka and potato pancakes with smoked salmon to short ribs and sweet items as well, like ube brioche, Belgian waffles and pastries and many of the sweet treats shown on the British Baking Show, that you can't find anywhere in real life.
This brunch place is also next to Milk Jar cookies (OMG).
If you're obsessed with watching food vloggers and Netflix food shows, then you already know about this place. Pink's Hot Dogs are an institution, so if you're writing your bucket list, put it on there, then walk on over and cross it right back off.
While the mild or spicy polish dogs are often ordered, the most popular hot dogs at Pink's are the Chili Cheese Dog and the Chili Dog.
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📍Santa Monica
Day 4
Does Santa Monica have it all?
At first glance, you see the Pier, the Ferris Wheel and the end of Route 66. It's pretty cool! The beaches here are pristine and lined with palm trees. Off in the distance, the Santa Monica mountains create an epic backdrop for all of your beach activities, and believe me when I say there are many! Apart from the rides and arcade games on the Pier, from the beach you can take surf lessons, rent a bike, exercise, or even build a sand castle.
But wait, there's more.
Santa Monica has three main downtowns: Main Street, Third Street Promenade and Montana Avenue. If you go to any of these areas, you'll find amazing restaurants, shops and more. If you wander far enough on Main Street, you'll even hit Venice and their artsy Main Street: Abbott-Kinney Boulevard!
Driving: Parking can be pretty expensive and a little annoying to deal with here. I'd either park near the Pier (there's ample parking there) or near 3rd Street Promenade, then I'd ditch my car and rent a scooter! They're everywhere, just ask a local. READ MY NOTES FOR DETAILS! :)
Take a stroll through this park. It's located right next to the pier and it's just beautiful. While L.A. wasn't so great with city planning, Santa Monica was one smart cookie putting that park right next to the ocean.
Not only are there great views from here, you're sort of out of the mess of people that are down at the pier. Why not have a picnic with a view?
Lots and lots of people and it's no wonder why, there's a bunch of rides and restaurants at the end of a pier, from which you have beautiful views of the Santa Monica mountains, Santa Monica proper and the long stretch of beach down to Venice.
You gotta do it. It's also where the end of Route 66 is, so don't miss out on the opportunity to snap a front in front of the famous sign!
If you're into arcade games, head to the area where the rides are!
Third Street Promenade is fun to walk, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants and shops. After you hit up the Apple Store, you can grab a gelato at Ugo!
Another stunning street is Montana! It's long and has a lot going on; somehow it feels more local than Third Street Promenade also. We love an Italian restaurant there called Forma. If you're lactose intolerant, be sure to take some pills, this place has fridges full of cheese ready to serve you some of the best!
Elefante describes themselves as "serving light coastal Italian cuisine with cocktails inspired by the eccentric flavors of the Mediterranean."
Yes, it's a bit on the pricier side, but the food, environment and views make it well worth it! It's a great place to bring groups and watch the sunset. :)
When talking about Santa Monica to locals and tourists (who are knowledgeable!), almost everyone recommends this place! It's light, fresh and airy with ocean views from any of the seats in the main seating area. In the back seating area, there's also a large fireplace with roaring fire going on those cold evenings and wintery days.
Be sure to make a reservation on their website prior to your visit, so that you get a table with an ocean view.
While all of their pasta and pizza dishes are a hit, one of their most famous small dishes is the WHIPPED EGGPLANT puccia, olive oil $15.
At lunchtime during the week, they do an express lunch meal with three courses for $35 (subject to change). It's a great way to try a variety of their offerings.
We tried the pasta with vodka sauce, a margherita pizza, the brussel sprout salad and marscarpone and prosecco arancini.
For dessert, we had the tiramisu and the affogato vanilla ice cream with espresso and caramel.
We'll be going back soon; I can't stop thinking of the affogato! When we do, I'll update this review with any other dishes that blow our mind.
Wow. These are intense! We tried four different donuts from here, all were delicious. There was only one yeasted donut (fluffy) out of the four we got, the rest were heavy and cake-like. Come here with that in mind! It's also priced as if you're ordering a slice a cake! We paid $21 for 4 donuts :0
Gourmet, gourmet, gourmet.
