Shae & Nick
Things To Do in Los Angeles
Marina Del Rey
If you're here with limited time to explore, Marina Del Rey is our #1 recommendation for you. There are so many reasons we fell in love with this place more than 10 years ago and have never left. Truly a hidden gem, MDR tops our charts, and not only for Los Angeles, but as one of the most beautiful places on earth (and we've been to some amazing places). We have too many recommendations to list here, but Shae has a Google Doc if you're interested...(of course she does).
The Venice Boardwalk
If you've never strolled the Venice Boardwalk, you're in for quite the spectacle. Find an eclectic mix of shops, street vendors, up-and-coming performers (and some garbage ones...), and Venice 'weirdos', all set against the backdrop of palm trees, the iconic Venice skatepark, and the sands of the famous Venice Beach. This is the most visited tourist beach in the United States for a reason — it's definitely an experience.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Blvd. is a mile long strip of the latest fashion, art, and food, and it’s just minutes from Venice Beach. Even if you’re just window shopping (at boutiques and eateries alike), a stroll down this street makes for a really nice activity—morning, afternoon, or night.
The Santa Monica Pier
As seen in countless movies and TV shows, the Santa Monica Pier is one of those tourist hot-spots that's actually worth checking out. It definitely gets crowded, but even if you just walk the length of it to see it, take some photos, and say you've been there, the views are great, and you'll have been to one of the most symbolic spots in sunny California.
The Malibu Pier
The drive up PCH to the Malibu Pier is spectacular and will make you feel like you're Johnny Depp cruising to your Malibu beach house. It's one of the most beautiful parts of Los Angeles without a doubt. The pier is a great place to stroll, grab an ice cream or some drinks, and put your toes in the California sand. Check out Shae's Wander-Lust blog write up (linked below!) about a day spent in the 'bu!
High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin
One of the best views on the westside is High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin Venice. If you plan to try to catch a sunset there, we recommend arriving at least an hour to an hour and a half before the sun goes down. Sip some rosé and soak in one of these SoCal sunsets everyone is always talking about.
The Griffith Observatory
Located just above Hollywood, the distinctive Observatory building can be seen for miles. Whether you walk, bike, take the bus, grab a shared ride, or drive, a visit to the Observatory is a great way to take in the entire LA vista.
Laugh Factory
This is one of our all-time favorite things to do in LA. All of the best stand up comedians come through the Laugh Factory, and we've frankly never seen a bad comic. Your smile muscles will hurt by the end of the night.
The Getty Center
If you have time for a museum visit, we highly recommend The Getty Center. Filled with art from the Middle Ages to today, collected over the decades of John Paul Getty's life, this museum includes relics owned by queens, emperors, and famous explorers. It's all set amid modern architecture and gorgeous, lush gardens; depending on how much time you have, it makes for a really nice afternoon to take a break from the artwork and enjoy lunch outdoors in the gardens. Equally as impressive is its sister museum in Malibu, The Getty Villa.
SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa
SugarFish has been one of our favorite places to celebrate big life events for years. Chef Nozawa is known for warm marinated rice (so good), and this place never disappoints. There is are a few locations across the city, so if you love sushi, definitely check this place out. It can get really busy, so try going to their website and getting on the seating waitlist ahead of time!
Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars, OH MY!
One of our favorite things about LA is that new, amazing eateries and bars pop up all the time. Though this guide is by no means exhaustive, Shae put together a "guide to West LA" some time ago for visiting friends (linked below!). Note that, as a result of COVID-19, some of these places may have closed or their hours may have shifted a bit; be sure to check online or call before going if any of these spots are calling your name.