Explore LA
Arts District
One of our favorite corners of Los Angeles, the Arts District is where creative energy and urban charm come together. We love spending afternoons here wandering through galleries, exploring boutique shops, and hanging out with friends at one of the many breweries. The restaurants here are world class. We are HUGE fans of Manuela, Girl & The Goat, Bavel, Taberu Izakaya, and Prince St Pizza. It’s easily accessible via the A and E Metro lines, and is a hop and a skip away from our wedding venue!
Little Tokyo
A neighborhood close to our hearts, Little Tokyo blends old-world charm with modern Japanese pop culture. We often come here for SomiSomi, stroll through the Japanese Village Plaza, explore heritage shops and J-pop boutiques, and enjoy some of the city’s best sushi restaurants. Easily accessible via the A and E Metro lines, it’s a delightful mix of tradition, flavor, and nostalgia.
The Broad
The Broad is a stunning work of modern art in the vibrant Bunker Hill neighborhood. We love wandering through its thought-provoking galleries and enjoying the museum’s striking architecture. Best of all, it’s free to visit, and just across the street, MOCA offers another incredible art experience at no cost. Easily accessible via the Grand Ave/Bunker Hill station, it’s a must-visit for art lovers exploring the heart of Downtown.
Grand Central Market
After you’re done exploring The Broad, take the Angels Flight Funicular down to Grand Central Market and wander through its lively stalls and small businesses. We love coming here to sample incredible food at amazing value, from classic LA tacos to artisanal treats. It’s a vibrant taste of the city that’s perfect for foodies and first-time visitors alike. Szi Kiat is a big fan of a Korean stall called Shiku, a smashburger stand called For The Win, and the fried chicken from Lucky Bird! You can also easily get here by Metro via the A/E lines from the Historic Broadway station nearby.
Los Angeles State Historic Park
Hands down one of the best park spaces in Los Angeles. Beautiful sunsets, wide open space, greenery. What is not to like? This park is also located in the Chinatown neighborhood, where there are a lot of hidden gems, cute shops, and trendy bars. Also incredibly easy to reach as it is on the Metro A Line, with the station sitting right in front of the park entrance!
Miracle Mile
The Miracle Mile is a treasure trove for art and culture lovers. We love spending entire afternoons museum hopping here, from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and La Brea Tar Pits Museum to the Petersen Automotive Museum and beyond. With so many incredible institutions in one walkable area, it’s easy to lose track of time exploring, learning, and soaking in the city’s creative spirit. The Miracle Mile is also located not too far from an ethnic enclave known as Little Ethiopia, a great place to satisfy your hunger in between museum hops. Easily accessible via the D Line on Wilshire/Fairfax or a short drive from Downtown.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
If you love movies, this is it. The Academy Museum showcases rotating exhibits celebrating cinema’s history and artistry. We love coming here to explore the exhibits, and if the timing works out, catching a movie in one of their stunning theaters. You will see many cool set pieces and artifacts you might otherwise never get to see up close! Don’t miss the rooftop, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and the city below. Easily accessible via the Metro D Line on Wilshire/Fairfax.
The Grove
We love visiting The Grove! It feels like a charming Main Street with a little streetcar (because there are basically none in LA), perfect for a leisurely stroll and some shopping. Don’t miss the Farmers Market next door, an open-air haven for delicious food, unique goods, and local flavors. The Grove pairs perfectly with a day at the Miracle Mile or the Academy Museum, just a manageable walk away—or take the Metro 217 if you prefer a more relaxed route. It’s a delightful spot to soak in the energy of LA while enjoying some classic city charm.
Griffith Observatory
If you like panoramic views, this is it. If you're a fan of La La Land? Even better! It offers a full view of the city of Los Angeles. If you're lucky and it's a clear day, you can even see as far as Long Beach and Rancho Palos Verdes! Don't miss the Observatory itself if you're a fan of space and astronomy, or simply just admire the gorgeous Art Deco architecture. Visitors can choose to either hike all the way up from the Griffith Park entrances, or go straight to the Observatory. Please note that parking is very difficult and paid, especially around golden hour. Alternatively, you can catch a DASH shuttle that takes you to the front steps on the Observatory from the Metro B Line at Sunset/Vermont.
TCL Chinese Theatre
Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the TCL Chinese Theatre is more than just a stop on the Walk of Fame. We love visiting the concrete forecourt, where you can see the handprints and signatures of your favorite actors and actresses—a fun and iconic LA experience. Inside, the IMAX theater is a must for film lovers; we watched Dune 2 here and highly recommend catching a movie if there’s something you’ve been itching to see. Easily accessible via the Hollywood/Highland Metro Station, it’s a cinematic and historic highlight of the city.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
If you’re a film lover or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this is a must-see. Dylan celebrated his 28th birthday here and we had an incredible time exploring iconic sets, soundstages, and movie magic. From the Central Perk couch to DC Superheroes and wand choreography, it’s a cinematic playground that’s both nostalgic and awe-inspiring. Highly recommended for anyone who’s ever dreamed of stepping into the screen.