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📍Malibu + Pacific Palisades
Day 5
The reason we go to the Palisades or Malibu is for the food, the beaches and the killer sunsets. The Getty Villa and Will Rogers State Park are there too, which are also very nice!
Both of these affluent areas are right next to the PCH (the Pacific Coast Highway) and while neither location has a must-see downtown in my opinion, the views from both cities are phenomenal. For one, while on the Malibu Pier, you have great view back at the Santa Monica mountains and all of the mansions atop them. The coastline is also lined up with world-class restaurants that have ocean views!
People rave about Nobu and Geoffreys, if you're willing to splurge on a meal, but you can also indulge in delicious food and catch a perfect West Coast sunset from the options I've listed below! Read my notes.
John Paul Getty was an industrialist and oil tycoon, needless to say, the man was loaded!
The Getty Villa, located on the southern end of Malibu is the perfect way to start a day or end it; you'll see a lot of Green and Roman art, the Landsdowne Herakles and the stunning grounds!
What's more: It's free to enter, you just have to pay for parking! (Last time I went it was $20.)
What's cool about the Getty Villa and Center is how accommodating they are to families, you can even drop your kids off at their kid center so that you can enjoy the art in peace. I'm not so sure I'd do it, but one of the staff members at the Getty Villa was raving about how wonderful it is! So, whatever floats your boat! :)
When we were there, we debated whether to leave and have lunch in the Palisades or in Malibu, but we ended up eating lunch at their onsite cafe. If you do, get the aioli burger! It's the best (albeit most expensive) hamburger you'll ever buy.
When you're in L.A., any day is a beach day!
Zuma beach is our favorite place to go; it's encapsulated in the Santa Monica mountains, so it feels secluded and the beach is long and the sand is clean and soft. There are bathroom facilities are also well-kept!
This place is a real gem. So be aware, during the summer Zuma beach gets packed! If you go in high season, I would arrive before 10 a.m. to get a prime parking spot next to the sand.
As for the wave situation, well, it's pretty hit or miss; quite literally. Sometimes they'll hit so hard you're knocked off your feet, while on other days they lightly roll onto the sand.
For those with small kids, be aware of this! I'm not exaggerating: when they're big, they're really big. Once you arrive, check to see what type of wave day you have and then set up shop accordingly (some areas of the beach have calmer waves than others).
In summer, there are lifeguard stations though, which is nice.
We always bring picnic stuff to the beach, but if you get hungry there's a really nice restaurant right at the south end of the beach called the Sunset Restaurant. Enjoy! :)
We went to this historic park last weekend and were VERY surprised by it. Not only is it nice to step away from the hustle of the city, but it's both beautiful and educational.
Atop a hill, you sit on acres of Will Rogers's former property, which includes his ranch style home (there are tours Thursdays and Fridays between 11 and 3 pm for free!), the stables (with horses and horseback-riding lessons) and of course the hiking trails.
The hiking trail, which starts at the end of Will Rogers's massive green front lawn is a two-mile loop to the top of Inspiration Point. You can go on other hikes from there as well – the tour guide told us you can actually walk to Reseda Blvd in the Valley from there! – but Inspiration Point was a fairly short walk uphill and the views were really unbelievable.
From the top of Inspiration Point, on a clear day, you can see Catalina Island, Santa Barbara Island, downtown L.A., Santa Monica and Venice beaches and all of the mansions in the Palisades / Santa Monica! Believe me, it's really cool to get this birds-eye view.
We spent a total of 3.5 hours doing the tour and then taking the hike! That includes a lot of stops for photos.
Who is Will Rogers? He was one of the highest paid Hollywood actors in history; he was a cowboy and professional roper, he had his own talk show among many other feats. He once owned much of Santa Monica and the Palisades! Imagine what these areas would like today if he hadn't sold!
You can watch a 10-minute video about his life in the Visitor's center, right next to his home. Entry is free, you just need to pay for parking.
