Travel

LA Destination Guide

After seven years of countless trips to the City of Angels, it’s about time I created my LA bucket list. Planning your first trip to LA can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve narrowed down my list to only the best of the best so you can spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying hidden gems. I’ve personally vetted all of these places, and I’m confident recommending them to elevate your trip. This destination guide features all the highlights Los Angeles has to offer: neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants, things to do, coffee shops, beaches, hikes and more.

xx, Melody

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Neighborhoods

  • West Hollywood—touristy but hip area of LA; features the iconic Grahman’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame and plenty of aesthetic coffee shops and boutiques
  • Hollywood Hills—some of the best views in LA; a residential area with amazing architecture, parks and hiking trails
  • Beverly Hills—iconic LA neighborhood; home to Rodeo Drive, the timeless Beverly Hills Hotels and the chic Golden Triangle for shopping and dining
  • Bel-Air—posh residential neighborhood with some incredible views and scenic drives
  • Westwood—vibrant college scene; home to UCLA and several historic movie theatres
  • Century City—stunning outdoor malls
  • Universal City—aptly named for Universal’s film lot and Universal Studios Hollywood theme park
  • Burbank—the epicenter of Hollywood’s film business; see behind the scenes of a major movie studio on the Warner Bros. lot and grab breakfast at a local diner like Bob’s Big Boy
  • Glendale—major entertainment brand offices and beautiful outdoor malls
  • Pasadena—a nice escape from traffic; quaint downtown area with retro diners, the Rose Bowl and the best flea market in LA
  • Santa Monica—features the Santa Monica Pier and great shopping in Downtown Santa Monica
  • Venice—famous canals, skater vibe, and eclectic artwork
  • Redondo Beach—home to one of the best piers in LA with stunning views and a friendly community; The OC was filmed here
  • Malibu—a zen escape from the rest of LA; the best beaches and oceanfront restaurants
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Hotels (for photos, dinner, drinks)

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Restaurants

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Attractions/Things to Do

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Coffee Shops

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Shopping

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Beaches

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Hikes

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles
Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

Movie Theaters

Photo Spots

For all the best photo spots in LA, view my Los Angeles photography guide here.

Your travel guide to the best of Los Angeles ✨ Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dip your toes in the sand at Malibu Pier, cruise down Mulholland Drive, catch a sunset at Griffith Observatory. Sharing all my favorite LA neighborhoods, LA eats, things to do in Los Angeles, LA hotels, best hikes, beaches, photo spots and more for an unforgettable Los Angeles vacation. Save for later for the best LA in a day itinerary. #visitlosangeles #la #losangeles

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4 thoughts on “LA Destination Guide”

  • ourcrossings
    April 11, 2020 ·

    Wow, your photos look absolutely amazing and so does LA! It’s a city unlike any other and I would love to visit one day. Just have to wait for this crazy pandemic to be over! Thanks for sharing and fueling my wanderlust 😊 Aiva

    • Melody Schmidt
      April 13, 2020 ·

      Thank you so much! LA really is a dream. I hope you make it out there after the pandemic is over 🙂

  • Passport Overused
    April 12, 2020 ·

    Great post 😁

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