Anna & Michael
Things To Do
Zuma Beach
This a great beach in the northern section of Malibu. Wide open sand, plenty of coast line to the north for long walks on the beach. It can be moderately busy on the weekends, but it's always a solid choice. If you continue up the coast a few more miles. Leo Carillo is another top choice. And you can bring your dog!
Thousand Steps Sea Cave
This beach if pretty far from Simi Valley and Santa Monica.... but if you're staying in Downtown LA or near the east side (Echo park, Silver Lake etc) this is a GREAT beach. Can get a little busy on the weekends, but it really is a great beach to spend the day at. On low tide you can walk north and find a little cave that takes you to a very secluded cove! Just make sure you make your way back before the tide comes in!
Griffith Park
A classic tourist destination when you're in LA. Here are some tips for visiting: Go during the week if you can (it can be crowded) or hike up to the observatory IN THE MORNING using the Fern Dell Trail or Boy Scout Trail at the Vermont St. entrance. If you're looking for a more strenuous hike, take the Mt Hollywood trail to get to the back of the Hollywood sign! AFTERWORDS make sure to hit up Los Feliz for some brunch at Lil Doms or tacos at the Best Fish Tacos in Encinitas!
Grand Central Market
Grab a bite at one of the many choice food stalls then bring it up to the bar for a drink! Don't forget to take a quick ride up and down the old Angels flight railway just across the street! Down the street is also Little Tokyo, where you can find great Ramen/Sushi/Karaoke and more!
The Raymond Restaurant
If you're looking for a slightly upscale, but not pretentious place with AMAZING food and drink... this is the place for you. It has amazing indoor and outdoor space with that ole Pasadena feel.
Salazar
Anna's favorite elevated tacos & tequila spot! Sip the perfect Paloma on their rustic patio and whatever you do, don't skimp on the guac! Head over to Zebulon after and catch some live music @zebulonla
Gwen
If you want to get a little fancy and eat a gorgeous steak in a green velvet booth with sumptuous wine to pair, we recommend a visit to Gwen. A nod to old school glamour in the heart of Hollywood.
Taix French Restaurant
This is our favorite slice of old LA bar in Echo Park. There is a proper dining room, but the bar is where it's at! Head over for a bite on a Saturday evening (you usually don't need a reservation here), grab a cocktail or a nice glass of French wine and then try some of their great Risotto or Roast Chicken. It's all about the ambiance and this place is a dream.
Ruen Pair
Great, cheap, quick Thai food in our old neighborhood of Thai Town! We lived off this place and cant recommend it enough. The Tom Yum soup, Papaya Salad Pad Se Ew and all the curries are incredible. Pop by the Thai desert shop on the other side of the mini mall for a post dinner treat! If you're looking for a bar nearby after dinner, check out Harvard and Stone.
Rhythm Room L.A.
If you're in Downtown LA for a late dinner at Grand Central Market and are in the mood for some late night drinks... this underground bar is for you! Dimly lit but never boring; they have strong drinks and great games, (Ping Pong, Darts...) and live Jazz bands that keep the vibes just right... Feel like you're in NYC - in the heart of LA, we really love this spot if you're out in Downtown.
Melody Lounge
Chinatown LA - You've seen the film - but have you been there? This is a part of LA that is oft overlooked as a destination for tourists, but make no mistake Chinatown LA is a trip. Great food, street vendors, and bustling life make the area a real adventure on a weekend, and if you are looking to get a late night drink, the Melody Lounge is the bar for you. Highly recommend, great dive, late night drinks.
The Broad
A great modern art/pop art museum in downtown LA. Has all of the classics and never disappoints. If you have the stamina go across the street and check out MOCA too! It's a great side activity before or after a Grand Central Market visit. The famous Disney Concert Hall is also right next door, so grab a photo or catch a show while you're there!
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
If you like miniatures, odds and ends, or spooky curiosities... this is the place for you! Created by a couple CalArts experimental animators, this "museum" is a fun little outing while you're in the West Side near Santa Monica. And at the end you are greeted with tea and crumpets amongst dovs and harp! Truly magical experience, highly recommend if you come in with an open mind or even a trip to the local dispensary.
Remington Hot Springs
USE THIS ADDRESS IN GOOGLE MAPS, NOT HARD TO FIND: https://goo.gl/maps/6TBcRXbwGaz9iyZy9 It's a bit of a drive outside the city (around 2.5 hours), but it's a great spot to swim in a river, dip in some nice hot natural spring water and relax. You can even swing in from a 'seems very safe' rope swing! Short, easy hike down from the parking lot. If you're feeling a little adventurous! Depending which route you take on your way out to the springs, you can visit the Vasquez rocks on Route 14 (https://goo.gl/maps/gDj4AUeTNkM59HCV7) or Pyramid Lake for a quick dip (https://goo.gl/maps/xmsgNchrZvbruULv8)