Things To Do in LA
So you have some downtime and need a few things to do while you’re here? A bit of advice: take advantage the leisurely activities and don’t get too bogged down seeing attractions. The city is best experienced at a slower pace, sipping wine, eating yummy food, seeing art, and soaking in the sun. Below are a few of our top things to do in the city and around the area.
Tourist Things
Griffith Observatory (pictured)
Best observed after the sun has gone down, this art deco gem is one of the top destinations in the city, so don’t expect to find solitude here. Parking’s a bit tricky, so plan accordingly.
Pacific Coast Highway/Malibu
Best experienced on a sunny day with the windows rolled down, this is quintessential California at its best. Swing by Leo Carrillo Beach in Malibu and soak in the sun.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Tucked in the middle of an industrial section of Hollywood, this cemetery features the graves of some of the city’s elite and entertainment royalty. If you’re looking for Marilyn Monroe’s grave, swing by Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery near UCLA.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Go for an hour, see the Chinese Theater, the street performers, the dumpy superheroes, then leave. Trust us on this one.
Venice Beach and Canals
Start by parking near the canals, walk along the charming boulevards, swing by Abbot Kinney for some shopping and lunch, then finish off on LA’s version of Coney Island. Good for people watching.
Day Trip Things
Joshua Tree (pictured)
High desert country is filled with magic and allure. You’ll find all kinds of mystical things happening up there, but be prepared for a huge fluctuation in temperature. Bring sunblock and water.
Palm Springs
Adjacent to Joshua Tree, this town is meant for soaking in the desert heat and catching some sun.
Disneyland
Pretty low on our list, but some people are into it …
Santa Barbara
This bougie town is oozing with charm and Spanish revival architecture.
Laguna Beach
Some of the most scenic beaches in Southern California can be found here, with a super cute hippie town to boot.
Big Bear
Southern California’s alpine escape and destination for winter activities. Log cabins galore!
Las Vegas
Not exactly a day trip, but it’s only a 4 hour drive from LA. This deserves its own page, so do your own research before going. You’ll want to spend the night here.
Food Things
Cafe Gratitude
Standby California vegan restaurant. Probably some of the best veggie dishes in town. (Larchmont)
Sage Cafe
The less bougie version of Gratitude with comfort foods. (Echo Park)
Gracias Madre (pictured)
Healthy vegan Mexican food. Try their CBD margarita. (West Hollywood)
Chichen Itza
Central Mexican-style cuisine specializing in fish (Downtown)
Genwa
Yummy Korean BBQ with a HUGE selection of banchan. This place gets crowded, so make a reservation. (Mid-Wilshire)
Little Dom’s
New York style pizza in a cozy setting. Reminds us of home! (Los Feliz)
Luv2Eat Thai Bistro
Delicious authentic Thai food can be found in a strip mall. Probably the best option if you’re on the Walk of Fame. (Hollywood)
Blu Jam Cafe
This buzzing spot has the best brunch in town, but go on an off day and expect a wait. They close at 3pm. (West Hollywood)
M Cafe
Healthy Cal-Asian-inspired cuisine. (West Hollywood)
Spartina
New Italian in a chic setting. A little on the pricey side but worth it. (West Hollywood)
The Pikey
The setting is gothic hunting lodge meets British pub. Go for brunch or evening beers. (West Hollywood)
Rahel Ethiopian
Best vegan food in Little Ethiopia. (Mid-Wilshire)
Los Balcones
Healthy Peruvian cuisine, right off Hollywood Boulevard. (Hollywood)
Stella Barra
Best pizza in Hollywood, specializing in thin crust. (Hollywood)
Carousel
Super yummy Armenian cuisine. Order the side dishes. (East Hollywood)
Jitlada
Many say this is the best Thai place in town. A little on the pricey side. (East Hollywood)
Marouch
Best Middle Eastern place in town. Super friendly customer service too. Get the Turkish coffee. (East Hollywood)
Cafe Stella
Super cute French joint in the heart of hipster town. (Silverlake)
Sanamluang
Super cheap hole-in-the-wall Thai digs. Get the fish soup! (East Hollywood)
Chengdu Taste
It’ll take you about 30 minutes to get there, plus a wait, but many say it’s the best Sichuan food in America. Ask one of us for suggestions and go with a big group. Spicy! (Alhambra)
Art Things
MUSEUMS
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LA’s version of the Met. All the greatest hits can be found here.
The Broad (pictured)
Blue-chip contemporary collection in sleek minimalist building. Go early.
MoCA
Situated across from the Broad, MoCA features contemporary work from big name artists.
The Marciano Foundation
Similar to the Broad but set it a former 1950s Masonic Temple.
The Hammer Museum
Contemporary museum with rotating exhibits run by UCLA.
The Getty
Run-of the mill museum with impressive general collection. Go for the view.
The Getty Villa
Amazing Tuscan-style villa with ancient Greco/Roman collection set against the Pacific Coast
GALLERIES
Hollywood: Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, Regen Projects, Steve Turner, Various Small Fires, Overduin & Co., LAXART
Chinatown/Lincoln Heights: Charlie James, Coagula Curatorial, Good Luck Gallery, Human Resources, LAST Projects, SADE
Culver City: Honor Fraser, Blum & Poe (pictured), Luis De Jesus, Klowden Mann
Downtown/East Side: Hauser & Wirth, Durden and Ray, POST, Night Gallery, BBQLA, Nicodim, Chateau Shatto, JOAN, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Venus LA, Monte Vista Projects
A Word About Weed
Marijuana is legal in California, so smoke up! You can buy pot from a dispensary anywhere in the state if you have a legal ID, are over 21, and have cash. A word of caution: Pot in California is super strong, so be careful and don’t smoke/eat too much. Edibles in particular can be quite potent, so don’t overdo it. Try a tiny nibble, wait an hour and see how you feel. Better to be safe than sorry. Also the police are strict about smoking pot in public (it’s kinda like drinking in public), so if you decide to toke while you’re here, do it in a private place like someone’s backyard or patio, not on the street or in a park.
MedMen West Hollywood: It’s kinda like the Apple store but for pot. They’re very knowledgable and you don’t leave feeling like you just bought reefer from someone’s kitchen.
English
Russian