Guide to Los Angeles from a Transplant Turned Local

• Go for a hike: LA has plenty of places to hike—my favorite locations were in Malibu, but Runyon Canyon and the Hollywood Sign hike are very popular as well!

• The Huntington Library: Spend the day wandering through the Art Museums and the variety of botanical gardens. The Japanese and Succulent gardens were always my favorite! You can spend hours here—be sure to wear good walking shoes!

• The Getty Museum and Villa: Two different sites but easily doable in a day. The Getty Museum is located in Brentwood and the Villa is in Malibu. The collection of art here is unbelievable, and the grounds are even better.

• The Broad Museum: Another great museum located in Downtown, Los Angeles. They have some incredible collections, including Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Infinity Mirror Rooms.

• The Arts District: Neighborhood on the edge of downtown Los Angeles, known for its vibrancy. It’s full of art galleries, amazing restaurants, bars, and breweries. Great to do after the Broad Museum.

• Abbott Kinney Boulevard: Stroll down this mile-long strip bordering Venice Beach. One of my favorite streets in Los Angeles, full of great shopping, restaurants, and bars. Head to Venice Beach after and walk the boardwalk!

• Manhattan Beach: Where I spent most of my weekends! Manhattan Beach is one of my favorite beach towns in LA County. The strand is great for strolling, and there are plenty of shops, incredible restaurants, some of the cleanest beaches and great for surfing.

• Malibu: Malibu is where I got married and will always be my favorite part of Los Angeles (see my Malibu guide). You can hike, shop, spend time on the beach, surf, go wine tasting, or even go to the Getty Villa. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and full of character.

• Farmers market: Los Angeles has so many farmers markets and it was one of my favorite things about living there. Mar Vista was my favorite, a great blend of produce, food, and specialty items.

Coffee shops/breakfast

• Cofax Coffee—my favorite breakfast burrito in Los Angeles and great coffee.

• HomeState—my favorite place for a quick, satisfying, and delicious breakfast. Two breakfast tacos and you are set! They have an all-day menu as well.

• Great White—sit down or take out, great vibes, great breakfast, and can walk the Venice Boardwalk after. Have an all-day menu as well.

• Alana’s Coffee Roasters—great coffee, light bites, and modern vibes.

Restaurants

• Scopa: Italian cuisine and never disappoints. Good vibes, food that always delivers, great drinks, and service. Good for family, friends, dates, really everyone.

• Bestia: A trendy Italian restaurant with creative seasonal dishes. The food is so good and the vibe is early 2000’s hip-hop, great for friends and dates!

• Fishing with Dynamite: A seafood restaurant in Manhattan Beach. A mix of classic seafood dishes and creative contemporary dishes. A small nautical-themed restaurant, so be sure to make a reservation.

• Sugarfish: A famous sushi restaurant. Another one that never disappoints, the fish is beautifully cut and always fresh.

• Pizzana—quite possibly the best pizza. Multiple locations.

• Mayura Indian Restaurant: A tiny Indian restaurant in a small strip mall. The fish curry and the chicken biryani are unmatched, but the menu is extensive and all delicious.

• Republique: My favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. Beautiful space, incredible service, and the baked goods to die for. Brunch is first-come, first-served, seat yourself but the line moves quickly and I’d recommend a reservation for dinner.

• Felix Trattoria: The sfincione is enough to make me wait in line at 4:45 pm to get a seat in this sleek, modern Italian restaurant. Reservations can be hard on weekends, but get there as soon as it opens and grab a seat at their bar.

Bars

• Stanley’s Wet Goods—the best natural wine bar in Los Angeles. Great people, great vibes, incredible wine selection, and a smart curated menu from brunch to dinner.

• Ester’s Wine Shop—art-deco wine bar in Santa Monica. Small plates, great selection of wine.

• Zinque—an all-day restaurant, great place to work from and roll right into their happy hour with a stellar wine and cocktail list. The Hugo spritz is a must!

• Dante—an NYC fave located in Beverly Hills. The martini with the jumbo olives—enough said. Great views and fun, colorful vibes.