Guidebook for LA Adventures
Iconic LA Eats
Our go-to's within the city for special occasions or just a quick bite
Most beautiful restaurant view in all of LA! Go at sunset and you can explore the gardens as well. They filmed scenes from Memoirs of a Geisha here - there's literally a beautiful Japanese garden within the restaurant.
Yamashiro Gardens
Most beautiful restaurant view in all of LA! Go at sunset and you can explore the gardens as well. They filmed scenes from Memoirs of a Geisha here - there's literally a beautiful Japanese garden within the restaurant.
Best sushi quality for the price point - still higher end but the quality of the fish is equivalent to the $100 per head restaurants. Get the Nozawa if you have an appetite - the hand rolls especially are phenomenal.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
Best sushi quality for the price point - still higher end but the quality of the fish is equivalent to the $100 per head restaurants. Get the Nozawa if you have an appetite - the hand rolls especially are phenomenal.
The most authentic mom and pop Korean food restaurant! Go early to avoid long wait times for both lunch and dinner - the Galbi Jjim (braised short rib) and the Mackerel are the two big winners here, but everything else is truly excellent and the owners are both incredibly sweet.
Seong Buk Dong
The most authentic mom and pop Korean food restaurant! Go early to avoid long wait times for both lunch and dinner - the Galbi Jjim (braised short rib) and the Mackerel are the two big winners here, but everything else is truly excellent and the owners are both incredibly sweet.
Famous soup dumplings and top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world. Worth walking the mall while waiting as well!
27 locals recommend
Din Tai Fung
Famous soup dumplings and top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world. Worth walking the mall while waiting as well!
Great group Italian eats in a beautiful setting, complete with famous macarons to round out the meal (try the earl grey!)
37 locals recommend
Bottega Louie
Great group Italian eats in a beautiful setting, complete with famous macarons to round out the meal (try the earl grey!)
Japanese style bar seating for a quick but delicious meal comprised of fresh handrolls.
11 locals recommend
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
Japanese style bar seating for a quick but delicious meal comprised of fresh handrolls.
Tapas style dining with fresh local ingredients, farm to table by 3 times James Beard award-winning chef (reservations recommended).
10 locals recommend
A.O.C.
Tapas style dining with fresh local ingredients, farm to table by 3 times James Beard award-winning chef (reservations recommended).
Most authentic Thai food hole-in-the wall dining in hip Silver Lake neighborhood.
18 locals recommend
Night + Market Song
Most authentic Thai food hole-in-the wall dining in hip Silver Lake neighborhood.
Best Korean BBQ spot known for short ribs and beef soup - authentic and satisfying with top notch ingredients - often frequented by celebrities (reservations recommended)
12 locals recommend
Park's BBQ
Best Korean BBQ spot known for short ribs and beef soup - authentic and satisfying with top notch ingredients - often frequented by celebrities (reservations recommended)
Visit and enjoy delicious food vendors at Grand Central Market in downtown and explore the cuisines and cultures of LA. Drop by the Bradbury building next door for an architectural marvel.
174 locals recommend
Grand Central Market
Visit and enjoy delicious food vendors at Grand Central Market in downtown and explore the cuisines and cultures of LA. Drop by the Bradbury building next door for an architectural marvel.
Famous for Galbi Jjim - get it with cheese and torched to perfection - this korean 24 hour open restaurant has the most flavorful late night eats.
11 locals recommend
Sun Nong Dan
Famous for Galbi Jjim - get it with cheese and torched to perfection - this korean 24 hour open restaurant has the most flavorful late night eats.
The menu at Mother Wolf echos themes of shepherds, popes, farmers and artisans through wafer-thin wood fired pizzas, hyper-seasonal antipasti and the traditional handmade pastas for which Funke is renowned
23 locals recommend
Mother Wolf
1545 Wilcox AvenueThe menu at Mother Wolf echos themes of shepherds, popes, farmers and artisans through wafer-thin wood fired pizzas, hyper-seasonal antipasti and the traditional handmade pastas for which Funke is renowned
Old-fashioned deli serving up hot pastrami sandwiches & other traditional comfort food since 1947.
12 locals recommend
Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant
Old-fashioned deli serving up hot pastrami sandwiches & other traditional comfort food since 1947.
