Los Angeles, California, United States
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Boutique meditation studios, nightclub–y boot–camps and gem–infused vibrational skincare – if it’s wellness–related (with a whiff of woo), the trend likely originated here. You’ll also find a flourishing plant–based food scene and sustainable, ethical shopping (the inaugural Vegan Fashion Week just showed), establishing L.A. as the destination for conscious consumerism.
Where to stay
- The Line Los Angeles HotelThe Line L.A.For the minimalist design
- The Standard Hollywood Los Angeles HotelThe Standard, HollywoodFor the nightlife
- Ace Hotel Downtown Los AngelesAce Hotel Downtown Los AngelesFor the cinematic history
- The Beverly Hills Hotel Los AngelesThe Beverly Hills HotelFor the Hollywood guest list
- Andaz West Hollywood Los AngelesAndaz West HollywoodFor the rooftop pool
- Hotel Covell Los AngelesHotel CovellFor a stylish stay
- Dream Hollywood, Los AngelesFor the kitted-out fitness facilities
Eat & Drink
Handmade pasta at Bestia Conceived by husband–and–wife duo Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, this rustic Italian go–to in the Arts District specializes in handmade pasta, pizza and charcuterie. Inside a repurposed warehouse, exposed brick walls, industrial bar stools and tan leather booths serve as the backdrop for inventive dishes like roasted bone marrow with crispy bread crumbs.
Potato latkes and natural wine at Freedman’s Bruce Hornsby and the Talking Heads play through the speakers as diners dig into plates of glazed brisket and potato latkes (famously prepared in a waffle iron) at this modern Jewish restaurant tucked into a strip mall in Silver Lake. The half sour salad – made with pickles, fennel and a savoury herb mix – balances out the menu’s heavier fare, and Matt Bone, Freedman’s general manager, curates an impressive all–natural wine list. (Want to find other gems in Silver Lake? See some of Jonah Freedman's go–to neighbourhood spots to eat and drink.)
Modern Mexican fare at Broken Spanish This eatery offers fresh takes on traditional Mexican staples. Chef Ray Garcia prepares dishes like oxtail quesadilla and chicharrón with elephant–garlic mojo and radish sprouts, served up in a clean–lined space with cognac–hued tufted banquettes, hardwood floors, hanging plants and concrete accent walls.
Third–wave coffee at Dinosaur Coffee Los Angeles has no shortage of clinically precise caffeine labs, but if you’re looking to stay a while, this sun–filled coffee counter in Silver Lake is a cut above the rest. Serving strong pours of San Francisco’s famed Four Barrel Coffee, Dinosaur’s casual atmosphere and ample seating make it an ideal spot to feel like a local.
Pastrami sandwiches at Langer’s Delicatessen and Restaurant An Angeleno institution for over 70 years, this family–owned deli in MacArthur Park has built an international reputation as one of world’s leading purveyors of pastrami. Sink into a well–worn vinyl booth and order the legendary #19: a mountain of hot pastrami topped with coleslaw, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing served on double–baked rye.
Late–night bites at E.P. and L.P. This West Hollywood establishment – whose name stands for “extended play, long play” – features an Asian restaurant and a rooftop bar. At L.P., sip concoctions such as the Walk This Way cocktail, made with vodka, lychee, coconut water and tropical fruit pearls. For a late–night bite, choose from organic tofu fries or the pastrami bao with sliced pastrami, ginger, scallions and smoked chipotle.
Stiff drinks and city views at Upstairs at Ace Hotel Resembling an urban resort with sweeping city views, this popular spot located on the rooftop of Ace Hotel in Downtown L.A. features one bar, a concrete pool, Moroccan tile and canopy lounge chairs. Mingle with the Hollywood crowd while sipping on a Tetanus Shot cocktail, a mixture of blended Scotch, Cynar, Averna and orange bitters.
Cocktails and waterfalls (seriously) at Clifton’s Republic This 47,000–square–foot dining complex originally opened in 1935. The iconic establishment reopened its doors in 2015 after a five–year, multi–million–dollar renovation and houses an art deco–style cafeteria, six bars, a ballroom and a coffee shop. Inside, you’ll find updated versions of Clifton’s original curiosities, from manmade waterfalls and wildlife murals to a faux, three–storey redwood tree.
Carnitas at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas Tomas Martinez, taquero and co–owner of Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, has been serving tacos in downtown L.A.’s Grand Central Market since 1995 and is responsible for some of the best carnitas in the city. Order one of his $3.50 tacos and get a generous piling of tender meat on two corn tortillas (plus two extra on the side).
What to Do
Stargazing at Griffith Park This 4,210–acre reserve is home to infinite hiking trails, a swimming pool, hidden gardens, tennis courts, a candy–striped carousel and even the original Batcave. Head to the Griffith Observatory to gaze through telescopes, explore cosmic exhibits and enjoy some of the best views of the city.
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors rooms at the Broad The honeycombed hive of contemporary art is the brainchild of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad – billionaire art buyers whose private collection alone includes over 2,000 major postwar and contemporary works from artists such as Takashi Murakami and Kara Walker. Admission is free, and advance tickets to the museum’s permanent collection are available online or via the same–day standby line.
Belly laughs at Upright Citizens Brigade The undisputed epicentre of L.A.’s thriving comedy scene, UCB’s first West Coast outpost plays host to a nightly mélange of stand–up, improv and sketch comedy in an intimate, 92–seat theatre. Sit stageside as sitcom A–listers and tomorrow’s top talent spin their latest yarns, all for $12 or less. Many shows sell out weeks in advance, but there are usually a few standby tickets at the door.
Family–friendly fun at Santa Monica Pier For a taste of SoCal’s coastal culture, head west on Interstate 10 toward Santa Monica State Beach. The world–famous Santa Monica Pier bisects a 5.6–kilometre stretch of sand and features a full–service amusement park, arcade games, a hands–on aquarium and a hand–carved carousel.
Crate digging at Amoeba Music The largest independent record store in the world, this Hollywood musical landmark occupies an airplane–hangar–size space on Sunset and Cahuenga. Its collection of new and used CDs, LPs and DVDs is a collector’s paradise.
Japanese housewares at Tortoise General Store Located on Venice Beach’s Abbot Kinney Blvd., the retail utopia of the Westside, this Japanese housewares store is a much–loved destination among L.A.’s design obsessives and regular locals alike. Shop the curated collection of high–end, minimalist essentials, from enamel table– and cookware to bookends and paperweights.
Vintage and designer clothing at Assembly Los Angeles Anchoring the more mannered end of Melrose Avenue’s shopping district, this upscale NYC export stocks a selection of vintage and designer clothing for men and women. Shop cult fashion brands like Femail, 69 and Comme des Garçons alongside pieces from the store’s house line and far–flung vintage finds you won’t see anywhere else in town.