Our Favorite Places to Eat, Sleep, and Explore in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city with many angles — Hollywood glitz and glamor, sun-kissed beaches that stretch for miles, mountains, valleys, and year-round sunshine. There are too many reasons to visit to count. And with over 10 million people in LA County, the entertainment, restaurants, and cuisines are endless, transporting visitors to somewhere new, somewhere cool, or somewhere nostalgic.

If it’s your first time in Los Angeles, it’s best to figure out which neighborhoods speak to you most to help you avoid the nonstop traffic. Like with any other major city, there will be times when traffic is reasonable, allowing exploration of the further reaches of the metropolis. You can rent a car for total freedom or brave public transportation for another option. And, of course, ride shares are prevalent, although it might take a bit longer than in other major cities. No matter which route you choose, keep an eye on traffic patterns so you don’t run into any major delays.

With over 88 incorporated cities and more than 200 neighborhoods in Los Angeles County alone, it can be tough to package everything into a trip-sized itinerary. Enter this list, which is for anyone looking to surround themselves with incredible food, culture, and entertainment.

Where to stay

It’s best to situate yourself near the majority of places you want to visit (again, traffic jams). Popular neighborhoods include Santa Monica, Venice, Hollywood, Silverlake, and Downtown Los Angeles. For an upscale vibe, The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is in the heart of Santa Monica and close to Third Street Promenade shopping, Palisades Park, the Santa Monica Pier, and the beach. If you plan on splurging, stay in one of the bungalows, which feels as big as an apartment and boasts various sustainability features. (You can find one of the city’s best happy hours at Fig.) 

Travel through time with a stay at Sunset Tower along the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Opened in 1929, its art deco architecture, location, and sweeping rooftop views emanate landmark status. The allure reaches its peak in the Tower Bar and Restaurant, where you might recognize a celebrity or two or witness an entertainment deal being negotiated. Even better, this property is close to other cities like Beverly Hills and Hollywood, minimizing traffic hassles.  

For those who enjoy city life, a stay in Downtown Los Angeles is a must. It doesn't get swankier than the Downtown LA The Proper Hotel. In this 1920s building, the interiors are a manifestation of Kelly Wearstler’s design dreams. You’re an 11-minute walk from the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as The Staples Center), where there’s usually a celebrity-studded concert or sports event happening. You won’t have to leave the property for a great meal — there are two dining spots helmed by James Beard Award-winning LA chefs Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne on-site. At Caldo Verde, California meets Mediterranean flavors while Cara Cara serves up inventive cocktails and rooftop views overlooking Downtown LA’s expansive skyline.

For something on the more budget-friendly side, check in at Moxy Downtown Los Angeles. The property’s Level 8 dining concept is home to 8 options that share the same roof: French and Japanese teppanyaki at Maison Kasai, delectable sushi at Lucky Mizu, South American fare at Qué Bárbaro, and cathedral-inspired nightclub Sinners y Santos, to name a few.

Where to eat

Before we dig into neighborhood-specific recommendations, there’s one big thing to know about Los Angeles: You’ll find a Mexican restaurant on nearly every corner. There are so many iconic taco spots, like Sonoratown, and the best mole in the city can be found at Guelaguetza. If you’re looking for the largest selection of mezcal outside of Mexico, you’ll find it at Madre. Ask any Angeleno for their favorite burrito or chiles rellenos, and you’ll get more than one recommendation. 

If you’re looking to do a bit of celebrity spotting, hightail it to Nobu Malibu, as plenty of stars love the high-end sushi here. A reservation is hard to land and the prices are steep, but try the bar — even if it’s for a cocktail or two. For something more casual, drive north to Malibu Seafood for deliciously flaky fish and chips and fried calamari (you can bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy!). Pro tip: Skip weekend visits to avoid long lines. 

If you find yourself near Santa Monica Pier, walk to Bay Cities Italian Deli, home to some of the finest sandwiches in LA. Order the most popular one, The Godmother, which is packed with a stack of salami, prosciutto, ham, capicola, and provolone cheese. In Venice, the unassuming Dudley Market is easy to miss. It’s a small but busy restaurant that focuses on seafood; it’s also where you’ll find one of the best burgers in the area. And while the Arts District is home to many unforgettable meals, the outpost of Chicago's Girl & the Goat from 2011 F&W Best New Chef and Top Chef contestant Stephanie Izard is very high on the list. The goat curry dish is one of the chef’s specialties.

For an eclectic bar scene, head to West Hollywood. The drag brunch at Hamburger Mary’s is a must. Dan Tana’s is a well-known Italian restaurant (think classic red sauce dishes like chicken parmesan) where writers, actors, and other celebrities used to hang out back in the day (and still do). If you venture to Hollywood, drive to Musso & Frank. Opened in 1919, the renowned restaurant was a mainstay for Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Scott Fitzgerald, and many others — steaks and stiff martinis are the name of the game here. 

It’s impossible to have a conversation about LA’s food scene without including Silverlake. All Day Baby is a local favorite, and, as the name suggests, it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can't go wrong with the huge breakfast burrito or catfish sandwich for lunch or any of their baked goods. Another Silverlake classic is Pine & Crane for Taiwanese and Chinese food, like dan dan noodles and mapo tofu. Pijja Palace rounds out the list. This Indian sports bar features crispy pizzas smothered with chutney.

Things to do

You can catch a concert, show, or play in various parts of LA. Head to Pantages Theater in Hollywood for a Broadway show. If the weather permits (and it usually does), look up what’s happening at the Hollywood Bowl, which opened way back in 1922. If you’re in West Hollywood, find a seat at the iconic Troubadour, where Elton John, Bob Dylan, Harry Styles, and other famous musicians performed at the beginning of their careers.

There’s no better place to (window) shop than Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where the street is lined with flashy cars and all the luxury brands. If thrifting and flea markets are more your speed, The Rose Bowl Stadium is home to the world’s largest flea market every second Saturday of the month, which brings in over 20,000 people a year. If that sounds too overwhelming, check out the smaller (but mightier) Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax High School every Sunday.

Sports fans: Catch a game at Dodger’s Stadium in Elysian Park, near downtown. Depending on the season, you could check out the Lakers, Clippers, or LA Kings at the Crypto.com Arena. Heading west from Downtown is much easier past 5 p.m. — consider it an opportunity to adventure to Inglewood where you can watch a Rams or Chargers game at SoFi Stadium. If you’re a soccer fan, journey to Carson to watch the five-time champion Los Angeles Galaxy take the field. 

Angelenos love to stay fit and do so by hiking their way around panoramic views of the city. Whether you pick a hike in Malibu with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop, an arduous hike to the Hollywood Sign, or a moderate hike up to the Griffith Observatory, it’s a great way to take in the beautiful scenery and temperate weather Los Angeles has to offer.