Our LA hit list.
Over the years I have received many a text or IG message that reads something like, ‘I’m going to LA any recommendations?’
LA is big. And it’s spread out — you really can’t get around without a car. And if you get stuck in the wrong area it can be real touristy, real dodgy or just plain boring.
So I’ve decided to spill my recommendation beans here (let’s be honest, mostly to have a link to send the next person who asks me!) I am def not an expert on the City of Angels, this is just a list of the places I frequent and love — good coffee, healthy eats and local design. I may also drop in a few movie references, in case you are a film nerd like me.
SO to begin lets start in Venice Beach. If possible you should go straight from the airport, it’s a 17 minute drive (traffic permitting). I like to grab a coffee and go straight to the ocean…it helps with the jet lag. One of my favourite things to do is walk along the Speedway which is one street back from the ocean, amongst the quirky homes and imagine the lords of dog town skating past me with their long hair and high socks. (I warned you, imma nerd.)
My favourite local design used to be on Abbott Kinney Boulevard. It’s still a wonderful place to shop, but as it’s become more of a hot spot, most of the designers I love have moved to the backstreets. Nothing opens until 10am so if you flew in early you’ll have plenty of time for eating or visiting Venice High School to reenacting scenes from Grease (hopefully the kids are on summer break, otherwise it could get awkies).
Venice coffee : Intelligentsia
Venice Design : General Store
Aust. (if I’m feeling homesick)
After Venice, there’s a vast jungle of LA that you just have to drive across to get to the good stuff. Depending on my mood and the traffic I would probably visit :
Design : Midland Shop
Vintage : Jet Rag or anywhere in the Melrose district.
Drinks, brunch or rooftop swims : The Ace Hotel or The Line Hotel
Dinner : Gracias Madre
Coffee : find my nearest Blue Bottle
One thing I think EVERYONE should do if you have even one day in LA is see a film at the New Beverly Cinema. Owned by Quentin Tarantino the small grindhouse cinema screens only 35mm films and it is delightful. I saw the 1978 Superman for $9 and the ticket came with a copy of the original movie program.
Highland Park is a quaint little back suburb of LA. They tell me it used to be dodgy but it seems alright to me…we did see a police helicopter or two. lol. I loved our rusty farm house of an airbnb and I LOVED that all these spots (and more) are in very close walking distance :
Coffee: Civil
Brunch : Kitchen Mouse (GET THE COOKIES)
Dinner / Cocktails : Highland Park Bowl
Design :
Other things you could do in LA…
Go see a show at the Hollywood Bowl if something interesting is playing : Hollywood bowl
If you’re in town on the second Sunday of the month, go to the Rose Bowl Markets and bag a vintage bargain : Rose Bowl Markets
Last one is still on my wishlist, but I’ve never been in town at the right time : Echo Park Craft Fair
