Los Angeles Highlights
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory has the most amazing views of Los Angeles (including one of the Hollywood Sign)! You can either drive up, or take a 30 minute hike up to the top. There are also many other fantastic hiking trails in Griffith Park, as well as the Zoo and other open park space.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach has several highlights: the board walk, famous skate park, muscle beach, and Venice canals. The whole area is super funky! This is a must-do.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
This museum is a must-do for art-lovers! This is the biggest art museum in Los Angeles County.
Our favorite local restaurants
These restaurants are some of our favorites from our neighborhood, Silverlake, as well as Highland Park, where our venue is located, and Pasadena, where the Hilton Hotel is. Silverlake/Echo Park: - Honey Hi (casual Californian cuisine) - Night + Market (the best Thai food around!) - Tacos Delta (Mexican) - Bowery Bungalow (Mediterranean) - Kombu (neighborhood sushi) - Botanica (upscale Californian cuisine) Highland Park: - Hippo (new American/Italian) - Kitchen Mouse (vegetarian diner) - Homestate (TexMex/tacos) - Cafe Birdie (new American, trendy bistro) Pasadena: - Guisados (amazing local taco chain) - Mendocino Farms (California chain with sandwiches/salads) - Cafe Santorini (Mediterranean) - The Luggage Room Pizzeria (wood-fired pizza)
Our favorite local hikes
- Switzer Falls (Angeles National Forest) - Saddle Peak Trail (Santa Monica Mountains) - Mishe Mokwa Trail (Santa Monica Mountains) - Sam Merrill Trail (San Gabriel Mountains) - Los Liones (Topanga State Park) - Observatory Trail and Riverside Trail (Griffith Park) - Wildwood Canyon (Burbank)
Huntington Gardens
Note that if you choose to visit the Huntington Gardens, you will need to purchase visitor tickets in advance on their website.