Things To Do
Rodeo Drive
The most famous shopping street in the world — even if you're just window shopping, it's worth a stroll! The architecture alone is beautiful and very LA. Great for photos too.
Malibu Beaches
Skip Venice — Malibu is the real deal. Drive up Pacific Coast Highway, pick any beach along the way, and you'll be amazed. There are also mountain hikes nearby with ocean views!
Santa Monica Pier
Classic LA beach experience with shops, restaurants, and the famous pier. Best in the afternoon when the morning clouds burn off!
Westfield Century City
One of the nicest open-air malls in LA — great restaurants, shops, and a beautiful layout. The Eataly inside is amazing for Italian food and groceries. Easy parking and very central!
Downtown Glendale
Downtown Glendale has a great walkable stretch of restaurants, cafes, and shops along Brand Blvd. Great for an evening out — mix of cuisines, lots of options, and very easy parking compared to most of LA!
The Beverly Hills Hotel
The iconic "Pink Palace" — a Hollywood landmark since 1912. Pop in to see the famous Polo Lounge or just admire the gorgeous pink exterior. Pure old Hollywood glamour!
Burbank Town Center
Downtown Burbank is one of the most walkable and easy-going areas in the whole LA region — great restaurants, free parking, an AMC theater, and a very relaxed vibe. Perfect for a low-key evening out!
1200 Getty Center Dr
World-class art museum with stunning gardens and panoramic city views. Free admission — just pay for parking. Book a timed entry in advance!
The Getty Villa
Ancient Greek and Roman art set in a gorgeous outdoor villa right near the ocean. Breathtaking views — reserve tickets ahead of time, they're free!
Griffith Observatory
Iconic LA landmark with incredible views of the Hollywood Sign and the city skyline. Free to enter the grounds. Only a few minutes from the venue!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
One of the coolest things to do in LA — a real working Hollywood studio where you can see actual sets, props, and costumes from your favorite movies and TV shows. Book tickets way in advance, they sell out fast!
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Even if you're not staying here, the rooftop bar and restaurant have some of the best views in Beverly Hills. A great spot for a fancy cocktail or afternoon treat to feel extra glamorous!
Petersen Automotive Museum
Even if you're not a car person, the building itself is stunning. Really fun and interactive inside!
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Where we got engaged! One of the most beautiful gardens in Southern California — Japanese garden, rose garden, desert garden and more. Book tickets in advance!
Descanso Gardens
A hidden gem near Pasadena. Gorgeous oak woodland and seasonal blooms — very peaceful and not as crowded as other gardens.
The Japanese Garden
A serene, traditional Japanese garden — a lovely quiet escape in the middle of the city!
Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Phantom of the Opera is playing here in July — grab tickets if you love musicals! One of the most beautiful old theaters in LA.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Great for the whole family — restaurants, shops, an AMC theater, and Universal Studios is right next door if you want a theme park day!
AMC Burbank 16
Free parking and a fun walkable area around it with good restaurants. Easy and low-key!
Old Pasadena
Beautiful tree-lined streets with great restaurants, shops, and cafes. One of the nicest walkable areas near the venue!
Greystone Mansion & Gardens: The Doheny Estate
A stunning 1920s historic estate with free public gardens and incredible views over Beverly Hills. You've probably seen it in movies without realizing it! Perfect for a morning walk — bring your camera.
Beverly Hills Garden Park
A lovely long park that runs along Santa Monica Blvd — great for a walk, and the famous Beverly Hills sign makes for a great photo op! Free and right in the heart of it all.
The Americana at Brand
A gorgeous outdoor shopping and dining district with a dancing fountain, charming streets, and a great mix of restaurants and shops. Very walkable and lovely in the evening — feels like a little town square!
Porto's Bakery and Cafe
An absolute LA institution — Cuban bakery with insanely good pastries, sandwiches, and cafe con leche. The potato balls and cheese rolls are legendary. Go early, the line moves fast and it's SO worth it!
