Live Like A Local: The Los Angeles, California City Guide

When visiting LA, it can be a little overwhelming to choose where to go. If you’re anything like me though, you want to avoid all of the tourist heavy spots. If you are reading this you enjoy to live like a local during your visits, and you have come to the right place! Below is your city guide for places you should explore in Los Angeles from a local’s perspective.

Head to Palisades Park for a sunset picnic.

One place I will never get over is Palisades Park. Living here in LA, this is a serene place with gorgeous views and a cleanliness that is much needed after a day in the heart of the city! My favorite thing to do is pack a bag with a blanket, wine, and some Thai food and watch the sunset. Afterwards you can take a walk along the sidewalk that overlooks the beach & take in the beauty of the ocean!

view of sunset at the palisades park and ocean - things to do in LA - Los Angeles City Guide — Sunset, Palisades Park

Since I know you’re wondering which Thai spot to go to, my recommendations are Thai Fresh, Emporium Thai, or Thai Bamboo. They all have loads of options and flavors that you can’t beat!

thai curry and pad thai picnic at the park - Emporium Thai - things to do in Los Angeles - best thai food in Los Angeles — Emporium Thai, Westwood

Take a trip up to Topanga for a unique day in the mountains.

Topanga is definitely an artsy area full of quaint mountain people who might be a little trapped in the ‘70s, but it is adorable! I love visiting this area because there are so many different experiences to have. Whether nestled up between the curvy roads at a yummy cafe, hitting the shops, or toasting over a glass of organic wine at Endless Color, the vibes are always unmatched!

A cafe I highly recommend visiting when in the area is Topanga Living Cafe. They have a wide selection of healthy options, and a cute little outdoor area to sit in. My favorite smoothie there is the Green Leaf!

green smoothie with coconut flakes and red flower in a mason jar on a white marble table - Los Angeles city guide - travel like a local - ten things to do in LA — Topanga Living Cafe, Topanga

If you checkout Endless Color, make sure you dive into all the records and tapes they sell because there are some really cool ones. They also have bottles of wine you can purchase and drink while you’re there, or to take home! They are all organic wines so they don’t produce as much of a hangover in my opinion.

bar with pink wire barstools, art installations, chalkboard menu and wine bottles - Endless Color in Topanga - top 10 things to do in LA - travel like a local — Endless Color, Topanga

Party all night at Winston House!

This bar is definitely my favorite as a local. The wait is long, so if you can, pitch in for a table with your friends to hop in the VIP line, or use those connections to get ahead. This bar has a speakeasy vibe to it, with dramatic red curtains, upper and lower levels with wood details, and a huge disco ball floating above your head. Grab a drink & dance the night away!

winston house main stage from upper level close to huge hanging disco ball - trendy bars in LA - Los Angeles Travel Guide — Winston House, Venice

If this isn’t really your vibe you could always hit clubs like Doheny Room or Hyde, or you could go more rooftop vibe like EP&LP or Bar Lis. All are great options!

Grab a cup of coffee with the locals on Montana.

If Montana has anything, it has tons of coffee shops and delicious cafes to pop into! From Lala Land, to Go Get ‘Em Tiger, to Bardonna and Erin McKenna’s, there is a special treat awaiting every taste palette. Plus, there is nothing better than sipping on your drink while walking down the peaceful neighborhood street! The $7 coffees are worth it in this setting.

chai tea latte in a mug with beautiful latte art on top of a table - tulip latte art - Bardonna cafe in Santa Monica - Los Angeles travel guide — Bardonna, Santa Monica

Local tip: If you do go to Lala Land, you should definitely order the matcha! It is my favorite matcha on the block and gives me just as much energy as the coffee does.

Head up the valley for a day at Malibu Cafe.

No, this is not Malibu Farm. I know what you were thinking! One of my favorite weekend hangs is spent at this gorgeous venue. Malibu Cafe is a lawn style restaurant/bar with yard games, quick bites and delicious drinks! Malibu Cafe sells the wine label from the vineyard there called Saddlerock Wine, and I actually enjoy it a lot.

sipping wine on the lawn at Malibu cafe - fun things to do in Los Angeles - SoCal Travel guide — Malibu Cafe, Malibu

It is a dog friendly area, so there are tons of precious pups to pet while you enjoy your day. There is often live music as well which is a plus! It is located on a ranch with horseback riding, a hotel to stay at overnight and even a wedding venue!

