How to Tackle a Trip to L.A. Without Looking (or Feeling!) Like a Total Tourist
Before this year, I’d never given a vacation in Los Angeles a single thought. Sure, it’s one of the most iconic cities in the literal world, but between the infamous traffic and cringey tourist traps, I figured that if I couldn’t afford a week in Malibu, there would be no reason for me to go. But, after my recent trip to the City of Angels with Los Angeles Tourism, where we explored some of the off-the-beaten-path areas in town—I stand humbly corrected. As a matter of fact, I’m already planning my next trip back.
Whether you’re a bonafide foodie, art connoisseur, thrifting titan, or just love a wellness-focused weekend, Los Angeles pretty much has it all—you just have to find the right vibe for you. And because I want you to enjoy your time on the California coast just like I did, I put together the ultimate Los Angeles neighborhood guide based on everything I learned, broken down by where to stay, play, and eat.
Below, you’ll find how to do L.A. right as an ~informed~ tourist. Because yes, you don’t want to look like a total newb, but there’s also no way you can go all the way to L.A. without trying the Hailey Bieber smoothie at Erewhon, you know? Grab your sunnies, and read on for the deets.
Fairfax
It’s the palm tree-lined streets for me! Fairfax draws a diverse crowd and is home to arguably the most popular shopping spots in the city, including Melrose Avenue and The Grove, an iconic outdoor shopping mall. This neighborhood feels like quintessential L.A., and when it comes to food, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Stay
Short Stories Hotel: Located right across from The Grove, this boutique hotel is way more than meets the eye. It looks unassuming from the outside, but the stunning rooms are inspired by California coastal living. Right when you enter, there’s a cozy little outdoor courtyard that acts as an oasis from the busy streets, and it’s bliss.
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Create your own nail polish color at Orly Color Labs: One of our many fun activities included a trip to Orly Color Labs, home of the OG French manicure. After a short quiz to nail (heh) down what vibe you’re going for, they’ll make the perfect shade for you right before your eyes. And, don’t worry—they make sure it’s the color of your dreams before bottling it.
Go on a shopping spree at The Grove: Whether you were a Tumblr kid or you’re just a sucker for shopping, there’s a v good chance you’ve heard of The Grove. It’s a one-stop shop (well, probably a couple of stops) for the shopping spree of your dreams and is known for celebrity sightings.
Eat
Jon & Vinnys: I know that I hyped up the other restaurants that we ate at on this trip, but if I had to choose just one to go to again, it would be this modern diner. Come for the food, stay for the down-home vibes. We ordered a majority of the menu and I didn’t taste a single bad thing, BUT my top three dishes would be the rigatoni with beef bolognese, chicken parm, and the Bronx Bomber pizza.
Erewhon: Y’all know I couldn’t go to L.A. without visiting the motherland. Yes, it’s technically a grocery store, and yes, it’s hella expensive, but it’s also a right of passage. I went for the Hailey Bieber smoothie (I give it a 8/10) and my Noah Beck sighting really solidified the whole experience.
Highland Park
Residential, chill, and truly a hidden gem, Highland Park—a rapidly growing area in Northeast L.A.—is one of the city’s first subdivisions. It’s super walkable, and home to cozy coffee shops, trendy hangout spots, and chic new businesses.
Stay
Cara Hotel: As I said, Highland Park is mostly residential, which means there aren’t many hotel options. But Cara Hotel, located in Los Feliz, is a great place to stay before spending the day exploring the neighborhood. I found the interior design to be super soothing and exactly what a gal needed after a day spent maneuvering the infamous L.A. traffic. Plus, the rooms have private balconies and a s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g Mediterranean-inspired courtyard complete with an IG-worthy pool.
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Stock up on the best-smelling products at Flamingo Estate: Flamingo Estate was our first stop in Highland Park and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Known for its viral tomato candle, it’s a must for locally sourced bath and body products.
Wonder why you don’t own every single thing from Prelude & Dawn: During our time in Highland Park, we popped into an adorable store called Prelude & Dawn with knick-knacks that had my name written all over them. If you’re into cute catch-all dishes, niche skincare, unique candles, and anything in between, consider this your happy place.
I’ll take one of everything plz.
Eat
Villa’s Tacos: No trip to L.A. is complete without some amazing tacos, and the best ones tend to come from the most unassuming spots. Originally a humble roadside stand but now located in the corner unit of a strip mall, Villa’s Tacos is a small but mighty spot to get authentic eats. My favorite was the birria taco (because who doesn’t love cheese, meat, and consumé?) and the great playlist made this little hole in the wall that much better.
De La Nonna: Okay, IDK what they put in the pizza at De La Nonna, y’all, but I swear there wasn’t a single slice that I didn’t like. Tucked away in a peaceful building, the savory slices from this spot were not only delish, but made for a pretty bomb Insta story if I do say so myself. I’d recommend the white and margherita if you like your pizza simple but delicious.
