Living in Los Angeles for 17 years and I've discovered some of the best spots that Google searches don't bump up high enough
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
You can find a farmers market everywhere in LA. The one in Santa Monica is varied and bigger than many. And you're near the ocean!
Santa Monica Farmers Market
One of my favorite places to take people. Do the easy trail along the driving path, the very hard stairs, or the in between level dirt trail. The views around LA when you get to the top are awesome!
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
The only beach where it's legal to use fire pits (get there VERY early to claim one). I love watching the planes taking off above too.
Dockweiler State Beach
So serene, so gorgeous. The tour of the mansion is fun and definitely do the labyrinth!
Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens
Restaurants
Locally owned and operated by a brother and sister. Everything is fresh and hand made. My bf who lives out of state fell in love with it and wants to go back every time he visits. They also sell pizza by the slice.
The Coop Pizza Menu (Full Menu Update 2025)
All vegan and they give back to animals. Try the strawberry shake!
Monty's Good Burger
All vegan and tastes JUST like McDonalds (well, McD's in the 80s).
Mr.Charlie’s
My personal favorite cookies in the city. They have different flavors each month featured and they're all super soft!
Cookie Gifts Bakery in Los Angeles
Unconventional cookie flavors from around the world. They're very yum!
Lei'd Cookies. Cookies flavors from around the world!
Other Food & Drinks
Tons of flavors, 3 scoops, great bang for your buck. Try the sampler that gives you 4 scoops in a box!
Handel's Ice Cream
New flavors all the time and they're vegan! Vegan does not equal lack of flavor – trust me, they're amazing
Fresh, Hawaiian Grown Donuts | Holey Grail Donuts
I haven't found a better bagel in the city yet. Like the name says, it's very close to the airport.
Brooklyn Bagel LAX
Cheap, soft, and yummy, these cookies are in Westwood Village and popular with UCLA students and locals alike. I'm taking 75 cents a cookie. They also have brownies, shaved ice, ice cream and ice cream sandwiches. The line can get long but it's worth...
Diddy Riese
Arts & Entertainment
Gorgeous atmosphere and the best acoustics you'll ever have in a concert.
The Greek Theatre
You have to drive a little north but it's worth it. You get to cuddle the animals and the money is all donated to the cause. Hug a cow! Rub a pig's belly! I loved meeting the turkey I've been sponsoring for years.
Home
If you're a music lover, you need to go. They have cool artifacts, hands on exhibits, and rotating artist features.
GRAMMY Museum
Local Favorites
My salon. I'm always happy
A Hair and Skin Care Salon in Los Angeles, CA | Killer Hair
I love this place because you get to stay in the same room and your specialists come to you. Used to be my bday tradition. If you go on your bday you'll get a cake slice and a crown!
