THINGS TO DO
Joy
This is one of Elijah and Hannah's FAVORITE restaurants. And now it's only a short 7min drive away from their home. It's sister restaurant in Silver Lake "Pine and Crane" is actually what Elijah and Hannah ate on their first date! "JOY" is Taiwanese. It offers flavorful and comforting food options. And their iced green tea is the purest most refreshing tea we've ever had. We also love ordering the cold sides: Wood Ear Mushrooms, Lotus Root, and Peanuts. Another prized warm option is Vegan Mapo Tofu with Brown Rice.
Kitchen Mouse Cafe in Highland Park
This is one of Hannah's favorite brunch spots, and she's taken Elijah here during times they needed to simply sip endless black coffee, and reflect on dreams, and mull over days just past. The colorful space feels like your walking into a Wes Anderson Film. A colorful and clean menu is provided, and Figueroa, being one of the oldest established strips in the area, is brimming with cute boutiques and groceries, such as COOKBOOK, LUCA, KOTN, PRELUDE AND DAWN, and BURGERLORDS.
Just What I Kneaded (Vegan Bakery + more)
This is an entirely vegan spot! They serve coffee, breakfast, lunch, and delightful baked goods. At night they open up a really cool bar in the back that also serves tapas and mains. Such a dynamic spot. Just around the corner from here is Suay Shop, an ethical clothing restoration and thrift. They restore vintage items and more, as well have community die baths. And just a short walk further is the LA river and bike road! We honestly recommend just spending half a day here in Frog-town. It's also where we are getting our wedding cake for our wedding day!
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Elijah and Hannah love going to museum's and gardens...the creations of both God and humankind alike. Huntington is one of the places Hannah and Elijah would take long strolls through the first year they dated (during COVID). Encompassing about 130 acres, the Botanical Gardens feature living collections in 16 stunning themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research. The themed garden's include: The Chinese Garden (our favorite), Conservatory (Greenhouse), Desert Garden, Japanese Garden, Jungle Garden, Herb Garden, Lily Ponds, Palm Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Garden Sculptures and Fountains, Mausoleum, Australian Garden, California Garden, and Rose Garden.
Griffith Observatory
We went her on multiple dates. Buzzing during sunset, and dreamy at night. There's a hike option up to it and past it into the foothills as well! Just in the distance you can see the entire stretch of DTLA, and the famous Hollywood sign. Open noon to 10PM.
Anaheim Packing House
This is a lovely spot out near our venue. Perfect if you're up for a culinary adventure. The Anaheim Packing District is home to more than twenty five food merchants. It's a lovely opportunity to indulge in diverse culinary artistry from small businesses. The space is two stories, with indoor and outdoor dining. Often times there is live music, and pop up markets near the entrances. Below please view list of businesses within the Anaheim Packing District with links to their websites. Please check with individual businesses for hours of operation.
Contra Coffee in Downtown Orange
Unique coffee & tea brews on draft, including tasting flights, offered in a cool, minimalist space. There is a wall of books, free for the browsing and available for purchase. Last time we went there as a couple, we secured a copy of the best selling novel, "Crying in HMART".
1000 Steps Beach
It’s not really a thousand steps (more like 218), but you'll feel every one of those when you're lugging your stuff back up to Pacific Coast Highway. This stunning beach – bordered to the north and south by sandstone cliffs that jut into the water – isn't for the faint of heart. But for those intrepid few who do brave the steep steps (found just north of 9th Street with metered street parking nearby), the reward is immense. If you head south along the shoreline, you'll come to Laguna's most famous sea cave. It actually has a full walkthrough -- sure to make even the most serious adults feel like pirates searching for treasure.
Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping center located at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. It opened on January 12, 2001; a component of the Disneyland Resort expansion project alongside the Disney California Adventure theme park and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. You can get the energy and air of going Disney without spending such a pretty penny.