Los Angeles: Adventures in La La Land
Maybe you’ve been to Los Angeles before, but have you really experienced the city to its fullest? On a recent trip to LA, my family and I made it our mission to explore some of the most amusing places this city has to offer. I mean let’s face it, when do you ever get the chance to walk through a tunnel made of books or catch some gnarly waves in the Malibu Lagoon? I am here to give you the inside scoop on the hottest spots in LA that will make your followers crave a weekend in the beautiful and sunny southern California. Here are some of my insider tips on the best places to dine, dream, and discover in the city of LA.
Dining
Breakfast
What better way to start off a nice sunny morning than a trip to the Malibu Country Mart. This shopping area is surrounded by the marvelous Malibu mountains and a view of the Pacific. My family and I decided to try the Marmalade Café, and let me tell you, thank g we did. Along with their massive selection of breakfast/lunch foods, the atmosphere was very warm and welcoming. Avocado toast, eggs benedict, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes are just a few of their fan favorites. 10/10 would highly recommend.
Lunch
via Lemonade LA
Not to sound basic or anything, but Lemonade has to be one of my favorite spots for a healthy, yet truly delectable lunch. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced and fulfilling meal, your search is over. Lemonade offers numerous options including delicious sandwiches, various Poké bowls, vegan friendly salads, and of course…lemonade! I would suggest one of the lemonade fusion drinks because they contain 30% less sugar and include both tea and lemonade.
My dad enjoying his egg and cheese eggslut sandwich
Located in booming downtown LA, the Grand Central Market has every type of food you could imagine. From Mexican and Thai food, to breakfast burritos and deli sandwiches, you name it and it is most certainly there. I highly recommend stopping by PBJ.LA to suit your little kid desires, as well as grabbing a nice egg and cheese sandwich at Eggslut. There are also smoothie and juice bars that will quench your thirst after all that eating!
Dinner
This unique bar and grille is located at 8771 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles and has a brilliant spread of vegan and nonvegan foods. The Crispy Onion Strings are a must if you’re looking for a tasty appetizer. For the main course, they have various burgers including their vegan Beyond Burger, as well as salads and chicken sandwiches. I myself am not vegan, but I ordered the vegan Cali Burrito and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something filling.
via Baco Mercat
Another restaurant that will have your taste buds dancing is called Bäco Mercat. At this restaurant, my family and I split various dishes and basically devoured all of them in a matter of a few minutes. Their food is quite different, but in really good way. We ordered the Double Mushroom Pizza, the Ceasar Brussel Sprouts, an eggplant dip with bread, and carmelized cauliflower. I highly recommend ordering various dishes so that you get a taste of a little bit of everything.
Take a peek, I promise you won’t be let down.
Discover
The Broad Museum via Time Out
Many Michigan State fans know Eli Broad for his fabulous museum in East Lansing, but he also has an even more impressive building in Downtown Los Angeles. Eli Broad, an entrepreneur with a net worth of 6.7 billion, founded the Broad Foundations in order to create a means for artwork in various areas. The Broad in LA is truly indescribable with countless walls of contemporary art and life size sculptures that will take your breath away. Finally, a museum that won’t completely bore the heck out of you! Indulge yourself in the work of Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and many more. Plus… It’s free, so you pretty much have to go.
Venice Canals via La Vie Du Papillon
With so many beautiful views in the Los Angeles area, I think this had to be my favorite. The Venice canals have paths for people to walk along and are surrounded by houses that will have you completely shook. Located in the suburbs of Venice, these canals seem to go on forever. Although we went during the day, I believe the sunset here would also be magnificent.
Splurge a little at the Fairfax and Melrose Ave Shopping Districts
Fairfax Street in Los Angeles via LA FOOD
Is a vacation really completed without doing just a little damage to your wallet? The Melrose and Fairfax shopping areas are perfect for your shopping needs. Whether you’re in need of some new kicks from Flight Club, have a sudden urge for some delicious coffee at Urth Café, or are just looking to window shop, these areas will definitely be in your favor. Stop into shops like Supreme, Reformation, DollsKill, Adidas, and so much more!
Stay
When looking for a place to stay, trendiness often doesn’t come into play (nice rhyme right?). However, who wouldn’t want to stay at an adorable little black and white hotel with an ever more aesthetically pleasing built-in café? The Carlyle Inn is located at 1119 S Robertson Blvd in Los Angeles and could not be any cuter. Plus, what could be better than a complimentary breakfast? Before hitting the city for the day, my family and I enjoyed breakfast in this downstairs café. It is an easy grab-no-go type breakfast that will fill you up for a few hours before your next meal! The granite tables and a nice coffee will make you feel right at home.