Exposition Park
This is one of our favorite spots in LA—there’s just so much packed into one walkable area. The California Science Center is free to enter and features a real space shuttle (yes, actual space travel!). Right next door, the Natural History Museum offers everything from dinosaurs to dazzling gems, and the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art promises to be a cultural landmark. The Rose Garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of it all. Perfect for a quiet stroll or a photo op. And if you feel like wandering further, USC’s campus is just across the street. With two E Line Metro stations serving the area, getting here couldn’t be easier.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
This is hands down one of our favorite places in all of Southern California—a true treasure tucked away in the San Gabriel Valley. The grounds are deceptively vast, with lush gardens, bamboo forests, and themed landscapes that invite you to wander for hours. You’ll also find world-class art museums and rare manuscripts housed on-site, making it a haven for both nature lovers and culture seekers. It’s not the easiest spot to reach via public transit, so if you’re not driving, we recommend using a rideshare. Trust us—it’s worth the trip.
The Getty
Absolutely stunning. Both inside and out. The architecture alone is worth the visit, but the real magic is in the gardens and panoramic views of Los Angeles. If you’re a fan of European art, prepare to swoon: the museum’s collection spans centuries of masterpieces, all housed in a serene hilltop setting. This is where we would do our photoshoots TBH. Admission is free, which makes it even more of a gem. It’s a bit tricky to reach—there’s a bus that gets you close, but rideshare is probably the easiest option for most guests.
Universal Studios Hollywood
What can we say—Dylan’s not a theme park person, but Szi Kiat is a huge fan! If you love Harry Potter or Nintendo, this is an absolute must. The Hogwarts Castle is breathtaking and truly transports you into the wizarding world, while Super Nintendo World is a vibrant, immersive experience that’ll thrill gamers and nostalgia lovers alike. It is also one of the easiest theme parks to reach in LA, with the B Line Metro station at Universal City just a quick shuttle away from Universal City Walk. If you choose to drive, please be prepared to pay for parking.
Koreatown
Just a quick hop from downtown via the D Line, Koreatown is served by three stations and couldn’t be easier to reach. If you’re a foodie, this is truly a paradise. Korean cuisine in all its depth and breadth is on full display here, from sizzling BBQ joints to cozy noodle houses and late-night dessert cafés. Dylan and I genuinely believe this is the best Koreatown in the country, and we’re not alone. Even native Koreans agree! Whether you’re here for a full feast or just a snack crawl, you’ll leave full and happy. Hit us up for full recommendations on what to eat and drink in the neighborhood!
Santa Monica
A classic LA destination, and for good reason. The Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade are iconic spots for ocean views, street performers, and shopping. Stick around for sunset—it’s one of the best in the city. We highly recommend renting a bike and cruising the 22-mile (36 km) beach path, which winds along the coast with gorgeous views the whole way. Prefer to walk? That’s just as lovely. Head south and you’ll find yourself in Venice, where Abbot Kinney Boulevard offers some of the city’s best boutique shopping, coffee, and people-watching. Other beachside communities along the way include Ocean Park and Marina Del Rey. Getting here is easy via the Metro E Line, which runs straight from Downtown LA to the beach. Downtown Santa Monica station is only a couple blocks from Santa Monica Pier itself!
Downtown Culver City
Welcome to our stomping grounds! You can easily spend a morning or afternoon here exploring a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafés, and shops. The area is home to a big cluster of media companies including Warner Bros Discovery, Apple TV Studios, Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures. Be sure to hang out at The Culver Steps, a great spot to relax, people-watch, or grab a coffee. And if you’re up for a bit of movement, head south on Duquesne Avenue to Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. It's a moderate hike that rewards you with 360° views of Los Angeles. It’s one of the best vistas in the city. The area is incredibly easy to get to via the Metro E Line. The station drops you off between Downtown Culver City and the Culver City Arts District.
Old Pasadena
Absolutely gorgeous and full of old-world charm, Old Pasadena is a gem of a neighborhood with stunning architecture, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants, especially along Colorado Boulevard and its surrounding blocks. Whether you’re in the mood for boutique browsing, a cozy café, or a memorable dinner, you’ll find it here. Don’t miss Pasadena Central Park for a peaceful stroll, and be sure to admire the historic Castle Green, a landmark hotel that feels like a step back in time. Pasadena also makes a great home base for exploring the San Gabriel Valley, with easy access to nearby neighborhoods and nature spots. Getting here is a breeze via the Metro A Line, which connects directly to Downtown LA and Long Beach.