Guidebook for LA Adventures
Iconic LA Eats
Our go-to's within the city for special occasions or just a quick bite
Most beautiful restaurant view in all of LA! Go at sunset and you can explore the gardens as well. They filmed scenes from Memoirs of a Geisha here - there's literally a beautiful Japanese garden within the restaurant.
281 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Yamashiro Gardens
1999 N Sycamore AveMost beautiful restaurant view in all of LA! Go at sunset and you can explore the gardens as well. They filmed scenes from Memoirs of a Geisha here - there's literally a beautiful Japanese garden within the restaurant.
Best sushi quality for the price point - still higher end but the quality of the fish is equivalent to the $100 per head restaurants. Get the Nozawa if you have an appetite - the hand rolls especially are phenomenal.
654 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
600 W 7th StBest sushi quality for the price point - still higher end but the quality of the fish is equivalent to the $100 per head restaurants. Get the Nozawa if you have an appetite - the hand rolls especially are phenomenal.
The most authentic mom and pop Korean food restaurant! Go early to avoid long wait times for both lunch and dinner - the Galbi Jjim (braised short rib) and the Mackerel are the two big winners here, but everything else is truly excellent and the owners are both incredibly sweet.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seong Buk Dong
3303 W 6th StThe most authentic mom and pop Korean food restaurant! Go early to avoid long wait times for both lunch and dinner - the Galbi Jjim (braised short rib) and the Mackerel are the two big winners here, but everything else is truly excellent and the owners are both incredibly sweet.
Famous soup dumplings and top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world. Worth walking the mall while waiting as well!
153 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Din Tai Fung
1164 Caruso AveFamous soup dumplings and top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world. Worth walking the mall while waiting as well!
Great group Italian eats in a beautiful setting, complete with famous macarons to round out the meal (try the earl grey!)
584 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bottega Louie
700 S Grand AveGreat group Italian eats in a beautiful setting, complete with famous macarons to round out the meal (try the earl grey!)
Japanese style bar seating for a quick but delicious meal comprised of fresh handrolls.
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
421 S Main StJapanese style bar seating for a quick but delicious meal comprised of fresh handrolls.
Tapas style dining with fresh local ingredients, farm to table by 3 times James Beard award-winning chef (reservations recommended).
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A.O.C.
8700 W 3rd StTapas style dining with fresh local ingredients, farm to table by 3 times James Beard award-winning chef (reservations recommended).
Most authentic Thai food hole-in-the wall dining in hip Silver Lake neighborhood.
238 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Night + Market Song
3322 Sunset BlvdMost authentic Thai food hole-in-the wall dining in hip Silver Lake neighborhood.
Best Korean BBQ spot known for short ribs and beef soup - authentic and satisfying with top notch ingredients - often frequented by celebrities (reservations recommended)
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Park's BBQ
955 S Vermont AveBest Korean BBQ spot known for short ribs and beef soup - authentic and satisfying with top notch ingredients - often frequented by celebrities (reservations recommended)
Visit and enjoy delicious food vendors at Grand Central Market in downtown and explore the cuisines and cultures of LA. Drop by the Bradbury building next door for an architectural marvel.
968 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gran Mercado Central
317 S BroadwayVisit and enjoy delicious food vendors at Grand Central Market in downtown and explore the cuisines and cultures of LA. Drop by the Bradbury building next door for an architectural marvel.
Famous for Galbi Jjim - get it with cheese and torched to perfection - this korean 24 hour open restaurant has the most flavorful late night eats.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sun Nong Dan
927 E Las Tunas DrFamous for Galbi Jjim - get it with cheese and torched to perfection - this korean 24 hour open restaurant has the most flavorful late night eats.
Entertainment & Activities
Korean spa - my go to for a relaxing time! As featured on the Conan O'Brien show - get a scrub and have your skin feel cleaner than it's ever been. Super affordable massages as well. Open 24 hours and detox in the pools, salt/clay/jade/ice rooms and enjoy fresh Korean cuisine!
111 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wi Spa
2700 Wilshire BlvdKorean spa - my go to for a relaxing time! As featured on the Conan O'Brien show - get a scrub and have your skin feel cleaner than it's ever been. Super affordable massages as well. Open 24 hours and detox in the pools, salt/clay/jade/ice rooms and enjoy fresh Korean cuisine!
