Travel Guide: Los Angeles

Los Angeles City Guide Map

Our recent trip to Los Angeles was everything we had hoped it would be: incredible weather, gorgeous views, dreamy shopping, & so much more. However, we had a minor misconception when it came to the LA food scene. While there were plenty of healthy options out in LA, for each vegan restaurant & juice shop out there, we discovered about 5 other glutenous dessert spots… Safe to say we ate our way through the city. Here we’ve rounded up our favorite places to eat, shop, sightsee, & so much more!

The Best Views In Los Angeles

Shop This Look: denim jacket (similar | also love this one) | slip dress (seriously one of the best buys–under $100 & SO versatile) | booties–old (similar) | bandana

What To Do:

LACMA: Visit one of LA’s most impressive museums where you’re instantly greeted by art upon your arrival.

Santa Monica Pier: A carnival overlooking the beach? We were instantly sold by the breathtaking views & fun experience Santa Monica Pier had to offer. Plus, it didn’t hurt that there was ice cream & hot dogs everywhere you turned…

Hike: After the “Where To Eat” list below you can bet we were in dire need of some exercise. Hiking Runyon Canyon is the perfect way to enjoy the ideal LA weather while burning off some of those burgers.

Shop: LA is home to Rodeo Drive, one of the nicest shopping streets in the world. While it may not be realistic to shop the stores it’s some of the best window shopping you’ll ever experience. For some of the best boutique shopping however we recommend visiting Abbott Kinney in Venice where some of our favorite brands such as Stone Cold Fox & more have set up storefronts!

What To Order At In N Out Burger

Where To Stay:

Hotel Angeleno: Located in between basically everywhere you’ll be wanting to go, Hotel Angeleno is the perfect central location for getting everywhere from the beach to DTLA in record time. Not to mention it’s 365 views of the city allow you to take in the palm trees, mountains, & skyscrapers all in one glance.

Watching The Sunset In Santa Monica

Shop This Look: hat | sunglasses (similar–under $50!) | sweater (comes in 3 colors!) | slip dress | braceletespadrilles (similar)

Where To Eat:

In N Out Burger–Do we really need to elaborate on this? Just get the animal style fries, a chocolate milkshake, & a burger & you’re golden. P.S. did you know they have a grilled cheese option that is basically the burger without well, the burger. It’s phenomenal.

Milk Jar Cookies–Warm gooey cookies that come in a variety of flavors from Rocky Road to Banana Split. Order a side of milk or hot cocoa to dunk these incredible cookies in.

Alfred’s Tea Room–Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are your Instagram feed is flooded with pink snaps from Alfreds & for good reason. The drinks are refreshing, the pastries delicious, & the decor is just asking for you to ‘gram it.

Malibu Farm–If you’re looking to take in the ultimate views of Malibu while also enjoying a perfect (& surprisingly healthy) meal look no further than Malibu Farm. Located on it’s very own pier overlooking all of Malibu, this is one of our favorite restaurants, well, ever.

Bottega Louie–Explore DTLA while feeling like you’re also in Paris is now a possibility thanks to Bottega Louie. Their birthday cake macarons, hot chocolate, & chocolate bars are to die for. Try not to fill up on the sweets as you enter (very, very difficult) as they have a fabulous dining menu as well.

Sugarfish–You can’t go to LA without experiencing some of their sushi & Sugarfish is truly some of the best. Get their to-go “Trust Us” box to enjoy the chef’s picks of the day while picnicking at the beach like we did!

Bottega Louie Los Angeles

How To Get Around:

Car: Driving is a must in LA as it’s a very spread out city consisting of numerous neighborhoods. If you’re looking to get from Beverly Hills to Santa Monica to West Hollywood, a car is your best bet (how chic was our Lexus RCF we got to drive while in LA!?). Don’t listen to the haters, the traffic really isn’t as bad as they say…

*Los Angeles City Guide Map Illustration By Jessie Wirtshafter.

Comments

  1. says

    I love LA. I was there back at the start of the year but didn’t make the most of it. Personally I wasn’t a massive fan of In n Out. Though their animal fries are insanely amazing. A fellow blogger hinted at this off the menu secret and I am so glad she hit us up about them!

    Sxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

    • Caitlin says

      Whaaat! Can’t believe you didn’t love it!! Hope the rest of your trip was great though! xo