David Chang eatery offering noodles & creatively prepared meat & fish in an industrial-chic space.
17 locals recommend
Majordomo
David Chang eatery offering noodles & creatively prepared meat & fish in an industrial-chic space.
Chef Stephanie Izard's West Coast offshoot of her wildly popular Chicago original has made its home in downtown LA's Arts District among Spotify's podcast production campus. It's boho chic to a tee with an airy look, soothing linen-color design palette and loads of natural light and potted greenery.
Perpetually full and lively, everyone comes here for a good time. Patrons at the bar sip colorful drinks decorated with marigold blossoms while perusing the eclectic menu with the chef's trademark style (read: free-roaming with global inspiration and gutsy flavors). Savory dishes, like roasted oysters and goat curry, feed the evening crowds while über-popular Sunday brunch lures diners with items like the potato crepe, a whimsical riff on the Vietnamese banh xeo.
17 locals recommend
Girl & the Goat Los Angeles
Chef Stephanie Izard's West Coast offshoot of her wildly popular Chicago original has made its home in downtown LA's Arts District among Spotify's podcast production campus. It's boho chic to a tee with an airy look, soothing linen-color design palette and loads of natural light and potted greenery.
Perpetually full and lively, everyone comes here for a good time. Patrons at the bar sip colorful drinks decorated with marigold blossoms while perusing the eclectic menu with the chef's trademark style (read: free-roaming with global inspiration and gutsy flavors). Savory dishes, like roasted oysters and goat curry, feed the evening crowds while über-popular Sunday brunch lures diners with items like the potato crepe, a whimsical riff on the Vietnamese banh xeo.
Trendy Italian restaurant from an acclaimed husband-and-wife team highlights creative seasonal fare, often a celebrity hotspot and stunning and delicious pasta dishes. - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED (or walk in)
60 locals recommend
Bestia
Trendy Italian restaurant from an acclaimed husband-and-wife team highlights creative seasonal fare, often a celebrity hotspot and stunning and delicious pasta dishes. - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED (or walk in)
Local staple known for its signature overstuffed sandwiches, Italian deli fare & gourmet groceries - the Godmother sandwich is the stunner.
15 locals recommend
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
Local staple known for its signature overstuffed sandwiches, Italian deli fare & gourmet groceries - the Godmother sandwich is the stunner.
Entertainment & Activities
Korean spa - my go to for a relaxing time! As featured on the Conan O'Brien show - get a scrub and have your skin feel cleaner than it's ever been. Super affordable massages as well. Open 24 hours and detox in the pools, salt/clay/jade/ice rooms and enjoy fresh Korean cuisine!
13 locals recommend
Wi Spa
Korean spa - my go to for a relaxing time! As featured on the Conan O'Brien show - get a scrub and have your skin feel cleaner than it's ever been. Super affordable massages as well. Open 24 hours and detox in the pools, salt/clay/jade/ice rooms and enjoy fresh Korean cuisine!
Go and watch a movie in the iconic Pantages theater! There are frequent showings and usually have a fun little pre-show prior to the actual film starting. Then go and walk around Hollywood Walk of Fame and go and see the Red Carpet around the legendary Nokia Theater where the Academy Awards/Oscars are held.
Pro-tip: Park in Hollywood and Highland lot and go and buy a snack from the local stand on the way up from the elevator to get 2 hours of validation - cheapest parking in the area!
42 locals recommend
Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Go and watch a movie in the iconic Pantages theater! There are frequent showings and usually have a fun little pre-show prior to the actual film starting. Then go and walk around Hollywood Walk of Fame and go and see the Red Carpet around the legendary Nokia Theater where the Academy Awards/Oscars are held.
Pro-tip: Park in Hollywood and Highland lot and go and buy a snack from the local stand on the way up from the elevator to get 2 hours of validation - cheapest parking in the area!
Go and see a real movie lot! Along with its multitude of riveting rides and worlds (favorites include Harry Potter World where you must try some butterbeer and Jurassic Park ride if you don't mind getting wet) , our favorite is still the Studio Tour, where you get to take a ride thru Hollywood's backlot and see where iconic movies were filmed as well as getting into some close calls with some movie monsters and characters. Definitely a whole day experience, and you can enjoy dinner at Universal City Walk on your way out.
