Curator’s statement
Los Angeles holds a unique place in my heart because it represents the first time I truly stepped out on my own and discovered my independence. It offers the perfect, rare blend of high-energy city life and serene coastal beauty, allowing me to enjoy the best of both worlds. Most importantly, the city is where I found my community, introducing me to the lifelong friends who have become my chosen family.
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Day 1: Beach arrivals, ramen stops & sunset strolls
The ramen at Japonica in Hermosa Beach
Arrive in Los Angeles, get your rental car, and head to Hermosa Beach. For lunch, I would stop at Japonica Hermosa Beach for ramen. The Tantan ramen is amazing; in a rich pork broth that is a little nutty in flavor. After ramen, if you still have room, The Baked Bear on the pier is a nice sweet treat, where you can make your own ice cream sandwich.
The beach there is not too crowded and is great for getting in the water. It’s also a popular place for surfing within the LA area.
Day 2: Beachside shopping, pier thrills & West Hollywood nights
Cocktail at Blue Plate Taco in Santa Monica
Head over to Santa Monica and do some shopping at the Third Street Promenade and then head over to the Santa Monica Pier to ride the roller coaster. There are lots of great restaurants in the downtown area between the promenade and the Pier. My favorite is the little Mexican restaurant called Blue Plate Taco, which is connected to the Shore Hotel.
After Santa Monica, head over to West Hollywood for a night out. Bossa Nova in WeHo is a lovely Brazilian option. I especially like the passion fruit mouse for dessert.
If bar hopping on a Friday or Saturday night is your thing, make sure to visit The Abbey, HiTops, TomTom, and Rocco’s.
Need to know
I recommend a rental car or ride share at the least; LA is a very hard city to get around by public transportation. There are options for that, but its hard to get everywhere around the city.
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