LA. The City of Angels. The Creative Capital of the World. Los Angeles is known by many names, and it’s a popular destination for a host of reasons. Sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, celebrities, the movie industry and the art scene are just some of its many draws.
But with so much to choose from and so little time, what’s an adventurous 20-something to do? Never fear. We’ve got you covered with this weekend getaway guide.
Where to Stay
Magic Castle Hotel
The legendary Magic Castle Hotel in Hollywood is certain to delight you, especially if you like free 24/7 snacks and other amenities. There’s even an old-fashioned telephone by the pool deemed the “popsicle hotline.” Simply pick up the phone and a wide array of complimentary popsicles will arrive poolside. This hotel’s stellar guest service, friendly staff and great location make it a solid pick.
Elan Hotel
Another fantastic centrally located option is Elan Hotel with notoriously friendly staff. This hotel offers plenty of package options for extra value and accommodations. Plus, you can enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning and free wine and cheese every evening. Who wouldn’t love that? Elan also works hard to be eco-friendly, a plus for the environmentally minded.
Crowne Plaza Los Angeles – Commerce Casino
If you want to enjoy the perks of a fancy LA hotel without the price, Commerce Casino may be the right option for you. The hotel is a short drive from downtown LA, Disneyland and Universal Studios. At the hotel, guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, relaxing spa and plenty of exciting dining options. It’s one of the best options in LA for great value without sacrificing quality or amenities.
What to Eat
The Veggie Grill
Vegans and vegetarians will obviously love this place, but even the most adamant carnivores in your group will be more than satisfied. At the Veggie Grill, you can chow down on veggie burgers, salads and vegan desserts and enjoy beer and kombucha. Vegetarians will be excited to enjoy dishes they can’t normally have and meat eaters won’t even miss the meat. Plus, the Veggie Grill is cheap, quick and healthy.
n/naka
n/naka is one of the most sought after dining experiences in LA. That makes the price a little steep and the reservations difficult to get, but if you can swing it and afford it, it’s well worth it. n/naka serves a modern twist on kaiseki, a traditional Japanese cuisine that is as much an art form as it is a culinary style. The pairings are inventive and delicious, and the restaurant has received considerable fame. Chef Niki Nakayama appeared on Netflix’s series “the Chef’s Table” in 2015. The acclaim is certainly well deserved!
The Pie Hole
LA’s the Pie Hole offers a cozy quiet atmosphere, coffee, and of course pie. You can choose from a wide variety of tasty unique pie flavors from either the “sweet” or “savory” sections of the menu. Sweet pies include classics like pumpkin and more adventurous choices, such as strawberry lavender and earl grey tea. If you’re in the mood for more of a hearty meal, you can choose from savory dishes, such as Shepherd’s Pie and Mac ‘n’ Cheese.
What to Do
Street Art
While art museums are always a good time, if it’s a nice day out and you’re down for an adventure, you can find some incredible art hidden throughout the city. Street art is huge in LA, and if you’re observant and know where to look, you can find secret art everywhere from artists like JR and Banksy.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is the type of place you think about when you imagine a typical California beach. This paradise is complete with sand volleyball, beautiful people tanning and an exciting nearby bar scene. You can even have an open bonfire at Dockweiler Beach, which is just 10 minutes down the road. If you’re looking for the classic LA beach experience, this is your destination of choice!
Paramount Ranch
Movie buffs will absolutely love this one. Paramount Ranch was the scene of many of the Westerns that used to be filmed in Hollywood, and its open to the public. Explore the grounds, pose for some photos and maybe even film your own western film. Paramount Ranch is also in a national park and offers plenty of hiking trails. So, this attraction will please the nature lovers, as well as the movie fanatics.
Between the lush hotels, beautiful beaches, innovative restaurants and endless adventures, LA truly is a 20-something vacationer’s dream. Spend a weekend in this city and we’ll bet you won’t want to wait to go back.