Downtown Los Angeles
Please don’t sleep on DTLA. Despite how spread out the city is, the downtown area is extremely walkable and surprisingly quieter than I expected. If you want to be central to everything, consider this your happy medium.
Stay
Hotel Per La: A gorgeous hotel in the heart of city? Say less! What was once the headquarters for the Bank of Italy is now a cozy boutique hotel with possibly the prettiest rooftop I’ve yet to see. The rooms were exceptionally decorated with nods to the hotel’s origins, like the vintage photographs making up the gallery wall. Plus, there’s a coffee shop inside, which is a major win for my fellow caffeine fiends.
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Satisfy your inner artist at a traveling exhibit: One thing that L.A. will never be short on is good art. Tons of traveling exhibits come through the city all year ’round, and knowing that they’re only there for a limited time makes them feel that much more special. During my time in town, I was able to catch Luna Luna, the world’s first art amusement park—a once functional fairground that combined rides with art installations. Rescued from shipping containers, the installations include artwork from famous names like Basquiat, Dalí, and Haring, to name a few. And the art was far from your typical framed paintings—think monkey butts painted onto a ferris wheel (yeahhh I said it), musical farts (like, people would literally make tunes with them), and an interactive wedding chapel.
The whimsical showcase ended in May, but there are plenty of other exhibits to catch throughout the year. One I’m particularly excited about is Mickalene Thomas’ All About Love!
Get an Insta-worthy selfie at The Broad: Speaking of interesting art, one of my favorite mornings was spent at The Broad, a well-known art museum. After all, me and contemporary art go together like Beyoncé and cowboy boots. Located walking distance from Hotel Per La, The Broad is home to iconic pieces like Andy Warhol’s 40 Gold Marilyns, Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog, and my personal fave, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room (aka the perfect first slide in your L.A. photo dump).
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room
Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog
Snag some unique finds at ROW DTLA: You can’t go to L.A. without shopping, right? Not far from the Fashion District, the ROW is a concept that turned old warehouses—including the old American Apparel office (the girls that get it, get it)—into an aesthetic destination for fashion lovers and foodies alike. We spent the afternoon moseying about the complex after snagging some oysters at Rappahannock Oyster Bar. My fave shop? A spot called Bodega. You head to an unassuming loading dock, step through what looks like a produce stand, and are met with a shop stocked with the coolest streetwear you could imagine.
Eat
Bavel: Our first dinner of the trip was at this gorge Middle Eastern spot in the Arts District. It’s a dream for larger groups who want to get a little taste of everything, because most of the plates are great for sharing. From bowls of hummus and baba ghanoush to slow-roasted shawarma and grilled prawns, everything on the menu deserves some commotion.
FOODSTORY: Would you believe me if I said that the best ramen I’ve ever had (so serious rn) was ramen that I made myself? Trust me, I wouldn’t either. But this ramen-making class made me realize that I might have been a chef in another life. In three hours, we were taught how to make the noodles from start to finish (it’s surprisingly easy!), and I wish I could do it all over again.
Stop, you’re drooling!
Venice and Abbot Kinney
Mark my words: I’m retiring in Venice and Abbot Kinney. The light and airy spirit is contagious. Don’t be surprised if you automatically feel more relaxed here. After all, you’re walking distance from the beach and the Venice Canals, aka a maze of waterways and pedestrian bridges that feel very European.
Stay
Vitorrja: Situated just one block from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, this quaint spot is a hotel and guest house all in one. It doesn’t take much time to feel like a full-time resident here thanks to the cozy suites that look like they’re straight from my Pinterest board. Whether you want a full two-bedroom apartment or a spacious suite with a roaring fireplace (it can get chilly in the mornings), there’s a space for everyone (including your dog!) here.
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Have a spa day at Den Mother: Of course, we had to relax a bit, so we spent a morning at Den Mother, a wellness center in town. Known for their focus on slow, holistic medicine and services, we spent an hour enjoying their sauna and cold plunge combo. There’s something therapeutic about getting a good sweat in before attempting not to panic while submerged in ice-cold water. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
The sauna + cold plunge combo is elite.
Take a stroll down the Venice Beach Boardwalk: It would be a crime not to visit this iconic boardwalk when in L.A. I mean, where else will you see skateboarders, booty shorts, and the beautiful California coastline all in one place?
Eat
Great White: Just a block from the Venice Beach shore, this sun-filled lunch spot was the place that made me ask myself, “Why don’t I move to California?” Known for their fresh, local cuisine (so Cali, right?), we grabbed a bite and ate out on their patio. Let’s just say the combo of sunshine, a beachy breeze, and their chicken sandwich made life worth living. What? Too dramatic?
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Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She’s got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you’re in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple’s newest residents, there’s a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
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