I was born, raised, and went to college in Los Angeles County—and if we’ve met even once you know that, since I say “the” before every freeway name, have an obnoxious In-N-Out order, and wear a Dodgers hat on every trip (it always gets a conversation going). I may live in New York City now, but I continue to carry a California ID as proof of my Angeleno roots. I visit home enough to know when my favorite taco trucks have changed locations, and feel a pang of nostalgia when I see landmarks that only mean something to those who have spent years staring at them (usually while stuck in traffic), like the LA Chamber Orchestra mural over the 110, or the neon Felix sign near downtown. LA isn’t the easiest place to navigate as a visitor—if you don’t have a car, forget it—but with a strategic itinerary and a set of wheels, there is so much to love. This is a city of dreamers and strivers, so come, bask in their glow, and enjoy a few days of that golden life for yourself. —Megan Spurrell, senior features editor at Condé Nast Traveler
Jump to:
Where to stay
Day 1: Downtown LA
Breakfast spot: Graze at Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market
This iconic market opens at 8:00 am, with options ranging from chilaquiles to egg sandwiches to pastries. Walk around and grab whatever looks good, then ride the Angel’s Flight while you digest.
Read Full Review
Morning activity: Walk the galleries at The Broad Museum
Lunch spot: The original French dip
Afternoon activity: Chinatown shopping and a glass of wine at Cafe Triste
Dinner: Pies at Quarter Sheets
Quarter Sheets
A gorgina pizza parlor in Echo Park where the scene is as good as the food—and you’ll want to save room for dessert.
Read Full Review
Evening activity: Tiki-Ti, then a show
Tiki-Ti
Go to Sunset Boulevard’s beloved little tiki bar before finding a party or show on the Dice app.
Read Full Review
Day 2: East Hollywood, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake
Breakfast spot: Burritos at Tacos Villa Corona
Morning activity: Walk through Griffith Park
Griffith Park
This recently refreshed diner is Hollywood-worthy in atmosphere; request a table in the converted train car for some dim sum before strolling down Melrose.
Read Full Review
Lunch spot: Diner fare at The Formosa Cafe
Formosa Cafe
This recently refreshed diner is Hollywood-worthy in atmosphere; request a table in the converted train car for some dim sum before strolling down Melrose.
Read Full Review
Afternoon activity: Portraits at Tom’s One Hour Photo
Dinner: Dig in at Dan Sung Sa
Dan Sung Sa
The most delightfully chaotic spot in Koreatown, where the soju arrives as quickly as the kimchi pancakes and meat skewers. Get there early, as there’s sometimes a wait.
Read Full Review
Evening activity: Sing it out at Pharaoh Karaoke
Day 3: Venice, Westside, Hollywood, and Mid-City
Breakfast spot: Greet the day at Gjusta
Gjusta
This is what you hoped the West Side would be. Sit on the sunny patio and enjoy a smoked fish plate with coffee before walking along Abbott Kinney.
Read Full Review
Morning activity: Surf Venice Beach
Venice Beach
Get past the boardwalk—though there is a charm to its kitsch—and take a surf lesson or ride a bike along the path. If you make it to the Santa Monica pier, hop on the famous Ferris wheel.
