Guidebook for Los Angeles
Essentials
Retro cafe & grocery store frequented by rock stars and selling produce, coffee & sandwiches.
78 locals recommend
Canyon Country Store
2108 Laurel Canyon BlvdRetro cafe & grocery store frequented by rock stars and selling produce, coffee & sandwiches.
Gourmet market chain with carefully selected meat, seafood, produce, cheese, wine & imports.
87 locals recommend
Bristol Farms
7880 Sunset BlvdGourmet market chain with carefully selected meat, seafood, produce, cheese, wine & imports.
Sightseeing
Landmark hiking trails known for sweeping city views & people watching, plus an off-leash dog park.
2445 locals recommend
Runyon Canyon Park
2000 N Fuller AveLandmark hiking trails known for sweeping city views & people watching, plus an off-leash dog park.
The Griffith Observatory is one of L.A.’s greatest cultural attractions, offering spectacular views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A. from its perch on Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park. The observatory and accompanying exhibits were opened to the public on May 14, 1935. In its first five days of operation, the observatory welcomed more than 13,000 visitors. Today, the Griffith Observatory is renowned as a national leader in public astronomy, and a beloved gathering place for visitors and Angelenos alike.
4367 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdThe Griffith Observatory is one of L.A.’s greatest cultural attractions, offering spectacular views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A. from its perch on Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park. The observatory and accompanying exhibits were opened to the public on May 14, 1935. In its first five days of operation, the observatory welcomed more than 13,000 visitors. Today, the Griffith Observatory is renowned as a national leader in public astronomy, and a beloved gathering place for visitors and Angelenos alike.
Hollywood Walk Of Fame HQ
6255 Sunset BlvdIconic celebrity walk of fame
Food Scene
Two Michelin Stars. Since its debut in 2005, Providence has been hailed by critics as one of the top restaurants in the United States with award winning cuisine by Chef Michael Cimarusti.
83 locals recommend
Providence
5955 Melrose AveTwo Michelin Stars. Since its debut in 2005, Providence has been hailed by critics as one of the top restaurants in the United States with award winning cuisine by Chef Michael Cimarusti.
If you’re on the hunt to see and be seen, you can’t beat The Ivy. As one of LA’s movie-industry haunts, it’s nearly always filled to the brim with celebrities. This is Americana with a California twist; decorated with rustic antiques, beaucoup flowers and the famous white picket-fenced patio, The Ivy serves tasty burgers that sidle up to Cajun-spiced prime rib and country-fried chicken, and sit side-by-side with spinach linguine and crab cakes. Co-owner Richard Irving’s patisserie past shows up in spades; the desserts, such as the chocolate chip cookies, are among the biggest draws to this charming hotspot.
181 locals recommend
The Ivy
113 N Robertson BlvdIf you’re on the hunt to see and be seen, you can’t beat The Ivy. As one of LA’s movie-industry haunts, it’s nearly always filled to the brim with celebrities. This is Americana with a California twist; decorated with rustic antiques, beaucoup flowers and the famous white picket-fenced patio, The Ivy serves tasty burgers that sidle up to Cajun-spiced prime rib and country-fried chicken, and sit side-by-side with spinach linguine and crab cakes. Co-owner Richard Irving’s patisserie past shows up in spades; the desserts, such as the chocolate chip cookies, are among the biggest draws to this charming hotspot.
The Polo Lounge has been the favorite breakfast spot and watering hole for generations of stars and Hollywood deal-makers. Guests enjoy indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late-night suppers. Lunch and dinner are served with piano accompaniment alternating with light jazz on the patio during the long summer nights.
62 locals recommend
Polo Lounge
9641 Sunset BlvdThe Polo Lounge has been the favorite breakfast spot and watering hole for generations of stars and Hollywood deal-makers. Guests enjoy indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late-night suppers. Lunch and dinner are served with piano accompaniment alternating with light jazz on the patio during the long summer nights.
Drinks & Nightlife
Boasting some of the finest views of Los Angeles, Skybar, an open air, ivy-covered pavilion perched above the Pool and Outdoor Living Room of the Mondrian Hotel, has been the spot for the hottest Los Angeles nightlife from the day it opened. Redesigned as the ultimate LA lounge by Tim Andreas of Banjo, Skybar appears to almost float in the clouds, with an open-air hut that sparkles with custom-designed furniture handmade in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Luxurious lounge seating is accented with yellow and gold; unique reflective glass surfaces evoke the Pacific Ocean. Skybar is also available for private parties and events.
152 locals recommend
Skybar
8440 Sunset BlvdBoasting some of the finest views of Los Angeles, Skybar, an open air, ivy-covered pavilion perched above the Pool and Outdoor Living Room of the Mondrian Hotel, has been the spot for the hottest Los Angeles nightlife from the day it opened. Redesigned as the ultimate LA lounge by Tim Andreas of Banjo, Skybar appears to almost float in the clouds, with an open-air hut that sparkles with custom-designed furniture handmade in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Luxurious lounge seating is accented with yellow and gold; unique reflective glass surfaces evoke the Pacific Ocean. Skybar is also available for private parties and events.
