While the sun-kissed sprawl of Los Angeles is vast, approach it as a series of distinct cities and you’ll discover personality blooming out of almost every street. From Santa Monica’s idyllic sunsets to the A-list glamor of Hollywood, LA’s hotspots are seductive but take the time to venture further out and see what makes this cultural melting pot tick.
With a growing arts scene, colorful boutiques, and some of the finest restaurants in the country, the City of Angels is far more than simply home to the rich and famous. It’s a vibrant metropolis where there’s always something to do, so explore as much as you can. Oh, and 300 days of sunshine a year helps too.
Here’s how to make the most of your time in LA:
Where to Stay
If you want grandiose views across the city during your stay, then the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown is the place to book. The tallest building west of Chicago, the sweeping panoramas stretch from the golden beaches of Santa Monica to the famous hillside Hollywood sign. And with 889 luxurious rooms to choose from, a stop here is as comforting as it is spectacular.
Dating back to 1927, the Hollywood Roosevelt evokes old-world glamor in the heart of Hollywood. Immerse yourself in the golden-era charm of this stylish hotel and make the most of its perfect location near the famous neighborhood’s alluring bars and restaurants. The smart 1960s poolside makes you feel as if you’ve dropped into a Sean Connery-era Bond movie.
Wake up to glorious coastal scenes at the Casa Del Mar, one of only two hotels in Los Angeles with direct beach access. Stylish and ornate, its Italianate design makes it stand out from its contemporaries while the 129 rooms are spacious and brimming with warm color. Even warmer are the beautiful shores nearby and lively Santa Monica Pier is only a short walk away.
Further up the coast in Malibu lies the handsome Malibu Beach Inn. Looking out to the rolling waves of the Pacific, this beachside boutique hotel comes with dreamy coastal views in every one of its 47 rooms. Designed with Scandi minimalism and packed with superb amenities, the Malibu Beach Inn is modern, laid-back, and perfect for a few days away from the buzz of the city.
Where to Eat
From buzzing late-night street food to remarkable fine dining, LA’s culinary scene is more vibrant than ever and takes its influences from across the globe. But whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Republique in Central LA has you covered. This French-inspired café and restaurant offers exceptional food at any time of day and is housed in a beautiful Spanish-style building built in 1928 for Charlie Chaplin (really!). Their pork belly sausage breakfast sandwich is as indulgent as breakfast food gets.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an LA trip without sampling some superb Mexican food and Guelaguetza is as good as it gets. Don’t mistake the bright Chinese pagoda entrance on West Olympic Blvd – inside its lively atmosphere and authentic Oaxacan fare will immediately take you south of the border. You won’t regret ordering the black mole chilaquiles.
An attractive neighborhood restaurant that brings rich Middle Eastern flavors to East Hollywood, Kismet is a perfect spot for that most Californian of meals – brunch. Using the freshest and most well-sourced ingredients, make sure to order the shakshuka and take advantage of the smorgasbord of sublime sides, including the house labneh or the harissa olives.
One of LA’s finest Italian restaurants, Rossoblu has a modern industrial chic about it that feels more like New York than the City of Angels. Inspired by the rustic cooking of his grandparents in Bologna, chef Steve Samson brings those recipes together with the freshest produce to craft dishes such as Tortellini en Brodo and Nonna’s Tagliatelle Bolognese.
Where to Play
Home a bohemian community of artists, street performers, and eclectic shops, Venice Beach is one of those iconic LA destinations that people need to visit at some point and is a great spot to kick off your time here. Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the lively atmosphere before heading down onto the beach to take in that golden LA glow. To see a completely different side to Venice, check out the idyllic canals crisscrossing Dell Avenue.
Want to experience LA’s grandest view? Perched on a hill overlooking the cityscape of Los Angeles, the sweeping vistas seen from the Griffith Observatory are some of the best in the city. Visitors can even get close to the famous ‘Hollywood’ sign. Built in 1935 and designed using a mix of art deco and Greek revival styles, the handsome observatory also offers remarkable planetarium shows, fascinating exhibits, and, of course, a chance to see the stars up close.
While it might not boast the arts scene of New York or Paris, the galleries that LA does have are some of the best in the country. The largest art museum in the western United States, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art houses over 150,000 works and has been one of the city’s most captivating attractions since opening in 1965.
Ever wanted to see the sets of your favorite TV shows in person? On the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Burbank, you can do just that. Go behind the scenes and explore the sets and sound stages of shows like The Big Bang Theory and Friends. You can also check out original props and costumes from classic Warner Bros movies as well as getting an immersive introduction to the world of filmmaking.
Getting There & Getting Around
With its vast highways and lack of public transport, LA is a notoriously traffic-heavy city, and getting to your hotel from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will almost always mean jumping in a taxi. And if you’re unlucky enough to land around rush hour then the journey can be made quite long.
Ease the stress of travel from LAX by booking a chauffeured service from Jax Black Car. Whether it’s straight to a hotel, meeting, event, or restaurant, Jax Black Car’s fleet of luxury vehicles offers exceptional experiences during every ride in The City of Angels.