Do you know Duke? According Duke's restaurant website:
"Duke Kahanamoku was a native Hawaiian, a six-time Olympic swimming and water polo medalist, the father of modern day surfing, and the Hawaiian ambassador to visitors and dignitaries. "
The restaurant is Hawaiian-style and it's one of six locations in California and Hawaii. From the Malibu location, you'll not only get fantastic views of the ocean, you'll get to try the comforting American-Hawaiian cuisine that they're famous for.
Their fish tacos are extremely famous as is their "Hula Pie" which consists of a chocolate cookie crust, with macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge and toasted macadamia nuts and whipped cream.
What's a little annoying is that this place is very popular, so it's best to be prepared. A week before you plan to eat here, I'd schedule your sunset dinner on Open Table. You'll also get to check the weather and decide whether it makes most sense to dine inside or out.
It's easy to understand why this restaurant consistently receives high reviews; the location, the aesthetics, and the quality of their food are all top-notch. Did I mention most the ingredients are locally sourced!? Now it's ticked all the boxes.
They not only have a bunch of healthy options (as well as vegan and gluten-free), but they also have the hearty, all-American indulgences, like lobster rolls, lobster mac n' cheese and skirt steak. So there's something for everyone!
Their cauliflower pizza is also very popular.
I recommend making a reservation on Open Table so that you can snag a spot right next to the window, nothing beats that ocean view, especially at sunset!
Once you're done with your meal, you can walk down to the end of the Malibu Pier to get fantastic views of the mountains, the Malibu mansions on the hill and Santa Monica / Venice off in the distance.
Or walk towards the street (Highway 1) and right across from the restaurant is a crazy-looking venue called Dreamland, which is attached to a trendy clothing store called Aviator (AV). Go there and walk inside, trust me on this. The highly-decorated interior, with colorful wallpaper and murals makes it, not only very instagrammable, but just an exceptional spot to grab a coffee/ cocktail.
This place is a local favorite. If you like seafood, you'll be swimming in seafood heaven: they've got shrimp, calamari, oysters and all the good fish you can find around here!
Let's just say I'm not the first person to claim their fish and chips are to die for!
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📍Venice Beach
Day 6
Venice is all about beach time and shopping and that about sums up my recommendations below. Since most of the beach stuff is next to each other, I'd organize my day based on where you want to eat. Many of the phenomenal restaurants are on Abbott-Kinney Boulevard, however, Fig Tree is right next to the water.
If you're interested in an adventure-filled day, you could park your car at the Parking Venice Beach, go directly to Venice Beach Rentals and hit all of the must-see spots below by bike. You could even ride up to Santa Monica, it's just 3 miles away! :)
If after you've done all that there is to do in Venice, I'd either go beach hopping down south (Manhattan, Redondo, Hermosa) OR go back into the city. Culver City is fun to visit too, it's right next to Santa Monica.
When you think of California, you might think of rollerbladers, skateboarders, beaches and the sun. I think it's realistic to say that you're probably thinking of Venice Beach. In the summertime, this area is teeming with tourists and locals. To make the most of it, consider joining a drum circle, taking a surf lesson, or renting a scooter to zoom up and down the boardwalk.
Be aware though, there are a lot of homeless people in Venice, especially near the beach. Can you blame them? Free beachfront property and nice tourists. :)
Comparison is the thief of happiness. With that said, don't even start comparing the Venice, California canals to those in Italy. Other than the fact they're both made of water (yes, they're canals), they're very different. Look at the images of above for reference.
We came here on a cold and breezy day; we sat down, they handed us blankets, and then the host zipped up a clear wall in front of us so we got the ocean plus the warmth of the cozy cafe / restaurant.
This interior of Fig Tree is just so dang cute (look at the pics!) and you can't beat the food; there are a lot of fresh options that make you feel as fit as the beach babes skating by on the boardwalk.
If green stuff isn't your jam, you can pound a burger and fries also. ;)
Have you ever stuck some food in your mouth and instantly your eyes start to widen? Every bite here causes that reaction. Frankly, I've tried a lot of different dishes here; we came to a chic rooftop birthday party in the spring and they served up loads of appetizers, pasta, pizza, veggies and more. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Btw, I'm not a vegan, but the birthday girl was. There are options for everyone at this place!
