The Ultimate LA Guide (it’s huge)

This post is the result of many, many MANY trips to LA over the years, and my need to try something new everytime – ha! I thought it might be helpful to just post EVERYTHING that I love to do in Los Angeles. So, here we are! This post is hugeeee, so huge that I broke it down into 6 categories lol – things to eat, things to do, things to see, the beaches, the shopping, and the walls (murals). I also plan on continually updating it as I try new things in LA, so check back! PS. Find the rest of my travel guides here!

But, if you’re wondering, my go-to LA spots are Abbot Kinney, then walking to the Venice Canals, then driving to Santa Monica and ending the day at Palisades Village. I talk about Abbot Kinney a lot in this post because I love it, so you have been warned haha! Also, I linked all the locations, so just click on the title to find it! Enjoy!

Things to Eat

Chicas Tacos

My absolute favourite spot to eat in LA, it has everything you could want, it has delicious food, it’s cute, and it’s memorable, a must try if you ask me!

Sweet Laurel

Truly one of the prettiest coffee shops I’ve ever been in. I’m not even exaggerating. PLUS, it’s right in Palisades Village, which is a real win since that is one of my favorite spots in LA!! I won’t lie, it’s pretty pricey, but it’s worth it just to pop your head in to see it!

Nickel Diner

A cozy and casual vintage diner with updated classics, right in downtown LA. What more could you want?

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Carrera Cafe

Ugh I love this cafe, it is very LA, on Melrose Ave, right across from the famous pink wall. They are rightfully known for their lattes that you can get any photo printed on, very, very cool!

Donut Friend

I still claim this as the best donut I’ve ever had, and I’m somewhat of a donut connoisseur haha. They have gourmet donuts in a bunch of flavours that you can choose from, but what makes them special os their build your own donut feature! Which is what I did, and let me just say, YUM. Side note: All the donuts are vegan, which is shocking to me.

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Sunny Spot

They have yummy food, like burgers & burritos, but a little fancier than usual. Their patio is the best, there are lemon trees all over it *heart eyes* A yummy sit down spot near Abbot Kinney/Venice.

Guisados

I owe a lot to this place, as it is the reason I fell in love with tacos. Still one of the best tacos I’ve ever had. Nothing fancy, just good.

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Jeni’s Ice Cream

It seems like these are everywhere now, but it doesn’t matter because it’s just that good! If you haven’t tried it, go, go, go!!

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Cha Cha Matcha

If you’re into Matcha, look no further, the most beautiful spot ever, plus it’s on Abbot Kinney, and by now you know how I feel about Abbot Kinney.

Blue Star Donuts

A great little donut shop on Abbot Kinney, yet another reason to visit Abbot Kinney 😉

Lemonade

I totally thought this was a big chain, but nope, it’s just in California! Fresh, healthy, and inexpensive, it’s one of my go-to’s. You can build your own plate with different sides, which is what I get! It is also on Abbot Kinney haha! Also, don’t let the name deceive you, they DO have Lemonade, but they also have delicious food!

Randy’s Donuts

I came here only because I saw this place in the Can’t Stop the Feeling music video #noshame. ANYWAYS, it’s a nothin’ fancy, just a classic California donut shop, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

In-n-Out

Did you really think I’d leave In-n-Out off this list?! Never! When Brennan and I were dating long distance, we’d head to In-n-Out directly from the airport! If you’re visiting Cali it’s a must!

Things To Do

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Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Probably one of my very favourite things I’ve ever done in LA – the Warner Brothers Studio Tour!! Ugh. I didn’t really know what to expect, and if it would be worth it, but it TOTALLY was!! If you love behind the scenes stuff, then this is truly a MUST DO! Since it’s a working studio lot, you never really know what you will see (which is part of the fun). Plus, they often have special events that are included with the studio tour, so check their website for that! We went for the special Gilmore Girls event, which was amazing! ANYWAYS, the tour is so well done, and I can’t recommend it more!

The El Capitan Theatre

If you’re not familiar, the El Capitan Theatre is the theatre that they premier all the new Disney movies in, and they ONLY play Disney movies here! Let me tell yah, it is one of my favourite things in LA, it is about the same price as a normal movie theatre, which makes no sense because you get so much more!! There is a live organist before the show playing Disney songs, Disney characters dance onstage, there is confetti, and the theatre itself is STUNNING. We watched The Incredibles 2 there, and I will definitely be back, so worth it!

The Broad

The Broad is a contemporary art museum with the coolest and most photo worthy exhibits. Admission is free which is crazy, and because of this it can be hard to get in, so go early, or call ahead to book tickets.

The California Science Center

This is super fun for kids and adults alike, I’ve been twice, once to see the permanent exhibits, and once to see the Pixar Exhibit that was there for a limited time. I would highly recommend, and check their website to see what special exhibits they have going on.

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Runyon Canyon Hike

Starting a hike in the middle of LA was strange, but I loved this hike! It was pretty easy, everybody had their dog with them, but not so easy that you feel like it was just a walk, if yah know what I’m saying. You can see the Hollywood sign when you get to the top, and it’s a great way to get a break from the big city.

