I spend a ton of time in LA, but this time was a little different. It rained for 70% of the time that I was there, AND I got a cold for the first time in 2 years. So much for escaping the winter. I almost couldn’t believe I had to put on a teddy coat to go out everyday. A coat in LA? Inconceivable. Californians seemed confused by the situation. If I got a dollar for every person that told me their wardrobe wasn’t prepared for this kind of weather, I’d probably have enough money to buy myself a new coat LOL.
But despite the pouring rain and cold weather, I made the most of it. I went down there for meetings and podcast interviews, and came up with a guide for you guys the next time you’re in LA. The only sad part is that I wasn’t able to work out this time at all on account of my cold (guys, I slept for 10 hours a night to recover from it), so I don’t have workout recommendations. With that in mind, here’s what you should do in LA.
Where to stay
While I usually stay with one of my best friends in Santa Monica, this time, I split my time between the Sofitel Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. The Sofitel Beverly Hills wins when it comes to location. It’s a 15 minute walk from Melrose, which means you’re walking distance from Alfred’s (key, because I live for their oat milk Chagaccino). It’s also walking distance from everything else you’d want in LA – boutiques, workout studios and restaurants, and a short drive away from Rodeo Drive and both Whole Foods and Erewhon. Basically, if you’re looking for a hotel with optimal location, this is it.
The rooms are huge. I was staying for 4 days, so it was perfect. The last thing I wanted was to stay in a 150 square foot room for 4 whole days. I actually felt at home. I was able to put all my skincare products neatly on the bathroom counter, have space to get ready and see my whole outfit, and stock my fridge with healthy snacks. Little luxuries we forego while traveling.
So let’s talk about the vibe of the hotel. It’s very cool. They have these neon light quotes up on the walls in the lobby and really cool art installations. Think Vegas but chicer. They also have an in-house restaurant with the most gorgeous patio. Obviously I had to take pictures there.
Overall, I had a really great stay. The hotel was really comfortable and the staff was so accommodating. I highly recommend it.
Where to eat
The great thing about LA is that there are so many options when it comes to food. Every restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions, and I don’t feel crazy when I ask them to make modifications. Here are some of my favourites:
Obviously. Call me basic, but I end up going to Alfred’s every single time I’m in LA. And this time, since I was living so close to it, I went every single day. There’s an Alfred’s Coffee and Alfred’s Tea Room on Melrose. Both are great. But I’m partial to the oat milk Chagaccino at Alfred’s Coffee.
Another classic LA spot. Vegan Mexican food, but actually really delicious. Get the empanadas, you’ll thank me later.
Since I’d caught a cold, I needed all the help I could get. This came in the form of immune shots and green juices from Kreation.
I’d heard so much about Honey Hi, and knew I had to pay it a visit this time. It didn’t disappoint. The menu is entirely gluten and refined sugar free, and absolutely delicious.
This is an LA taco chain which is super bare bones. To give you an idea, I paid $10 for 3 tacos. I went here on a night where I felt really terrible and was craving comfort food. It was just what I needed!
Cafe Gratitude in Venice was the first place I ever ate at in LA and I loved it. This time, I paid a visit to their Beverly Hills location and was not disappointed. Both the food and interior were amazing.
You may remember Cha Cha Matcha from my New York guide. This is one of my favourite places to grab matcha, and so you can imagine my excitement when I saw they’d opened a location in LA!
Their acai bowls are great, and they happily make modifications to your order. I loved this place.
Another place I regularly visit. Their cauliflower crust pizza is just on another level.
They have delicious bowls and super fast wi-fi.
If you’re in Silver Lake, go here for dinner. It’s a French-Mexican fusion situation, and everything on the menu is delicious!
Catch is synonymous to LA, and yet, I’d never been! I decided to go for dinner this time, and am happy to report it totally lived up to my expectations. The food was incredible, and the place itself was super vibe-y. Just make sure you make a reservation in advance.
How could I possibly end this list without mentioning the best sushi place ever? Seriously guys, I don’t know what they do to their fish or rice, but nothing else comes close to the sushi here. They don’t take reservations, so go early if you don’t want to wait.
What to do
- Do the Giraffe Tour at Malibu Wine Safari – it’s the most fun you’ll have, take it from someone who doesn’t even drink. You get to feed the animals and pet them, and it’s just an unforgettable experience
- Walk around Melrose
- Check out the Santa Monica Pier, but beware of large crowds
- Spend time walking around the Santa Monica beach
- Work out! LA is the mecca of workout classes. Some of my favourites from previous trips are Natural Pilates in Brentwood, Body by Simone, and Speir Pilates
PS – If you enjoyed this, check out my weekend guide to Paris and my trick for creating habits.