Andrea Discovers

View Original

Everyone’s a star here

Los Angeles guide.

Wear white sneakers proudly with any outfit.

If you wear pastel colors you’ll fit right in.

The most expensive juices are here.

A million worlds in one city.

Long distances, far enough to keep you in one neighborhood.

Lots of wine nearby, go on a road trip.

People are nice and chill.


Where to explore

1. Beverly Hills
What most people picture when they think of Los Angeles; high-end shopping at Rodeo Drive, glamourous celebrities walking the streets, photo opportunities at Beverly Hills Garden Park and so on. Go once just to check it off the list.

2. DTLA (AKA Downtown Los Angeles)
The core of Los Angeles, away from the glamour of it all. Has plenty of interesting places to discover and it’s very close to Arts District and Little Tokyo.

3. Los Feliz
Very similar to Silver Lake but a little rougher around the edges. It’s also filled with hipster restaurants, cool shops, and bookstores.

4. Silver Lake
Loved exploring this part of town and getting lost in the hilly neighborhoods. It’s casual and trendy, with lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and friendly people.

5. Venice
Cool atmosphere with plenty of great restaurants and good shopping. For some Italian-inspired strolling visit the Venice Canals.

6. West Hollywood
Fancy Los Angeles, you can find chic hotels, restaurants, and lots of nightlife.


Further out (Road trip potential)

• Malibu
• Santa Catalina Island
• Santa Barbara
• Los Padres National Forest
• Los Olivos
• Los Alamos
• Paso Robles
• Temecula
• Palm Springs
• Joshua Tree National Park


What to do

  • Griffith Observatory
    Hike or ride to the top to watch the sunrise or sunset.

  • Walk down Abbot Kinney
    Great mile-long street to shop and eat.

  • Climb Silver Lake stairs
    Find one of the many stairs within the neighborhood and see where it leads you. The most colorful stairs are the Micheltorena Stairs.

  • Bradbury Building
    As seen in many movies like Blade Runner, this classical landmark has lived many lives and has been around since 1893.


Where to stay

  • The Hoxton DTLA (DTLA)
    The coolest hotel in Downtown LA—great smelling toiletries by Blank, glamourous rooftop pool and bar, and friendly staff.

  • Ace Hotel (DTLA)
    Casual boutique hotel located in the historic United Artists Theater, built-in 1927.

  • The Surfrider (Malibu)
    If you want a surfer vibe away from the city check this place out.

  • Silver Lake Pool and Inn (Silver Lake)
    Cool and low-key design hotel found in Silver Lake. It’s a quiet place to escape from the busyness of it all. Nice pool with views of Griffith Observatory. Laid-back staff, and very spacious rooms.


Where to eat

Breakfast

  • Sqirl (Silver Lake)
    Known for their quirky branding and delicious jams. They have a takeaway counter, a cute shop, and a sit-down restaurant. Whatever you end up getting don’t forget the brioche with all the jams and ricotta.

  • Courage Bagels (Silver Lake)
    The most delicious bagels I’ve had in a while, and they’re worth the wait. Very unique since they’re a mix of Montreal and NY bagels, crispy on the outside and super soft and chewy on the inside. Walk up to the small takeaway window and admire the handwritten menu, don’t take too long deciding because there will most likely be a long line behind you waiting to order.

  • Gjusta (Venice)
    A place with many options; a deli, bakery, cafe, and market. The beautiful pastry display makes it hard to choose what to accompany your coffee or tea with. Once you choose head towards the beautiful patio and enjoy your meal.

Lunch

  • Grand Central Market (DTLA)
    Lots of food options here, we were fans of PBJ.LA and Sarita’s Pupuseria.

  • Wild Living Foods (DTLA)
    Wide selection of colorful juices and healthy snacks.

  • La Cha Cha Chá (Arts District)
    Chic rooftop restaurant that originated in Mexico City.

  • Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)
    All vegan Mexican restaurant.

  • Sushi Gen (Little Tokyo)
    Classic sushi in LA, expect to find a line outside.

  • All Day Baby (Silver Lake)
    You can find a little of everything here since this place consists of a bakery, cocktail bar, and So-Cal Mexican cuisine.

  • Honey Hi (Echo Park)
    Casual and bright counter service breakfast and lunch spot.

  • All Time (Los Feliz)
    Relaxed neighborhood spot that transforms from morning cafe into evening dining.

Dinner

  • Damian (DTLA - Arts District)
    Fine Mexican dining with a hint of California by the one and only Enrique Olvera.

  • Bestia (DTLA - Arts District)
    Italian fare with local and organic ingredients located in an industrial setting.

  • Kismet (Los Feliz)
    Casual and delicious Mediterranean food in Los Feliz. Don’t miss the flaky bread paired with the feta!

  • Botanica (Silver Lake)
    Nestled within the beautiful Silver Lake hills. Grab some natural wine and sit on the patio.

  • Cafe Stella (Silver Lake)
    This cozy French cafe is highly recommended by locals.

  • Gjelina (Venice)
    Amazing pizza and pasta with a very interesting mix of flavors in a laidback and cool environment.


Where to drink

Coffee

Cocktails/beer


Where to shop

  • The Last Bookstore (DTLA)
    Very very big bookstore with lots to discover.

  • Row DTLA (DTLA - Arts District)
    Shops, restaurants, and bars all found in the former American Apparel manufacturing factory.

  • Skylight Books (Los Feliz)
    Small shop with a unique selection of books and magazines.

  • Markt (Silver Lake)
    A bright vintage shop in Silver Lake with lots of great finds.

  • Erewhon (Various locations)
    The most beautiful and most expensive grocery store you’ll ever set foot in.