Runyon Canyon Park
The most popular hike in Hollywood with beautiful views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. 2.8 miles, moderate, about 1.5 hrs. Trailhead: Enter at the gate at the very top of Fuller Ave, two blocks north of Hollywood Blvd. There is NO parking lot — street parking only on Fuller Ave and surrounding streets. Arrive before 8am on weekends or you'll circle for a while. Alternatively take the Metro Red Line to Hollywood & Highland and walk 10 minutes. No restrooms in the park. Dogs welcome in designated off-leash areas. Note: The West Trail is currently closed, check laparks.org before you go!
Hollywood Sign
The classic LA bucket list hike — 6.4 miles round trip, about 1,050 ft elevation gain, roughly 2.5 hours. Trailhead: Navigate to the end of Canyon Drive (off Franklin Ave, between Bronson Ave and Van Ness Ave). There are TWO free parking lots — a smaller one right at the trailhead (~15 cars) and a larger dirt lot near the Bronson Caves about a quarter mile back. Arrive by 9am on weekends. Porta-potties at the trailhead. Almost zero shade the whole way up, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and at least 1-2L of water. Dogs allowed on leash. Pro tip: on the way back down, add a quick 0.2 mile detour to the Bronson Caves — the original Batman TV show filmed there!
Lake Hollywood Park
An easy, flat 3.3-mile paved loop around the Hollywood Reservoir with some of the best straight-on views of the Hollywood Sign you'll find — perfect if you want a leisurely walk rather than a full hike. Beautiful in the early morning! Trailhead: From the 101, exit Barham Blvd, drive north 1/3 mile, turn right onto Lake Hollywood Drive, follow it as it winds up and over the hill and descends to the reservoir — about a mile total. Free street parking along Lake Hollywood Drive right near the gate. Porta-potties and a water fountain at the trailhead. No dogs allowed on the paved loop trail. Go counter-clockwise for the best Hollywood Sign views. The Mulholland Dam overlook about halfway around is especially scenic!
TreePeople & Coldwater Canyon Park
A beautiful and underrated 45-acre park sitting right on the ridge between Beverly Hills and Studio City — part of a massive 900-acre cross-mountain park that also connects to Fryman Canyon and Franklin Canyon. Run by TreePeople, a beloved LA environmental nonprofit, the park has shaded nature trails, gorgeous valley views, an amphitheater, picnic tables, a drinking fountain, and real restrooms (a luxury for an LA trail!). About 1-3 miles depending on how far you explore. Trailhead: Navigate to the intersection of Coldwater Canyon Ave, Mulholland Dr West, and Franklin Canyon Dr — the park entrance is right at that stoplight on the Valley side of the street. Free paved parking lot on site. Open 6am–8pm daily, free admission. Dogs allowed on leash. From the Valley: Take the 101 to Coldwater Canyon Ave, head south past Ventura Blvd and continue almost to the top of the hill — the entrance is at the Mulholland intersection.
Sturtevant Falls Hiking Trailhead
Chantry Flats Rd, Angeles National Forest, Arcadia, CA 91006 Note for guests: One of the most magical and rewarding hikes near LA — a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail through a lush forested canyon that leads to a stunning 50-foot waterfall cascading into a shaded grotto. You'll pass century-old resort-era cabins, cross Santa Anita Creek multiple times, and feel like you've stepped into a completely different world just 30-40 minutes from downtown LA. About 1.5-2 hrs total. ⚠️ Important July note: The waterfall slows down in late summer — it will still be beautiful but not at peak flow. Still absolutely worth the hike for the canyon scenery and historic cabins alone! There is a larger main lot and a smaller upper lot ($10). Parking fee: You need a National Forest Adventure Pass to park — a day pass is $5, annual is $30. Buy in advance at REI, or purchase at the Adam's Pack Station right at the trailhead