The map below contains links to some of our favorite things to do and places to eat in Los Angeles, it is by no means an exhaustive list but there are a few spots that you won’t find in the guidebooks. Download a Word doc with all of this information.
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......................................................................................................... Museums / Cultural
......................................................................................................... The Museum of Jurassic Technology | view site
9341 Venice Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232 The less said the better. Just go. No one has regretted it.
The Center for Land Use Interpretation | view site
9331 Venice Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232 This museum keeps bizarre hours, but if you’re already at the MJT, it’s right next door and worth seeing.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) | view site
250 South Grand Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90012 Check out the current show: WACK! Art and the feminist revolution.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) | view site
5905 Wilshire Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Getty | view site
1200 Getty Center Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90049 No one really goes here for the art, but it has amazing gardens and views.
The Getty Villa | view site
17985 Pacific Coast Highway | Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Though tickets to the Getty Villa are free, reservations are essential.
Griffith Observatory | view site
2800 East Observatory Road | Los Angeles, CA 90027 Learn about the night sky in this Los Angeles landmark, which just underwent a massive renovation. Reservations are required.
Disney Concert Hall | view site
111 South Grand Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90012 Even if you think Frank Gehry is overrated, this building is breathtaking. Check it out during the day.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels | view site
555 West Temple Street | Los Angeles, CA 90012 Incredible building. Open daily for all to walk around and look at the building and grounds.
Egyptian Theater | view site
6712 Hollywood Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90028 A beautifully restored old theater that specializes in film series, so your favorites can be seen on the big screen.
Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame | view site
6925 Hollywood Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90028 This spot is lousy with tourists but there’s a good reason why. Click on the link to find out where your favorite celebrity’s star is located.
The Venice Boardwalk | view site
1800 Ocean Front Walk | Venice, CA 90291 Muscle Beach, patchouli, wierdos and tourists. Go to Zelda’s for mini donuts and a sandwich or head north to On the Waterfront Café, an excellent beer garden.
......................................................................................................... Zelda’s Corner
9 Westminster Avenue | Venice, CA 90291 Delicious sandwiches and hot mini donuts. Kyle used to eat lunch here when he worked on Pacific Avenue.
On the Waterfront Café | view site
205 Ocean Front Walk | Venice, CA 90291 This place is a little bit of a schlep on the crowded boardwalk, but you can usually get a seat. The Hefewiezen and fries are delicious.
Border Grill | view site
1445 4th Street | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Well-prepared high-end Mexican food. Order the scallop ceviche, skirt steak, and/or Border Vegetables. You won’t be disappointed. If you like beer, order the Michelada. If you like tequila, the margaritas are unparalleled.
Jinky’s Café | view site
1447 Second Street | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Great breakfast place close to the Santa Monica hotels. Everyone will find something they love.
Gate of India | view site
117 Santa Monica Boulevard | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Our favorite Indian restaurant. Really great and affordable. Veggie samosas are a must.
Tuk Tuk | view site
8875 West Pico Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90035 Best Thai food in the city. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Order the vegetable spring rolls and the pork chop. Curry dumplings are great, too.
Real Food Daily | view site
514 Santa Monica Boulevard | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Incredible vegan restaurant with great sietan and mashed potatoes. Don’t order desserts, though, no matter how good they sound. They are all terribly disappointing.
Mani’s Bakery | view site
2507 Main Street | Santa Monica, CA 90405 Healthy bakery offering both vegan and sugar-free desserts, as well as other delights with all the fat you could want. Great coffee and breakfast, too!
Urth Caffe | view site
2327 Main Street | Santa Monica, CA 90405 Don’t let the horrendous spelling put you off; this place is amazing, offering healthy food that’s really well-prepared. Surprisingly delicious desserts: the individual fruit pies are a MUST!
Houston’s | view site
202 Wilshire Boulevard | Santa Monica, CA 90401 I know you’re thinking, “The steak house? But I have one in my city! Why would I go there?” The difference is, the building was designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners and was a finalist in the AIA Restaurant Design awards. In other words, have a burger and a glass of wine and enjoy the scenery. If you go for dinner, reservations are essential.
