I just had my first official trip to LA and even though we packed a ton of stuff into our itinerary, there are just so many things to do in LA! Here are a couple of my favorites that I recommend you add to your own itinerary. I’m also adding other spots recommended by friends that live in LA! (I’m sure I’ll be back in LA soon so I’ll make sure to keep adding things to this list!)
where to eat
Erewhon Pacific Palisades - it’s a nice area with a ton of shops + it has free underground parking with validation. Perfect for breakfast before driving to Malibu.
Taverna Tony - best fried calamari I’ve ever had! The restaurant is also such a cute spot with indoor and outdoor seating.
For the Win - best burger in LA!
Poltergeist - cool spot in a little arcade with some incredibly unique dishes! If you're adventurous and like to try different food combinations, this is a must! The menu items change occasionally but I loved the octopus dish with beans!
Uovo - potentially the best pasta I've ever had! It's overnighted straight from Italy so you know its good. Get the tasting menu so you can try several of their delicious plates.
Howlin' Rays - if you like Nashville hot chicken, definitely give it a try! As a Nashville local, I was very critical but it did not disappoint. Their comeback sauce is garlicky and delicious!
museums
LACMA: of course they have the iconic lamps outside but also a ton of cool pieces inside like a room made of chocolate and a little city full of moving cars!
The Broad: small but mighty! Feel tiny seeing the giant table and chairs, HUGE balloon animal, and some cool interactive mirror pieces! There are also some amazing Andy Warhol prints.
The Getty Center: tons of exhibits including famous artworks by Rembrandt, Degas, Manet, and Van Gogh! Go for the art, stay for the views. Such a beautiful place to just sit, relax, and escape the city for a while.
The Academy Museum: full of cool movie props, costumes and other behind the scenes looks at the movie making process. The Godfather exhibit was really cool and they also have a ton of props for Marvel fans!
house tours
The Schindler House
The Gamble House - my favorite one! Hour long tour and the tour guides are super knowledgeable and explain all the little details in the house.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House - self-guided tour. The house is really beautiful and sits on a hill with a great view of the city and the Hollywood sign.
The Future Perfect’s Goldwyn House - this is a house that functions as a furniture show room. It is. absolutely gorgeous! You do need to make a reservation but if you have some extra time in LA, it's worth a visit if you're a fan of interior design.
other things to do
Relax at El Matador Beach - quiet little beach with some beautiful rock formations. there’s a small parking lot at the top but it gets full after 11am
Drive or walk around the Venice canals
Check out the Santa Monica Proper hotel
Griffith Observatory - best to visit for sunset to enjoy the view and so you can view the telescope once night falls. The exhibits inside are pretty old so this place is mostly for the views. The planetarium show is extra but it was cute and a good way to relax for a bit.
Watch a standup show at the Comedy Store - there’s a 2 drink minimum once inside (non-alcoholic drinks available). A bit of a pricey outing since you have to pay for drinks, tickets, and parking but so fun!
Take the Warner Bros Studio tour
Drive through Laurel Canyon
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