A Love Letter to Los Angeles: A Guide to LA Pop Culture Pilgrimages

Music:

Troubadour: An intimate and historical music venue with church pew-like seating on the balcony. Famous for launching the career of Elton John and the Laurel Canyon scene like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne. The Troubadour has always been the center of music scenes like 70's/80's punk, glam rock and still features incredible current artists like Phoebe Bridgers. It was also frequented by famous groupies like Eve Babitz and Catherine James. Strut down Sunset Strip to see other famous venues like The Viper Room, The Whisky Go Go, The Roxy and after hours hangs like Chateau Marmont, The Comedy Club and Rainbow Bar & Grill. For a rock history tour with world famous groupie Pamela Des Barres or one of her amazing writing workshops or vintage clothing sale, check out dates here.

Other great venues to check out touring and local acts: Belasco, The Wiltern, Hollywood Bowl, The Palladium, The Forum, Zebulon, Moroccan Lounge, The Echo, Hotel Cafe, The Echoplex and Silverlake Lounge.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Masonic Lodge: Hollywood Forever is a must for me for every trip for wandering, seeing a film or seeing a show. I loved seeing both Death Becomes Her and Beach House on the main lawn and The Voidz in the Masonic Lodge. Hot tip: check out both Hollywood Forever's events calendar as well as Cinespia for other cool outdoor movie events at locations like the Rose Bowl and Greek Theater.

Wandering & Thrifting:

Burbank: These are great areas for wandering and thrifting treasures. Burbank airport is much easier to get out of than LAX and a studio tour can be a great way to spend a day.

Echo Park: Wander Echo Park and grab a pupusa from a park vendor while checking out the Lady of the Lake, visiting herons or riding on a swan boat. Explore Elliot Smith's home and former haunts.

Los Feliz: Los Feliz is a great place to explore before heading to Griffith Park. It has great happy hour spots, boutiques, cafes and the disturbing but beautiful Sowden House. Franklin Avenue is known for Joan Didion's literary scene, the local punk scene colliding with serial killers and the most infamous unsolved (or is it?) LA murder of Elizabeth Short AKA The Black Dahlia. For Tarantino fans, stop by The Vista Theater from True Romance and grab coffee, a fun pastry or your favorite bowl of cereal at Pam's Coffy next door honoring Blaxpoitation/Action star Pam Grier. Hot Tip: Tarantino also owns the New Beverly.

Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach: Spend the day at the beach riding waves, rides and getting a tarot reading or visit Zoltar. Check out Dogtown to watch skaters shred and wander the Venice Canals.

Records and Books Shopping:

Angel City Books and Records: Venice Beach bookshop and record store owned by a cool artist owner, Rocco, who is knowledgeable on Beat Poets and punk history. Jesse Mariano would love this place!

Amoeba Records: While I miss the old location, the new location is in an awesome spot close to music venues, Grandmaster recorders and is still full of cool finds.

The Last Bookstore: I truthfully never made it to the books but the space is incredibly overwhelming with selection, but I was so into their record collection. Great stop for after visiting The Broad or MOCA or taking a ride on Angel's Flight. For dark tourists, this is where Elisa Lim was last seen before her return to the infamous Cecil Hotel.

• Musso and Frank Grill: An absolute must for any LA trip! Opened since 1919, many stars have dined in this classic including Charlie Chaplin, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Raymond Chandler, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marilyn Monroe and Eve Babitz. Reservations strongly encouraged and I recommend requesting Marilyn's booth or Charlie's. Eve Babitz's favorite meal here was the Sand Dabs and creamed spinach. The infamous martinis are a must as well as the alfredo recipe brought over from Italy by Mary Pickford herself.

• The Apple Pan: Daisy Jones fans may recognize this from the limited series when Daisy orders two Hickory Burgers for herself. The Hickory Burger is a must, along with fries and pie!

• Grandmaster Recorders: A silent film theater turned recording studio in 1971 where David Bowie, Blondie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and many others have recorded, is now transformed into a bar in the former studio, a restaurant and a fantastic rooftop bar with Froze and a view of the Capitol Records building. They sometimes host themed menus based off of bands.

• Olvera Street in general, but specifically Cielito Lindo: Another Eve Babitz favorite and an incredible area of Los Angeles filled with dancing, a social justice museum and beautiful leather hand tooled purses among other fun shops. Hot Tip: Order the legendary beef taquitos with avocado sauce from Cielito Lindo which have been called the best since 1934 and grab a guava churro in the market.

• Canter's Deli: Family owned since 1931 for generations, this popular late night spot is known for being a hangout for bands and fans after shows. Haim also filmed a music video here. Order the Matzo Ball Soup, The Marilyn and a black and white cookie. Check out the small venue next door as well, Kibitz Room.

• Republique: James Beard Award-winning chef owned, French-inspired cafe, bakery and bar known to be a popular spot for both their seasonal brunch and dinner menus. The building was originally built in 1929 by Charlie Chaplin.

• Beverly Hills Hotel: Another Marilyn Monroe and Eve Babitz favorite, grab drinks and dinner at the Polo Lounge or a milkshake or banana split at the Fountain Coffee Room possibly after visiting Marilyn at Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.

• Laduree Beverly Hills: Have an Insta-worthy afternoon tea in this gorgeously designed Laduree location that screams Marie Antoinette meets Valley of the Dolls.