Go and watch a movie in the iconic Pantages theater! There are frequent showings and usually have a fun little pre-show prior to the actual film starting. Then go and walk around Hollywood Walk of Fame and go and see the Red Carpet around the legendary Nokia Theater where the Academy Awards/Oscars are held.
Pro-tip: Park in Hollywood and Highland lot and go and buy a snack from the local stand on the way up from the elevator to get 2 hours of validation - cheapest parking in the area!
539 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Teatro Pantages de Hollywood
6233 Hollywood BlvdGo and watch a movie in the iconic Pantages theater! There are frequent showings and usually have a fun little pre-show prior to the actual film starting. Then go and walk around Hollywood Walk of Fame and go and see the Red Carpet around the legendary Nokia Theater where the Academy Awards/Oscars are held.
Pro-tip: Park in Hollywood and Highland lot and go and buy a snack from the local stand on the way up from the elevator to get 2 hours of validation - cheapest parking in the area!
Go and see a real movie lot! Along with its multitude of riveting rides and worlds (favorites include Harry Potter World where you must try some butterbeer and Jurassic Park ride if you don't mind getting wet) , our favorite is still the Studio Tour, where you get to take a ride thru Hollywood's backlot and see where iconic movies were filmed as well as getting into some close calls with some movie monsters and characters. Definitely a whole day experience, and you can enjoy dinner at Universal City Walk on your way out.
3326 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaGo and see a real movie lot! Along with its multitude of riveting rides and worlds (favorites include Harry Potter World where you must try some butterbeer and Jurassic Park ride if you don't mind getting wet) , our favorite is still the Studio Tour, where you get to take a ride thru Hollywood's backlot and see where iconic movies were filmed as well as getting into some close calls with some movie monsters and characters. Definitely a whole day experience, and you can enjoy dinner at Universal City Walk on your way out.
Not much to add except that it's pretty much the most magical place on Earth :) We spent many date nights here as a couple and even got engaged here, so if you plan on going, PLEASE let us know and we'll give you the rundown on how to maximize your time there and see the best things. Definitely make time for World of Color and fireworks during your trip!
3085 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Disneyland
1313 Disneyland DrNot much to add except that it's pretty much the most magical place on Earth :) We spent many date nights here as a couple and even got engaged here, so if you plan on going, PLEASE let us know and we'll give you the rundown on how to maximize your time there and see the best things. Definitely make time for World of Color and fireworks during your trip!
LA's oldest bowling alley! Established in 1927, the Bowl originated during the midst of prohibition, very industrial antique with the weathered metal decor from the bar and pizzas to the bowling alley.
253 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Highland Park Bowl
5621 N Figueroa StLA's oldest bowling alley! Established in 1927, the Bowl originated during the midst of prohibition, very industrial antique with the weathered metal decor from the bar and pizzas to the bowling alley.
Lost Spirits is a highly modern and unique distillery - a quirky whisky theme park experience complete with a "sailboat" (won't spoil further). 2018 & 2019 World Whisky of 2019 - Wizards of Whisky. Reservations are required.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lost Spirits Distillery
Lost Spirits is a highly modern and unique distillery - a quirky whisky theme park experience complete with a "sailboat" (won't spoil further). 2018 & 2019 World Whisky of 2019 - Wizards of Whisky. Reservations are required.
Drinks & Nightlife
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
Favorite rooftop bar for the chill vibes and live music on weekends. Make a reservation for dinner as it books up quickly, or arrive before 10/11 PM to avoid the crazy lines up top. Great drinks as well.
786 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Perch
448 S Hill StFavorite rooftop bar for the chill vibes and live music on weekends. Make a reservation for dinner as it books up quickly, or arrive before 10/11 PM to avoid the crazy lines up top. Great drinks as well.
Iconic LA nightlife! Waterbeds, LA nightly skyline, biergarten, rooftop pool - come early to avoid the crowd and take in the Los Angeles nightlife scene
330 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Standard Downtown
550 Flower StIconic LA nightlife! Waterbeds, LA nightly skyline, biergarten, rooftop pool - come early to avoid the crowd and take in the Los Angeles nightlife scene
Really cool new speakeasy that opened up on the west side - the most insane collection of cocktails that we've seen and they take your phones during the entire time you're there so you can focus on enjoying the company and the delicious drinks. Great service - reservations are a must!
