LA LA Land
Malibu beach
I’ve been to LA a handful of times now, and I finally feel like I know just enough to be able to share some of my favorite haunts and activities that I’ve grown to love.
When I first visited LA 5 years ago, i didn’t immediately take to it because of my incredibly unrealistic expectations from various Hollywood films, celebrity photos, and other media hype. There was a disconnect and I couldn’t quite figure it out.
But little by little, and with each subsequent trip, I fell more in love with this magical city. For starters, the weather is nearly perfect year round, there are a lot of beautiful, undiscovered spots to walk around, have a cup of coffee or tasty juice, and the light is gorgeous everywhere, so it’s a paradise for bloggers and instagrammers. LA has the vibe of a resort town, but everything still works really well, and for me, you can’t find better quality of life than this anywhere in the U.S.
In no particular order, here are my favorite places to stay, eat, drink and visit. Let me know if you’ve been to any of these places, or if you’d like to learn more!
Waldorf Astoria
Peninsula Hotel
Where to stay:
If you’re planning a more luxurious getaway here are my favorites:
Beverly Hills Hotel -one of the world’s best-known hotels, it’s closely associated with Hollywood film stars, rock stars and celebrities.
Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles - a luxurious hotel with a full-service spa, outdoor pool where I went swimming with Buffy the Vampire Slayer :), and views of the Hollywood Hills
Chateau Marmont - “If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont”, Columbia Pictures founder Harry Cohen famously advised his young stars, and many generations of actors and musicians have taken him at his word!
SLS - luxury hotel in Beverly Hills with a serious injection of boutique style, creativity and fun. Fantastical interiors by Philippe Starck, and culinary arts from the imagination of Chef José Andrés.
More affordable but still elegant options are:
Intercontinental DTLA -70 floor sky lobby, breathtaking views, a rooftop pool and a feeling that you’re seeing the new face of Downtown Los Angeles.
Ace Hotel DTLA - originally built as the United Artists Building and later known as the Texaco Building, is a 243 ft (74 m), 13-story highrise hotel and theater building located at 937 South Broadway in downtown LA. It features 182 rooms, a pool, a restaurant and three bars, as well as the restored United Artists Theater.
Peninsula Hotel
The Varnish
Kreation Juicery
Food & Drink:
The Varnish – the best cocktail bar in Los Angeles in the back of a storied restaurant in DTLA called Cole’s, and established by Sasha Petraske, the founder of the modern cocktail movement.
Nobu – tuna tartare, celebrities galore, and uninterrupted ocean views in Malibu. Just can’t beat it.
Prael – if you want the very best Thai food (I’m talking better than Bangkok) at bargain prices, head to Prael, which is in a somewhat sketchy neighborhood, but worth every bullet you’ll get from the drive-by shootings nearby :)
Sushi Stop – hands down the very best affordable sushi anyone has ever put in his/her mouth. Seriously, the fish melts in your mouth and the check is so light that it floats to your table.
Kreation – if you’re fancy as hell and you need a $20 smoothie, you can get one here. It will be one of the best you’ve ever had if you’re used to East Coast nonsense. Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin and other folks call this place home. It’s a temple to juice.
Huckleberry Cafe – the best pastries and coffee that you could possibly ask for in Santa Monica.
Griffith Observatory
Beverly Hills
Points of Interest:
Temple – one of the largest and best examples of a Hindu temple and architecture outside of India, and the drive leading up to it on Pacific Coast Highway is spectacular.
Griffith Observatory – if you want something super touristy with iconic pictures with the Hollywood sign, come here. You can hike to sign as well.
Getty museum – one of LA’s finest museums from the collection of J. Paul Getty, an oil baron and once the richest private citizens in the world.
Pacific Coast Highway – just drive in any direction on PCH with the top down, some good tunes, and a friend and you’ll’ know what I mean. It’s pure bliss.
Downtown LA (DTLA) – Downtown is home to some amazing new restaurants, hotels, and art museums. Check out Terroni, Intercontinental DTLA and the Broad. Grand Central Market is also amazing (try Egg Slut) and very instagrammable.
Malibu beach
Sofitel Hotel Beverly Hills
Malibu Country Mart
