What To Do When Travelling To Los Angeles

Planning a trip to LA LA land?

LA is a seriously cool city with so much to offer, but it can be a little overwhelming if you don't know where to begin.

We recently spent 5 weeks eating, shopping and adventuring our way through LA, so we've rounded up the best spots to save you the hassle.

By the end of this list, you'll be living the LA life like a local.

But first, coffee.

You know those Instagram famous ‘but first coffee’ coffee cups?

Yep, they come from Alfred Coffee, and it’s a pretty cute place to go for your morning dose of caffeine.

Go to "brunch".

Image: Brunch at Elephante via @gabyleibowitz

You might know brunch as a smashed avo on toast, but in LA brunch is where the party is at.

Expect your eggs with a side of bottomless mimosas and pumping music.

Most restaurants I’ve mentioned in this post will offer a special brunch menu.

Best brunch spots in LA

Image: @amaliejorgensen_

These places don't necessarily serve up the LA boozy brunch with unlimited mimosas, but they definitely tick the boxes when it comes to trendy, delicious breakfast and lunch options.

The Butcher's Daughter, Venice.

Rose Cafe, Venice.

Cafe Gratitude, Venice.

True Foods Kitchen, Santa Monica.

Eat Mexican food at...

Featured: Gracias Madre via vivalafood.com

Gracias Madre.

While it's a more westernised take on Mexican food, they have a delish menu.

Their entire menu is vegan, but you'd never know it.

It's the kind of vegan food that can fool you into thinking you're eating meat.

For dessert, do yourself a favour and try their mouth-watering salted caramel brownie with vegan ice cream.

Looking for more traditional Mexican food?

Try the tacos at Guisados for a taste of real Mexican street food.

Expect no frills, but seriously yum authentic tacos and agua fresca.

Best sushi in LA...

Sugarfish.

Google best sushi in LA and this is what you'll find.

Yes, there are other great sushi restaurants scattered around LA - but if you want great quality traditional sushi at a reasonable price, Sugarfish has you covered.

Visit Malibu.

Malibu is just as beautiful as you’d expect and a perfect way to spend a sunny, relaxing day.

Here's some of my fave ways to spend time in Malibu:

Go eat brunch at Malibu Farm Cafe or The Malibu Cafe.
Relax on the beach and spot dolphins if you’re lucky!
Go on a hike to get an amazing view of the coast.
Visit the Getty Villa.
Eat Japanese cuisine at the world famous Nobu.

Where to go shopping in LA.

Here’s the places you need to hit to satisfy all your Gucci, Urban Outfitters or vintage store needs…

3rd St Promenade, Santa Monica.
Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood.
The Grove, Fairfax.
Rodeo Drive, Beverley Hills.
Check out a Buffalo Exchange store to try your luck at finding some vintage and second hand goodies.

Fun touristy things to do in LA:

Image: Venice Beach.

Hike Runyon Canyon.
Check out the view of the city from the Griffith Observatory and hike to the Hollywood Sign.
Watch the beautiful California sunset at Santa Monica Pier.
Shop at Melrose Flea Market on a Saturday morning.
Take a photo in front of the ‘Made In LA’ sign on Melrose Avenue.
Walk through the Venice Canals.
Ride bikes along Venice Beach.

Cool rooftop bars.

Image: Sky Bar at Mondrian Hotel.

E.P & L.P, West Hollywood.
Hotel Mama Shelter, Hollywood.
Mondrian Hotel Sky Bar, West Hollywood. (Technically you can't access the rooftop unless you're a guest or with a guest, but the Mondrian sometimes have parties here in summer which are open to the public).
Élephante, Santa Monica.

Other cool bars and places to dance dance dance.

Image: The Highlight Room rooftop.

Warwick, Hollywood.
Doheny Room, West Hollywood.
No Vacancy, Hollywood.
Laurel Hardware, West Hollywood.
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, West Hollywood.
Highlight Room, Hollywood.
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood. (They're known for their epic pool parties in summer.)

Where to go on a date in LA.

Image: The Nice Guy Restaurant & Bar.

Basically all the dinner/bar venues on this list are date night appropriate, but here are a few particularly great date spots:

E.P & L.P $$ - Perfect for first date vibes, for when you want a cool, social atmosphere that eases first date nerves.
The Malibu Cafe $$ - If you want a date that's a little different to the norm, The Malibu cafe is your spot. It's got all the date essentials like a brunch menu, dinner menu and cocktails, plus plenty of fun activities for some flirty competitive action. A game of pool, life-sized connect four and table tennis are some of the entertainments at this pretty mountain ranch.
The Nice Guy $$ - If you’re looking for mood lighting and top knotch pasta, look no further. The Nice Guy serves up Italian cuisine in a romantic nineteen twenties setting. Their intimate little booths are perfect for a seriously romantic date night.