Discovering the City of Angels: A Guide to Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Feb 29

A Weekend Escape: Exploring Los Angeles

Welcome to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where every corner holds a new adventure and every experience promises excitement. Refer to this guide for recommendations for an unforgettable weekend filled with iconic landmarks, delectable cuisine, and cultural treasures. Here you’ll find a three day itinerary, feel free to tweak it to your liking with additional LA destination recommendations down below. Please see a list of more hotel options down below if you’re looking for more hotel recs.

Day 1: Arrival and Beachside Bliss

Morning:

Check into the stylish Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where luxury meets laid-back California vibes.
Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at the Proper Hotel: Calabra, soaking in the rooftop views and savoring the fresh flavors of California cuisine.

Afternoon/Evening:

Rent bikes from the hotel and head over to Santa Monica Beach, basking in the ocean breeze and soaking up the sunset hues.
Explore the bustling Santa Monica Pier, where carnival rides and oceanfront attractions await.
Head back to the hotel and cozy up at Palma for refreshing drinks and cocktails + dinner, embracing the relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Culinary Delights

Morning:

Start your day with a tranquil walk through Palisades Park, enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica coastline.
Embark on a fascinating Eames Foundation Home Tour, exploring the innovative designs and architectural wonders of the Eames House.

Afternoon:

Indulge your taste buds at Grand Central Market, where an array of culinary delights awaits. From gourmet tacos to artisanal coffee, there's something for every palate.
Discover the eclectic charm of Abbott Kinney, a trendy boulevard in Venice, LA (next door to Santa Monica) lined with chic boutiques, art galleries, and hip eateries.
Head over to the nearby charming beauty of the Venice Canals, a hidden gem reminiscent of Italy's iconic waterways.
Head over to Venice Beach to see the iconic boardwalk bustling with street performers and artisans to the colorful murals adorning its streets, Venice Beach is a cultural melting pot that embodies the essence of Southern California's laid-back lifestyle.

Evening:

The beloved Kang Ho Dong Baek Jeong has recently shut down after 10 years in Koreatown. Highly recommend these options instead: Ten-Raku which is one of the older, more established premium Korean barbecue spots, has fantastic lunch specials and versatile dinner combinations that won’t break the bank. The mostly Korean crowd considers this one of the most reliable restaurants in town. Jitlada for amazing Thai food in Thaitown.

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Urban Exploration

Morning:

Savor a delectable breakfast/brunch at Great White, where fresh coastal cuisine meets laid-back beach vibes.
Wander through the bustling streets of 3rd Street Promenade in downtown Santa Monica, a shopper's paradise offering a mix of designer boutiques, trendy shops, and local artisans.

Afternoon:

Immerse yourself in the world of art at The Broad, a museum home to a stunning collection of contemporary masterpieces and thought-provoking exhibits.
Explore the renowned LACMA , Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and marvel at iconic works of art spanning centuries of creativity and innovation.
Witness the mesmerizing Urban Light installation outside of the LACMA, a dazzling display of illuminated sculptures that captivate visitors from around the world.
Around the corner from the LACMA you will find the famous La Brea Tar Pits. The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles are a prehistoric treasure trove, where visitors can witness the ongoing excavation of ancient fossils preserved in natural asphalt. This unique site provides a window into the Ice Age, offering insights into the diverse wildlife and ecosystems that once thrived in the region.
Enjoy lunch at Sugarfish, renowned for its minimalist approach to sushi, offering high-quality fish served in traditional Japanese style. With its emphasis on simplicity and freshness, Sugarfish delivers an authentic dining experience that sushi enthusiasts and newcomers alike can appreciate.
Discover hidden treasures and unique finds at Love Adorned, a boutique showcasing artisanal jewelry, eclectic home decor, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Early evening + Dinner:

Strike a pose at the famous pink wall at Paul Smith on Melrose Avenue, an Instagram-worthy spot that captures the essence of LA's vibrant culture and creativity.
Dinner: Near the Paul Smith store, Pink's Hot Dogs in LA is an iconic experience, where you can indulge in delicious, oversized hot dogs topped with a variety of creative and mouthwatering toppings. As a Hollywood institution since 1939, Pink's has welcomed celebrities and locals alike, offering a taste of LA's rich culinary history in every bite.

Additional Attractions for Extended Exploration or incorporate any of the below experiences to the itinerary above:

The Grove: Spend a leisurely afternoon at The Grove, a premier shopping and entertainment destination offering upscale boutiques, delightful eateries, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park: Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the iconic Hollywood Sign at the famous Griffith Observatory, explore the wonders of the cosmos, and hike through the scenic trails of the adjacent Griffith Park.
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign via Runyon Canyon: Embark on a challenging hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign, traversing rugged trails and soaking in breathtaking views of the city below.
Paramount Pictures Studios Tour: Explore over 100 years of Hollywood History. Go behind the scenes of the legendary Paramount Pictures Studios and immerse yourself in the magic of filmmaking.
TCL Chinese Theater and Hollywood Walk of Fame: Walk among the stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the footprints and handprints of Hollywood legends adorn the pavement. Catch a movie at the famous TCL Chinese Theater located just steps away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive: Cruise down the iconic Sunset Boulevard, drive down and explore the glamorous boutiques of Rodeo Drive, and soak in the iconic sights and sounds of LA's most famous streets.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Discover the final resting place of Hollywood luminaries and explore the serene grounds of Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Be sure to check out their events calendar for local events they host on the grounds.
Hollywood Bowl Concert: Premier destination for live music in Los Angeles. Experience the magic of live music under the stars at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, where world-class performers grace the stage against the backdrop of the iconic Hollywood Hills.
Rose Bowl Flea Market: Explore eclectic treasures and unique finds at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, a sprawling marketplace offering vintage clothing, antiques, handmade crafts, and more. This happens the second Sunday of every month and is located in Pasadena, so be sure to plan accordingly and secure transportation.
Getty Center: Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Getty Center, where stunning architecture and world-class exhibitions await atop the picturesque hills of Los Angeles.
Malibu: Experience the coastal charm of Malibu with its pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and laid-back vibes. Take a leisurely stroll along the golden shores of Zuma Beach, known for its expansive coastline and excellent surfing conditions. Indulge in farm-to-table cuisine with a visit to Malibu Farm on the Malibu Pier, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients shine in every dish. For a relaxing retreat, book a stay at The Surfrider Malibu, where stylish accommodations and beachfront views promise a rejuvenating escape. Whether you're soaking up the sun, savoring delicious cuisine, or simply unwinding by the ocean, Malibu offers a quintessential California experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression. An additional hotel in Malibu to consider is the Malibu Beach Inn: Oceanfront boutique hotel in Malibu offering breathtaking views and upscale dining.
- Splurgeworthy: Nobu Malibu, perched along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, offers a unique blend of Japanese cuisine with stunning oceanfront views. Renowned for its elegant ambiance and signature dishes like black cod miso, dining at Nobu Malibu promises a memorable culinary experience amidst the beauty of Malibu's coastline. Be sure to book a reservation well in advance if you are trying to eat here!