Jenny’s guidebook
Food scene
Just a few blocks away, the home-made ice cream pops are super yummy on a hot day.
25 locals recommend
Mateo's Ice Cream & Fruit Bars
4234 W Pico BlvdJust a few blocks away, the home-made ice cream pops are super yummy on a hot day.
Right down the street, this is classic cook-at-the-table Korean BBQ, and it’s delicious.
30 locals recommend
Chosun Galbee
3330 W Olympic BlvdRight down the street, this is classic cook-at-the-table Korean BBQ, and it’s delicious.
Of course we have to start here, because the chef David grows some of his produce for the restaurant right outside the door. If you’re headed home from the beach, it’s right on the way.
50 locals recommend
Little Fatty
3809 Grand View BlvdOf course we have to start here, because the chef David grows some of his produce for the restaurant right outside the door. If you’re headed home from the beach, it’s right on the way.
Across from Topanga Beach is the Reel Inn, a classic fish restaurant where you choose the fish right before they cook it. So good.
90 locals recommend
Reel Inn Malibu
18661 Pacific Coast HwyAcross from Topanga Beach is the Reel Inn, a classic fish restaurant where you choose the fish right before they cook it. So good.
On Sundays we go to the Larchmont Farmers Market. It’s a small market with lovely produce and goods. The whole street on Larchmont is nice to walk, and there’s three different gourmet ice cream options.
52 locals recommend
Larchmont Farmers' Market
209 N Larchmont BlvdOn Sundays we go to the Larchmont Farmers Market. It’s a small market with lovely produce and goods. The whole street on Larchmont is nice to walk, and there’s three different gourmet ice cream options.
Our favorite hikes
Hike to the observatory in Griffith Park. Set your GPS to Trails Cafe and definitely stop there for a coffee and buttermilk biscuit. It’s about 1.5 miles to the Observatory from there.
4367 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdHike to the observatory in Griffith Park. Set your GPS to Trails Cafe and definitely stop there for a coffee and buttermilk biscuit. It’s about 1.5 miles to the Observatory from there.
The Sam Merril Trail in Pasadena is a real gem. Hike to the old hotel ruins at the top. It’s a hard hike, about 5 miles, and you can keep on to Inspiration Point for an even better view.
8 locals recommend
Sam Merrill Trailhead
Sam Merrill TrailThe Sam Merril Trail in Pasadena is a real gem. Hike to the old hotel ruins at the top. It’s a hard hike, about 5 miles, and you can keep on to Inspiration Point for an even better view.
Korean Spa
A truly wonderful experience (though not for the modest!), you can walk to the Olympic Spa for a scrub, massage, and soak in the different tubs. Magic. Call ahead and make a massage appointment.
28 locals recommend
Olympic Spa
3915 W Olympic BlvdA truly wonderful experience (though not for the modest!), you can walk to the Olympic Spa for a scrub, massage, and soak in the different tubs. Magic. Call ahead and make a massage appointment.
Shopping
We buy secondhand, and the best curated collection of used - vintage and designer - is at Wasteland on Melrose.
54 locals recommend
Wasteland
7428 Melrose AveWe buy secondhand, and the best curated collection of used - vintage and designer - is at Wasteland on Melrose.
Museum
Hands down favorite is the LACMA, both inside the Resnick Pavillion, and also wandering the grounds. LACMA is next to the La Brea Tar Pits, which is super for the kids.
3162 locals recommend
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire BlvdHands down favorite is the LACMA, both inside the Resnick Pavillion, and also wandering the grounds. LACMA is next to the La Brea Tar Pits, which is super for the kids.
The beach!
If you’re a seasoned surfer, there are some amazing spots around to check out. Our favorites are Staircase Beach at the north end of Leo Carillo (hike down the bluff to the beach), Sunset Beach just south of Gladstone’s on the PCH, and Topanga Beach (which is a bit rocky but across from the Reel Inn).
56 locals recommend
Leo Carrillo State Beach
35000 Pacific Coast HwyIf you’re a seasoned surfer, there are some amazing spots around to check out. Our favorites are Staircase Beach at the north end of Leo Carillo (hike down the bluff to the beach), Sunset Beach just south of Gladstone’s on the PCH, and Topanga Beach (which is a bit rocky but across from the Reel Inn).
If you want to surf and you’re a beginner, head to El Porto in Manhattan Beach, where they rent boards in a kiosk right there.
10 locals recommend
El Porto Beach
4499-4401 The StrandIf you want to surf and you’re a beginner, head to El Porto in Manhattan Beach, where they rent boards in a kiosk right there.
LA has the best beaches! We love them all. It’s easy to have a great beach day in Santa Monica - park near tower 26, spend the day on the sand, and walk up to Shutters for the absolute best burger and drinks.
127 locals recommend
Santa Monica
LA has the best beaches! We love them all. It’s easy to have a great beach day in Santa Monica - park near tower 26, spend the day on the sand, and walk up to Shutters for the absolute best burger and drinks.