With Threads HQ being in California for two years now, we feel we’ve all been around the block when it comes to experiencing the California lifestyle. Instead of spending time and money at the “famous Instagram pink wall” or being overcrowded at the Santa Monica Pier, we have put together the ultimate guide for your next visit to the LA/OC area, the way the locals do it!

Venice

Restaurants: Flake off Rose Ave. (breakfast/lunch spot cafe style that will give you serious Venice local vibes), Rose Cafe (so cute + delicious), The Butcher’s Daughter (amazing brunch) and Casablanca (authentic Mexican food with date night in Mexico City feels).

Shopping: Hands down the best place to go is Abbot Kinney Blvd where there are tons of boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants

Bars: The Waterfront on the boardwalk, Gran Blanco (new Australian bar in the Venice Circle), Brennen's (pub style with lots of outside seating and games), + James Beach for a classic night out!

Beach: Head to the Venice Alphabet streets (the abc streets give you the ultimate local vibe with tons of free street parking around cute beach condos), and Venice Beach off Rose Ave. This beach is perfect if you’re planning to spend the whole day in Venice with no car. You’ll have volleyball courts and plenty of bars + restaurants walking distance away!

Activities: Walk along the Venice Canals, check out the Artists and Fleas Market (flea market full of local Venice merchants), and First Friday off Abbot Kinney- food trucks galore lined up and down Abbot Kinney Blvd, takes place the first Friday of every month!

Laguna Beach + Newport Beach

Restaurants: One of Newport’s hidden gems is The Crystal Cove Shake Shack- It’s a cute little beach hut that sells ruby’s burgers and shakes. The balcony overlooks the water and the views are unbeatable. Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach is one of my favorite places to go for brunch. They have great mimosas! Down below Driftwood is another restaurant/bar called ‘The Deck’- talk about a great view! During the day you can enjoy delicious food overlooking the water, but at night this place really lights up! They turn the string lights on and serve delicious cocktails. This is a great place to come for a girls night/date night/any night really!

Bars: If you’re looking for a nice place to grab a cold one, Laguna Beach Beer Company is where you need to go. It’s not on PCH so parking is never a problem! They serve good beer, good apps and it’s a nice place to hang out with friends. If you’re in Newport, travel inland a bit and check out Gunwhale Ales. This place is so cute (you can get some cute pics here) and the beer is great!

Beach: Theres no denying that Laguna Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you’re planning on visiting Laguna, check out some of these beaches for a quieter, more peaceful experience: Crystal Cove, Shaw's Cove, Woods Cove & Three Arch Bay. There are also some super secluded tiny coves that are worth checking out too, such as Cleo Street Beach.

Activities: beaches, beaches, beaches!!! Laguna has some gorgeous hiking trails, some of our favorites include Badlands Park & Top of The World. If you’re in Newport, rent a duffy boat and cruise around Newport harbor!

Joshua Tree

For a quick weekend getaway from the crowds of LA, try a short trip to Joshua Tree! Long known as a hideout for artists, the spiritually aligned and climbing junkies, Joshua Tree has a little bit of everything for a relaxing desert weekend away! 

Stay: I HIGHLY recommend camping in the park at the Hidden Valley Campground. What I love most about this campground is the privacy — most spots are secluded among the huge rocks so it feels like you’re all alone in the desert. In more of a glamping mood? Check out Joshua Tree Acres! These three friends are way cooler than you and know how to decorate an airstream! For under $150 a night you get to experience the great outdoors without having to sacrifice the finer things in life… like running water!

Shopping: There are so many vintage and antique shops littered throughout 29 Palms, it’s so easy to lose a whole day just sifting through the treasures! A couple of my favorites are The End which is truly a vintage gold mine, and there’s also the Sky Village which is in a small outdoor marketplace filled with beautiful hand made wares. On your way out of town though you must stop at the famous Cactus Mart to pick up a little desert souvenir!

Restaurants: After scoring some finds shopping, I usually head over to Natural Sisters Cafe for a bite to eat. All of their food is locally sourced, plant based and so delicious! When I go camping, I like to go full out. I’m talking hot dogs over the campfire and smores! This is the best way to wind down after a long day of exploring and watch as the first of the stars begin to pop out! Before you head back the next morning, refuel with some brunch from the Country Kitchen which serves the absolute best southern comfort food anywhere in the desert! 

Activities: Looking to break a sweat? One of my favorite hikes in the park is the Panorama Loop which is a moderate level, 6.7 miles long hike. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, I also love the Hidden Valley Loop Trail, which is only a mile long and beautiful!

Pitstop: Did you really go to Joshua Tree if you didn’t have a spiritual awakening? Widely known for its mystical tendencies, many travelers come to Joshua Tree to quiet their minds and connect to the universe! Woo-iness aside, the Integratron is a great place to take a moment to disconnect and experience a sound bath. 

Malibu

Beaches: El Matador Beach is a beautiful coastal beach with gorgeous view. Point Dume is our other favorite, where you can often see dolphins, rock climbers, and sometimes movies being shot!

Shopping: There are a ton of little boutiques off PCH but the best place to go is the Malibu Country Mart where you can find your favorite brands + stop for lunch in the same plaza!

Restaurants: Moonshadows is a timeless Malibu spot with the best view of the ocean, amazing cocktails, and seafood that's to die for. Looking for brunch? Head to Geoffrey’s for a luxurious way to start the day!

Activities: The Malibu Cafe is seriously so much fun. Picture giant Jenga, beer + cocktails, great food, yep it has it all! You should plan to stay for the whole day!

Silverlake

Bars: Bar Calo - if you like mezcal + margs, this place is a must. Oh and it’s so photogenic.

Shopping: Painted Bird is a super hip resale vintage shop. It started in SF, so you know this place has all the Cali vibes.

Restaurants: Ostrich Farm - amazing unique dishes + cocktails (+ the fries are BOMB). Feeling a little upscale? Check out Cliff’s Edge for phenomenal food and a dreamy patio filled with lights and greenery!

Activities: Grab a bottle of wine + cheese and head to the Silverlake Reservoir to watch the sunset! It’s a great place for a casual stroll, or to just lay on a blanket and relax!

Hope you love these places as much as we do!

See ya soon! xx