Los Angeles

The journey down Highway 1 is the iconic California road trip, and this coastal route is a great choice whether you're in Northern California, the central coast, or in SoCal. But there's something extra special about driving the Pacific Coast...

From fancy to funky to sometimes downright fugly, Melrose Ave. is a shopping mecca for all tastes and budgets. While tourists flock to this famous strip to browse the shops, locals know to show up on Sundays for the landmark Melrose Trading...

At the intersection of Hyperion and Sunset is the heart of Silver Lake, the source of the pulse; Intelligentsia Coffee. Fueling the neighborhood with crafted cups of caffeine, Intelligentsia has become the east side center of community and...

A two-day walk that you can join or leave almost anywhere along the route, the Big Parade is a community stroll that starts at the Angel’s Flight Stairway in downtown Los Angeles and ends at the iconic Hollywood sign. Along the way, revelations...

Since 1901 (minus a few years here and there), Angel's Flight funicular railway has transported people up and down steep Bunker Hill in downtown L.A. At the top you'll find the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the...

My deep love for macarons is no surprise to anyone that knows me, so it's no wonder that after trying perhaps the finest ever in Paris, I'd look for a temporary fix in Los Angeles. This quest led to the discovery of Bottega Louie, one of my...

The bustling Joan’s on Third gourmet marketplace is a staple of the Los Angeles lunch scene. It is a revolving door of characters for which L.A. is known: celebrities, aspiring actresses, power moms, and entertainment industry executives....

Juice Served Here serves locally-sourced, cold-pressed, raw, organic cups of healthful deliciousness. Their 22-item liquid menu is divided into seven categories: Greens, Roots, Apples, Milks, Coconut Waters, Coffee Beverages, and Specials. They...

Perched atop a stunning hill in the Santa Monica Mountains, this outpost of the J. Paul Getty Museum overlooks the vast cityscape of the greater Los Angeles area. Its exceptional contemporary architecture, wide array of pre-20th-century art,...

A small storefront in the charming Brentwood Country Mart is lit up late after the rest of the village has gone to sleep. Here at Sweet Rose Creamery, organic milk, eggs, cream, and sugar are transformed daily into the purest-tasting ice cream,...

Biking the boardwalk is the best way to experience the beaches and coastline of L.A. Rent a bike in the middle at Dockweiler Beach and either go the 10 miles north through Marina Del Rey, Venice, and the Santa Monica Pier (or keep going to Malibu)...

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is possibly the trendiest street in Los Angeles, where boho-chic beachgoers glide along the sidewalk like it's a runway, with besties and beaux at their sides. Open up your wallet at boutiques like Scotch & Soda, with...

It's said that the best pizza in the United States is made in Cafe Bianca in Phoenix, AZ and as a pizza aficionado I can stand behind that statement. Enter Local 1205. When asked how Local 1205 created a pizza as good as Bianca they responded, "We...

Sitting near Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory has a vantage point that allows visitors great views of the HOLLYWOOD sign during the day, and even more fantastic views of the stars at night. The space has plenty...

Entering the spacious yet cozy outdoors patio of Home Restaurant is like a warm familial embrace. The lush canopy and central coy pond (and fountain lined with mini plastic dinosaurs) set a tranquil yet playful ambiance. The service is friendly,...

The Pacific Ocean is a force that calls to some to jump in and join the dolphins that frequent its waters. Temperatures are warmest in August and September, but wet suits are available to rent year-round. Go surfing or take a stand-up...

Since opening as a preserves shop in 2011 (and adding breakfast and lunch service in 2012), Sqirl has become an East Hollywood staple. The tiny space—only 800 square feet—invites crowds of hip Angelenos looking for a bright space for...

BLD may be known for its brunch but it's fresh flavorful food delivers any time of day. The deconstructed Eggs Florentine Benedict over fingerling potatoes melts in your mouth and their soup of the day is always distinct and delicious.

KTCHN is a hidden cash-only brunch pop-up with a cult foodie following. Chef Felix G. Barron, IV's creative combinations of ingredients invigorate the palette. The menu rotates regularly with the pictured including Carnitas Corn Pancakes and Grits...

Only a few tables fit in the unassuming Salt's Cure restaurant on Santa Monica Ave. Their rotating menu of farm fresh dishes is scribbled on a chalkboard each day and meals are are publicly prepared in the open kitchen behind the bar. Their...

