Things To Do
Warner Bros. Studios Tour
One of our favorite things to recommend is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. You’ll walk through real sets and soundstages from movies and shows you recognize, like Friends, Harry Potter, and Gilmore Girls.
The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour
The Walt Disney Studios Tour is a guided walking tour of Disney’s historic studio lot, offering a behind-the-scenes look at where many classic films were made, plus access to places like Walt Disney’s office and the Archives. You'll just need to create a free D23 account to book the tour!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios is a fun day out, especially if you love movies and thrill rides. You can explore real sets on the Universal lots and go on rides based on your favorite movies and shows.
Norton Simon Museum
The Norton Simon Museum is a hidden gem in Pasadena, full of incredible art from Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Degas, and many more. It’s a spot we return to often.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
This is our favorite museum in the area. It's a must-do for anyone who loves movies. You can explore exhibits on film history, see iconic costumes and props, and step into immersive experiences. LACMA and La Brea Tar Pits are right in the same plaza, making it a fun museum day.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library is one of our favorite spots in LA to find some peace and quiet. It has expansive botanical gardens and beautiful art collections. It’s easy to spend an entire day wandering around here.
Hollyhock House
Hollyhock House is a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed landmark in Los Angeles, known for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and sweeping city views.
Griffith Observatory/Boy Scout Trail
Griffith Observatory is a classic LA sight. Outside, you get incredible views of the whole city and the Hollywood Sign. Inside, you get fun astronomy exhibits to explore. You can drive up directly, but parking can be tricky. We like to park on Vista Del Valle Dr and walk up via the Boy Scout Trail. It’s about 0.7 miles each way and offers great views along the way.
Beaudry Loop Trailhead
Beaudry Loop Trail is a challenging 5.5-mile hike, but the views are worth it. You’ll see amazing city views and work your way into the mountains. It’s a great option if you’re up for a workout and love getting out into nature.
Mount Thom via Las Flores Motorway
This Mount Thom Hike is one of our local favorites. It offers the same amazing city and mountain views as the Beaudry Loop (above) but is shorter and less challenging, making it a great option for a quicker hike. You can find plenty of street parking on Sunshine Drive.
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is another iconic LA sight. You can see it from many different areas around the city, but our favorite way to see it is to hike up to it via Canyon Drive. There’s plenty of parking by the trailhead, but get there early to beat the crowds. Check out the Gallery to see us at the top of this hike!
Lake Hollywood Reservoir Walking Trail
The Lake Hollywood Reservoir Hike is an easy, flat, paved 3-mile walk that offers great views of the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding hills. It’s a favorite of ours for a leisurely stroll.
The Grove
The Grove is a classic LA spot and always fun to visit. With shopping, restaurants, a movie theater, and a trolley running through the center, it’s a great place to wander, grab a bite, and do a little people-watching.
The Americana at Brand
This is one of our favorite spots to spend a few hours. Designed by the same team behind The Grove, The Americana also offers a movie theater, higher-end shopping, plenty of restaurants, and great people-watching. Right across the street is the Glendale Galleria, a more classic mall if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional.
It's A Wrap Production
It’s a Wrap Production is a unique thrift store. You can shop clothing and costumes left over from real film and TV productions, and each piece even has a tag showing which show or film it came from. It’s a fun, inexpensive way to take a little piece of Hollywood home with you. The street it’s on is also lined with other thrift and antique stores, and cute cafes, making it a great spot to explore.
Coffee Commissary
Coffee Commissary is our favorite local coffee shop, and we go almost every week. In our opinion, they have one of the best breakfast burritos in town. There are multiple locations, so be sure to check around.
Porto's Bakery and Cafe
Porto’s is one of our favorite spots for a sweet or savory treat or a casual meal. Very reasonably priced and famous for their Cuban pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, it always hits the spot. There are multiple locations, so be sure to check around!
Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms is a great, quick spot for a fresh salad or sandwich. There are multiple locations around LA, so it’s easy to find one nearby. It's perfect for a casual lunch on the go or a relaxed bite.
The Silver Lake House (by Leela Thai)
Silver Lake House is a delicious Thai restaurant that we always take visitors to. There can be a short wait at peak times, but it’s worth it. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.
Joy
Joy puts a hip twist on Taiwanese classics. The food is delicious, and the street it’s on is full of cute shops, cafes, and restaurants. The line is always out the door, but it's well worth it.
Donna's
Donna’s serves some of the best Italian food in the area (in our opinion). We highly recommend making reservations. They start taking them a month in advance, and it’s worth booking early. We promise the food and atmosphere make it worth the effort.
