Alexander & Victoria
Things To Do
Beaches
Hermosa Beach The best beach town in America? Home to the bride and groom for 7 years, you can catch them on the sand between 8th and 10th St lifeguard stands almost every summer Saturday. Catch some rays and then head to Tower 12 for cocktails and bites or Barnacles for billiards and Pacifico pitchers. El Matador Unique, narrow beach deep in Malibu surrounded by cliffs right on the water. Have a fresh, picnic-style seafood lunch at Malibu Seafood (our favorite) or Neptune’s Net on the way. Venice Beach LA’s iconic beach town, spend an entire day people-watching on the boardwalk - Muscle Beach, the Venice Skatepark, street performers, the Roller Skate Dance Plaza, and more. Head to the rooftop of the Hotel Erwin or upstairs of Venice Beach Bar & Kitchen to grab a cocktail and observe the action from a distance.
Hikes
Portuguese Bend Reserve Largest hiking areas in Palos Verdes, it offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The best part may be the drive there - take Palos Verdes Drive and stop at the lookout spots over the cliffs. Bonus points for stopping at Bluff Cove Lookout (the spot where we got engaged) Culver Stairs This is a popular workout spot for Angelenos (celebrities included) and has 360 views of the greater Los Angeles area. If you want to conquer the stairs, park or get dropped off on Jefferson Boulevard to start from the bottom - otherwise, there is a paid parking lot at the top of Hetzler Road. Griffith Park / Hollywood Sign There are multiple trails leading up to the sign. Alternatively, you could park up in Griffith Park and make your way down to the Griffith Observatory, views are great either way. Malibu Download All Trails and find dozens of hikes all over Malibu ranging in difficulty. One of our favorites is the Ocean Overlook Loop at Charmlee Wilderness Park.
Restaurants - $$
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House - $ Our favorite, no-frill breakfast spot in the South Bay. Jus’ Poke - $ Hit this shack off PCH in Redondo Beach for the best poke you’ll find on mainland USA. Jon & Vinny’s - $$ Contrary to popular belief, there is good pizza in LA!! This chain has multiple locations but we hit the one on Slauson. Get a salad, pizza, and pasta to share and vibe to the hip hop that blasts out of the open kitchen. Sausal - $$ This Cali-Mex spot in the middle of El Segundo is one of our favorites. Gjusta - $$ Bougie butcher shop / bakery serving some of the best bread, sandwiches, and pastries in Venice. We love taking people here and eating on the outdoor patio. Fans of Action Bronson’s food show F*ck that’s Delicious have seen it in Season 2 Episode 8.
Restaurants - $$$$
Quarters Korean BBQ - $$$ LA’s Koreatown is the largest in the US and the highest concentration of Korean people outside of Korea itself. We highly recommend you experience Korean BBQ before leaving and Quarters is our favorite. They don’t take reservations, so put in your name and wait to be texted at one of the surrounding bars. Calabra at The Santa Monica Proper Hotel Rooftop - $$$ For anyone that wants to get the full LA experience, this is another popular spot for us to take visitors. Admire the mid-century model hotel lobby as you wait to get escorted through the elevator to the rooftop. Laurel Hardware - $$$ Uchi West Hollywood - $$$$ Uchi is a spiritual experience. Tell your server what you like, what you don’t like, and your budget, and they will curate the entire meal. Get the Hama Chili and a5 Wagyu Nigiri to really blow the mind of your palette, then finish with the Fried Milk for dessert. Shoutout to the future Vespe’s for taking us here for the first time.
Activities
Rent Bikes & Ride the Strand The 22-mile, pedestrian only, mostly flat coastline path known as The Strand stretches from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach. Rent beach cruisers and ride for as long as you like, stopping at beach city piers along the way. Drop into Big Dean’s by Santa Monica Pier, the Whaler or Hinano Cafe by Venice Pier, or Shellback’s by Manhattan Pier to hydrate. Stroll Olvera Street (Downtown LA) Considered the birthplace of Los Angeles, this brick-lined Mexican marketplace near Union Station has restaurants, street vendors, shops, and museums. Visit The Getty Center LA’s famous art museum nestled in the hills of Brentwood showcases art, architecture, gardens, and views of the city. Admission is free and requires a timed-entry reservation. Terranea Resort Perched on the cliffs of Palos Verdes, the resort grounds are open to the public. Grab lunch at Nelson’s and stroll the Terranea Trail.