Located on the iconic corner of the Sunset Strip, Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails features fresh seasonal California cuisine by Top Chef Chris Crary. A favorite among local foodies and nightlife connoisseurs alike, Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails serves up signature craft cocktails in an elegant yet inviting ambiance curated by acclaimed designer Waldo Fernandez.
114 locals recommend
Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails
8117 Sunset BoulevardLocated on the iconic corner of the Sunset Strip, Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails features fresh seasonal California cuisine by Top Chef Chris Crary. A favorite among local foodies and nightlife connoisseurs alike, Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails serves up signature craft cocktails in an elegant yet inviting ambiance curated by acclaimed designer Waldo Fernandez.
Shopping
Barneys New York is....
....a mecca for discerning fashionistas and clothing connoisseurs since 1923.
....a Manhattan institution.
....a blast!
....an emporium of style and gorgeous products.
....a celebrity hangout.
40 locals recommend
Barney's New York
3585 Sagunto StreetBarneys New York is....
....a mecca for discerning fashionistas and clothing connoisseurs since 1923.
....a Manhattan institution.
....a blast!
....an emporium of style and gorgeous products.
....a celebrity hangout.
The Grove is a world-renowned shopping, dining and entertainment destination with unparalleled stores like Anthropologie, Apple, Michael Kors, Coach and Nordstrom. Guests are enamored with the old-fashioned trolley rides and magnificent dancing fountains that have become a “must see” in Los Angeles.
2581 locals recommend
The Grove
189 The Grove DrThe Grove is a world-renowned shopping, dining and entertainment destination with unparalleled stores like Anthropologie, Apple, Michael Kors, Coach and Nordstrom. Guests are enamored with the old-fashioned trolley rides and magnificent dancing fountains that have become a “must see” in Los Angeles.
Entertainment & Activities
Wildest. Day. Ever! Find more than 1,100 animals, many of them endangered, among immersive habitats and lush gardens that will transport you all over the globe, from Asia to South America to Africa and beyond. While adventuring through this living landscape of learning and fun, enjoy live presentations and shows, a kids’ play park, petting zoo, the interactive California Condor Rescue Zone, a beautiful carousel with hand-carved animals and more.
The L.A. Zoo is conveniently located in Griffith Park, where the I-5 and 134 FWYs meet. General parking is free, and preferred parking is available for a fee on weekends.
Your visit supports conservation! At the L.A. Zoo, our commitment to animals extends beyond those in our direct care. Fact is, we fund and participate in wildlife conservation programs all over the world. So just by purchasing a ticket, you’re helping protect endangered and vulnerable species.
328 locals recommend
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo DrWildest. Day. Ever! Find more than 1,100 animals, many of them endangered, among immersive habitats and lush gardens that will transport you all over the globe, from Asia to South America to Africa and beyond. While adventuring through this living landscape of learning and fun, enjoy live presentations and shows, a kids’ play park, petting zoo, the interactive California Condor Rescue Zone, a beautiful carousel with hand-carved animals and more.
The L.A. Zoo is conveniently located in Griffith Park, where the I-5 and 134 FWYs meet. General parking is free, and preferred parking is available for a fee on weekends.
Your visit supports conservation! At the L.A. Zoo, our commitment to animals extends beyond those in our direct care. Fact is, we fund and participate in wildlife conservation programs all over the world. So just by purchasing a ticket, you’re helping protect endangered and vulnerable species.
Try horseback riding under the Hollywood sign with the best views in L.A! Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers romantic moonlit dinner rides, lunch rides, and hourly rentals at famous movie locations. Try us for your next event too. We offer an authentic western venue for any party.
62 locals recommend
Sunset Ranch Hollywood
3400 N Beachwood DrTry horseback riding under the Hollywood sign with the best views in L.A! Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers romantic moonlit dinner rides, lunch rides, and hourly rentals at famous movie locations. Try us for your next event too. We offer an authentic western venue for any party.
Arts & Culture
The J. Paul Getty Trust is the world's largest cultural and philanthropic organization dedicated to the visual arts. Through ambitious projects in Los Angeles and around the world—including conservation work, publications, exhibitions, grant initiatives, and training programs—we work to make a lasting difference in conservation practice, art historical research, and museology and to promote knowledge and appreciation of art among audiences of all ages.
2309 locals recommend
The Getty
1200 Getty Center DrThe J. Paul Getty Trust is the world's largest cultural and philanthropic organization dedicated to the visual arts. Through ambitious projects in Los Angeles and around the world—including conservation work, publications, exhibitions, grant initiatives, and training programs—we work to make a lasting difference in conservation practice, art historical research, and museology and to promote knowledge and appreciation of art among audiences of all ages.