A Local’s Guide to Art, Entertainment and Dining in Los Angeles

Griffith Park to Griffith Observatory - Get outside

• Griffith Park is one of Los Angeles' most iconic green spaces, offering a dog-friendly hike from Fern Dell Park to the historic Griffith Observatory. Along the way, be sure to stop at The Trails Café, a local gem serving fresh coffee, pastries and sandwiches perfect for a trail snack or breakfast.

• Parking is free, but it’s best to arrive early in the morning as this is one of the most popular hiking trails in LA.

• At the top, the Griffith Observatory dazzles with its stunning Art Deco architecture and panoramic views of the city. From this iconic LA viewpoint, you can see Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood Boulevard and the world-famous Hollywood Sign.

• If you're just here for the hike, feel free to stroll around the building or walk up to the rooftop for incredible photo ops. During opening hours, you can enter the Observatory at no cost and explore its science and astronomy museum. Planetarium shows are also available with ticket purchase.

• Griffith Park spans over 4,210 acres of chaparral-covered hillsides, scenic hiking trails and landscaped picnic areas. It’s one of the largest urban parks with wilderness areas in the United States, making it a perfect spot for outdoor lovers and families.

If you're spending a full day at Griffith Park, don't miss some of my personal childhood favorites:

• Walt’s Barn — The actual workshop of Walt Disney, originally located at his Holmby Hills home. Now relocated to Griffith Park as a tribute to Walt Disney’s love of trains.

• The Old LA Zoo – abandoned animal enclosures now used for photo shoots, picnics and exploring.

• Travel Town Museum – vintage locomotives and train cars

• The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round — a classic carousel that inspired Disneyland

• For a true local Los Angeles experience, it doesn't get much better than Griffith Park.

Hungry after your hike?

• Head to the east side of Griffith Park and explore Atwater Village or Frogtown for some of the best local eats in Los Angeles.

• Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village is packed with standout restaurants like Bon Vivant, All’Acqua and Hail Mary Pizza. All offering fresh, flavorful menus in a relaxed neighborhood setting.

• Over in Frogtown, check out Spoke Bicycle Cafe along the LA River bike path. In the same neighborhood, you’ll also find Salazar, a laid-back open-air spot known for its grilled tacos and legendary margaritas. Spend your afternoon and evening enjoying the small-town feel of the East Side of LA with its small-town charm, unique shops and tucked away lounges.

Do Dodger Stadium like a local — fireworks, food & epic views

If you're looking for the perfect summer night in Los Angeles, it doesn’t get more classic than a ball game under the lights at Dodger Stadium. As one of the most famous and historic ballparks in the US. This iconic spot in Elysian Park offers a winning combo of high-energy atmosphere, legendary Dodger dogs and panoramic views of the LA skyline.

From your seat, you can take in the sights of Downtown LA, the San Gabriel Mountains and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear night. But it’s not just about baseball. The vibe here is pure LA. And if you're lucky enough to catch a Friday Night Fireworks game, you'll witness the stadium erupt into a sky full of color while fans cheer beneath the stars.
Tip: Pre-Game like a local at Philippe’s & ride the Dodger Stadium Express

Make it a full-on LA experience by starting your night at Philippe, the Original, home of the legendary French Dip sandwich. Located just steps from Union Station, it’s a must-stop for hungry fans fueling up before the game.

After dinner, hop on the Dodger Stadium Express — a free and fan-packed shuttle that takes you straight to the gates from Union Station. It’s fast, festive, and drops you off right at the top deck with zero parking stress.

Summer nights at The Hollywood Bowl – music, magic & picnics under the stars

Few places capture the spirit of Los Angeles' summer quite like a night at The Hollywood Bowl, tucked into the hills beneath the iconic Hollywood Sign.

From the moment the sun begins to set behind the iconic stage "shell" to the final notes of a fireworks-filled encore, the Bowl delivers a magical, only-in-LA experience. Whether you're here for the LA Philharmonic, John Williams' Star Wars night with a live orchestra or a major headliner under the stars, The Hollywood Bowl is one of the best live music venues in the world.

