A Local’s Guide to Los Angeles, CA

• Malibu: Rent a convertible and drive up the Pacific Coast Highway while admiring the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica mountains. Grab a spot on the beach for a day of relaxation, sign up for a surfing lesson and enjoy a casual seafood lunch at Neptune’s Net.

• Ride bikes: Head to Manhattan Beach for breakfast, a bike ride on the Strand path and shopping.

• Catch a show: There are hundreds of music, theater and comedy venues all around the city. From massive stadiums to smaller intimate theaters across the city, there are so many options to choose from. My personal favorite is the Hollywood Bowl, a sprawling outdoor venue where you can bring in a picnic and enjoy beautiful sunset views before the main show.

• Farmers Markets: Practically every neighborhood in LA boasts its own unique Farmers Market, filled with small vendors, locally grown produce, fresh juices and prepared foods. The Mar Vista one will always be my favorite. Recommendation: The Arepa Stand and a fresh watermelon juice.

• Flea Markets: From Melrose Trading Post to Santa Monica Antiques, almost every Saturday or Sunday you can find an outdoor market with treasures and small businesses.

• Museums: There is no shortage of incredible museums in LA. Whether you are into architecture, modern art, or music, there is something to peak everyone’s interest (Getty Villa, LACMA, The Broad, Grammy Museum, Natural History, La Brea Tar Pits, Science Center… to name a few)

• Griffith Observatory: Hike around Griffith Park, see the Hollywood sign, and spend an hour or two exploring inside the planetarium (free entry!)

• Eat Ethnic Cuisines: From Little Tokyo to the Guatemalan Night Market, LA offers incredible cuisines from all around the world. If you’re feeling adventurous, stop at multiple street food vendors that set up shop on sidewalks in front of strip malls and grocery stores. It doesn’t get any more authentic than the neighborhood taco stand.

Breakfast/Brunch

• Malibu Farm (Malibu) - This cafe sits on the Malibu Pier, serving up California farm-fresh food with a tranquil atmosphere. Recommendation: Seasonal pancakes.

• Great White (Venice and WeHo) - An Australian Cafe featuring an extensive breakfast and coffee menu (as well as a great all-day menu). Fan favorite: Breakfast burrito.

• Paradise Bowls (Manhattan Beach) - Although there is no shortage of smoothie and acai bowl posts in LA, this gem serves up huge portions with fresh ingredients. Grab a bowl and walk two blocks to sit on the beach and enjoy. My favorite: Electric Pink.

Lunch

• Superba (Venice) - This cafe with a darling patio offers freshly baked bread and pastries daily, as well as an extensive lunch menu featuring salads, sandwiches and more. Recommendation: Triple decker turkey club w/ housemade chips.

• Playa Provisions (Playa Del Rey) - Located in a tiny, true beachy community of LA just one block off the beach, Provisions is a neighborhood spot offering both full service and quick service menus. Dine in their main restaurant, or order at the counter and find an open table on their patio.

• Neptune’s Net - (Malibu) - After a long day in the sun, roll up to this long-standing Malibu establishment in your bathing suit and cover up, order inside, and grab a seat outdoors at a wooden picnic table. *Grilled fish tacos.

• Saby’s Cafe (Mar Vista) - This unassuming Mexican cafe is known for takeout but has a few tables outside as well. Their homemade blue corn tortillas are some of the bests I’ve had in LA, and their service is very friendly. My favorite: Blue Corn Quesadilla with Al Pastor.

Happy Hour and Dinner

• Cloverfield (Mar Vista) - An excellent happy hour menu, expansive outdoor patio, and laid-back atmosphere make Cloverfield one of my favorite spots in LA. Recommendation: Nachos with barbacoa.

• Guatemalan Night Market (Westlake) - As mentioned above, there is a plethora of ethnic cuisine to try in Los Angeles. Head to the Westlake area after 5pm nightly to try authentic Guatemalan food from street vendors that infiltrate a 3-block radius.

• Wallflower (Venice) - Serving up high-quality, Southeast Asian food, this cozy small restaurant also boasts a large patio with heat lamps for year-round outdoor dining. Their cocktails are very impressive as well. Recommendation: Rendang Mamak and Rib Wings.

• Fia (Brentwood) - Step into Fia and instantly get transported to a secret garden serving up a California twist on classic Italian dishes, innovative cocktails, and extensive wine menu. They also have a fabulous weekend brunch. Recommendation: Squid ink pasta.

• Little Fatty (Mar Vista) - Offering a great happy hour menu, plus an exciting and innovative cocktail menu, and Taiwanese comfort food. This dimly lit neighborhood spot is packed every night of the week for good reason, and they recently expanded to offer a market around the corner. Favorite: Hainan chicken and Sichuan eggplant.

Drinks

• Hotel Erwin (Venice) - Surprisingly, there aren’t many rooftop bars along the beach in LA. Hotel Erwin is in the heart of Venice, giving absolutely perfect sunset views of the coastline and Santa Monica Mountains from their rooftop bar. Recommendation: Make a reservation on the Resy app at least a week ahead of time in the warmer months to ensure you can get a table.

• Broken Shaker at Freehand (Downtown) - This rooftop bar downtown offers sweeping views of Los Angeles in a vintage and eclectic ambiance, with a fun cocktail menu to enjoy.

• Wally’s Wine & Spirits (Santa Monica) - High vaulted ceilings, large marble dining tables, and thousands of wine bottles creates an intimate environment for socialization. They also have a food menu with fantastic charcuterie boards for snacking.

• Venice Beach Ale House (Venice) - This super laid-back bar is a great spot for enjoying a craft beer or seltzer on the patio and watching the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk.