Sara & David
Things To Do in LA!
Lodge Bread Company
Famous for their sourdough pizza and GIANT cinnamon rolls, this place is a perfect neighborhood spot for brunch or lunch! Pro tip: Get the Shakshuka, you won't regret it.
Joan’s on Third
For the best Chinese Chicken Salad you'll ever have, make sure to check out Joan's on Third! This has been one of Sara's staple lunch spots since she was a kid and a great place to witness LA's stylish vibes. Walking distance from the Orlando hotel!
Little Fatty
If you're in the mood for delicious Asian Fusion in a hipster setting, Little Fatty will fill that void. There's also an incredible bar attached to it that serves some of the best cocktails in LA.
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
The fact that Eastsiders will come all the way to Santa Monica for this LA staple means A LOT. This is a no frills Italian Deli with a lot of punch. Get the Godmother, take it to the beach for a picnic, and let your worries drift away.
Gjusta
Gjusta (GOO-STA), is one of those places where truly everything is just so damn good. Its a bakery and a pizza place and a juice bar and so much more. Get the bread and all of the bread and maybe a side of house-made lox. They also make all of their nut milks in house because...LA.
Guisados
While in LA, Tacos must be eaten or why did you even come to LA? Offering a wide variety and homemade tortillas, this is a go-to spot for lunch. If you need a quick caffeine kick, their Dirty Horchata (with a shot of Stumptown coffee) is pretty darn delicious too.
Madre Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria
When David and Sara first ate at this Oaxacan joint, they did not even have a liquor license (and they were called El Nopal). It now serves some of the strongest margaritas in town and has become one of the best Mexican spots on the Westside. Go for the drinks, stay for the Mole.
Leo's Tacos Truck
Arguably the best street tacos in LA, certainly one of our favorites! Don't let appearances fool you, despite being a truck in a gas station parking lot there is not topping these al pastor tacos, and they're a bargain at $1.25 (cash only). They slice it right of the spit for you and throw in a small piece of pineapple to add a little sweet to the savory. If there's a line, don't worry, it'll move quickly and it's only proof that they've got it figured out.
The Getty
They Getty Center is one of our favorite museums in LA. The museum itself is a comparable work of art to the pieces that it showcases. It has incredible design and architecture, and a great view of almost the entire city. It's free other than a $15 per car charge for parking. Quick note - not to be confused with the Getty Villa, another museum in Malibu that requires timed tickets.
The Venice Beach Boardwalk
The world famous Venice Boardwalk! Home to odd street art, weird shops and storefronts, and even stranger folks! It's an interesting place to go for a walk, and do some people watching, along the water. What used to be a very seedy neighborhood (ask Sara, she wasn't allowed there when younger), has slowly become a hip, vibrant neighborhood. While there you can check out legendary muscle beach, and do some window shopping nearby on Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice Canals
It may not be Italy, but it is eclectic. Take a stroll through the Venice canals, originally built by Abbot Kinney, the founder of Venice, who wanted to bring a bit of Italy to LA.
Drinks at The Culver Hotel
The historic Culver Hotel is a beautiful building in the heart of Culver City built in the mid 1920s (ancient for LA!). It's a lovely place to get a drink. The hotel famously housed the casts of Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, including more than 100 actors and actresses that portrayed the Munchkins. There's often a live band playing Jazz and an eclectic collection of cocktails. Walking distance from the PaliHotel Culver City!
Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory
One of our favorite hikes to take visitors on! A short but vertical hike that takes you up the frontside of the Griffith Observatory. Along the way there are beautiful vistas looking out over all of LA; and once at the top you can wander around the famous Griffith Observatory and take in a closer view of the Hollywood Sign. The trail starts just below the famed Greek Theater and if you're driving there's free parking on the street or in the theater's lot.
Grand Central Market
An old-school food hall with some incredible eats! Great place to stop in and have lunch or a snack!
The Last Bookstore
An incredible bookstore that's known as much for it's selection as it's design! Wander around the first floor and browse new and best-sellers. Then take a trip up to the second floor and enjoy the interesting and fascinating art designs made out of old books. There are also numerous small stores offering interesting curios and art.
The Grove
LA is known for their outdoor malls and this is probably the most famous. There will be a lot of people but this is a great place for some retail therapy outdoors. Pro Tip: Eat at the Farmers Market hidden inside the Grove!
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Known as "One of the Coolest Streets in America", this strip of shops and restaurants is a must visit. Some of our favorite places to eat are Gjelina, Scopa Italian Roots, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, South End
Downtown Santa Monica
Another outdoor mall but this one is right next to the beach! Rent a bird scooter (legit can find these everywhere) and roam around! Pro tip here: do NOT eat on the actual promenade as these restaurants cater to tourists. You'll want to venture a bit further into Santa Monica to places like Huckleberry or Ingo's Tasty Diner. If you are looking for an amazing Seafood dinner by the water, check out Water Grill!
