Los Angeles

 

I spent a year and a half here, and know Venice and Santa Monica really well.  I loved my little Spanish bungalow in Venice - so I didn't leave my oasis much. 

 

Top 5 Days

1. Hike back to the Malibu "secret spot" - Definitely get to the beaches of Malibu, as they are so much more beautiful than Venice and Santa Monica.  Directions to the best spot that my little sister Meggi revealed to me:  Head north on the Pacific Highway/Highway 1 to the northern most part of Malibu.  You'll pass Geoffrey's and take a left at the Sunset restaurant.  Head into the parking lot to the left and go all the way down til you see a rock climbing wall.  Take a stroll through the sand and hike back as far as you can go on the rocks.  Sit, relax and enjoy the thunderous waves.
2. Getty Museum - This is an amazing view of the city and the building is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.  Richard Meier's modern, stark-white design contrasts the Renaissance art inside.  Take a tour of the gardens and sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.
3. Main Street Farmer's Market - This is on Santa Monica's Main Street, around Ocean street.  Get there early on Sunday morning and enjoy the local organic produce.  All the local restaurants have booths.  Try fresh-squeezed orange juice and a crepe.  Spend the afternoon on the Santa Monica beach.
4. Bike Ride the Venice/Santa Monica Strand - Rent a bike in Venice and ride up and down the boardwalk. Check out the most eclectic mix of folks you have ever seen:  oiled-up muscle builders, strung-out homeless, tree-hugging yogis and has-been actresses. 
5. Stroll Abbott Kinney - This may be one of the hippest blocks in the world.  Stroll through the vintage shops, stop at Taco Bus for a taco and go to Jin Patisserie for lovely tea and amazing chocolate desserts.

5 High Style, Low Maintenance Hotels

1. Friend's House - Everything here is pretty expensive... stay at a friend's pad.  People have big places here, unlike NY or SF, so someone is bound to have a extra bedroom.
2. Viceroy - Great style, great poolside in Santa Monica.  A great way to check out the Hollywood scene.  You're bound to see a star, or at least a lot of great-looking wait staff on their way to stardom.  The scene at night is fun, and if you stay here you can actually get a poolside cabana.
3. Oceania - A darling Melrose Place-style hotel in Santa Monica.  A great place to stay if you have an extended visit, as the rooms are big and comfy.
4. W Westwood - This is better than the average W because it has a very cool 50s style outdoor pool.  Tucked away in cute neighborhood, though nothing is too close by.
5. Ambrose - In Santa Monica, but not right on the beach.  You get a nicer hotel, without the insane prices. They have a vintage taxi that will take you around the city.

Foodie Finds

1. Hama Sushi - In Venice.  It may look a bit scary when you walk in cause it isn't fancy.  Great sushi and a fun energetic local place.
2. AOC - Gorgeous tapas and wine list in a fancy bar-like atmosphere.  Get the figs and sit at the bar and a hot bartender will over serve you. On 3rd Street in Hollywood.
3. Little Door - Great fish and steak in Hollywood.  This is where the real deals really get done in Hollywood, but it isn't over the top.  Great service in a delightful outside setting.
4. Via Vento - Neighborhood Italian spot on Main Street in Santa Monica (or maybe Venice officially).  Candlelit dinners and authentic Italian.
5. Lilly's - On restaurant row (Abbott Kinney) in Venice.  Sit in the back garden.  If Lilly's is full, try Joe's or Primativo nearby.  Follow up with a glass of wine at The Other Room down the street.  If the line is long, they let in folks with Venice ID first.  So unlike anywhere else in LA, where only a $600 bottle of vodka or star will get you a table.

5 Misses

1. Nightclubs - Go to one like LAX only if you have a VIP table.  Such a ridiculous scene just to have a good drink.  And if your visions of LA are hot starts in nightclubs, then stay home and watch E!  You rarely see real stars out - well, maybe Tara Reid or Paris.
2. Hollywood - There isn't really much to see.
3. Downtown - Just a huge sprawling mass of buildings.  No heart of the city and no NY-style vibe.
4. Santa Monica Boardwalk Amusement Park - Crowded, dirty, boring.
5. Beverly Hills Home Tour - This will make you never want to come to LA again, but is a hilarious way to hear stories about all the stars.  There are tours leaving all day from the Chinese Theater.  You won't see any stars, but lots of paparazzi stalking stars homes.  Do it if you love the stars.

5 Tips

1. Avoid the 405 - Parking lot and so frustrating.
2. Rent a Car with a GPS - The town is so confusing and one wrong turn could mean extra hours on the highway. 
3. Swimming - You can't swim in the beaches most of the year cause it is too cold.  If the weather is good, go up to Malibu, as the beaches "seem" cleaner.
4. Hike - Most people don't think of mountain hiking in LA, but the Santa Monica mountains are so lovely and a great way to see the city.
5. Decide on one area of town to explore - The town is huge and it can take hours to get from one side to the other.  I recommend sticking on the West side.