Kayaking on Balboa Island

Balboa Island is fun because you get to take a ferry over there, and it’s a neat place to walk a round and get some ice cream. But, I’ll be honest, there’s not a ton to do there. Which is why I think kayaking is the perfect way to see Balboa Island, there’s lots to see, even sea lions which is always fun! You can just rent kayaks from one of the little kiosks on the island. Highly recommend.

Richard Nixon Library & Museum

Okay. So, this is not something I would normally do, but my friend suggested we try it, and I actually really enjoyed it! Not only is it beautiful, but super interesting, as he was such a huge part of America’s history (positive or not). You can see his Helicopter, his childhood home, and more!

Biking at Palisades Village

Okay, so I’m going to talk about Palisades village again in the shopping section, but I’m including it here because they have complimentary bike rentals, which I think is so amazing. It is the cutest little area already, and biking makes everything better, so, win – win!

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Museum of Neon Art

Right by Abbot Kinney, this little museum is super unique, and fun! There’s not much to say other than, there’s a lot of neon and it’s worth it!

Things to See

The Venice Canals

My absolute go-to spot as I mentioned before. It is right by Abbot Kinney, Venice beach and Santa Monica, basically all my fave spots. I just want to live in the Venice Canals (inspired by Venice, Italy) the homes are so unique, there are little bridges, and it’s just a happy place. I also got engaged here, so I’m a little biased.

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The Piñata District

When I heard that there was a piñata District in LA, I knew I just had to see it, plus I didn’t really believe that it was real -ha! When we drove up, sure enough, streets lined with piñata. There’s not much else to it other than piñata stores lol, but if you’re as shocked as I was, you need to see it!

The Walk of Fame

I know, I know, it’s so overdone, but I mean, if you’re in LA, you’ve just got to see it you know! I would recommend seeing it while you’re going to the El Capitan Theatre, so you’re not just there to stare at the ground.

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The Griffith Observatory

If you’re a photographer, this is an amazing photo spot! The architecture is stunning, the views are incredible, and there’s lots to explore. There is a museum type deal on the inside which is worth a peek, but, honestly, it’s the outside that is worth it to me! Plus, if you’re a big Lala Land fan like me, then you can see some filming spots, and pretend you’re Emma Stone – ha!

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Beverly Hills is one of those places that people always talk about visiting, but there’s not really much to do, unless you like looking at pretty houses which I DO, so it was a big thumbs up from me. It is just so fancy, everywhere you look feels like you’re in a movie. The Beverly Hills Hotel is a great spot to start, it’s fun to explore, plus they have a little restaurant too.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Catch a show or just admire the stunningggg architecture, as it’s near a lot of other downtown spots, and it’s definitely worth a look.

The Beaches

El Matador State Beach

Let’s start with my favourite! The very prettiest beach in LA if you ask me! There are caves to cozy up in, a million photo spots, and soft sand (vey important). Oh also, this beach is in Malibu if you were wondering.

Santa Monica Pier

A classic. You’ve just gotta see it, lots to do & see, lots of shops, and of course rides! However, if you are looking for a relaxing beach day, I would not recommend Santa Monica as it is always packed!

Venice Beach

The famous muscle beach is located here, if you’re into that! Venice beach is a veryyyy different experience than any other beach on this list. It has a certain vibe that I don’t personally love, but, it IS cool to see!

Newport Beach

My husbands fave beach. It has some shops, but is not too crowded, has bike paths, pretty rock formations, a little pier, just a great beach.

The Shopping

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Abbott Kinney

You knew it was coming! My fave shopping area in LA, lots of cutie boutiques, plus restaurants & photo ops! My fave shop is Urbanic, the cutest stationery store you’ll ever see!

Palisades Village

A veryyyy close second! It’s very new, but so, so nice! They have super cute shops, restaurants, plus very cozy vibes! ALSO, did I mention FREE bike rentals?! They also have a picnic area with complimentary blankets. I can’t with this place. Ugh. Also, many perfect photo ops.

The Americana

I don’t have a photo, but as far as actual malls and shopping goes, this place rules all. It is a hugeeee mall, plus they have that amazing fountain so.

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The Last Book Store

This could have also been in the ‘Things to Do’ section, but since it is technically a store, I put it here. It is the book store of your dreams with millions of books, but the coolest art installations made of books, like a book tunnel! A must see!

The Walls

I can’t be the only crazy person who loves a good wall, can I?! LA has some amazing murals, but they are ALWAYS changing, so a lot of my faves I can’t put on here, but I’ll share the ones that I know are still around, and probably will be for awhile!

The Rainbow Wall (My personal fave)

Located at Hedley & Bennett 3864 S Santa Fe Ave, Vernon

The Blue Wall

Located at Santa Monica Pier

The Famous Pink Wall

Located at 8221 Melrose Ave

The Polka Dot Wall

Located at 608 Mateo Street

‘Cradle’ Wall

Located at 4th St, Santa Monica

The Two Blue Walls

Located across from eachother on Abbot Kinney

Hope you enjoyed this ridiculously long post of the ultimate guide to LA! I’ll keep updating it as I discover new places, I have A LOT of places I still want to try! See you back here soon!