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📍Beverly Hills + more
Day 7
What would a trip to Los Angeles be without venturing through Beverly Hills?
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the first film studio was opened on Sunset Boulevard in 1911. Shortly afterwards, the Beverly Hills Hotel was built, in hopes that many actors and actresses would purchase the surrounding land to build real estate there. It was a success! Today, the trees soar above the many perfectly manicured lawns and mansions. The former homes of Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Michael Jackson and many more are here.
While you can do a Celebrity Home Tour in this area (see link below), I'd plan this day by separating it into two parts.
Morning: UCLA, drive through Holmby Hills, maybe walk the area and go to Holmby Park, drive to the Playboy Mansion, Lucille Ball's House (1000 North Roxbury Drive), then drive to the Spadina House (516 Walden Dr.), the drive is short but spectacular, you'll probably want to drive up / walk up and down every street.
Afternoon: After seeing the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Beverly Hills Sign, having lunch at one of the places listed below and walking down Rodeo drive, I'd spend the afternoon at the Greystone Mansion or the Getty Center.
This mansion, and its surrounding grounds, was property of the Doheny family until 1955. Today, when it's not leased out to film studios, it's open to the public.
It's fun to walk around here, especially if you've seen any of the many movies that have been filmed here including:
The Big Lebowski
Spider-Man
Rock Star
Rush Hour
The Prestige
Star Trek - Into the Darkness
The Social Network
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
The list goes on...
A long time ago, I went to the Getty Center with a friend and was very impressed with the experience. It was free to enter, you just have to pay for parking!
What's cool is how accommodating they are to families! Their website has a ton of recommendations on how to make the most of a trip with a family / kids; you can ride the train up, have a picnic on the grounds and even drop your kids off at their kid center so that you can enjoy the art in peace. I'm not so sure I'd do it, but one of the staff members at the Getty Villa was raving about how wonderful the kid center is! So, whatever floats your boat! :)
Getty made his fortune in the oil industry and collected many types of art. The Getty Villa in Malibu, with the Landsdowne Herakles and stunning grounds is also worth visiting.
UCLA stands for the University of California, Los Angeles and it's one of the most prestigious universities in California.
UCLA campus is massive, with pathways connecting the large brick auditoriums to many green patches of grass and seats to plunk down and read a book.
While at UCLA last, we stumbled upon a Lacrosse game, which was open to the public. If you can organize your trip so that you go to a football game, I'd definitely try! It's an experience.
If not, you must take the tourist photo in front of Royce Hall and grab a coffee at the gothic-style Kerckhoff coffee shop and art gallery.
It's very peaceful walking around UCLA, especially when school's not in session. It's also fun to reflect on how many famous people walked those same paths!
Lucas and I decided that one day we want to live in Holmby Hills. The streets are wide, the trees are tall and the houses are breathtaking, just take a walk around and see for yourself.
Michael Jackson used to live here, as did Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney. You'll even run into the Playboy Mansion, although you can't get a good view of it because it's behind a big gate!
I found my dream home in Holmby Hills, which was cute and simple; its listing price was 8 million dollars. L.A. is not cheap.
Tip for foreigners: If you're interested in real estate, you can look up an address of a house you like on Zillow (even if it's not for sale) to see how much it sold for the last. Pictures from the time it was last listed are usually still visible, so you can see the inside! :)
This homey restaurant looks like it hasn't been changed for 50 years. To be honest, it sticks out like a sore thumb (very obviously different) because the shops surrounding it are haut couture!
Classic diner food and huge portions.
To say that my family is addicted to ALL Urth Caffe locations would be an understatement. Every time we're in an area with one, we can't help but go in for their De-lox pizza, one of their phenomenal coffee drinks and a cheesecake. Honestly, you could order anything off of the menu and you'll be a convert.
If you go right at mealtime, there will be a long line and you will need to wait 30 minutes to an hour for a table! To avoid that, I'd recommend visiting between 10 and 11 or 2 and 5 to avoid the crowds, especially at the Beverly Hills location. The Pasadena, Orange and Laguna Beach locations are much more spacious.
