Things To Do
Maccheroni Republic
We went to Maccheroni Republic - a cozy pasta restaurant in downtown LA - on our first date (Serena thought she was networking). Both of us worked a couple blocks away, and we got dessert at Grand Central Market across the street! Serena got the squid ink pasta and Jesse got the gnocchi - can recommend both.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is an LA icon that we went to on our second date, on the hottest day of 2018. Go at sunset and take the short trail up to the top of Mt. Hollywood for the best views of the city!
Daikokuya Little Tokyo
LA has amazing Asian food, and we went to Little Tokyo to get ramen for our third date. This restaurant is easily recognizable by its yellow awning, but you really can't go wrong! If Ramen isn't your thing, try Korean BBQ in Koreatown or any kind of Chinese you can imagine in the San Gabriel Valley.
Sofar Sounds
Our fourth date was a concert put on by Sofar Sounds, a company that organizes concerts in backyards, stores, and other small venues. We've since been to several, and have loved every one - especially in LA.
Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe
Our favorite place to eat in Malibu (and maybe all of LA), and the restaurant we have been to the most. Simple seafood with a great view. We both just get a grilled fish plate, and Serena always gets clam chowder.
Crustacean
For a fancier dinner, go to Crustacean in Beverly Hills, where we went for our first dating anniversary. Get the garlic noodles and the roasted crab!
Solstice Canyon
For a quick hike, go up Solstice Canyon in Malibu (maybe before or after stopping at Malibu Seafood), where we went on our fifth date. It has great views of the ocean, ruined buildings, and a waterfall!
Sweet Rose Creamery
Sweet Rose is our favorite ice cream shop, near (but luckily not too near) Jesse's apartment in Brentwood. They change flavors regularly, but we've never had anything less than good.
Brentwood Farmers Market
On Sunday morning, continue stopping by Brentwood Farmers Market. We used to walk here from Jesse's apartment and pick up food for lunch. Our favorites were the greek pita and dips!
Yosemite National Park
If you have more time in California, consider driving north to Yosemite, where we took our first trip out of LA. It is spectacular.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Another option in Northern California is Carmel, where we went before moving to Washington DC. It is an eight hour drive up the coast, but that drive takes you through incredible scenery, including Big Sur, so it's a bonus!
Joshua Tree National Park
Our first camping trip was to Joshua Tree, which Jesse had been to many times but Serena had never visited. If you make the drive (about three hours), make sure to stop for date shakes, and its a great time to grab In-N-Out!