Fun in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of my favorite places to visit. The city is jam-packed with stuff to do in a climate that’s right up my alley. There are always new places to discover and old favorite places to go back to. Here are just a few of my favorite places to go when I visit the City of Angels.
Visit Venice Beach: People-watching is the best pastime on this beach. Not to mention chilling on the warm sand and letting the sun melt my worries away.
Eat at Real Food Daily: RFD has three locations—Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Pasadena—which means there is sure to be a location convenient for you. RFD features fresh, organic vegan and gluten-free friendly fare. My two favorite dishes are the Real Food Meal with house sauce or the Lasagna Napoletana. If you’re bringing the kiddos, the kid’s menu includes yummy items like quesadillas, a basic bowl, and the super yummy “Not-chos” which is a great little meal featuring tortilla chips, melted cashew cheese and black beans. If you’ve got room after dinner, do yourself a kindness and order a slice of the Chocolate Fudge Cake.
Play at Pan Pacific Park: This playground, located near the heart of Mid-City, features two shaded play structures. It’s great for little and big kids and parents will be pleased that parking is free and bathrooms are onsite.
Eat at Sage Organic Bistro: This vegan bistro has two locations—Culver City and Echo Park—and features some of the most delicious plant-based fare I’ve ever had. No matter if you order a daily special or something simple like their gluten-free rolls and steamed veggies, you’re sure to find a dish to please your palate.
Eat at Breakaway Bakery: When your sweet tooth hits, you’ll want to head over to this Mid-City gluten-free bakery and order the vegan babka or a sticky bun. You'll be super glad that you did.
Visit Newport Beach: Located about an hour south of Los Angeles, Newport Beach is a boater's paradise and has a west coast Florida feel to it. Park near the Newport Beach Pier and hang out for the day at this festive beach that features lots of cute restaurants and shops right along the beach.
Hike Runyon Canyon: Get your feet a little dusty on the Route A trail in Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills. It’s hard to beat the city views on this gorgeous, urban hike. Have somebody drop you off at the Fuller Street entrance and get ready for a lovely one-to-two hour excursion.
Head to Huntington Beach: This lively coastal town has all the amenities you need, including miles of beachfront RV camping, restaurants and shops galore.
Visit Santa Monica Pier: There’s never a dull moment at the Santa Monica Pier. Whether you’re taking in the expansive coastal views, the amusement park rides, or just sitting back and listening to a street musician entertain the crowds, you’re going to enjoy your time spent on the Pier.
Tierra Mia Coffee: This quaint craft coffee house in Echo Park offers delectable fresh roasted coffee that’s truly in a class of its own.
Eat at Rubios: If you’re into fast, fresh Mexican fare with a sustainable twist, you’ll want to check out Rubio’s. With tons of locations in the Los Angeles metro area, you’re sure to stumble across one during your travels.
Visit The Original Farmer’s Market: Located at the corner of Third and Fairfax, this market has been around since 1934. Don’t pass up the gluten-free sweet treats at Zia Valentina, the hot dogs at Frizti Dog, or the cold brew coffee and tantalizing treats at Short Cake.
Go to The Grove: Just across the street from The Farmer’s Market is The Grove, one of the most fun places to visit because there’s always some interesting activity going on. Be sure to ride The Trolley, visit the magnificent bathrooms at the Concierge Desk, and check their schedule for preplanned activities.
Visit Venice Beach: People-watching is the best pastime on this beach. Not to mention chilling on the warm sand and letting the sun melt my worries away.
Eat at Real Food Daily: RFD has three locations—Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Pasadena—which means there is sure to be a location convenient for you. RFD features fresh, organic vegan and gluten-free friendly fare. My two favorite dishes are the Real Food Meal with house sauce or the Lasagna Napoletana. If you’re bringing the kiddos, the kid’s menu includes yummy items like quesadillas, a basic bowl, and the super yummy “Not-chos” which is a great little meal featuring tortilla chips, melted cashew cheese and black beans. If you’ve got room after dinner, do yourself a kindness and order a slice of the Chocolate Fudge Cake.
Play at Pan Pacific Park: This playground, located near the heart of Mid-City, features two shaded play structures. It’s great for little and big kids and parents will be pleased that parking is free and bathrooms are onsite.
Eat at Sage Organic Bistro: This vegan bistro has two locations—Culver City and Echo Park—and features some of the most delicious plant-based fare I’ve ever had. No matter if you order a daily special or something simple like their gluten-free rolls and steamed veggies, you’re sure to find a dish to please your palate.
Eat at Breakaway Bakery: When your sweet tooth hits, you’ll want to head over to this Mid-City gluten-free bakery and order the vegan babka or a sticky bun. You'll be super glad that you did.
Visit Newport Beach: Located about an hour south of Los Angeles, Newport Beach is a boater's paradise and has a west coast Florida feel to it. Park near the Newport Beach Pier and hang out for the day at this festive beach that features lots of cute restaurants and shops right along the beach.
Hike Runyon Canyon: Get your feet a little dusty on the Route A trail in Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills. It’s hard to beat the city views on this gorgeous, urban hike. Have somebody drop you off at the Fuller Street entrance and get ready for a lovely one-to-two hour excursion.
Head to Huntington Beach: This lively coastal town has all the amenities you need, including miles of beachfront RV camping, restaurants and shops galore.
Visit Santa Monica Pier: There’s never a dull moment at the Santa Monica Pier. Whether you’re taking in the expansive coastal views, the amusement park rides, or just sitting back and listening to a street musician entertain the crowds, you’re going to enjoy your time spent on the Pier.
Tierra Mia Coffee: This quaint craft coffee house in Echo Park offers delectable fresh roasted coffee that’s truly in a class of its own.
Eat at Rubios: If you’re into fast, fresh Mexican fare with a sustainable twist, you’ll want to check out Rubio’s. With tons of locations in the Los Angeles metro area, you’re sure to stumble across one during your travels.
Visit The Original Farmer’s Market: Located at the corner of Third and Fairfax, this market has been around since 1934. Don’t pass up the gluten-free sweet treats at Zia Valentina, the hot dogs at Frizti Dog, or the cold brew coffee and tantalizing treats at Short Cake.
Go to The Grove: Just across the street from The Farmer’s Market is The Grove, one of the most fun places to visit because there’s always some interesting activity going on. Be sure to ride The Trolley, visit the magnificent bathrooms at the Concierge Desk, and check their schedule for preplanned activities.
Related Articles
Editor's Picks Articles
Top Ten Articles
Previous Features
Site Map
Content copyright © 2023 by Erin Lehn Floresca. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Erin Lehn Floresca. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Erin Lehn for details.