LA: A *jam-packed* Weekend (Best of LA)
This itinerary is for long-time lovers of this city as well as newcomers venturing to LA for the first time. It’s packed with sites and sensory immersions to compile a week chock full of smiles.
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Thursday:
Arrive, and check into the LINE in Ktown, Freehand DTLA, Proper Santa Monica, or STILE DTLA.
(Malibu Beach Cover Image by Joel Mott)
Proper, Santa Monica
LINE, Koreatown
Friday:
View at Griffith Observatory, Image by C Valdez
Get out to enjoy lattes aka matcha from Alfred Coffee.
Drive to Griffith Observatory and hike up to the Observatory. Scope the museum, take in the views, and hike around the paths nearby.
Stop for sushi lunch at Sugarfish, sweet scallops and shrimp are the way of the warrior here.
Head to the Last Bookstore DTLA and check out collection books in the space.
Continue on to the Grove, shop around, and peruse the oldest Farmer’s Market in the back for some tasty treats.
Share a bunch of food at Sticky Rice for dinner, if you’re lucky there might be live music, or you can play a game of pool on-site.
Shop along Highland Park and get some delicious flavors at Magpies ice cream.
Stop into Checker Hall for a hot toddy or mojito and some stylish music vibes.
Saturday:
Head to the beaches of Malibu and take a beach walk along the gorgeous stretch. Keep an eye open for dolphins and seals.
Dine on the freshly caught fare at the Fish Market nearby, the bass is always great, and their clam chowder is delicious, but skip the fried fish.
Take a beach break at Santa Monica Beach, and hang at the boardwalk for a carnival feel with kids. Or, if you’re feeling more laissez-faire, scope the skaters and laid-back vibe of Venice Beach.
Malibu Beach aerial view, Image by Jenna Day
Relax and indulge at Lunasia Dim Sum. The black bean ribs are a must alongside the bean curd wrap, and the rice noodle rolls are a sure bet.
Enjoy an evening movie at Landmark with a special beverage of your choice and some sweet eats.
Sunday:
LACMA by Robert Irwin, Image by Mike Von
Head to the castle-esque architecture and great food at Republique.
From the satiation station, head on to LACMA and appreciate the multitude of artwork collected there.
For lunch, have your fill at Jae Bu Do K BBQ in Ktown. There’s a focus on seafood but the banchan, pancake, and ceviche are just as legit. Remember to leave your jackets in the car so they don’t get smoky.
Play your hand at bowling at Shatto Lanes.
Trek on to the infamous French Taix for dinner and drinks right by Echo Park Lake. If there’s time before or after take a walk around the water or hop into an iconic swan paddle boat.
Monday:
Make your way to hike around the Hollywood sign at Beachwood Canyon.
From there, walk the stars and visit the Chinese Theater.
Enjoy a diverse range of foods and all the bustle at Grand Central Market.
Scope around Little Tokyo from there, and grab a cute SomiSomi ice cream for dessert.
Dine at Majordomo for dinner.
Tuesday:
Prep for your departure.
Tuck into top-tier croissants at Republik Coffee.
& bid LA goodbye for now.
LA expanse, Image by Cedric Letsch
