Los Angeles City Guide

If you’re following along on Instagram, you may have seen that I was in LA about a month ago for a short-and-sweet trip! (Remember this exhausting travel story trying to fly from LAX to Palm Beach?!) I was only in Los Angeles for approximately 48 hours, but I managed to pack a lot in. I was searching the blog for some of my previous LA recommendations, but I realized I’ve barely posted anything from my West Coast adventures over the years. Each and every time I’ve been to LA, it’s been for work. But I’ve still gotten to go to some fabulous spots and accumulate a great list of must-do’s when I’m in town!

This last trip to LA was to film a video with BMW, which was so much fun! We shot the video over the course of two days all around Venice and at the BMW Design Works office in Thousand Oaks. I’ll be sharing the full video later this week about the entire experience, but here’s a little teaser!

Now on to my favorite LA spots!

Where to Stay

I’ve only ever stayed in West Hollywood. (And Pasadena, too, but that doesn’t count.) I’ve stayed at The London (twice), the Andaz, and the Sofitel. The London is definitely my favorite of the bunch!

Where to Eat & Drink

In West Hollywood, I love Eveleigh, Laurel Hardware, Tortilla Republic, and Gracias Madre (I’m sure you’ve seen it all over Intagram!) for dinner. Gjelina is a great spot in Venice!

For drinks, EP+LP has a great rooftop in West Hollywood. I also love the Sunset Tower Hotel for drinks on the patio before the sun sets and you can’t go wrong with the bar inside of Chateau Marmont, not to be confused with Bar Marmont, which is also fun!

When it comes to lunch, there are almost too many favorites to name.. I can’t get enough of LA’s healthy options! Lemonade is always a must for me, as is Urth Caffé! Croft Alley is such a great spot to get some work done and grab a bit at the same time.. Love the vibe there! For lunch meetings, you can’t go wrong with Soho House. (Last time I was there I saw Bradley Cooper!) If you’re out in Santa Monica, I once had lunch at Coast at Shutters on the Beach… Gorgeous view!

Denim Jacket / Eyelet Dress / Sandals / Gold Bracelet

For coffee, Alfred’s is a must! I’m also *obsessed* with Urth Caffé‘s Honey Vanilla Latte. I seriously, like, dream about it. We shot at Another Kind of Sunrise in Venice (off Abbot Kinney) and I instantly fell in love! It’s down a little alley to the left of The Piece Collective. One of the best Acai Bowls that I’ve had (pictured above!) and I finally got to try “bulletproof coffee” … AKOS‘ Butter Brew was out of this world and gave me the little jolt I needed for a very long day of shooting!

In love with the blue bicycle I got to borrow for the shoot… Thank you, Solé Bicycles! Thinking I need one with a basket here in Chicago. 🙂

Where to Shop

Melrose Place // Shopping along Melrose Place is just the best… gorgeous stores and the prettiest tree-lined street.

Abbot Kinney // I love the little shops on Abbot Kinney in Venice, too! (It’s like the LA version of SoHo, shopping wise. The best of the best!) We shot some of the BMW video inside of Satine, which had such an expertly curated selection of designer clothes and accessories! Also on the block… Caudalie, Aesop, Heist, Cuyana, Kit and Ace, Le Labo, Salt, Sweaty Betty .. So much goodness!!

Fred Segal and Barney’s are also LA staples not to be missed!

I saved all of these places and many more in my Travel Guide for easy reference in the future!

Be sure to check back in on Saturday for the full video with BMW, along with the entire experience and what #MyDrive is all about!

Created in partnership with BMW