Old Lightning
2905 Washington BlvdReally cool new speakeasy that opened up on the west side - the most insane collection of cocktails that we've seen and they take your phones during the entire time you're there so you can focus on enjoying the company and the delicious drinks. Great service - reservations are a must!
AMAZING 4 story dance club/bar that was renovated and opened recently - you can wander through a Gothic Bar, Live Swing Dancing and live music (over the weekends) and even find your way over to a hidden tiki bar on the top floor if you know the secret passage ;) Great for large groups and if you want to just dance it up to a variety of great music!
79 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Los Mares del Pacífico en la Cafetería Clifton
648 S BroadwayAMAZING 4 story dance club/bar that was renovated and opened recently - you can wander through a Gothic Bar, Live Swing Dancing and live music (over the weekends) and even find your way over to a hidden tiki bar on the top floor if you know the secret passage ;) Great for large groups and if you want to just dance it up to a variety of great music!
Classic drinks in a classic speakeasy - can be found behind Cole's Sandwiches. Typically there is a wait unless you go earlier or on a weekday. Perfect ambience for dates or small groups. Fun fact: Ryan Gosling learned how to make his old fashioned from the bartender here for his role in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love"
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Varnish
118 E 6th StClassic drinks in a classic speakeasy - can be found behind Cole's Sandwiches. Typically there is a wait unless you go earlier or on a weekday. Perfect ambience for dates or small groups. Fun fact: Ryan Gosling learned how to make his old fashioned from the bartender here for his role in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love"
Local West Adams brewery - filled with eclectic designs and creative drinks in an outdoor space
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Party Beer Co
4203 West Jefferson BoulevardLocal West Adams brewery - filled with eclectic designs and creative drinks in an outdoor space
A popular neighborhood gastropub - famous for their burgers with a great beer selection
344 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Father's Office
1018 Montana AveA popular neighborhood gastropub - famous for their burgers with a great beer selection
Classy and creative cocktails coupled with the best Westside Taiwanese cuisine
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Accomplice Bar
3811 Grand View BlvdClassy and creative cocktails coupled with the best Westside Taiwanese cuisine
A rum and cigar speakeasy reminiscent of Little Havana to salsa dance and relax. Reservations required.
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Descarga
1159 N Western AveA rum and cigar speakeasy reminiscent of Little Havana to salsa dance and relax. Reservations required.
Sightseeing
For those who love astronomy - there is an astronomy museum with a working telescope up top as well as shows throughout the day. Beautiful views of LA, especially at night.
4367 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdFor those who love astronomy - there is an astronomy museum with a working telescope up top as well as shows throughout the day. Beautiful views of LA, especially at night.
The iconic Santa Monica pier from all the films and movies. Beautiful in the day and nighttime. Bring a beach towel to catch some rays on the beach, or rent rollerblades to go all the way down to Venice beach. Can be reached via the metro line - would recommend walking 3rd street promenade afterwards for shopping and food!
2744 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Muelle de Santa Mónica
200 Santa Monica PierThe iconic Santa Monica pier from all the films and movies. Beautiful in the day and nighttime. Bring a beach towel to catch some rays on the beach, or rent rollerblades to go all the way down to Venice beach. Can be reached via the metro line - would recommend walking 3rd street promenade afterwards for shopping and food!
Shopping
This whole street has amazing vintage and hipster shops - filled with great cafes and coffee shops. A little on the pricier end, but so close to Venice Beach and great for some people watching as well.
1065 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney BoulevardThis whole street has amazing vintage and hipster shops - filled with great cafes and coffee shops. A little on the pricier end, but so close to Venice Beach and great for some people watching as well.
The famous Melrose avenue - lots of fancy boutique shops, restaurants and cafes for people watching
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Melrose Ave Shopping District
Melrose AvenueThe famous Melrose avenue - lots of fancy boutique shops, restaurants and cafes for people watching
Upscale shopping area with a farmer's market next door as well as restaurants and a movie theater. Beautiful fountain displays and shops - great to spend half a day at.
2581 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Grove
189 The Grove DrUpscale shopping area with a farmer's market next door as well as restaurants and a movie theater. Beautiful fountain displays and shops - great to spend half a day at.
Ongoing farmer's market at the Grove, which is a popular upscale shopping destination in LA. HUGE variety of merchants, and especially beautiful during the holidays!
