Dress: Reformation {similar} // Shoes: BCBG {similar} // Bag: Revolve // Earrings: BaubleBar {similar} // Ring: Monica Vinader
I lived in Los Angeles for the past four years, so I would say I know the city pretty well. LA is a fun city with great weather and tons to do. But it can be a bit overwhelming because the city is so spread out. So I wanted to create my LA Travel Guide for you and break things up into different categories. It’s a pretty extensive list, so let’s get started!
Where to eat brunch:
Great White – Venice
This is one of my all time favorite brunch spots. It’s small and usually always busy so be prepared for a wait. The food is delish and on the healthier side. Plus everything here is very instagrammable. I highly recommend the Shaken Latte with their Avocado Toast
Franklin & Co – Hollywood
If you like Bloody Mary’s you won’t want to miss Franklin & Co. Also their biscuits and gravy are hands down the best I’ve ever had.
Kreation – West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice and more
If you want to get the real LA sense of brunch, go to Kreation. It’s as healthy as it can get. All their foods and juices are made there with super high quality fresh ingredients. Their acai bowls are my favorite!
Best rooftop bars:
Waldorf Astoria – Beverly Hills
The Waldorf Astoria is a pretty new hotel that just opened up in Beverly Hills and it has hands down the best views. You can see all the way down to Santa Monica on one end and Downtown LA on the other. Plus this is a great celebrity sitting spot. I’ve seen Mariah Carey, Gretchen Rossi from Housewives and Tristan Thompson all on the roof!
EP&LP – West Hollywood
If you’re in Weho and looking for a fun spot to go out at night and the weather is good, which most likely it will be because duh it’s LA, go to EP&LP. Opened only a couple years ago, this place is always popping and usually has a line.
Hotel Shangri La – Santa Monica
This is a fun day drinking spot in Santa Monica. It’s a pretty small rooftop bar but it overlooks the ocean. On a clear day it’s got some of the most gorgeous views you’ll ever see.
Where to go if you’re feeling bad and boujee:
The Ivy – Beverly Hills
The Ivy is a well known staple in LA. They have two locations but I prefer the location on Robertson. Their patio is so beautiful. The food honestly isn’t my favorite and it’s very overpriced, but it’s the place to be seen. Plus you can’t beat the decor, it’s adorable.
The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel – Beverly Hills
Another hot spot in BH. I’ve gone here a few times for lunch, and I have to say it’s always been a hit. The Beverly Hills Hotel is a classic Hollywood spot.
Baltaire – Brentwood
Baltaire is my favorite steakhouse in LA. If your parents are in town, or you have a work dinner take them to Baltaire. You have to try their lobster mac and cheese. To. Die. For.
Where to shop or window shop:
Rodeo Drive – Beverly Hills
Any movie that takes place in Beverly Hills has at least one scene on Rodeo Drive. It’s a beautiful spot in Beverly Hills with all of the most expensive shops in town. Treat yourself, or just window shop. Either way, it’s a must go see.
Abbott Kinney – Venice
Abbott Kinney is hands down one of my favorite streets in LA. It has the cutest boutique shops, and restaurants. They also have a lot of street vendors selling handmade jewelry and other items. I could seriously spend all day here just shopping and eating.
Century City Mall – Century City
They just completely redid this mall last year and it is seriously the most beautiful mall I’ve ever been to. So pretty I even had a date there, but that’s a whole other story. This was my go-to mall to see movies at the AMC theatre, but also to get Shake Shack. Us NY girls love our Shake Shack.
The Grove – West Hollywood
The Grove is an outdoor mall that’s small but simply stunning. I love it during the winter time because they deck it out with Christmas decor. It was the only part of LA that actually felt like the holidays. They also have great shops and restaurants so definitely check it out.
Best hikes to see the views:
Runyon Canyon – Hollywood
Whenever you say anything about hiking, people automatically assume Runyon. It’s the most common hiking trail in LA and for good reason. It’s got stunning views of the entire city. It’s a great workout, yet it’s definitely still manageable for people like me that don’t really work out.
Solstice Canyon – Malibu
I like this hike because it’s kind of in the woodsy areas of Malibu. It’s not your typical hike, and there’s a little more to look at then just a pretty view.
Griffith Park / Hollywood Sign – Hollywood
Similar to Runyon, this is a pretty easy hike it’s just long. But it takes you right behind the Hollywood sign, which is pretty cool. I recommend you do it at least once. But beware of the horse poop.
Honorable mentions:
Salt and Straw – Venice, Larchmont, West Hollywood
My favorite ice cream EVER. They have different monthly flavors and I would literally go the first week of every month to try them. Honestly, I still think about them every day. Salt and Straw if you are reading this, please open up a shop in NYC. Thanks.
Olive & Thyme – Burbank
If you’re in the valley – go to Olive and Thyme. It’s one of the cutest cafes with seriously the most delicious food. It’s perfect to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful California air with some delicious avocado toast.
Jon and Vinny’s – Brentwood or Weho
Normally I would say, Californian’s don’t do Italian food that great. It’s more of a NY thing. However, Jon and Vinny’s is THE BOMB. If you’re craving Italian food, go here you won’t be disappointed.
Honestly my list could go on and on but here are the main places that I think you should go see in LA. If you have any questions or anything, please let me know in the comments below!