Guidebook for Los Angeles
Sightseeing
There is an incredible giant garden with a lake, a temple, and quiet little pagodas that are perfect writing sanctuaries. You’ll find it to be meditative bliss, and a good meditation can be perfect for breaking through any writer’s block. There’s nobody trying to enforce any type of beliefs on you here—it’s just peace, clarity, and beauty.
You can wander the grounds for free. Find a shaded spot or a Pagoda and write away. And when you get blocked, take time out to meditate—the energy is strong here.
132 locals recommend
Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple
17190 Sunset BlvdThere is an incredible giant garden with a lake, a temple, and quiet little pagodas that are perfect writing sanctuaries. You’ll find it to be meditative bliss, and a good meditation can be perfect for breaking through any writer’s block. There’s nobody trying to enforce any type of beliefs on you here—it’s just peace, clarity, and beauty.
You can wander the grounds for free. Find a shaded spot or a Pagoda and write away. And when you get blocked, take time out to meditate—the energy is strong here.
Malibu always feels like a respite from the chaos of LA. I hit the restaurant at the end of the pier and write on one of their decks. When I reach capacity, I'll take out my inflatable paddleboard from the back of my car and paddle out for a quick 30 minute break amongst the surfers before coming back to write some more.
Poseidon Paddle & Surf has a truck stationed close to the pier. Call and you can rent a paddleboard from them if you want to get in the water.
244 locals recommend
Malibu Pier
23000 CA-1Malibu always feels like a respite from the chaos of LA. I hit the restaurant at the end of the pier and write on one of their decks. When I reach capacity, I'll take out my inflatable paddleboard from the back of my car and paddle out for a quick 30 minute break amongst the surfers before coming back to write some more.
Poseidon Paddle & Surf has a truck stationed close to the pier. Call and you can rent a paddleboard from them if you want to get in the water.
There are lots of artists, writers, and creative people who live in Venice, and I think that's what makes it special. It’s also a fantastic place to walk on the beach, bike, or skateboard to clear your head before a writing session. As a writer, I think you need to connect with your environment, and there’s nothing like an ocean breeze to inspire.
Once you've gained inspiration from Venice’s natural beauty, hop inside Intelligentsia on Abbot Kinney to grab a coffee and start writing, or get your sugar fix from Salt and Straw or Blue Star donuts.
815 locals recommend
Venice Beach Boardwalk
517 Ocean Front WalkThere are lots of artists, writers, and creative people who live in Venice, and I think that's what makes it special. It’s also a fantastic place to walk on the beach, bike, or skateboard to clear your head before a writing session. As a writer, I think you need to connect with your environment, and there’s nothing like an ocean breeze to inspire.
Once you've gained inspiration from Venice’s natural beauty, hop inside Intelligentsia on Abbot Kinney to grab a coffee and start writing, or get your sugar fix from Salt and Straw or Blue Star donuts.
Food Scene
This big white modern space serves great coffee and offers two hours of free WiFi with every order. It’s a clean, peaceful, and large Midtown spot—you’re surrounded by people on laptops but it never feels crowded. They’ll also order you lunch from local restaurants—you can choose from a handful of take-out menus and they’ll deliver it right to your table.
They have their own parking lot, which is a big plus in LA, and their coffee is up there with the best.
28 locals recommend
Graffiti Cafe
180 South La Brea AvenueThis big white modern space serves great coffee and offers two hours of free WiFi with every order. It’s a clean, peaceful, and large Midtown spot—you’re surrounded by people on laptops but it never feels crowded. They’ll also order you lunch from local restaurants—you can choose from a handful of take-out menus and they’ll deliver it right to your table.
They have their own parking lot, which is a big plus in LA, and their coffee is up there with the best.
The food market here is steeped with history, as it has been around longer than most places in LA. Many famous or struggling writers have met at the Original Farmers Market to talk shop or have a creative brainstorming session. Look for the upstairs patio which can be a quiet writing space, and no one will ask you to move on.
Head to Loteria Grill for amazing tacos or Du-pars for classic pie if you get hungry.
8 locals recommend
Farmers Market at LAX
1 World WayThe food market here is steeped with history, as it has been around longer than most places in LA. Many famous or struggling writers have met at the Original Farmers Market to talk shop or have a creative brainstorming session. Look for the upstairs patio which can be a quiet writing space, and no one will ask you to move on.
Head to Loteria Grill for amazing tacos or Du-pars for classic pie if you get hungry.
This is a beautiful stretch of beach that you can get direct access to, which is rare. Get a deck chair, stick your toes in the sand, grab a beer, and write away while listening to the ocean. If you're not going on a weekend, you're going to get plenty of space and it's going to be like your own little private beach retreat.
Park on the PCH and walk in to save the parking cost. Stop off at Solstice Canyon for a great hike on your way back into the city.
267 locals recommend
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
28128 Pacific Coast HwyThis is a beautiful stretch of beach that you can get direct access to, which is rare. Get a deck chair, stick your toes in the sand, grab a beer, and write away while listening to the ocean. If you're not going on a weekend, you're going to get plenty of space and it's going to be like your own little private beach retreat.
Park on the PCH and walk in to save the parking cost. Stop off at Solstice Canyon for a great hike on your way back into the city.