875 locals recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood
Go and see a real movie lot! Along with its multitude of riveting rides and worlds (favorites include Harry Potter World where you must try some butterbeer and Jurassic Park ride if you don't mind getting wet) , our favorite is still the Studio Tour, where you get to take a ride thru Hollywood's backlot and see where iconic movies were filmed as well as getting into some close calls with some movie monsters and characters. Definitely a whole day experience, and you can enjoy dinner at Universal City Walk on your way out.
Not much to add except that it's pretty much the most magical place on Earth :) We spent many date nights here as a couple and even got engaged here, so if you plan on going, PLEASE let us know and we'll give you the rundown on how to maximize your time there and see the best things. Definitely make time for World of Color and fireworks during your trip!
1183 locals recommend
Disneyland Park
Not much to add except that it's pretty much the most magical place on Earth :) We spent many date nights here as a couple and even got engaged here, so if you plan on going, PLEASE let us know and we'll give you the rundown on how to maximize your time there and see the best things. Definitely make time for World of Color and fireworks during your trip!
LA's oldest bowling alley! Established in 1927, the Bowl originated during the midst of prohibition, very industrial antique with the weathered metal decor from the bar and pizzas to the bowling alley.
48 locals recommend
Highland Park Bowl
LA's oldest bowling alley! Established in 1927, the Bowl originated during the midst of prohibition, very industrial antique with the weathered metal decor from the bar and pizzas to the bowling alley.
A collection of independent retail, restaurants and creative businesses in the heart of LA.
32 locals recommend
Platform
A collection of independent retail, restaurants and creative businesses in the heart of LA.
Smorgasburg LA is open every Sunday (10 am - 4 pm) on the five-acre site of the weekday Alameda Produce Market in Downtown Los Angeles. Each Sunday, find dozens of exciting food vendors at Smorgasburg LA, plus sophisticated shopping from the realms of design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Cultural events, pop-ups, and other surprises transform the vast site into a new node in Downtown LA’s burgeoning scene, and a unique destination for the region.
15 locals recommend
Smorgasburg
777 South Alameda StreetSmorgasburg LA is open every Sunday (10 am - 4 pm) on the five-acre site of the weekday Alameda Produce Market in Downtown Los Angeles. Each Sunday, find dozens of exciting food vendors at Smorgasburg LA, plus sophisticated shopping from the realms of design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Cultural events, pop-ups, and other surprises transform the vast site into a new node in Downtown LA’s burgeoning scene, and a unique destination for the region.
Manhattan Beach is a laid-back South Bay community popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Strand bike path winds along the oceanfront between modern mansions and wide stretches of sand lined with volleyball courts. Low-key Manhattan Beach Pier features a quaint aquarium and views of surfers. There are several parks, and a small downtown area with boutiques, brunch cafes, pubs & creative, upscale eateries.
36 locals recommend
Manhattan Beach
699 North The StrandManhattan Beach is a laid-back South Bay community popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Strand bike path winds along the oceanfront between modern mansions and wide stretches of sand lined with volleyball courts. Low-key Manhattan Beach Pier features a quaint aquarium and views of surfers. There are several parks, and a small downtown area with boutiques, brunch cafes, pubs & creative, upscale eateries.
Drinks & Nightlife
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
Favorite rooftop bar for the chill vibes and live music on weekends. Make a reservation for dinner as it books up quickly, or arrive before 10/11 PM to avoid the crazy lines up top. Great drinks as well.
84 locals recommend
Perch
Favorite rooftop bar for the chill vibes and live music on weekends. Make a reservation for dinner as it books up quickly, or arrive before 10/11 PM to avoid the crazy lines up top. Great drinks as well.
Iconic LA nightlife! Waterbeds, LA nightly skyline, biergarten, rooftop pool - come early to avoid the crowd and take in the Los Angeles nightlife scene
Standard
Iconic LA nightlife! Waterbeds, LA nightly skyline, biergarten, rooftop pool - come early to avoid the crowd and take in the Los Angeles nightlife scene
Really cool new speakeasy that opened up on the west side - the most insane collection of cocktails that we've seen and they take your phones during the entire time you're there so you can focus on enjoying the company and the delicious drinks. Great service - reservations are a must!
