Things To Do
In-N-Out Burger by LAX
Landing hungry? This is the move. Head straight from the terminal to this beloved In-N-Out right by LAX. Planes fly low overhead while you crush a Double Double — a quintessential LA welcome. Rachel’s order: Double Double (no tomato, no sauce), add grilled onions + a root beer float (yes, it’s on the secret menu). Will’s order: Double Double animal style, fries light, chocolate shake.
Venice Sign
Where our romance began. Snap a photo under the glowing letters, then wander Abbot Kinney or Main Street for boutique browsing and the best omusubi at Sunny Blue. You’re also just a few blocks from Venice Beach if you’re craving sand and sunset. Making a night of it? Head to the hidden speakeasy under Townhouse. One time, Frodo was DJing. Elijah Wood. Vinyl set. True story. Ask Rachel.
The Original Farmers Market at The Grove
A vintage LA food hall dating back to 1934 — packed with stalls slinging everything from crepes to Cajun gumbo, pupusas to papaya juice. And candy. And brisket. We could go on… Grab lunch, wander through The Grove next door, then head north to see the CBS backlot, shop Fairfax (streetwear central), grab a knish at Canter’s, or hunt for vintage on Melrose.
TCL Chinese Theatre
The iconic Chinese Theatre — see the stars (on the ground and in the sky). Yes, it’s touristy, but standing in Marilyn Monroe’s footprints never really gets old. Revisit a bit of old Hollywood, or sneak up to the Dolby Theatre sky bridge for a peek at the Hollywood Sign. If you have time catch a film on Screen 7 — it’s as grand as it gets. Favorites we’ve seen here: Interstellar, The Boy and the Heron, Mad Max: Fury Road.
Bulgogi Hut
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with good energy and date night credentials. It’s one of our favorite go-to spots. Get the ribeye. Ask for the scallion pancake. Our shared favorites: garlic pork belly, spicy chicken, and of course… bulgogi.
HMS Bounty
Our neighborhood dive bar. Dim lighting, old-school charm, strong drinks, good steak specials.
Philippe The Original
Home of the French Dip sandwich and sawdust-covered floors — a true LA classic since 1908. It’s a pre-road trip ritual before heading east to camp. Drop in for breakfast, or grab a French Dip, and raise a paper cup to the forest or the desert.
Santa Monica Pier
Ride the Ferris wheel, grab some funnel cake, then walk over to Tongva Park for a peaceful, palm-shaded escape. One favorite meal of ours here is The Albright (on Santa Monica Pier) — Ocean breezes and seafood by the water. The best bite after an afternoon on the beach. They carry Will’s favorite beer: Old Rasputin.
Silver Lake
Hip brunches, indie boutiques, dreamy houseplants — Silver Lake is peak Eastside charm. But it’s also peaceful, lived-in, and quietly beautiful. One of our favorite spots is the path around the Silver Lake Reservoir — perfect for a morning jog, a dog walk (ask Einstein), or just grabbing a coffee and wandering. (When Rachel’s mom Robin visited for the first time, this was their walk-and-talk route. Still one of the best.)
Runyon Canyon
A favorite local hike with sweeping city views — and likely a few dogs in sunglasses. It’s a classic way to spend a sunny LA morning (celebrity sightings not guaranteed, but always possible). Don’t feel like climbing? Head to the base and look for the hidden canyon labyrinth. Wander, explore, and pretend you live in a Nike ad.
LACMA + Museum Row
The iconic lampposts outside LACMA (aka Urban Light) make a perfect photo stop — especially at dusk. While you’re here, you’re in the middle of Museum Row: • Watch a Jurassic Park-style excavation in progress at the La Brea Tar Pits • Explore movie magic at the Academy Museum • See vintage Ferraris and design icons at the Petersen Automotive Museum • And yes — that is a piece of the Berlin Wall across the street. Come for the art, stay for the mammoths.
Amoeba Music
A massive treasure trove of vinyl, books, posters, and music vibes. It’s one of our favorite places to browse and get lost for a while.
Slurpin Ramen Bar (8th Street)
Home of our second date — and nearly bi-weekly ever since. Best broth in town. No notes. If you like ramen, go. Then head to karaoke at The Brass Monkey (invite us!) or grab a nightcap at the H.M.S. Bounty. Ray’s Ramen: small, no spice, egg, corn, mushrooms, crispy garlic + onion, extra scallions Will’s Ramen: the spiciest dipping ramen, with pickled ginger, corn, crispy garlic + onion, spinach Slurp responsibly.