Guide to L.A. - Part 1
There's so much to do in L.A.! It's right up there with my all time favourite cities to visit. I'm going to share with you guys my go-to spots and tips in a two part guide. Everything from food, nightlife, celebrity spotting, shopping and tours, so you can turn your Californian dreams into reality.
Where to stay
Each time I've visited Los Angeles, I've been sucked into the "cool vibes" of West Hollywood, with close proximity to all my favourite restaurants, shops, rooftops and bars, its undoubtedly my home away from home.
Hollywood and West Hollywood
Both are great for families and party people. Many of the city's best known nightclubs, bars, and music venues are in the area, some within the trendy hotels, like the Hollywood Roosevelt and W Hollywood, themselves.
In West Hollywood, nightly room costs are around about $500+, and if you can spurge you'll definitely get what you pay for, my top picks are The Mondrian, The London, and Chateau Marmont.
Beverly Hills
Not surprisingly, true luxury can be had in Beverly Hills, iconic, breathtaking properties like the Beverly Hills Hotel and Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire. There are also small, affordable boutique properties, like the Luxe Rodeo Drive, for those who want to spend less on their hotel and more on haute couture. Standard rooms tend to be tiny though, and amenities are slim to none.
Santa Monica
There's more luxury to be had in Santa Monica at beachfront hotels like Shutters and Casa Del Mar. The coastal towns are also great for families with their mellow, beachy vibe and attractions like the Santa Monica Pier.
Most areas offer hotels and Air Bnb's across a fairly wide range of prices, so visitors should choose where to stay based on what they want do on their visit.
Most areas offer hotels and Air Bnb's across a fairly wide range of prices, so visitors should choose where to stay based on what they want do on their visit.
Where to shop
I'm not a real fan of shopping while holidaying - I know, call me crazy, but I just feel there's so much more to explore of a new place than the shops. Especially if you only have a very limited time in the one place. But don't get me wrong, if I see something I like I'll waste no time popping in and browsing but its not on the top of my to-do list when I'm visiting a new city.
With that said, L.A offers a diverse shopping experience that is unlike any other city in the world, here are some of my favourite spots and the reasons why they're so great.
Image source: Houman Mahboubi
High End
Beverly Hills "Trifecta"- Nearly every high-end luxury designer has a store in Beverly Hills, but I usually find myself walking down Wilshire Blvd, where Barney's, Saks Fifth Ave. and Neiman Marcus sit side-by-side.
Vintage
Wasteland on Melrose is one of my favourite spots in the city. Second-hand clothing in L.A. is some of the best second-hand clothing in the world (because of the celebs, the industry - you'll see every major label second-hand) this place is not one of those overwhelming warehouses nor is it overpriced, and it's all wearable. I always find AMAZING steals and I get complimented on things I've bought at Wasteland constantly. It's hard to walk out without a gem in hand.La Maison de Fashion
This is a little hidden gem on Melrose. I found this place after frantically looking for a last minute Coachella outfit, and wow was I impressed. This tiny boutique supplies the music and film industry with clothing and accessories.
Everything else
Opening CeremonyHoused in what used to be Charlie Chaplin's old dance studio, this massive (as in I got lost during my first visit) store stocks all the current "it" pieces that every girl dreams of owning (think Acne wedges, Topshop pants and Alexander Wang tissue thin tops). The wooden floors, creaky stairs and long hallways all add to its appeal and their legendary sales shouldn't be missed.
Reformation
The kind of store where everything is purchase-worthy. I love what they stand for - sustainable fashion - and that their clothing is designed and manufactured right in downtown L.A. Their pieces are simply sick. They're all comfortable, effortlessly sexy, feminine but modern, and wearable in so many ways. They also sell incredible vintage Levi's denim that they tailor themselves so you don't have to go through that step. Obsessed would be an understatement for how I feel about their Melrose store.
I mean, basically your one stop shop. And if for some reason you've been hiding under a rock, their online store proves this theory. Concept store on Melrose.
What to do
Runyon Canyon - One of my favourite hikes (the loop takes about 45 minutes, but I'm kind of slow) with views spanning from downtown to the Pacific Ocean. Aim to arrive on the earlier side to avoid a parking nightmare and get ready for some seriously good people watching.
Biking the Santa Monica Boardwalk - Rent a bike for a few hours or an entire day and ride along a beautiful stretch of the Californian coastline from Venice beach to Santa Monica Pier and beyond.
Getty Center/Getty Villa - Showcasing an amazing collection of art, antiquities, and gardens, The Getty Center might be the best overall museum in L.A, and their Villa in Malibu is without a doubt the most beautiful. Bonus: admission to both is free.
The Original Farmers Market - This is way more than a market or a shopping mall. There are many food stalls and restaurants, gift shops, a few bars, several butcher shops, a French market, jewellery shops, pet stores, a toy store. Really fun to walk around or just drop in for a meal. You can get breakfast, lunch or dinner. Added bonus; live music on the weekends.
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