Jack n’ Jill’s | view site
510 Santa Monica Boulevard | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Great breakfast place that features tasty omelets, good coffee, and the biggest bowl of oatmeal ever seen.
Axe | view site
1009 Abbot Kinney Boulevard | Venice, CA 90291 This is our favorite Venice restaurant. It’s simple, beautiful, and serves seasonal produce. The fish of the day is always divine. Superb wine list, too.
Brick House Café | view site
826 Hampton Avenue | Venice, CA 90291 Fantastic breakfasts with a laid-back vibe. Reminds us of Texas.
Lilly’s French Café | view site
1031 Abbot Kinney Boulevard | Venice, CA 90291 Take advantage of their $12 brunch special: it includes your choice of sandwich, omelet or quiche, salad and fries. All this on a gorgeous patio with a terrific selection of wines by the glass. Bon appetit!
Mao’s Kitchen | view site
1512 Pacific Avenue | Venice, CA 90291 If you’ve visited Sarah & Kyle, chances are, we’ve taken you here. Great food, BYOB, and very “Venice.” We recommend “splurging” on the Dollar Salad and anything with fried tofu.
Abbot’s Pizza | view site
1407 Abbot Kinney Boulevard | Venice, CA 90291 Consistently rated one of Los Angeles’ favorite pizza places. Bite your tongues, citizens of New York and Chicago: this pizza is delicious.
Baby Blues Bar-B-Q | view site
444 Lincoln Boulevard | Venice, CA 90291 Note to the Texans: THIS IS NOT TEXAS BBQ! However, the food they serve is fantastic. Order the shrimp Suicide King, the burger or the catfish sandwich. All are delicious. BYOB. Father’s Office | view site
1018 Montana Avenue | Santa Monica, CA 90403 This is consistently listed as one of the best burgers in America, and we agree. It is always busy and, unfortunately, crowded full of jerks. However, if you dare weather the storm, you are in for a treat. Split the sweet potato fries; they’re great!
In-N-Out Burger | view site
13425 Washington Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90292 For anyone outside of California, Arizona, or Nevada, you MUST visit In-N-Out. Locations are everywhere, but this is the closest to your hotel. Don’t worry, vegetarians: just ask for the “grilled cheese, animal style.” It’s not on the menu, but they will hook you up.Great shakes, too!
Bay Cities Italian Deli | view site
1517 Lincoln Boulevard | Santa Monica, CA 90401 FANTASTIC sandwiches. If it were up to Sarah, she & Kyle would eat here at least twice a week. It is very popular, so walk in with confidence, take a number, and wait to order from the intimidating Italian men behind the counter. Recommended: If you eat meat: Large Godmother with The Works. If you don’t: Any cheese of your choice with The Works. Trust us.
Ford’s Filling Station | view site
9531 Culver Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232 This is in our Top Three Favorite Los Angeles Restaurants. Get a reservation and splurge. Recommended: the polenta cake and whatever chef special is on the menu that day.
Tender Greens | view site
9523 Culver Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232 Not fast food: good food done quickly. The salads are fantastic.
S&W Country Diner | view site
9748 Washington Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232 If you’re staying at the Culver Hotel, you MUST go here for Sunday breakfast. It will knock that hangover out! Just be prepared for an agonizingly-long wait if you go between 10 am – 1 pm.
Santa Maria Barbeque | view site
9739 Culver Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232 This is a relatively new restaurant and we love it! Get the tri tip sandwich, pinquito beans and cole slaw.
Hungry Cat | view site
1535 North Vine Street | Los Angeles, CA 90028 This is in our Top Three Favorite Los Angeles Restaurants. Make a reservation and be sure and order any of their specialty cocktails, especially if you’re taking a taxi! Recommended: Everything.
Cat & Fiddle Restaurant & English Pub | view site
6530 Sunset Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90028 Great place for an afternoon beer. Parts of “Casablanca” were filmed in the pub’s private room and Orson Welles is rumored to have lived here in his fatter days.
