A Week in Los Angeles
First off, am I the only one that types out LA as Las Angeles????
Secondly, I was there for work for about a week. I go once a year in May and it’s wonderful - warm weather, surprisingly kind people and I stay right on the beach.
I stayed at The Beach House in Hermosa Beach, south of LA and about 15 minutes from LAX. It’s a gorgeous hotel with free beach chairs available and has people surfing, playing volleyball and biking the strand right outside. It’s a block off the Main Street with restaurants, cute stores and coffee shops.
Hermosa is definitely a slower pace than downtown or Santa Monica/Venice, but it’s also less touristy and feels like you are on vacation. If you visit, I highly recommend eating at Rok Sushi and walking/biking/rollerblading to nearby Manhattan Beach to see the pier and eat dinner at Manhattan Beach Post - a post office turned restaurant with fantastic small bites and extensive wine list.
After a few days there, Garner joined me and we went to West Hollywood. We stayed at Le Parc right off Melrose Avenue. It’s a great location, has large suites and a beautiful rooftop pool (it unfortunately was closed while we were there). We enjoyed shopping on Melrose Avenue, meeting friends for cocktails at EP+LP, a trendy rooftop bar and restaurant, and attending the Melrose farmer's market on Sunday. One day, we took a quick Lyft to Beverly Hills so Garner could see Rodeo Drive for the first time and we could eat at the renowned Sugar Sushi.
Wearing: Rebecca Minkoff dress, Vince Camuto sandals, Chloe bag, Ray-bans
Our favorite thing we did in LA was hike Runyon Canyon (thanks for the recommendation, Jonathan!). We heard it was less touristy than Griffith Observatory/Hollywood sign area and gave you excellent views of the famous sign, Hollywood Hills’ homes and downtown LA. The trail we hiked led to Hollywood Blvd. We walked past the Dolby and Chinese Theatres (all the tourists are my nightmare but G loves film so he wanted to see them) and Hollywood stars. I’m still trying to determine what the qualifications for receiving a star though (Mickey Mouse has one?) so I’ll get back to you on that.
Post hike we went to California Donuts. I’ve been following them on Instagram for years and love seeing their unique and artistic designs on donuts! They were delicious and just as cute in person.... but I don’t recommend eating them right after hiking a few miles...
It was a short and busy week in Southern California. I loved soaking in the sun and getting some time to relax. I know I’m supposed to be loyal to NorCal, but after this trip, I have to say I’m torn...
Have any good recommendations for our next trip to LA? Let me know!
Xoxo,
Paige