Curator’s statement
Get ready to explore Los Angeles, California's sprawling mix of cultures, especially when it comes to art and food. Bask in the unbeatable weather that hangs around most of the year, and discover an incredible blend of luxury, nearby rural beauty, stunning beaches and a city scene that can give New York City a run for its money. This guide spills the beans on LA's diverse charm and what the locals do, promising an adventure that's as authentic as it gets. Look no further to answer the question: what should you do in Los Angeles?
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Things to do in Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory: Hike up to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Experience movie magic with theme park attractions and studio tours.
The Getty Center: Explore impressive art collections and stunning architecture against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The Last Bookstore: Lose yourself in the labyrinthine shelves of this unique bookstore in Downtown L.A.
La Brea Tar Pits: Witness ongoing paleontological excavations and learn about prehistoric Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Discover diverse art collections and the famous "Urban Light" installation.
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, appreciate the stunning architecture and catch a world-class performance.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: This newly opened museum houses more than 13 million objects and is dedicated to the history, science and cultural impact of the film industry.
Melrose Avenue: Shop for unique finds and enjoy the trendy street art along this famous shopping district.
Santa Monica Pier: See the iconic seaside charm of the Santa Monica Pier, blending classic Californian fun, a nostalgic amusement park and a lively boardwalk scene.
Smorgasburg L.A.: Smorgasburg operates the largest open-air food markets in the country, providing a platform for nearly 100 small businesses curated from the next wave of SoCal’s food, beverage and shopping scene. Every Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm at @rowdtla.
Zuma Beach: Relax on the wide sandy shores of this pristine Malibu beach.
Hiking: You can do an entire guide just on all of the places to hike in the L.A. area, but highlights include: Runyon Canyon, Griffith Observatory, Solstice Canyon Trail (Malibu) and Topanga State Park.
Disneyland: The original "Happiest Place on Earth" and always worth a visit if you are in SoCal! As a Fora advisor, we can help you book it too!
Getty Villa: Go for a breathtaking drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and delve into ancient art and architecture in this mansion-turned-museum dedicated to the civilizations of Greece, Rome and Etruria.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Indulge in boutique shopping, art galleries and delicious eats in Venice.
The Queen Mary: Tour (and even stay the night on) this iconic ocean liner in Long Beach, filled with history and charm. We can book you a one-of-a-kind hotel experience aboard the iconic vessel too!
Day Trips:
Ojai: Unwind in the tranquil atmosphere of Ojai, a charming town nestled in the Topatopa Mountains, offering art galleries, spa retreats and scenic hiking.
Santa Barbara: Escape to the coastal beauty of Santa Barbara, known for its Spanish architecture, vineyards and pristine beaches.
Solvang: Transport yourself to a Danish-inspired village in the Santa Ynez Valley, where windmills, vineyards and charming boutiques create a unique day-trip experience with plenty of things to do.
Catalina Island: Take a ferry to this idyllic island for outdoor activities and relaxation. And yes... they do have a Wine Mixer you can attend!
Big Bear Lake: Embrace the alpine charm of Big Bear Lake, a mountain escape offering outdoor adventures, cozy cabins and a serene lake setting. Whether it's for ski-season or summer vacation, it's worth a visit!
Temecula Wine Country: Indulge in a day of wine tasting in Temecula Valley, where vineyards and wineries offer a picturesque retreat not far from Los Angeles.
Places to eat & drink in Los Angeles
Pizzeria Bianco: Trendy Italian eatery known for serving handcrafted wood-fired pizzas in rustic-chic quarters. The BEST pizza in L.A. and, frankly, perhaps anywhere else too.
HomeState (multiple locations): A Texas Kitchen in Southern California serving all-day breakfast tacos, queso, brisket and the very best flour tortillas you'll ever have.
n/naka: Two Michelin stars; Chef Niki Nakayama's modern interpretation of kaiseki. A can’t miss for foodies!
Barrique Venice: High-end Italian spot plating housemade pastas, fish and game in a candlelit old house with a deck.
Bavel: Bavel, in Downtown Los Angeles' Arts District, is a Middle Eastern restaurant from Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis.
Birdie G's: Casual and eclectic eats in a barnhouse-inspired, industrial-chic space.
Providence: Chef Michael Cimarusti’s award-winning modern American seafood restaurant. Another can’t-miss for Foodies.
Mother Wolf: Chef Evan Funke's homage to the Eternal City and culinary heritage of La Cucina Romana.
Sugarfish (multiple locations): THE L.A. institution for sushi! Walk-in to any of their locations at any time and you won't be disappointed.
Connie and Ted's: Fish and shellfish, inspired by the classic clam shacks, oyster bars and fish houses, that dot the New England Seaboard and the Western Coast.
Osteria Mozza: Lauded upscale Italian cuisine from chef Nancy Silverton in a bustling atmosphere. Check out the pizzeria next door!
République: Café by day, upscale dinner spot by night--modern French plates served in a striking space with communal tables, plus a bakery and cocktail bar.
Broad Street Oyster Company (Malibu): Seafood classics served in a quirky, homey restaurant that has a nautical theme and a terrace.
Magpies Softserve (two locations): A from-scratch recipe soft serve dessert shop with the best (and only?) oat milk ice cream I've ever found!
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Alex Raup
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Carolina Weiss’s guide, A Luxury Travel Guide to Beverly Hills.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Los Angeles.