Los Angeles is the epitome of West Coast style and SoCal living. It’s no big deal to see a sun-kissed celebrity lunching on a patio or shopping on Rodeo Drive in this city. Outside the Hollywood glamor, you’ll find beaches, museums, vibrant ethnic neighborhoods and restaurants perfecting new food trends on every other block.
With only a weekend to explore the city, let’s get going.
STAY
It shouldn’t be surprising that this hip, trendy city is brimming with equally hip and trendy hotels. While there are plenty of choices throughout L.A., there are two hotels that shouldn’t be missed.
First, The Redbury on the corner of Hollywood and Vine has a fun Bohemian vibe that comes alive at night, when Hollywood comes to party into the wee hours.
Looking for something a little more relaxing? Make reservations at Loews Santa Monica, a beachfront hotel with tranquil views of the Pacific Ocean.
EAT
L.A. is a foodie haven where you can enjoy any type of cuisine, from contemporary dishes to monster burgers from a food truck. The city’s foodie culture also lays the groundwork for up and coming restaurants, and trendy places pop up faster than we can keep count.
There are several must-tries if you’re looking for fine dining, such as Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in Beverly Hills. Known for its exquisite California cuisine, impeccable service and celebrity clientele, Spago won’t disappoint if you’re willing to splurge.
Another notable restaurant is Matsuhisa, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s flagship restaurant. The must-order? The black cod with miso — hands down.
The burgers at Father’s Office have something of a cult following and while the rule-heavy restaurant does not allow any substitutions, their perfected presentation doesn’t call for any changes.
Keep in mind that dineLA’s Restaurant Week is coming up in late July, giving you a budget-friendly way to sample some of the city’s top restaurants.
And if you come from a place that doesn’t have In-N-Out Burger, do yourself a favor and stop by this nostalgic burger joint for a double double and animal-style fries.
DO
There’s plenty to do in Los Angeles, whether you’re a fashionista, film lover or beachcomber.
If it’s your first time in L.A., set aside a few hours to hike up to the iconic Hollywood sign – or at least snap a few photos of it from sea level.
If you’re looking for sun and sand, don’t miss Venice and Santa Monica, where you could easily spend a day lounging on the beach, walking the piers or shopping the nearby boutiques.
Those looking for a touch of culture should head to the Getty Center, where you can view art exhibits in the museum or wander through the tranquil gardens with a view of L.A. You can also get a look at the Space Shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center near downtown.
Music junkie? Hollywood and downtown are calling your name. Don’t miss a chance to wander the music mecca of Amoeba Music, an independent record store that often hosts live shows. At night, you can catch shows at venues like House of Blues, Whiskey A Go Go, El Rey and The Wiltern.
If you’re more of a film and TV fan, you could spend your entire weekend on a pilgrimage of the sets and filming locations of your favorite shows and movies. Many studios offer tours, and Universal Studios is also a must-see.
Finally, you can spend your days shopping in this fashion-forward city. Designer labels fill the high-end shopping districts of Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills, while budget-conscious shoppers will enjoy wandering through the L.A. Fashion District downtown.
(Main image: channone)
