Samantha & Benjamin
Things To Do
The Broad
Amazing contemporary art museum - a short walk from the hotel and near several great museums in DTLA. Photo by LA Times.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Even if you're not a "car person" this place is cool! From the earliest Fords to LA muscle cars (think: Ford vs. Ferrari) to the Ford Explore from Jurassic Park - this place has it all. Also a close walk to the LA County Museum of Art and the La Brea Tar Pits.
Grand Central Market
Possibly our favorite Food Hall in the country. Iconic LA with something for everyone! Photo by Bon Appetit.
Angels Flight
Grab a bite to eat at Grand Central Market and ride the Angel's Flight afterward. If you're feeling adventurous, make the short walk to see The Broad or Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Home to the fun, funky, and famous.
Venice Canals
While not as beautiful as the Venice, Italy canals - these gems are still fun to see and may inspire a trip (before it's too late).
Abbot Kinney
If you head to Venice - be sure to stroll Abbot Kinney before or after the boardwalk. Lots of great restaurants (grab a slize at Gjelina Take Away) and make a stop at Salt & Straw - possibly the best icecream you'll ever taste. Photo by Eater LA.
Santa Monica Pier
Make the Santa Monica Pier the first stop before exploring the area shops, bars, restaurants, and overall neighborhood.
Manhattan Beach
Our favorite LA Beach City (next to Hermosa Beach) and Samantha's childhood hometown! Make this a stop if you're looking for a beach day or simply want to grab a drink or a meal with an ocean view. Great downtown area with shops + food - best sure to check out: Ercoles for a cold beer, El Sombrero for Mexican, or Beckers for a cookie. The Kettle is also a great breakfast place walkable to the beach. Just down the road, Pages, is a great local bookstore. And if you're feeling in the wedding spirit - Rock N Fish was where we had our first LA date!
Walk Of Fame
Hollywood needs no introduction - only a heads up that it can get very crowded and busy so if you plan a day, plan ahead! Nearby are the Hollywood Hills (beautiful!), the Hollywood Sign (recommend you hike the trail - wear shoes and bring water!), and Musso & Franks (iconic Hollywood restaurant - recently featured in Once Upon a Time in...).
Griffith Observatory
Tucked away in Griffith Park is the legendary Griffith Observatory - a beautiful building to tour while also taking in great views of the city and the Hollywood sign. Go early though - traffic can be a bear.
Dodger Stadium
LA is home to many adequate professional teams, including: the Dodgers, Clippers, Lakers, Kings, etc. Be sure to check schedules - all stadiums are easily accessible. Also if visiting stadiums is your thing, don't forget the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Sony Pictures Studio Tour
Fair warning - we haven't taken this tour. However, I'm sure it's fun and Culver City is a great city to explore as well. If you're more of a Universal Studios or Warner Brothers person - great, they have tours too.
Purple Orchid
*This post was included despite Sam's approval. That said, the Purple Orchid is a gift from god. A dive bar that is also a tiki bar with pool, darts, a thatched roof, occasional live music, bras on the ceiling, and boozy drinks - what's not to love?! (Even Sam is coming around!) This bar is also in the heart of El Segundo, a cozy beach city that was also home to Samantha's first place! Be sure to check out El Segundo Brewing as well. El Segundo also had two great breakfast options in Two Guns Kitchen or our fave, Wendy's (bring cash). Photo by Timeout
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
Perfect place to stroll around on a beautiful LA day. You'll also be nearby Pasadena - a great community to visit.
Arts District
the Arts District is a cool, funky pocket of LA. Filled with amazing restaurants, bars, breweries, and galleries - also home to Samantha's brother and sister-in-law. A few of our favorite spots: Angel City Brewing, Wurstküche, Manuela, and Hauser & Wirth.