Old Lightning
Really cool new speakeasy that opened up on the west side - the most insane collection of cocktails that we've seen and they take your phones during the entire time you're there so you can focus on enjoying the company and the delicious drinks. Great service - reservations are a must!
AMAZING 4 story dance club/bar that was renovated and opened recently - you can wander through a Gothic Bar, Live Swing Dancing and live music (over the weekends) and even find your way over to a hidden tiki bar on the top floor if you know the secret passage ;) Great for large groups and if you want to just dance it up to a variety of great music!
20 locals recommend
Clifton's Republic
AMAZING 4 story dance club/bar that was renovated and opened recently - you can wander through a Gothic Bar, Live Swing Dancing and live music (over the weekends) and even find your way over to a hidden tiki bar on the top floor if you know the secret passage ;) Great for large groups and if you want to just dance it up to a variety of great music!
Classic drinks in a classic speakeasy - can be found behind Cole's Sandwiches. Typically there is a wait unless you go earlier or on a weekday. Perfect ambience for dates or small groups. Fun fact: Ryan Gosling learned how to make his old fashioned from the bartender here for his role in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love"
The Varnish
Classic drinks in a classic speakeasy - can be found behind Cole's Sandwiches. Typically there is a wait unless you go earlier or on a weekday. Perfect ambience for dates or small groups. Fun fact: Ryan Gosling learned how to make his old fashioned from the bartender here for his role in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love"
A popular neighborhood gastropub - famous for their burgers with a great beer selection
10 locals recommend
Father's Office
A popular neighborhood gastropub - famous for their burgers with a great beer selection
Accomplice Bar
Classy and creative cocktails coupled with the best Westside Taiwanese cuisine
A rum and cigar speakeasy reminiscent of Little Havana to salsa dance and relax. Reservations required.
11 locals recommend
La Descarga
A rum and cigar speakeasy reminiscent of Little Havana to salsa dance and relax. Reservations required.
Sprawling, retro-style space with a handsome bar, a surf-themed billiards room, a patio & more.
24 locals recommend
The Bungalow Santa Monica
Sprawling, retro-style space with a handsome bar, a surf-themed billiards room, a patio & more.
Sightseeing
For those who love astronomy - there is an astronomy museum with a working telescope up top as well as shows throughout the day. Beautiful views of LA, especially at night.
157 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
For those who love astronomy - there is an astronomy museum with a working telescope up top as well as shows throughout the day. Beautiful views of LA, especially at night.
The iconic Santa Monica pier from all the films and movies. Beautiful in the day and nighttime. Bring a beach towel to catch some rays on the beach, or rent rollerblades to go all the way down to Venice beach. Can be reached via the metro line - would recommend walking 3rd street promenade afterwards for shopping and food!
597 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
The iconic Santa Monica pier from all the films and movies. Beautiful in the day and nighttime. Bring a beach towel to catch some rays on the beach, or rent rollerblades to go all the way down to Venice beach. Can be reached via the metro line - would recommend walking 3rd street promenade afterwards for shopping and food!
Shopping
This whole street has amazing vintage and hipster shops - filled with great cafes and coffee shops. A little on the pricier end, but so close to Venice Beach and great for some people watching as well.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
This whole street has amazing vintage and hipster shops - filled with great cafes and coffee shops. A little on the pricier end, but so close to Venice Beach and great for some people watching as well.
The famous Melrose avenue - lots of fancy boutique shops, restaurants and cafes for people watching
11 locals recommend
Melrose Ave Shopping District
The famous Melrose avenue - lots of fancy boutique shops, restaurants and cafes for people watching
Upscale shopping area with a farmer's market next door as well as restaurants and a movie theater. Beautiful fountain displays and shops - great to spend half a day at.
274 locals recommend
The Grove
Upscale shopping area with a farmer's market next door as well as restaurants and a movie theater. Beautiful fountain displays and shops - great to spend half a day at.
Ongoing farmer's market at the Grove, which is a popular upscale shopping destination in LA. HUGE variety of merchants, and especially beautiful during the holidays!
57 locals recommend
The Original Farmers Market
Ongoing farmer's market at the Grove, which is a popular upscale shopping destination in LA. HUGE variety of merchants, and especially beautiful during the holidays!
