The Culture Vulture's Guide to Los Angeles
Curated By
Zoe Schaeffer
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USA
California
Los Angeles
Arts & Culture
Boutique Travel
City Travel
Couples Travel
Family Travel
Group Travel
Outdoors
Museums
Sightseeing
Curator’s statement
While you might associate Los Angeles with Hollywood hotshots and palm-lined streets, the city has risen to the top in the past decade when it comes to food, design, art and retail. This is why so many creative types have flocked here (aside from the glorious year-round weather). Once you log your early morning hikes and surf lessons in Malibu, it's time for some serious exploring in one of the coolest cities on Earth.
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Los Angeles, California
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Things to do in Los Angeles, California
Stomp around the Arts District and visit the stunning Hauser + Wirth gallery that's been known to host performers like Savion Glover.
Visit the Griffith Observatory in a historic structure and killer city view.
Go gallery hopping everywhere from lower La Brea to SaMo's Bergamont Station and many hubs in between.
Step into the east side's wild Descanso Gardens for an impromptu photo shoot.
Explore the Getty Museum and take in the massive 360 views of the city.
Catch a concert at Hollywood Bowl and drink wine in a box with friends.
Check out the new Academy of Motion Pictures Museum for some serious Hollywood history.
Wander through LACMA, the city's crowned contemporary art museum and explore the family painting room for calligraphy projects.
Wander through mid-century furniture shops on La Cienega and be inspired to re-design your home.
Day Trips from Los Angeles, CA
In a little over an hour, you are in Ojai, the beautiful countryside filled with orange groves. Two hours south and you'll hit Laguna Beach for sun and surf. A two-hour drive brings you to dreamy Santa Barbara for fresh local fare and gorgeous coastlines.
Places to eat & drink in Los Angeles, California
Breakfast
Honey Hi for the most vibrant, healthy meals from local farms.
Sqirl for legendary crispy rice bowls and brioche and ricotta.
Lunch
Beverly Hills Hotel for a splurge-worthy chopped salad, people-watching and pool-side lounging.
Park's for the best Korean BBQ that only accepts walk-ins (which is why lunch is better).
Dinner
Sushi Park for epic omakase where you're sure to see your favorite movie star solo at the bar.
Damian for modern Mexican from a prized Mexico City chef in a lush patio setting.
All Time for an elevated neighborhood hang with incredible local ingredients.
Tsubaki for gorgeously plated Japanese small plates in an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood.
Found Oyster for out-of-this-world oysters in a modest setting.
Need to Know
For more travel tips, check out my Family Holiday Guide to Porto and Lisbon.
Travel Advisor
Zoe Schaeffer
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