I have not been here yet, but I can't think of any better way to visit "Hotel California," yes, the Eagles based their song off of the Beverly Hills Hotel, also known as "The Pink Palace" considering the vibrant pink paint job it got in 1948.
Some fun facts about the hotel:
- Howard Hughes lived here.
- Elizabeth Taylor had 6 honeymoons here
- Marilyn Monroe like staying in bungalow #1 and #7.
- John Lennon spent some time there with Yoko Ono.
- It costs $10k and up to stay in a bungalow.
The hotel is now owned by the Sultan of Brunei who originally bought it for $110 million dollars. Many activists continue to protest the hotel and any of the Sultan's properties due to the injustices he stands for overseas. I highly recommend getting informed about it.
This is another one of those bucket list items, a special-occasion-type place. It's known for being a Hollywood hideaway, in fact they have a 'no-tell' policy, so a bunch of interesting, curious and shady business has happened within the chic ambience since its opening.
Grab a drink and learn about the history!
- The famous comedian John Belushi died here in 1982.
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Requires Preparation or Tickets
The following places are amazing, but they're either a bit out of the neighborhoods I've mentioned or they require tickets, which of course requires planning.
If you want to see a Laker's (basketball) or King's (hockey) game, you'll go to the Crypto Arena, you'll see a baseball game at the Dodger Stadium and concerts you could see everywhere, but the Hollywood Bowl or Hollywood Palladium are quite famous. For comedy, the Comedy Store or Laugh Factory are great places to stop.
Be sure to check out the notes to see what there is to do around these spots.
French dip sandwiches are - I'm guessing - on every menu, in every diner across the United States. It's a sandwich made on a soft French roll, with roast beef and au jus (which is a sort of beef broth).
When I heard that the first French dip was from Los Angeles, it immediately became something on my to-do list.
As you can see above, there are some days you won't need a car. For example, in Central L.A. or in Santa Monica, there's a lot to see on foot! Then again, some of the other days do require a car to get from point A to point B. In general, I'd recommend having a car if you're staying for longer than 2 days in California.
Uber and Lyft are common forms of transportation in Los Angeles, but once again, be aware of rush hour. There IS traffic a lot of the time, but it's exceptionally bad between 7:30 and 9 in the morning and 4:30 pm and 6:00 in the evening . Remember the standard work day in the U.S. is from 9-5.
There is public transportation in L.A., however, since I've never used it I cannot speak for that quality or timeliness of it.
Where should I stay?
Where you stay will impact your experience. If I wanted to spend the majority of my time near the beach, I'd probably stay near Santa Monica. If I wanted to spend most of my time in the city, I'd probably stay in Silverlake or Los Feliz, which are really cute, trendy areas that are located close to a lot of cool stuff.
Finding a place to stay in L.A. can be a challenge because everything feels overpriced. For what you get with this hotel, the price is pretty spot on!
First off, you're walking distance to the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, so that alone is amazing.
Other perks:
- There are ocean views
- You have a pool and a gym
- There's a bar / lounge area
- They serve (great) food!
Once again, you're centrally located, so that means you won't be needing an Uber / car to get around. Every night you can walk to dinner, hang out, catch a sunset. That is vacation.
A few friends and acquaintances from overseas have stayed here while visiting and since they recommend it, I'm passing along their recommendation!
If you only have a few days in Los Angeles and want to focus your trip on what there is to do in the city, you might consider staying in or around Universal.
From here, you can easily access Warner Bros studios, Griffith Park, the Walk of Fame and a ton of stuff you see in this guide. You're also close to the 101, which you can hop on quickly if you do want to go to the beach.
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If I wanted to be between the beach and the city stuff, I'd probably go to Culver City, which is a cute little pocket of L.A., with great restaurants, coffee shops and shopping.
My name is Shana and I'm the host of the American English Podcast. My goal is to help you learn and experience the culture and language of the United States. Since both culture and history are intertwined with travel, I can't imagine a better way to share my world with you than through travel guides of the places I know best.
I currently live in Los Angeles, but I’ve also lived in Santa Barbara, the Bay Area, New York City and Austin.
If you're traveling with my guides, be sure to follow the links so that you may learn while on the go! :)