Palermo Ristorante Italiano | view site
1858 North Vermont Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90027 Loud, tacky, and cheap, this is everything you want in an ancient family-owned Italian restaurant. Order the Pizza Rosa: it is the closest thing to heaven.
Alegria on Sunset | view site
3510 West Sunset Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90026 This is the only affordable option in our Top Three Favorite Los Angeles Restaurants. You must order the queso frito; you’ll thank us for it later. Recommended: Tacos Dorados (potato tacos), Carnitas (shredded pork), and Tacos de Pescado (fish tacos, voted “Best in L.A.”) Cash only, BYOB.
The Original Farmers Market | view site
6333 West Third Street | Los Angeles, CA 90036 Not just a place for produce, this Farmers Market has been around since 1934 and houses some of the best eating in Los Angeles. Stroll around the vendors. We recommend Loteria Grill, Moishe’s and Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market | view site
2640 Main Street | Santa Monica, CA 90405 Open Sundays from 9:30 am — 1 pm, this market is full of organic produce from 30+ farmers and terrific vendors. Take a long stroll or short drive for the best peach ever and a pastry from the Rockenwager stall.
Hennessey + Ingalls | view site
214 Wilshire Boulevard | Santa Monica, CA 90401 No architect should miss this store. No architect’s spouse should forget about this store when birthdays or anniversaries come around.
Fred Segal | view site
500 Broadway | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Want to shop where the stars do? Check out the (in)famous Fred Segal, land of overpriced bedazzled clothes. Watch out for tiny dogs and huge handbags
Waraku | view site
1225 Abbot Kinney Boulevard | Venice, CA 90291 Japanese Importer of limited-edition sneakers. Not to be missed.
Heist | view site
1104 Abbot Kinney Boulevard | Venice, CA 90291 Sarah’s favorite Venice clothing store. Fingers crossed there is a sale.
Surfas | view site
Corner of West Washington and National Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232 If you are even remotely interested in kitchen gadgets and/or gourmet food, you must pay this place a visit.
Amoeba Records | view site
6400 Sunset Boulevard | Los Angeles, CA 90028 Hands down, the best music store you will ever go to. Whether you’re a rare-record collector, an opera aficionado, or someone who wants the latest Top 40 hit, you will love this store. Don’t miss it, unless you wish to save money.
Edna Hart Boutique and Knittery | view site
2941 Rowena Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90039 Sarah gets all her mom’s gifts here: they specialize in local jewelry designers.
Una Mae’s | view site
4651 Kingswell Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90027 Sarah’s favorite clothing store. It is amazing.
Kate
515 South Fairfax Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90036 Want to see where Sarah got her wedding dress? Check out the store that is a far cry from any wedding boutique.
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Miscellaneous Spots
......................................................................................................... Kyle and Sarah's House
945 1/2 Marco Place | Venice, CA 90291 Please don’t stop by unannounced unless you want to see Sarah’s trademark Look Of Death. However, we’d thought you’d like to see where we live in relation to all this!
Power Yoga | view site 1410 Second Street | Santa Monica, CA 90401
This is where Sarah attends yoga classes. Click on the link for a schedule. They will rent you a mat for $2 and all classes are “pay what you can.” Suggested donation is $11. Rudy’s class is highly recommended.
......................................................................................................... The Hotel Carmel | view site
201 Broadway | Santa Monica, CA 90401 A group rate has been arranged for our guests.
Please see the Accommodations page for more details.
The Georgian Hotel | view site
1415 Ocean Avenue | Santa Monica, CA 90401 A group rate has been arranged for our guests.
Please see the Accommodations page for more details.
The Culver Hotel | view site
9400 Culver Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232 A group rate has been arranged for our guests.
Please see the Accommodations page for more details.
FINALLY, if you have done some research of your own, but want to know if certain places are worth the drive or expense, just email Sarah with your question at sarahholbert@yahoo.com. She has lived in Los Angeles for seven years and has hosted many guests in her time. She is happy to play tour guide.
Architects, architecture enthusiasts and fans of Bladerunner can contact Kyle at kbpfister@yahoo.com for a more robust rundown of the various landmarks and masterworks in the area.
