The perfect day in the city of angels might sound a little impossible…yup, we get it, theres so much to see, explore, and absorb in so little time…but anyone can make the most of their time in LA as long as you have a solid itinerary. We’ve been all over this city discovering hidden gems, amazing restaurants, and the cool things to do around Los Angeles, so who better to plan out you day amirite? We’ve got everything covered from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed. Remember, Los Angeles is more than a destination, it’s a symbol of aspiration, a place of endless possibilities and dreams.
But First Coffee…
Kickstart the day with a cup of Joe from THE best places to get coffee in LA. Trust us, I know, we all love our Starbucks and Dunkin’ coffee, but get into explorer mode and find a new latte to love with our top 3 spots.
1.Alfred’s Coffee
This coffee shop embodies the complete coffee culture experience. Undoubtedly the go-to coffee spot in Los Angeles, Alfred Coffee seamlessly blends modern style with vintage charm. They’re known for their “famous vanilla lattes” and a chic atmosphere that’s 100% Instagram-worthy. They have multiple locations spread around the whole city, so no matter where you are you’ll find an Alfred’s nearby.
2. Blue Bottle Coffee
A renowned artisanal coffee shop committed to delivering an unparalleled coffee experience, Blue Bottle Coffee invites coffee enthusiasts to savor a truly exceptional and responsibly crafted cup of coffee, with over 10 locations spanning LA. They’ve got an overall minimal look, but their coffee is truly exceptional.
3. Community Goods
This is a tiny coffee spot located in West Hollywood. But they are known to be an influencer and celebrity favorite (we even saw Justin Bieber come in to order. Community Goods is a beautiful wood-filled coffee space that doubles as a general store selling things you need in stock such as condiments and medicine. We recommend getting the egg sliders and vanilla bean latte, but note that their menu is short and select. Find them at 710 N Edinburgh Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046.
Photo Source :@thecommunitygoods & @alfred
For more recommendations, check out this list!
Time to Brunch…
It’s true, we LOVE brunch. It’s more than just a meal… it’s an experience! Plus it’s a perfect setting for meaningful conversations and laughter with your loved ones. All brunch menus cater to everyone and let’s not forget the aesthetic appeal of brunch makes it gram worthy. Our LA restaurants take pride in creating picture worthy dishes and ideal backdrops for everyone to capture, enjoy, and share.
1. The Waterfront
This restaurant offers a unique experience with breathtaking views and is located on the iconic Venice Boardwalk. The Waterfront is filled with warm tones, local artwork and subtle decor, that creates an intimate and natural beauty. The open layout allows every guest to get a look at the Pacific Ocean as they enjoy their meal. Off their menu, we recommend getting the Frozé and Farmer’s Bowl, and if you’re looking for something lighter opt for the Açaí Bowl. Find them at 205 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291.
2. Great White
THE brunch spot to get dressed up for and a potential spot to see a celeb (frequent “brunchers” are Justin and Hailey Bieber). Great White is an Australian styled restaurant with a calm but sophisticated feel. The staff is just as amazing as the quality of the food. They also have a location in Venice and Larchmont Village as well. Their menu has a wide range of options, making sure everyone’s happy. We recommend the Shaken Ice Latte, Banana Bread, and Breakfast Burrito. Visit at 8917 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
3. 1212 Santa Monica
Located on 3rd Street Promenad, 1212 Santa Monica is upbeat brunch spot with DJs and lively music playing. The atmosphere screams party! Although their menu has a variety of food, their drinks are even better. We recommend the Peach Bellini and Espresso Martini off their drinks menu. Make a reservation at 1212 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
4. 3rd Base
Located in Hollywood, 3rd Base has excellent food AND drinks. The restaurant is upscale and their square booths create an immersive experience. This is our favorite menu where everything hits just right. Their Chicken & Waffle Sliders are to die for and the Margarita tree, which is a flight of 4 flavors of margaritas, really screams brunch for the whole group. They are located at 1562 N Cahuenga Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028.
Photo source: 1212santamonica.com & @greatwhite
For more recommendations, check out these spots.
Walk It Off…
If there is one thing Angelenos love to do its their hot girl walks. We found the best places to go for an early afternoon sweat sesh. It helps after having a couple of mimosas at brunch.
1. The Hollywood Sign
The address – 3399 Deronda Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 – brings you to a dead end where theres a spot that’s perfect to take photos with the Hollywood Sign in the background. You can also continue to walk along the pathway and go all the way to the very top (above the sign), which gives a beautiful view of the city. Love!