Wine & dine yourself in WeHo.

Some of the best food is located in the city, but especially in the West Hollywood neighborhood. Every other building is a restaurant! Some of my favorite spots are Henry’s, Toca Modera, Ysabel, Laurel Hardware, Met Him at a Bar, and Bacari. You have to try these local flavors!

ceviche, chips and two spicy mango margaritas on a white marble table - the henry LA - must visit Los Angeles restaurants — The Henry, West Hollywood

Go to Concerts in the Park in Manhattan Beach.

These happen every Sunday during the summer and are free (which is the best part)! You'll want to go claim a spot pretty early so you have a good view of the band, and you’ll definitely want to come loaded with snacks and drinks! Most of the bands that play are cover bands, so the energy is different every time.

main stage at the park concert with 80s cover band playing music and crowd gathered at the stage - manhattan beach sunset concert - what to do in LA -Los Angeles events — Concerts In The Park, Manhattan Beach

Pick up some fresh goods at the Farmer’s Market.

There are so many farmers markets on Saturdays and Sundays in the city, so whether you hit Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Melrose Place, or quite literally any other neighborhood, you'll find all of the best local goods! Stock up on hand picked garden veggies, get your new fave artisanal candle, and find one of a kind vintage fashions.

farmer's market fruits and veggies in wooden crates - melrose place farmer's market - Los Angeles Farmers Markets - what to do in LA — Farmer’s Market, Los Angeles

Go see a movie!

Not the type of movie you are thinking about though. I am talking about a boat cinema, drive in or on a rooftop in LA! A fun twist on a classic activity that everyone is bound to love.

Boat Cinema LA is a movie experience from a local lake. Visitors can rent electric boats and from the comfort of the duffy, watch that night’s movie. It is a once in a lifetime experience that you can only get here!

boat cinema night at sunset with overview of the lake, boats, movie screen and mountains behind it - boat cinema - Los Angeles travel guide - things to do in LA — Boat Cinema LA, Santa Clarita (pc: @boatcinema)

There are a couple of drive-ins, but I recommend Paramount Drive-in Theaters! Pull up in your car with snacks and blankets and get cozy while the movie plays. There is just something more special about doing this in LA than other places.

Lastly, the rooftop cinemas are a vibe! There are plenty around LA, but I recommend the Melrose Rooftop Theater. Located in West Hollywood, you will watch the film of the night while relaxing in plushie blue beanbags and have access to a snack bar with all of your favorite movie treats! You can’t beat the view either!

rooftop theater with big screen, plushie blue bean bags and pink side tables - melrose rooftop theatre - top 10 things to do in Los Angeles — Melrose Rooftop Theater, West Hollywood (pc: @rachmakena)

Hit Korea Town for karaoke, baseball and dancing!

These activities have to be some of my funnest nights in LA!

Korean Karaoke at Pharaoh is a blast. If you get a large group together to pitch in for the private room, I guarantee you will leave there with a huge smile on your face! They even give you little tambourines to use while you’re singing the night away.

You also have to stop at Strikezon. It is a fun way to raise the competitive spirit and change up your normal night out routine. You can drink while you play semi-virtual baseball games and batting practices, and there are tons of areas to lounge in while you’re waiting your turn. Definitely a hidden gem.

The night doesn’t end there! A local club, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, adds to your eclectic evening. It is a ‘70s inspired bar with a light up checkered dance floor, mirrored ceilings, disco balls and live roller skating performances. No matter how groovy it gets, you’ll never forget this place!

ceiling mirror selfie of crowd on a colorful light up tile floor - cute bars in Los Angeles - Top things to do in LA - Los Angeles Travel — Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Koreatown

No matter what you end up doing in LA during your stay, you are bound to leave with tons of fun memories. The beauty of Los Angeles is that it is a melting pot of all kinds of neighborhoods and experiences. The world is your oyster here! Enjoy your visit.

Cheers!

Alyssa Jennings

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