My sister, her husband and my dad came to town this past weekend and let me tell you, I think I put together one heck of an itinerary. It was the first time my brother-in-law had ever been to California so I really wanted to give him a good overview of, well, everything. Here is our itinerary and yes we managed to fit in everything 🙂
Friday
Visit the Old Farmer’s Market to shop for little trinkets and grab a coffee.
Sunset Cocktails at Yamashiro – The absolute perfect place to grab a drink and overlook the city. It is easily accessible in the Hollywood Hills and a great place to take pictures. Just as beautiful at night than in the daytime too!
Dinner at Laurel Hardware – As most of you know, this is one of my go-to spots. It’s the perfect place to grab small bites and people watch. Ya really can soak in the ~ LA vibes ~ here.
Saturday
Brunch at Pump – Ok I know, it’s Pump. But for the out-of-towners, walking in there for the first time was like going to Disneyland. Plus there is actually a great deal for a large $30 Cocktail pitcher. Hot tip: Get the Pump & Glory and mix some water into it (it’s pretty sweet but tastes better a little watered down).
TMZ Tour – So these tickets are a little expensive but for someone who has never been to LA before, it is a perfect way to see the city. They did a great job at point out all of the neighborhoods, celeb hot spots and where drama goes down – like that one time Kanye West ran into the Beverly Hills street sign and then punched a photog right after (lol.)
Dinner at Petty Cash – We tried to go to El Cayote next door but the wait for dinner was over and hour and half and you can’t make reservations. But Petty Cash down the street is a good alternative if you are looking for tacos and margs! They have long tables and an happenin’ atmosphere, so good for large groups!
Dancing at El Floriditas – Honestly, I don’t even want to put this in here because I don’t want to let the secret out. But BASICALLY it’s one of my favorite places in Hollywood. It’s authentic Cuban and salsa dancing and you can just dance to a live band for hours and hours. Older Cuban men who are amazing dancers will lead so you actually feel like you know what you are doing!
Sunday
Hike the Hollywood Sign – Mt. Hollywood Trail is a great hike and also a great way to get some up close and personal shots with the Hollywood Sign as your back drop. There are some harder parts in the hike but overall it is good for groups who want to walk and talk.
Vintage shopping at Melrose Trading Post to pick up some cool gems and see what all of the Gen Z’s are wearing.
Dinner in Long Beach at Boathouse on the Bay – This was actually my first time ever in Long Beach and it was so, so beautiful. The Marina is some really cool restaurants and breweries right on the water. We had dinner at the boathouse right as the sun was setting and it was absolutely beautiful!
Monday
Visit to the Palisades Village and drive up to Malibu to see the coast line.
Happy Hour at Tom Tom – I know, I know another Lisa Vanderpump establishment. But Tom Tom is actually beautiful and a great place to grab a craft cocktail and people watch. I highly recommend the clockwork pink which is a beautiful pink mezcal cocktail!
Jones Hollywood – A super hip but slightly under-the-radar spot that serves large Italian portions. Also a great place for a celeb spotting!
Ok I think I did it…Needless to say, we basically had a giant food tour of Los Angeles. We mostly stayed in the West Hollywood/Hollywood area just because it’s close to where I live but I think these spots and activities give a wide look of LA!
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