Travel Guide: Los Angeles

I have always wanted to live in Los Angeles or just California in general. I love so much about this city. The scenery, the weather, and most importantly…the food. However, my heart belongs in Virginia and I can’t quite seem to move from my hometown. My solution? Visit LA as much as I can. I make it a point to go at least once a year, but if there are cheap flights then I have no hesitation to visit more often. Now, there’s A LOT to do in LA, but my main focus is eating. Yes, I’ve heard the club scene is insane and I’m sure you can run into plenty of celebrities, but to be honest that isn’t really a priority of mines when I travel. So, I’ll provide a list of areas to check out, places to eat, and any other general tips.

Where To Stay

Honestly, there are so many options. It all depends on what you’re looking to do. Los Angeles is made up of various neighborhoods. There’s a lot of ground to cover, so renting a car is your best bet.

• Downtown
  • Near Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Chinatown
    • This means a lot of great food options
• Venice Beach
  • I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Venice. I enjoy the graffiti and I can say people watching there is a must, but the scene isn’t for me
  • You can catch people lifting weights in the area commonly referred to as “Muscle Beach Venice” or watch some great skateboarders at the skate park
  • You’ll of course get an abundance of scents from people lighting up
  • This location overall is good though. You’ll be near the beach, Santa Monica, and not far from the airport
• West Hollywood
  • Probably my favorite area to stay in due to its central location
  • Close to Griffith Observatory, LACMA, and Melrose Ave.

 

Things To Do

• Runyon Canyon Park
  • Crowded, but there’s plenty of room for everyone
  • View from the top makes the sore legs you’ll experience the next day absolutely worth it
  • What I like about this hike is the variety of options. You can choose different starting and stopping points
  • Feel free to challenge yourself to a long hike or a short one
  • Did I mention how stunning the views are?
• Mulholland Drive
  • This scenic drive allows you to witness stunning views of LA
  • Be sure to be safe while driving as the roads can be narrow
  • Plenty of stopping areas where you can park and take in the gorgeous sight (and of course a photo op)
• Griffith Observatory
  • A must at least once when visiting LA
  • Another great spot to take in the beauty of this city
  • Also many hiking trails around if you’re feeling adventurous
  • Free entrance (cost involved only for planetarium programs)
• Shopping
  • Melrose Ave
    • Wasteland
  • Los Feliz
  • Downtown Arts District
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art
• Drive to Malibu via Pacific Coast Highway
  • El Matador State Beach
  • Zuma Beach
• Chandelier Tree
• The Last Bookstore

Food

Brunch Options

• Blu Jam Café: Various Locations
  • Crunchy French Toast
• Urth Caffe : Various Locations
  • Honey Vanilla Latte
• Eggslut: Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway
• JiST Café: 116 Judge John Aiso St
  •  Chashu Hash Skillet

Dessert

• Bottega Louie: 700 S Grand Ave
  • Macarons
• Milk: 7290 Beverly Blvd
  • Blue Velvet Cake
• CottonHi: 3825 W 6th St
  • Any concoction with cotton candy on top
• Spoon by H: 7158 Beverly Blvd
  • Waffles or Shaved Ice
• Churros Caliente: 11521 Santa Monica Blvd
  • Churros with Spanish hot chocolate

Other

• Beer Belly: Koreatown, 532 S Western Ave
  • Duck fat fries with cracklins
• Daikokuya: Little Tokyo, 327 E 1st St
  • Combination: Spicy Miso Ramen & Shredded Pork Bowl
• Pine & Crane: 1521 Griffith Park Blvd
  • Dan Dan Noodles & Minced Pork over Rice
• Kaya Street Kitchen: 109 N Fairfax Ave
  • Chipotle style fast food, so anything you create will be delicious!
• Casa la Dona: 800 S Main St
  • Al pastor taco with full salsa bar
• Porto’s Bakery & Café: 3614 W Magnolia Blvd
  • Potato balls & cheese rolls

Photos

 

Los Angeles Vlog