Palm Springs, a city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. It's also noted for its many fine examples of midcentury-modern architecture. Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, interior design shops and restaurants. The surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.
28 locals recommend
Century City Mall
Palm Springs, a city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. It's also noted for its many fine examples of midcentury-modern architecture. Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, interior design shops and restaurants. The surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.
Parks & Nature
One of my favorite short hikes in LA - steep but quick ascent leading to stunning oceanside views of the entire Santa Monica beach and Malibu. Usually not too crowded either which is a plus!
Inspiration Point View
One of my favorite short hikes in LA - steep but quick ascent leading to stunning oceanside views of the entire Santa Monica beach and Malibu. Usually not too crowded either which is a plus!
A famous short but intense climbing workout known as the "Culver City Stairs" - with a panoramic 360 reward of LA.
69 locals recommend
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
A famous short but intense climbing workout known as the "Culver City Stairs" - with a panoramic 360 reward of LA.
A rewarding 2.5 mile loop trail that starts at the bottom of Griffith Park amidst greenery and brings you out to marvel at the famous Observatory and views of LA.
10 locals recommend
Fern Dell Nature Trail
A rewarding 2.5 mile loop trail that starts at the bottom of Griffith Park amidst greenery and brings you out to marvel at the famous Observatory and views of LA.
LA's oldest city park with a multitude of trails - a relaxing urban walk with beautiful views of downtown.
Elysian Park
LA's oldest city park with a multitude of trails - a relaxing urban walk with beautiful views of downtown.
Tide pools, sea caves, resident seals, and a beautiful cove, this park is a dream if you love coastal hikes. Take the Sacred Cove View Trail to see the best views of the park.
8 locals recommend
Abalone Cove Park
Tide pools, sea caves, resident seals, and a beautiful cove, this park is a dream if you love coastal hikes. Take the Sacred Cove View Trail to see the best views of the park.
This 50-foot waterfall is reached via a 4.5 mile out-and-back trek that follows a shaded babbling creek down into a wooded canyon. Adventure Pass required.
7 locals recommend
Switzer Falls Trail
This 50-foot waterfall is reached via a 4.5 mile out-and-back trek that follows a shaded babbling creek down into a wooded canyon. Adventure Pass required.
Arts & Culture
An amazing relatively new contemporary art museum to hit LA's extensive museum scene - you can make reservations for free online avoid waiting sometimes what could be more than an hour on popular days. Otherwise, highly recommended to line up earlier for the renowned "Infinity Mirror Room" exhibit by Yayoi Kusama.
238 locals recommend
The Broad
An amazing relatively new contemporary art museum to hit LA's extensive museum scene - you can make reservations for free online avoid waiting sometimes what could be more than an hour on popular days. Otherwise, highly recommended to line up earlier for the renowned "Infinity Mirror Room" exhibit by Yayoi Kusama.
An incredible display of art and botanical gardens that is simply a magical paradise within Pasadena. A bit of a drive out but you can spend the rest of the day exploring Old-Town Pasadena and it's old charm and . The Japanese Gardens are the standout here, but you can also spend hours going thru the old mansions and seeing famous literary works such as the Gutenberg Bible, Hamlet, and many other rare books and works.
301 locals recommend
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
An incredible display of art and botanical gardens that is simply a magical paradise within Pasadena. A bit of a drive out but you can spend the rest of the day exploring Old-Town Pasadena and it's old charm and . The Japanese Gardens are the standout here, but you can also spend hours going thru the old mansions and seeing famous literary works such as the Gutenberg Bible, Hamlet, and many other rare books and works.
Beautiful Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a re-created Roman country home nestled in the hills of Malibu. Reservations must be made online but are free.
175 locals recommend
The Getty Villa
Beautiful Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a re-created Roman country home nestled in the hills of Malibu. Reservations must be made online but are free.
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States - with diverse galleries representing the varying communities. Check online for new exhibitions and galleries as it's constantly evolving - also go and visit the LACMA lights at night for photo ops, La Brea tar pits, and jazz nights on the lawn.
260 locals recommend
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States - with diverse galleries representing the varying communities. Check online for new exhibitions and galleries as it's constantly evolving - also go and visit the LACMA lights at night for photo ops, La Brea tar pits, and jazz nights on the lawn.