As locals, the best part of any night at The Bowl starts before the music. We pack our own picnic baskets filled with wine, cheese, fruit and maybe a bottle of champagne, and settle into our box seats to enjoy golden hour with friends, neighbors and fellow concert lovers. There’s something incredibly special about summer at The Bowl watching the stars come out as the stage begins to glow. I've been bringing my kids here since they were little and the memories are ones we will never forget.

You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks (yes, alcohol too!), or pick up gourmet bites at one of the Bowl’s on-site marketplaces. Arrive early if you plan to picnic in the grassy areas outside the Bowl or at your seat. This tradition is part of Hollywood Bowl’s timeless charm and something every visitor should experience at least once.

The glamorous West Side of LA – Old Hollywood meets modern cool

For the perfect blend of Hollywood nostalgia, art, shopping and California sunshine, head west to one of Los Angeles’ most famous and elegant neighborhoods. Start your stay in style at The Beverly Hilton, the legendary hotel that has been welcoming the stars since 1955.

Located at the intersections of Santa Monica Blvd and Wilshire, The Beverly Hilton is famous for hosting the Golden Globe Awards. It’s also the hotel where Lucille Ball filmed scenes for I Love Lucy and where countless celebrities, from Marilyn Monroe to Frank Sinatra, once stayed, sipped cocktails poolside and danced the night away. Once you’ve checked in, there’s a whole side of LA to explore that feels equal parts elegant and exciting.

Here are a few can’t-miss experiences:

• The Urban Light installation outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is an Instagram favorite — and totally free to see. Afterward, step inside to explore world-class exhibits and rotating collections. Next door is the Academy of Motion Pictures with its huge glass dome and further along the "Miracle Mile" section of Wilshire Blvd, you'll find the La Brea Tar Pits.

• For vintage car lovers and design fans, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must. This sleek, red-ribboned building on Wilshire Blvd is packed with rare vehicles, Hollywood cars and rotating exhibits.

• One of LA’s most walkable outdoor malls, The Grove offers a mix of designer stores, outdoor dining and a cute trolley for the kids. The big draw for Angelenos is the adjacent Original Farmers Market, a great spot to snack like a local.

• Be a tourist in the best way with a behind-the-scenes look at Sony, Paramount or Universal Studios. These studio tours offer a peek into real working sets, backlots and maybe even a celeb sighting or two.

• Perched in the hills above Brentwood, The Getty is a breathtaking combination of art, architecture and panoramic views. The museum is free (you only pay for parking). Strolling through the perfectly manicured gardens below the towering travertine clad museum is reason enough to visit.

Downtown Los Angeles – culture, cocktails and city views

Downtown LA (DTLA) is where the city’s past and future collide. DTLA is a walkable urban core filled with architectural icons, rooftop views, world-class art, hidden bars and global eats tucked between soaring skyscrapers. Whether you’re visiting for a night or staying a while, Downtown rewards those who wander.

Where to Stay: The Biltmore Hotel: Step back in time at The Biltmore, one of LA’s most iconic and historic hotels. It once hosted the Academy Awards, and the interior is stunning with its Gatsby-era grandeur, and marble columns. Centrally located, it’s the perfect home base for exploring downtown on foot — or hopping in an Uber if your heels aren’t up for the hills.

Walkable downtown highlights – all within five blocks

• For city explorers who love discovering a destination on foot, here are a few of my favorite DTLA gems within walking distance of The Biltmore:

• Disney Concert Hall – Frank Gehry’s gleaming architectural masterpiece and home to the LA Philharmonic.

• The Broad Museum – Free contemporary art museum featuring works by Yayoi Kusama, Basquiat and Warhol. Reserve your time slot online and arrive early, as this museum draws a crowd.

My grandmother lived in Bunker Hill Towers when I was a little girl. She would take me and my brother on the Angels Flight Funicular. Such a memorable experience. This little hidden train is the world’s shortest railway and a charming slice of LA history. Go for a little ride if you get the chance.

I've always loved to wander Grand Central Market for its produce and fresh bread. This iconic LA market also houses food stalls that serve everything from Eggslut breakfast sandwiches to Thai street food and pizza.

• City Hall Observation Deck – Free, panoramic views of Los Angeles from the top floor of this historic building.