819 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd StOngoing farmer's market at the Grove, which is a popular upscale shopping destination in LA. HUGE variety of merchants, and especially beautiful during the holidays!
Parks & Nature
One of my favorite short hikes in LA - steep but quick ascent leading to stunning oceanside views of the entire Santa Monica beach and Malibu. Usually not too crowded either which is a plus!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Inspiration Point
Will Rogers State Park RoadOne of my favorite short hikes in LA - steep but quick ascent leading to stunning oceanside views of the entire Santa Monica beach and Malibu. Usually not too crowded either which is a plus!
A famous short but intense climbing workout known as the "Culver City Stairs" - with a panoramic 360 reward of LA.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
6300 Hetzler RoadA famous short but intense climbing workout known as the "Culver City Stairs" - with a panoramic 360 reward of LA.
A rewarding 2.5 mile loop trail that starts at the bottom of Griffith Park amidst greenery and brings you out to marvel at the famous Observatory and views of LA.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sendero de Ferndell
Fern Dell DriveA rewarding 2.5 mile loop trail that starts at the bottom of Griffith Park amidst greenery and brings you out to marvel at the famous Observatory and views of LA.
LA's oldest city park with a multitude of trails - a relaxing urban walk with beautiful views of downtown.
273 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Elysian Park
835 Academy RdLA's oldest city park with a multitude of trails - a relaxing urban walk with beautiful views of downtown.
Tide pools, sea caves, resident seals, and a beautiful cove, this park is a dream if you love coastal hikes. Take the Sacred Cove View Trail to see the best views of the park.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de la Costa de Abulón
5970 Palos Verdes Dr STide pools, sea caves, resident seals, and a beautiful cove, this park is a dream if you love coastal hikes. Take the Sacred Cove View Trail to see the best views of the park.
This 50-foot waterfall is reached via a 4.5 mile out-and-back trek that follows a shaded babbling creek down into a wooded canyon. Adventure Pass required.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Switzer Falls Trail
701 Angeles Crest HwyThis 50-foot waterfall is reached via a 4.5 mile out-and-back trek that follows a shaded babbling creek down into a wooded canyon. Adventure Pass required.
Arts & Culture
An amazing relatively new contemporary art museum to hit LA's extensive museum scene - you can make reservations for free online avoid waiting sometimes what could be more than an hour on popular days. Otherwise, highly recommended to line up earlier for the renowned "Infinity Mirror Room" exhibit by Yayoi Kusama.
1555 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Broad
221 S Grand AveAn amazing relatively new contemporary art museum to hit LA's extensive museum scene - you can make reservations for free online avoid waiting sometimes what could be more than an hour on popular days. Otherwise, highly recommended to line up earlier for the renowned "Infinity Mirror Room" exhibit by Yayoi Kusama.
An incredible display of art and botanical gardens that is simply a magical paradise within Pasadena. A bit of a drive out but you can spend the rest of the day exploring Old-Town Pasadena and it's old charm and . The Japanese Gardens are the standout here, but you can also spend hours going thru the old mansions and seeing famous literary works such as the Gutenberg Bible, Hamlet, and many other rare books and works.
999 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford RdAn incredible display of art and botanical gardens that is simply a magical paradise within Pasadena. A bit of a drive out but you can spend the rest of the day exploring Old-Town Pasadena and it's old charm and . The Japanese Gardens are the standout here, but you can also spend hours going thru the old mansions and seeing famous literary works such as the Gutenberg Bible, Hamlet, and many other rare books and works.
Beautiful Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a re-created Roman country home nestled in the hills of Malibu. Reservations must be made online but are free.
883 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Villa Getty
17985 Pacific Coast HwyBeautiful Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a re-created Roman country home nestled in the hills of Malibu. Reservations must be made online but are free.
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States - with diverse galleries representing the varying communities. Check online for new exhibitions and galleries as it's constantly evolving - also go and visit the LACMA lights at night for photo ops, La Brea tar pits, and jazz nights on the lawn.
3162 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Ángeles
5905 Wilshire BlvdLACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States - with diverse galleries representing the varying communities. Check online for new exhibitions and galleries as it's constantly evolving - also go and visit the LACMA lights at night for photo ops, La Brea tar pits, and jazz nights on the lawn.