Embarking on a journey to Los Angeles, a city synonymous with dreams and diverse experiences, requires a guide that goes beyond the obvious. As a seasoned content creator with a passion for weaving together travel, culture, history, and cuisine, I recently returned to this sprawling metropolis after years away.
This trip, starting in the serene coastal haven of Malibu and concluding in the vibrant heart of Santa Monica, was a reminder that LA is a city of layers, best explored neighborhood by neighborhood. This la travel guide distills our week into actionable insights, blending personal discoveries with essential recommendations for your own adventure. It’s about finding the soul of the city through its streets, its food, and its unique vibe.
Aerial view of Los Angeles coastline at sunset, reflecting on a la travel guide trip
Given the immense scale of Los Angeles, dedicating just one week is merely scratching the surface. Our approach was to select areas that intrigued us and venture into them fully. Our home base in Santa Monica provided the perfect blend of ocean proximity and walkability, allowing us to easily explore nearby areas. Each day unfolded as we navigated one or sometimes two distinct pockets of the city, embracing both planned excursions and spontaneous detours.
The discovery of areas like Silver Lake and Los Feliz proved particularly captivating, leaving a lasting impression and a desire for deeper exploration on a future visit. Beyond the well-trodden paths, these neighborhoods offer a glimpse into LA’s creative spirit and local life. Our list of must-try restaurants in downtown and West Hollywood remains long, reserved for a future journey, perhaps without the added adventure of traveling with a little one.
This trip marked our first road trip with our baby, adding an extra layer of planning and flexibility to our itinerary. We spent three nights in Malibu, which felt like a tranquil beginning, before settling into Santa Monica. This combination created a well-rounded experience, balancing relaxation with urban exploration. You can find my specific guide to Malibu here. Here’s a detailed look at our time, the culinary highlights, and memorable experiences that shaped this la travel guide.
Where to Stay for Your LA Adventure
Finding the right accommodation in Los Angeles is crucial, as it often dictates the ease of exploring different areas. My search focused on design, location, and overall experience. The Santa Monica Proper Hotel stood out as a premier choice, offering stunning aesthetics and a strategic position. Being based in Santa Monica allowed us relatively convenient access to diverse areas such as Venice, West Hollywood, and Brentwood, making it an ideal hub for our varied itinerary.
The design of The Proper is a masterpiece by the renowned Kelly Wearstler, celebrated for her ability to blend textures, tones, and styles with an eclectic edge. The hotel itself feels like a curated exhibition. The lobby and the ground-floor restaurant, Palma, exude an inviting ambiance, perfect for leisurely meals or finding a quiet corner to work. The rooftop boasts a pool and Calabra, their other restaurant, offering breathtaking views. Reservations for Calabra are highly recommended due to its popularity.
Our stay was exceptional, marked by excellent hospitality and a comfortable, cozy room. The attention to detail in the hotel’s design enhanced the overall experience, making it a memorable part of our la travel guide journey. It perfectly captured the sophisticated yet relaxed vibe we sought for our Santa Monica base.
FIND THE BEST RATES FOR THE SANTA MONICA PROPER HERE
While the Santa Monica Proper was our chosen sanctuary, we also considered other highly-rated options that might suit different preferences or budgets. These included the Palihouse Santa Barbara (though technically not in LA proper, it’s a nearby option often considered), Shutters on the Beach for a direct oceanfront experience, The LINE in the Koreatown area, the West Hollywood Edition for a central and chic stay, and the Silverlake Inn & Pool for those drawn to the Eastside’s bohemian energy. Exploring these alternatives ensures you find the perfect fit for your specific la travel guide plans.
Top Things to Do + Restaurants by Neighborhood
Navigating Los Angeles traffic can be challenging, so planning your activities and dining experiences based on neighborhoods is a smart strategy. Over four days based in Santa Monica, we explored several different areas, perhaps ambitiously, but this gave us a fantastic overview and highlighted where we want to spend more time next. Our exploration was largely inspired by food and design, two key elements reflecting the city’s dynamic culture. This section of the la travel guide breaks down our experiences by area.
Santa Monica & Nearby Explorations
Staying in Santa Monica offered the luxury of walking to numerous attractions and restaurants. The downtown area is vibrant and easy to explore on foot. Here are a few standout moments from our time in this coastal city, essential additions to any la travel guide focused on relaxed beach vibes and culinary delights.
Donuts at Sidecar. The constant line snaking out the door of Sidecar Doughnuts is a testament to their irresistible creations. Trying these unique, freshly made donuts is a non-negotiable experience while in Santa Monica. Their menu features exciting, inventive flavors that change seasonally, offering a delightful surprise with each visit. It’s a sweet start to any day in this part of town.
Omakase lunch at Sushi Tsujita. One of the most memorable meals of our entire trip was the omakase lunch at Sushi Tsujita. Renowned as one of LA’s premier sushi destinations, their lunch omakase presents an accessible way to experience exceptional quality. No reservations are required for lunch, making it a perfect spontaneous treat. The precision and freshness of each piece were simply outstanding.
Ramen at Tsujita Annex. Interestingly, the same establishment behind Sushi Tsujita operates several ramen shops on a single street. Tsujita Annex offers ramen that ranks among the best we’ve had outside of Japan. I highly recommend trying their unique dipping ramen, which offers a deeply flavorful broth separate from the noodles, allowing for a customizable intensity with each bite. It’s a true culinary adventure.
Dinner at Calabra at the Proper. Dining at Calabra, located on the rooftop of the Santa Monica Proper, is an experience not to be missed. It’s advisable to make a reservation well in advance, especially if you plan to catch the sunset. The views are spectacular, stretching from the Getty Center to the distant ocean horizon on a clear evening. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is a delight, featuring beautifully plated dishes bursting with bold and fresh flavors.