Husband-and-wife team Genevieve Gergis and Ori Menashe are behind Bestia, an Italian haven that consistently ranks high on local "best of" lists. The decor follows the name—which translates to "beast" in Italian—with its wall of...

Cooks County is a romantic rustic restaurant with an exposed wood-beamed ceiling, wine-lined wall and dangling light bulbs. Their farmers market fresh menu is a favorite for brunch but their dinners with delicious protein dishes like the Wood...

Fig & Olive doesn't stray far from what L.A. does best: casual gourmet. A place to see and be seen, Fig & Olive delivers on all fronts: delicious olive oil-infused dishes, a stylish crowd, gorgeous staff, impeccable service, and an unbeatable...

Ingredients are gathered from sustainable sources and prepared for sharing at Rustic Canyon. The farmers market-inspired menu includes small plates like the Roasted broccoli with burrata, chili, garlic, bread crumb and parmesan; big plates like...

I had been studying for weeks and finally taken my board exam. Tired, nervous and out of sorts my friend and I decided to find shelter in the island of Catalina. Who knew that just off the coast of California one could find such a treasure....

For the time it takes most Angelenos to commute to work, you can be ferried into the alternate reality of Catalina Island, a romantic escape far from the daily traffic jams and urban sprawl. The evergreen-shrubbed hills spotted with an artists...

Late afternoon in Joshua Tree National Park.

Surprisingly enough, you can round the point at Point Dume and discover your own hidden nooks to spend the day. With cliffs at your back and a private beach with decent size waves in front of you, it's not a bad place for a picnic.

Seagulls are silhouetted against the sun, with the iconic Malibu Pier glistening in the background. A media mogul’s plaintive cry, vainly bullying beachgoers to stay off the public sand, dissipates as crashing waves dissolve into pearly sea foam...

Barely one foot past the threshold of the Adamson House I was snapped out of my tile-induced reverie by a shrieking octogenarian docent who was horrified that I had defied Tour Rule Number 1—“Do not take any pictures inside the house!” My innocent...

What a perfect LA excursion for the history and nature buffs alike. Take a drive part of the way up PcH and enjoy the sun, breeze, and exhibits.

A shopping mall is probably the last place you’d look for a quality brunch, but Sonoma Wine Garden in the Santa Monica Place mall may be the best boozy brunch in Los Angeles. With ocean views and cozy cushioned seating, you are transported from...

Think lusciously crafted burgers of green arugula and sweet caramelized onion chutney, gruyere cheese, and a chuck of medium-rare goodness. Not to mention the thinly cut fries that come with a side of creamy garlic and parsley aioli or possibly...

Apparently I had been living under a rock, because I had not heard of the Cronut - the latest baked sensation to sweep Manhattan. It's a doughy delight croissant/donut half-breed, and it's finally come to LA! I found them at the unassuming DK...

The long-awaited manicured park connects green space and pedestrian pathways from Santa Monica city hall to the popular stretch of Palisades Park. Water sculptures are a highlight, as well as two viewing points featuring scenes of the Pacific....

The best seafood in LA is by the beach. Fresh fish is served at an array of dining atmospheres from casual shacks like Malibu Seafood and Reel Inn to fancy restaurants like Moonshadows and Chart House. The fish tacos at James’ Beach are as good as...

Hillcrest is a quirky and vibrant neighborhood filled with boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, artists, bookstores, thrift stores and more. One of San Diego's oldest neighborhoods, Hillcrest borders the northern tip of Balboa Park, Park Blvd to...

Spanish Village is a well known part of Balboa Park, and is one of my favorite places to visit. It's created using the romanticized version of a Spanish villa and about 250 local artists are represented here. In many of the houses, you can watch...

In the lower level of the Casa Del Balboa building in Balboa Park is one of the world's largest indoor model railway displays. There are several rooms, where you can see huge displays of trains going through miniature towns and landscapes. Parts...

San Diego is so pretty at night, with the lights reflecting in the water. If you're staying downtown, just head over to Sea Port Village to the North and/or South Embarcadero Parks. Both parks encircle the Embarcadero Marina. Personally, I think...

Many people don't realize this, but although La Jolla, California, is portrayed as a separate city, it is actually a community within the city of San Diego. A short 15-20 minute drive from downtown San Diego takes you to the dramatic coastline....