• Clifton’s Republic. Ok, so, my mom used to come to Clifton's Cafeteria for the Jell-O, banana pudding cups and other old-school cafeteria fare when she was a kid. This multi-level, quirky, cafeteria turned cocktail bar with 1930s vibes is a fun place to spend a lunch hour or unique evening in the tiki bar.

• Ace Hotel & Theatre — Stay or sip cocktails on the lively rooftop bar, or catch a live show inside the ornate Spanish Gothic theater.
  Pro Tip: Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful downtown, and with limited parking available, it’s often faster (and cheaper) to ride than drive.

More neighborhoods to explore in DTLA

• Once you've walked your fill, venture a bit further to discover some of Los Angeles’ most vibrant cultural neighborhoods, each packed with local flavor, amazing food and West Coast nightlife:

• Little Tokyo — Grab a bowl of authentic ramen, browse Japanese stationery shops and pop into the Japanese American National Museum.

• The Arts District — known for cool listening rooms, hidden speakeasies, boutique galleries and outdoor murals galore.

• Koreatown (K-Town) – Come for the late-night food, stay for the karaoke bars, sizzling Korean BBQ and stylish rooftop lounges.

My favorite Los Angeles restaurants

Los Angeles is truly one of the most diverse food cities in the world, and when it comes to unforgettable dining experiences, there are so many that I still dream about. From drinking wine on a rooftop with friends, to rustic Italian dining in an Arts District warehouse, these are some of my personal favorite spots for dining out in LA.

• Bestia – Downtown LA
  Cuisine: Modern Italian | Romantic, Vibrant
  Tucked away in the Arts District, Bestia was one of the first grownup places I fell in love with in LA. From the industrial-chic vibe to the handmade pastas and wood-fired meats, every meal here is a sensory journey. If the bone marrow pasta is on the menu when you're here, get it.
  Pro Tip: Reservations book up fast. If it's too crowded, try a front-row seat at the bar, right next to the kitchen.

• Majordomo – Chinatown
  Cuisine: Korean-Californian Fusion | Upscale Casual
  David Chang’s Majordomo is delicious fun. I came here on a summer night soon after he first opened this restaurant and immediately decided this would be my go-to spot when guests came into town. The bing (flatbread) with spicy lamb and the short rib that practically melts on the plate, are out of this world. (I learned the recipe for Bing Bread and still make it at home today.) The patio is lively and the cocktails are excellent. Be sure to ask about their creative rotating seasonal dishes too.

• 71Above – Downtown LA
  Cuisine: Contemporary American | Views, Views, Views
  Dining at 71Above feels like floating above LA. Located on the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower, this is where I go when I feel like celebrating something. The wine list is world-class, the ambiance is sophisticated, and the view at sunset is honestly one of the best in Los Angeles. Their prix-fixe menu always delivers — elegant and flavorful.
  Insider Tip: Book your reservation around golden hour. You’ll catch the city lights flickering on while you sip your wine 1,000 feet above Los Angeles.

• A.O.C. – Beverly Grove
  Cuisine: Mediterranean Small Plates | Wine-Centric, Local Favorite
  A.O.C. is one of those places where I could linger for hours. The garden patio feels like you’ve escaped the city, and the wine bar-meets-bistro menu is full of great hits. I’ve had cozy dinners here with friends and solo meals that turned into spontaneous conversations with neighboring tables. The bacon-wrapped dates, Spanish fried chicken, and curated wine flights are a must.
  Best For: Solo travelers, wine lovers, and anyone who loves the feeling of dining al fresco under twinkle lights.

• Merois – West Hollywood (Pendry Hotel)
  Cuisine: French-Asian Fusion | Glamorous, Celeb-Studded, Sunset Strip Views
  If you're in the mood to dress up and dine in style, Merois by Wolfgang Puck is your spot. I love rooftop dining and the setting at the Pendry is stunning. The vibe is modern Hollywood luxury. The cocktails are perfectly crafted and the crispy sea bass is to die for. The food is amazing and rumor has it this is a popular locale for celebrities. But I'm not one to spread rumors...
  Order This: The sushi and crudo selections are some of the freshest in the city. Pair them with a glass of Champagne and enjoy watching the sun sink below the hills.