Breakfast at Palma at the Proper. The ground-floor restaurant, Palma, is a lovely spot to begin your day. Their avocado toast was particularly delicious, perfectly seasoned and beautifully presented. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, making it a great place to linger over coffee and plan your day’s activities in Santa Monica.
Stroll to the beach. Taking a walk down to the beach is a classic Santa Monica activity for a reason. On a clear day, the expansive coastline offers a refreshing escape. Whether you choose a long walk along the shore or decide to spend the day relaxing by the water, the beach provides a beautiful backdrop and a quintessential California experience for any la travel guide.
Other notable spots saved for future visits in the Santa Monica area include Little Prince LA, Tartine, goodboybob coffee roasters, Cassia, SUGARFISH, and Birdie G’s. This list highlights the depth of culinary offerings available, even within a single neighborhood.
Exploring the Unique Vibe of Venice
Just south of Santa Monica lies Venice, a neighborhood known for its bohemian spirit, canals, and iconic boardwalk. Our visit focused on its vibrant Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the surprisingly serene canals. Adding Venice to your la travel guide offers a different pace and character compared to its northern neighbor.
Breakfast at Great White. We started one of our mornings in Venice with breakfast at Great White. Arriving just after opening, we were surprised to find it already bustling, a testament to its popularity. The breakfast burrito and overnight oats were both incredibly satisfying and flavorful. This spot is definitely worth an early visit to beat the crowds and enjoy a delicious start near the beach.
Stroll the Venice Canals. While sometimes labeled a tourist attraction, walking through the Venice Canals is genuinely charming. The homes lining the waterways are unique and offer picturesque views. The area feels surprisingly quiet and peaceful, providing a lovely contrast to the nearby bustling streets. It’s a pleasant way to experience a different side of Venice.
Shop Abbot Kinney. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is famous for its curated selection of boutiques, galleries, and eateries. If shopping is on your agenda, this street is a must-visit. It’s a great place to find unique items and soak in the trendy atmosphere that Venice is known for.
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Additional places in Venice that we saved for another time include Chulita, Dudley Market, Gran Blanco, Gjusta, and The Butcher’s Daughter, reflecting the diverse culinary scene available.
Discovering the Charm of Los Feliz + Silver Lake
Venturing eastward led us to the characterful neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Silver Lake, known for their hills, historic homes, and independent spirit. Exploring these areas provided a different perspective on LA’s landscape and culture, becoming a memorable part of this la travel guide.
Coffee at Maru. Our trek across the city to explore Los Feliz and Silver Lake was fueled by a visit to Maru Coffee. This coffee shop quickly became one of our favorites during the trip, not just for the excellent coffee but also for the delightful SANSO LA flower store pop-up located right next door. It’s a perfect stop for a caffeine fix and a dose of aesthetic inspiration.
Lunch at Pine & Crane. This Taiwanese restaurant offered a lunch experience that transported me straight back to Taipei. The flavors were authentic and incredibly satisfying. If their steamed buns are available, do yourself a favor and order them – they are absolutely delicious. It’s a culinary gem in the heart of Silver Lake.
Tour the Neutra VDL Studio and Residence. Los Angeles is a hub for impressive architecture, and several famous homes are open for tours. As admirers of Richard Neutra’s work, we booked a tour of his Silver Lake residence and studio. It’s a relatively short but incredibly insightful tour, offering a glimpse into the life and design principles of the renowned modernist architect. It’s a unique cultural experience to add to your la travel guide.
Other spots on our list for a future visit to Los Feliz and Silver Lake include Ceviche Project, Kismet, Dinosaur Coffee, Botanica Restaurant, and Silverlake Ramen. These areas are clearly rich with exciting food and drink options waiting to be discovered.
Other Noteworthy Experiences
Beyond specific neighborhoods, our time in Los Angeles included a few other experiences that added depth and enjoyment to our trip. These highlights offer different facets of the city’s offerings, from culture and art to shopping and design. Including these activities ensures a well-rounded la travel guide.
An afternoon at the Getty Center. We dedicated an entire afternoon to exploring the Getty Center and were thoroughly rewarded. The grounds are expansive and stunning, offering panoramic views across the city on a clear day. We enjoyed viewing the art collections, strolling through the meticulously designed gardens, and found it to be a very family-friendly outing. It’s a place where art, architecture, and nature converge beautifully.
Stopped by Shoppe Amber Interiors. As a fan of interior design, visiting one of Shoppe Amber Interiors’ physical locations was a must. This home store, founded by designer Amber Lewis, has several spots around LA. We popped into the Pacific Palisades store and found a few perfect pieces for our home. As a partner with them, you can use my discount code “JWRIGHT15” for 15% off your order online or in-store, a handy tip for design enthusiasts creating their own la travel guide.
Our week-long trip provided a fulfilling glimpse into the multifaceted identity of Los Angeles. From the laid-back beaches of Santa Monica and the quirky charm of Venice to the creative energy of Silver Lake and the cultural richness found at institutions like the Getty, LA offers an endless array of experiences. This personal la travel guide serves as a starting point, based on lived experience and genuine enjoyment.
Los Angeles is a city that rewards exploration and curiosity. While traffic can be a factor, choosing a base and focusing on nearby neighborhoods helps manage this challenge effectively. The culinary scene alone is worth the visit, with incredible options spanning diverse cuisines in every corner of the city.
Add in the unique architecture, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes, and you have a destination that truly offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a visit, I hope this guide inspires you to delve deep into the city’s distinct neighborhoods and create your own unforgettable LA story.