Come with me to Los Angeles, CA!
As someone who was born and raised in Los Angeles and has never lived anywhere else, I think it was time to put together a list of all of my favorite places and activities to do in this beautiful city. Now, Los Angeles is VAST and really should be broken up into different cities but that would take forever and would be too many lists. So, I’ve sort of populated a list from a few of my favorite areas of LA. It’s not a definitive end-all list but it’s what I’m loving at the moment. Tried and true. You can’t go wrong! Disclaimer: Since I live here, I’ve never had to stay anywhere other than my home so I’m not including a “Where to Stay” section since I wouldn’t know where to start.
The City of Angels.
Where to Eat:
Musso & Frank Grill
An old school classic Hollywood restaurant that just oozes so much history as soon as you walk in. Opened since 1919 with legendary regulars like Charlie Chaplin and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The martinis are a must. And although it’s a classic, the food is actually top tier. Reservations can be tough to get and they do have a somewhat strict dress code. You won’t be disappointed.
Salazar
A great outdoor restaurant in the Frog Town neighborhood of Los Angeles. It’s Sonoran inspired Mexican food. It’s casual yet a great date night spot. The food is delicious but the drinks are even better. Get a prickly pear margarita, when it’s in season. You’ll be in love. The tacos are so good but honestly the entire menu really is fantastic.
Found Oyster
Nestled in the heat of East Hollywood, on a busy street. You’ll want to grab a table outside so you can enjoy amazing cocktails and of course some oysters. The fries are thin—my favorite—but the seafood inspired menu has plenty to offer anyone who loves simple, yet delicious food. It’s a small restaurant and if you go during golden hour, it’s a magical neighborhood spot you’ll love.
Clark Street Diner
A Hollywood landmark with the coolest mid-century decor. Classic but elevated diner food. The breakfast is incredible but the classics like a club sandwich or their meatloaf and mashed potatoes are not to be missed. It’s a great late-night spot that you can go with friends and just have some fun.
DAMA
Located in the fashion district of Downtown LA, this is one of my favorite places to eat. Admittedly, not in the best location, and not always packed because of it, but give it a chance and you’ll fall in love. The whipped white beans and the pork shank are what dreams are made of.
Houston’s
I don’t want to hear any grief for this BUT if you’ve ever been to a Houston’s or Gulf Stream or Hillstone, etc. then you’ll know my love for this place. It’s classy but approachable. Reservations are hard to get but worth it. The spinach artichoke dip, martini and burger are incredible.
Where to Drink:
Hi Tops
A gay sports bar in Los Feliz (although there are other locations in Weho and SF) that surprisingly offers great cocktails and food. They do a trivia night on Mondays and play drag race when it airs. It’s a fun spot to grab a drink. Happy hour Mon-Fri from 12 to 7pm, which is great!
The Lucky Tiki
An awesome tiki bar speakeasy located in Weho with a location in Highland Park as well. The Tail O’Pup front of the speakeasy offers great food as well. The tiki bar has all that classic tiki vibes and drinks that you’ll love. Go with friends and have a blast!
Capri Club
An amazing bar in Eagle Rock that gets packed some times. They offer a bit of food too, but it’s all about the drinks to be honest. Their frozen Negroni is killer. During the holidays they string up Christmas lights above the bar which creates the best holiday spirit.
The Library Bar
A beautiful speakeasy located in The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. A classic old Hollywood spot that oozes so much charm and nostalgia. The cocktails are created perfectly. Any of the bars at the Roosevelt hotel are worth checking out to be honest.
Lowboy
This Echo Park bar gets packed with so many locals especially on game nights. A great place to grab a drink but also their burgers and fries are incredible. The perfect late night spot to grab a delicious drink and a bite. Happy hour is offered from Mon-Fri 4pm to 6pm.
Gold Line
A great spot in Highland Park. It’s a dark intimate bar with a big vinyl collection offering craft cocktails with chic 70’s and 80’s decor. A great spot to grab a drink either pre or after dinner. Listen to some records playing in the background and grab a drink or two. You’ll love it!
What to Do:
Griffith Observatory
One of my favorite places to visit in the city with incredible views. If you love space, you’ll love this. It’s also the location to so many Hollywood movies. Hike up there or drive in. There really isn’t anything more quintessential LA than a visit to the Observatory.
The Huntington Library
I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve walked around the Huntington admiring the art, the gardens and the botanicals. They offer fun events for members and it’s a great way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon strolling through the grounds. Finish off with a drink or a bite at their cafe or get some tea at their tea house.
Natural History Museum
One of my son’s favorite museums to visit thanks to all the dinosaurs. But my favorite part are the old school mid-century dioramas. I literally can walk around admiring them all day long. The building itself is so cool and oozing so much history. Once a month they do a fun event called First Fridays where they do after-hours live music and DJ, food and drinks, and discussions.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
I recently took Theo to watch a show here and I swear I felt like a kid again. One of the coolest experiences in LA and I can’t wait to go back. It’s so nostalgic. They switch out the shows and who doesn’t love puppets? The theater itself is so fun!
Broken Art Tattoo
Looking to get a tattoo? You must check out Broken Art Tattoo in Atwater Village and ask for Matt. He’s been doing my tattoo work since 2009 and I wouldn’t trust anyone else. He’s awesome and so incredibly talented, but the entire shop is amazing and super friendly.
Travel Town Museum
Another spot my son loves. It’s a fun little museum that features some awesome vintage trains and automobiles. It’s not huge or packed with stuff to see but a fun, free activity that you can check out on a weekend. Pay for the little train ride mostly to see how happy your kid gets, if you have one.