2. Runyon Canyon Park
Iconic and popular among fitness enthusiasts (and the stars), the iconic trail caters to various skill levels. Visit the Runyon Canyon Park website for map views and more information. Start off your walk at this address:2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046.
3. Culver City Stairs
This is also known as the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, there are two options when walking the Culver City Stairs. You can take the steep steps up and down which takes around 10 minutes one way, or take the trails that loop around the mountain. Find the stairs at 6105 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232.
For more recommendations, check out these waterfall hikes in LA.
See the Sights…
We’ve gathered the most iconic and mandatory things to do in Los Angeles, in case you haven’t checked them off your bucket list.
1. Visit LA’s Best Beaches
Santa Monica and Venice are perfect beach towns to give you that California feel. Start at the Santa Monica Pier, walk the boardwalk that has lots of food shacks for snacks, carnival games, and try to ride the ferris wheel (your photos will thank you later). Then, take a short drive to Venice to snap the Venice sign at the famous intersection, visit the skatepark, muscle beach, and the basketball courts from the movie White Man Can’t Jump.
2. Things to Do
So many activities, so little time. We’re pretty sure you can do at least one of these activities in your afternoon. Check out the Crypto.com Arena, to watch a live game(we love the LA Lakers, Clippers, and Kings). Go Ice Skating in the sunshine at Ice at Santa Monica, a manmade ice skating rink to get you in the holiday spirit. Drive to the iconic Rodeo Drive, a shop-a-holic haven for luxury brands like Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Versace. Shop at Erewhon, the supermarket that took TikTok by storm for being an overpriced celeb hotspot. Set up a tour at the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood, our favorite tour. Or check out this hidden gem… the Japanese shops on Sawtelle.
Happy Hour…
It’s getting close to 4pm and that means the sun is about to set and the best LA bars are about to serve their best cocktails. These are some of our fav places to hit up to get a yummy drnk and take in a breathtaking view.
1. Hotel Erwin
Arguably the best view of a sunset and the entire city of Los Angeles. Hotel Erwin has a 360 degree rooftop and a DJ plus the best french fries we’ve tasted. They are located at 1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291.
2. Elephante LA
This spot is the perfect Mediterranean feel for food and drinks. The atmosphere leans into Southern Italian and Northern African culture. We recommend their famous Whipped Eggplant and Burrata Pizza, as well as the Let Go cocktail. Find them at 1332 2nd St Rooftop, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
3. E.P. & L.P.
An LA girl staple for sure! This glamorous rooftop and restaurant in West Hollywood overlooks the Sunset Strip and Hollywood Hills. Get there early, as this spot is a first come first serve basis. E.P. & L.P also partnered with Bucket Listers and opened a Christmas themed bar for the season on their second floor. You won’t want to miss this spot at 603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069.
For more places to catch the sunset while sipping on something delicious, check them out here.
Dinner in LA….
End a long day of exploring with some of the best casual dinner spots in LA that are a culinary scene. We didn’t want to go too fancy here, because afterall you’ve been up and at it since 8am.
1. Blue Plate Taco
This is where the SoCal spirit meets the rich flavors of Mexican food. With a beautiful outdoor seating, across the street from the Santa Monica Pier (and a view of the ocean), Blue Plate Taco is a vibrant setting with flavorful dishes. We recommend getting the Steak Sizzling Fajitas paired with the Smoking Gun cocktail. They are located at 1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
2. SUGARFISH
You love sushi, we love sushi, we all love sushi, and you can’t go wrong with SUGARFISH. It’s the spot for sushi enthusiasts. The restaurant has a minimalistic elevated aesthetic where every detail is intentional. They’re also known for their high-quality Japanese culinary dishes on both coasts. They have several locations in Los Angeles including Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Calabasas, Downtown LA, Hollywood, La Brea, Manhattan Beach,Marina del Rey, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Studio City.
3. Laurel Hardware
A unique spin on a restaurant experience, Laurel Hardware is actually in a former hardware store, and they kept the aesthetic with its original roof, brick walls and high ceilings. The restaurant offers American flavors and an extensive list of cocktails. Try them out at 7984 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046.
Photo source: laurelhardware.com & @blueplatetaco
That’s a wrap on our day in LA! We think you can’t go wrong with these “recs” especially during Thanksgiving weekend. Speaking of…here are some places that are serving the iconic holiday meal in LA.