Balboa park is a landscape of arts and culture in San Diego, including museums, such as The Natural History Museum, and the Museum of Photographic Arts. The photo above is of the large koi pond outside the botanical garden house. It makes for a...

The La Jolla Underwater Park is a great way to experience the world in the Pacific Ocean. There are artificial reefs, two canyons and a kelp forest. There are many places around the park to rent scuba and snorkeling gear, kayaks and wetsuits. The...

After exploring Balboa Park for a few hours, this is the place to be for a cocktail or lunch. The food is really good, and the chef has won multiple awards over the years. They've got great mojitos, and my new favorite drink, the caipirinha (sugar...

You might find yourself buying one of everything, or at least wanting to when you visit Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe in the San Diego area. The breads and pastries are exceptional and the coffee drinks make this a perfect spot to have a cuppa!

Jsix is a beautifully decorated restaurant located in the Gaslamp District in San Diego. Every dish is made from scratch, using ingredients from local farms. On Sunday mornings, one-hour yoga classes are held up on the the rooftop. On the weekend...

Saffron Noodles and Sate is located on the edge of Little Italy and Mission Hills in San Diego. Owned by Su-Mei Yu, a woman from Thailand who wanted to recreate the types of foods that she grew up with sold by street vendors in Thailand. The food...

Bread & Cie is located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, CA. Not only is Hillcrest one of the most vibrant and historical neighborhoods in San Diego, but you can find many great places to eat. Bread & Cie makes their bread fresh every...

They had me at duck confit tacos, the francophile in me couldn't resist! This great local eatery located in La Jolla's Bird Rock Community has something for everyone. There is a nice outdoor area to eat in, as well as a cute bar, and the staff is...

This is a funky little gem located in the heart of the Hillcrest neighborhood in San Diego. The cow skin covered seats, chandelier from the ceiling and warm ambiance creates an interesting but comfortable atmosphere. I really enjoyed the...

Deli Lama is located in the eclectic neighborhood of Hillcrest in San Diego. I'm not really a sandwich person, but the 'Big Top' panini keeps me coming back! I would like to tell you about the other items on the menu- if I could just get past...

Okay, I haven't had chocolate from all over the world yet, but this is the absolutely best chocolate I've ever tasted. Chuao is owned by two Venezuelan brothers and they only use Venezuelan cacao beans. Anyone who loves chocolate knows that the...

I don't come here often because this is a very dangerous place for my waistline. The desserts are made in the French style—light, fluffy, not too sweet, and seemingly zero calories. Sage Cake is found in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood of San Diego...

Meat lovers rejoice—Carnitas is home to some of San Diego’s greatest steak and pork dishes. Located in North Park, Chefs Hanis Cavin and Sara Stroud deliver mouth-watering plates like their Steak Sandwich, smothered in chipotle aioli, or their...

My husband and I enjoy good food, and The Mission for breakfast is a favorite. There are three locations and this one in the photo is on University Ave. We haven't been here for lunch yet. I've tried just about everything on the menu. There's...

The Market Place deli is just one block from Balboa Park on 5th Ave. This deli has been here for 25 years and the owners changed hands about 15 years ago. There's a familial feel to the place and everyone working there knows the customers giving...

At Eclipse, you'll find not only luscious chocolates but also infused chocolate drinks. They do have a food and drink menu, but their specialty is chocolate. The chocolates are all handmade right there in the kitchen. One bite of a lavender salt,...

Heavenly Cupcake was recently purchased by a southern baker and she has created some delightful cakes! As a southerner myself, I had to try her velvet cake and was impressed. I like these cupcakes because they aren't too sweet. This shop is found...

What I really like about Heaven Sent is the variety of goodies to be found in their shop. Cakes, cupcakes, torts, fruits, bread pudding, etc. Whatever your sweet tooth desires- you will find it here! There's plenty of seating for everyone and...

Kensington Cafe is located in the Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. We come here a couple times a month when we want something early- they open at 7am- and we're on a budget. Check out this Sandy Eggan for just under $7 and it's loaded with...

Located in the outdoor sculpture garden next to the San Diego Museum of Art is a little cafe that serves fresh food from local growers. You can either order your food from the to-go counter and sit with it in one of the oversize couches nearby or...