Jon & Vinny's Fairfax
Great Pizza Place walking distance from the Orlando Hotel! This place can get SUPER busy so make sure to secure a reservation if possible!
The Broad
The Broad (pronounced as if it rhymes with "code") is the preeminent contemporary art museum Los Angeles. It is home to 2,000 works of art and is among the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide. General admission to The Broad is free, but advance online reservations are available at the museum website and are highly encouraged. You can get tickets on the day by waiting in standby, but it's first come, first served, based on availability and can be a wait.
Din Tai Fung
Do you like soup dumplings? This is the place to go! Never had soup dumplings? This is the place to go! Din Tai Fung originated in Taiwan and is famous for their xiaolongbao aka their steamed dumplings. All their food is delicious, but if you go you have to get the soup dumplings. Can you tell we like the soup dumplings? This location is in the Century City Mall, so while there is often a wait you can do a little window shopping and stroll around. Pro-tip: join the waitlist remotely via Yelp if you have the app.
Runyon Canyon Park
One of LA's most famous hikes where people go to be seen (you'll see lots of selfies taken)! You can see views of the Hollywood Sign and beyond!
Night + Market Weho
With a background soundrack of purely hip hop, this is not your neighborhood Thai Food restaurant. Come Hungry and leave as a Hipster.
Republique
Heavenly brunch in a beautiful setting. Expect to wait a bit but its worth it. This is a short Uber/Lyft from each hotel.
Gracias Madre
Only in LA will you find a Vegan Mexican Restaurant with cocktails spiked with CBD. This is a short walk from the Orlando Hotel.
Alfred Coffee Melrose Place
Ever heard of the TV show Melrose Place? Well, this awesome coffee shop is located on that very street. They also have an adorable "tea shop" across the street if you like fancy boba. This is walking distance from the Orlando Hotel.
Blue Bottle Coffee
$$ coffee but worth it. We suggest their Oat Milk Latte and if you are coming from New York this will feel cheap! Walking distance from the Orlando Hotel.
Chateau Marmont
Legendary old school Hollywood spot where celebs go to hideaway. If you want to see a celeb this may be your spot - go for one drink because its a bit on the pricier side.
Beverly Hills
Thats where you want to be! No description needed - stick to Rodeo, Beverly if you can. If you are going to eat in the area we'd recommend Il Pastaio (dinner), Il Tramezzino (lunch), The Polo Lounge (touristy but fun and inside the beverly hills hotel - $$$)
Wurstküche Restaurant Venice
Brats and Beer in Venice. What more do you need?
Arts District
An area with lots of breweries and restaurants in Downtown LA! We'd recommend Guerilla Tacos (across the street there's a super cool outdoor bar called ERB) or Arts District Brewing.
The Groundlings Theatre & School
One of LA's premiere improv sketch comedy clubs - if you check out a show don't be surprised to see one of the comedians on SNL in a couple years!
Undergrind Café
Lovely little spot for a sandwich and a coffee - everything's delicious (and $10 and under). The gumbo is their most popular dish, but try the Cali if you want to sample David's favorite.
Zooies Cookies
(Psst - this is David. Sara didn't want to put this rec on the list because it's "too weird." I disagree, I think you can handle it.) Would you believe me if I told you some of the best cookies in the city can be found at a counter in a gas station? Well, believe it because it's true. This United Oil gas station has some of the tastiest cookies around, cooked just enough to be baked through, but so soft and gooey. They carry a wide variety and sell until they run out. A true hidden gem.
Donut Friend
LA is known for its donut shops, and what's more LA than vegan donuts? Luckily sugar is vegan because the elaborate donuts made in this shop are both interesting and delicious.
The Platform
A great place to get a coffee, have some lunch, do some window shopping - walking distance from the PaliHotel Culver City.
Coolhaus
Delicious ice cream shop, originally started by two women working out of an old postal van! A short ride or longer walk from the Palihotel Culver City.
Pasta Sisters
Super casual pasta spot where everything is handmade. It's right across from a fun and popular beer/wine bar called "Fathers Office" if you're looking for a night cap or an afternoon beer!
Maple Block Meat Co.
BBQ because who doesn't love BBQ!
KazuNori
The most inexpensive high quality sushi you'll ever have. Its handrolls only and you sit at a counter but its heavenly. If you're in Santa Moncia, this is the perfect spot for a light lunch or a quick dinner! They serve beer/sake!
Jackson Market and Deli
Jackson's Market is a tucked away market/deli that makes delicious sandwiches, somewhat hidden on a residential street in Culver City. If you have some extra time, take your food to the surprisingly beautiful back patio.
UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
A little oasis amongst the hustle and bustle. This is one of David's favorite places to go for a walk during lunch while at work. If you find yourself in Westwood it's good for a serene wander along it's windy paths. Keep an eye out for the turtles!