Do you ever stop and realize that you have only been to a certain city for work? As in, you rush in, have your meetings, maybe have a nice meal or two, and then dash home? This has been my relationship with LA! Well, until October 2019.
I decided that I needed to explore more of LA and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. Also, I discovered some awesome spots! As a result, I wanted to share a blog post recapping nine places I discovered and loved. There’s also a YouTube video for this post, so depending on how you prefer to consume content, you can also check that out to see more of the spots I am recommending!
Here is my full YouTube video recapping the nine spots. If you prefer to read instead, keeping scrolling down to read the blog post!
#1: Taking In The Sunset On Venice Beach
My trip to LA started out with a bang in the form of an unexpectedly epic pre-dinner sunset stroll along Venice Beach and its pier. It was as cliche a moment as one could imagine, in the best possible way. As we arrived, we made our way down to the beach, dipped our toes in the Pacific Ocean, and then strolled along the beach and the pier as the sun dipped into the horizon, generating the most incredible cotton candy hues. All smiles, I found myself thinking, I could get used to this!
#2: Delicious Beers, Burgers and Salads at Simmzy’s Venice Beach
After a blissful sunset stroll, we had worked up an appetite! I had booked dinner at a place called Simmzy’s Venice Beach. Simmzy’s has quite a few locations in the LA area. The menu is pub-like with a California twist, with plenty of great craft beers, plus burgers, salads, tacos, and sandwiches. I was super happy with the generously-sized grilled shrimp salad I got, which came with artisan greens, avocado, Valencia orange, queso fresco, pepitas, and coriander vinaigrette.
#3: Santa Monica Beach & Shopping Along The Third Street Promenade
I had not planned to go to Santa Monica on this trip, but a laptop debacle had me dashing off to the Apple store in Santa Monica upon arrival. The Apple store in Santa Monica is located along a place called The Third Street Promenade, which is a three-block stretch of nice shopping, restaurants, and bars. It’s such a charming spot for a stroll!
If visiting Santa Monica, you must also stop by the nearby beach! I was so wowed by how wide the expanse of sand is. It felt like a mile deep! There’s also a pier with an amusement park-like vibe, which I didn’t go to. I opted for a walk along the sand, admiring the incredible real estate enviously :). If you’re traveling to LA, I would highly recommend a walk to time at the beach in Santa Monica, followed by some shopping and a meal in the area by the Third Street Promenade.
#4: Fantastic Peruvian Cuisine and Cocktails at Rosaline in West Hollywood
Another great restaurant find comes courtesy of my friend Brielan, who suggested Rosaline in West Hollywood. Rosaline is a modern Peruvian bistro and the food is meant to share. I had a lovely cocktail, which I’m afraid is no longer on the menu, and we shared the halibut and calamari ceviche, which was decadently fried and a beet and burrata salad. Both were divine! I would love to come back and try more of the menu!
#5: El Matador State Beach in Malibu
If you go to Malibu, you must visit El Matador State Beach! It’s akin to something you would see in a movie, with dramatic cliffs and tall sea stacks. This is a beach that’s perfect for a long stroll. There’s not a ton of sand space for laying out, but the natural beauty of the rocks and cliffs is nothing short of spectacular. While I was here, I couldn’t stop smiling.
It’s worth noting that you do need to pay for parking here. You can pay $3 per hour for parking or the day rate is $10. There are pay machines in the parking lot. The parking lot is also very small, so come early so you’re not disappointed!
#6: Point Dume Beach, Malibu
After a lovely first stop, I traveled down the PCH to Point Dume State Beach. In contrast to El Matador Beach, Point Dume is your classic yet stunningly beautiful beach. Think wide expanses of sand, cerulean blue water, and classic lifeguard stands.
It’s the kind of beach that you would want to spend the day at!
I parked at the beach for free, but I did see parking payment stations, so I would assume that you need to pay during peak seasons. Apologies that I don’t have the amounts, but I am sure you could find it online.
#7: Lunch At Malibu Farm Cafe On The Malibu Pier
After lots of driving and glorious time spent at the beach, I had worked up an appetite. I had heard amazing things about the Malibu Farm Cafe and it did not disappoint. I parked in a lot next to the Malibu Pier, which was $15, but I couldn’t find any parking along the PCH beforehand.
The Malibu Pier dates back to 1905 and is an iconic landmark next to the famous surfrider beach. Today, it is home to the Malibu Farm Cafe and a charming gift shop called Malibu Beach Supply Co.
I didn’t realize that there are actually Malibu Farm Cafe locations at both ends of the pier. On the far end, there’s a casual cafe location that was not open during my visit, as I arrived after 3 pm. On the entrance of the pier, there’s a cafe location and a more formal restaurant location.
I was offered a seat outside and it was lovely! I feasted on a breaded chicken sandwich, which came with a salad, and wild rice. I also had an iced coffee. Both were divine!
Here’s a look at the more formal restaurant space. I would love to come back for dinner!
After my late lunch, I strolled down the pier to check out the Malibu Beach Supply Co. It is such a lovely shop. A touch pricey, but not surprisingly so given the area.
#8: Vegan Mexician Brunch At Gracias Madre
Another highlight of my time in LA was dining at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood for the first time! Gracias Madre is both organic and vegan. Upon entry, I was struck by the chic interior decor and the lovely patio which had plenty of umbrella options.
After much deliberation, I decided to try the huevos rancheros and it was amazing! I also had a Mexican iced coffee which was delicious. Even if you’re not vegan (I’m not), I would recommend Gracias Madre for a meal out in West Hollywood!
#9: Staying At The Hotel Beverly Terrace
Allow me to introduce you to the lovely boutique hotel that I stayed at while in LA. Located in oh-so-posh Beverly Hills, The Hotel Beverly Terrace has charming rooms, free wi-fi, a wonderful free breakfast, and an all-around great vibe.
The Hotel Beverly Terrace is a boutique property with 39 guest rooms and a lovely mid-century modern decor throughout. While the standard rooms are smaller in size, I loved how the hotel has a beautiful inner courtyard and a roof terrace, offering guests options for places to hang out when they do not want to be in their rooms.
While Hotels.com lists this property as a 3-star hotel, I think it should be 4-star! The rooms were of incredibly high quality. Even though the room is small in size, the bed was one of the most comfortable hotel room beds I have ever slept in. The quality of the sheets and linens was first-class and I appreciated how the Hotel Beverly Terrace efficiently used the space in the rooms.
I also loved the free continental breakfast included in my room rate at this property, which consisted of cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, toast, coffee, tea, juice. For those that must have eggs to start the day, you could pay a fee to have those cooked to order, plus other dishes like avocado toast, etc.
For more information on the hotel: https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/beverly-terrace.en.html?aid=7991514&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2. I’ve also filmed a full review on my YouTube channel, which can be viewed below.
Final Thoughts
I’m SO happy that I finally took more time to see LA. While I only had a few days, I really enjoyed the places I went to. However, I am leaving with a long list of things that I want to do when I come back. So….until next time LA! 😉
For more of my travel blog posts, visit: https://thesavvybostonian.com/category/travel/
For more of my travel videos on YouTube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQmdxpUTBr7EILboiCU-H9w