There's a reason so many New York City diehards—you know, the ones who used to complain about the relentless sunshine and plastic surgery—are making the once unthinkable move west. Nowhere else—from the newly revitalized downtown to the miles of achingly beautiful coastline—has such sunny skies, such insistent glamour. But for all its glossy appeal, this is also a town with substance: an excellent food scene, superior shopping, and sweeping views of the city from atop Runyon Canyon…all of which make this legendary place even more so.
Los Angeles Travel Guide
Plan Your Los Angeles Trip
By Kaila Yu
By Krista Simmons
Featured
By Krista Simmons
By Krista Simmons
By Krista Simmons
By Celeste Moure and Krista Simmons
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- The Georgian$$$ | United States, Santa Monica, 1415 Ocean AveRead full reviewSanta Monica's First Lady is back, and feels more alive in spirit than ever.Hot ListPowered By: Booking.com
- The Aster$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 1717 Vine StRead full reviewUnderstated elegance and spacious suites at the iconic intersection of Hollywood and VinePowered By: Expedia
- Alsace LA$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 5170 W Adams BlvdRead full reviewA dreamy Bauhaus-inspired oasis with a desert-hued palette.Powered By: Expedia
- Santa Monica Proper Hotel$$ | United States, Santa Monica, 700 Wilshire Blvd.Read full reviewHigh-design meets westside cool with ocean breezes and rooftop cocktails.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Expedia - Sunset Tower Hotel$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 8358 Sunset Blvd.Read full reviewStep into a Hollywood institution where you're still likely to spot a celeb or two.Readers Choice Awards
Gold ListPowered By: Expedia - Hotel June West LA$ | United States, Los Angeles, 8639 Lincoln BlvdRead full reviewThe playful, adventurous kid sister to Proper Hotels, Hotel June West LA exudes youthful California cool with its smarty designed rooms and a swim club.Hot ListPowered By: Expedia
- Hotel Figueroa - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 939 S Figueroa St.Read full reviewAn oasis amidst LA Live's chaos.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Palihotel Culver City$$ | United States, Culver City, 3927 Van Buren Pl.Read full reviewUndeniable cool in an oft-overlooked part of Los Angeles.Powered By: Expedia
- Kimpton La Peer Hotel$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 627 N La Peer DrRead full reviewA stylish addition to West Hollywood's Design District.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Cara Hotel$$ | Los Angeles, 1730 N Western AveRead full reviewEuropean grandiosity is tempered by modern Californian art and design at this breezy, 60-room boutique hotel.Hot ListPowered By: Expedia
- The Hollywood Roosevelt$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 7000 Hollywood Blvd.Read full reviewSceney cool in the midst of Hollywood's tourist epicenter.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 929 S BroadwayRead full reviewAce has done it again, leading the revitalization charge with this restoration project in the heart of Downtown L.A.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Palihouse Santa Monica$$$ | United States, Santa Monica, 1001 Third St.Read full reviewCalifornia fresh at its best.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills$$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 9850 Wilshire BlvdRead full reviewSurprise: One of the best rooftop bars and pools in the city.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Skylark - Soho Warehouse$ | United States, Los Angeles, 1000 S Santa Fe Ave.Read full reviewSoho House’s first LA property where guests can stay the night may just be the coolest addition to DTLA.Hot List
The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
- 19 Best Things to Do in Los AngelesThe city may sprawl, but we've mapped out your next visit.
By Maxwell Williams
- 16 Best Beaches in Los AngelesEver want to say “nope” to the world, grab your sunscreen, and while away the hours listening to the surf roll onto a soft sandy beach?
By Krista Simmons and Maxwell Williams
- 13 Best Hikes in Los AngelesIn this town, juice and a hike is the weekend plan. Here's how to do it like a local.
By Krista Simmons and Maxwell Williams
- 11 Things to Do in Koreatown, Los Angeles: The Neighborhood GuideWhere to eat, drink, shop, and, yes—get pampered—in this action-packed L.A. nabe.
By Krista Simmons
- 6 Best Day Trips from Los AngelesWhen you want a quick getaway from the City of Angels.
By Krista Simmons and Maxwell Williams
- 10 Fun, Easy Things to Do in Los Angeles With KidsThe City of Angels offers family-friendly entertainment at every turn—you just have to know where to look.
By Mel Kaspin Blume
- How to Spend a Weekend in California's Santa Ynez ValleyCome for the wine, stay for the ’cue.
By Krista Simmons
Editor Recommendations
- Bob Baker Marionette TheaterUnited States, Los Angeles, 4949 York BoulevardRead full reviewThe oldest children's theater playhouse in L.A.
- Wi SpaUnited States, Los Angeles, 2700 Wilshire BoulevardRead full reviewAn iconic Koreatown staple where both the spa and food surpass expectations
- Philosophical Research SocietyUnited States, Los Angeles, 3910 Los Feliz BoulevardRead full reviewFor those with a penchant for the unknown
- Runyon Canyon YogaUnited States, Los Angeles, 1998 N Fuller AveRead full reviewCome for one of Daniel's classes on Saturday.
- Sacred Cove and Abalone Cove Shoreline ParkUnited States, Rancho Palos Verdes, 5970 Palos Verdes Drive SouthRead full reviewIf you're looking for a sunbathing beach, this isn't it, but if you're after natural beauty, you're in the right spot.
- Inspiration Point TrailUnited States, Los Angeles, 1501 Will Rogers State Park RoadRead full reviewDon't miss the one-time home of America's favorite cowboy.
- Switzer FallsUnited States, Tujunga, 701 Angeles Crest Hwy.Read full reviewThe glory of nature, full of Angelenos.
- Vineland Drive-InUnited States, City of Industry, 443 Vineland Ave.Read full reviewThe last theater of its kind remaining in Los Angeles County.
- Echo Park LakeUnited States, Los Angeles, 751 Echo Park AvenueRead full reviewAfter a 2014 renovation the lake became the crown jewel of a cool neighborhood.
- Museum of Jurassic TechnologyUnited States, Los Angeles, 9341 Venice Blvd.Read full reviewIt might not be for everyone, but if you’re interested in obscura, you’ll be seriously satisfied.
- Hauser & WirthUnited States, Los Angeles, 901-909 E 3rd St.Read full reviewThe opening of the Los Angeles location of this world-class gallery was a feather in the cap of the flourishing Arts District scene.
- Santa Monica PierRead full reviewWith scents of cotton candy wafting through the air and views of the Pacific Ocean, the scene at Santa Monica Pier is breathtaking.
By Meredith Carey and Madison Flager
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Los Angeles
- 46 Best Restaurants in Los AngelesHow do you even know where to start?
By Krista Simmons, Hugh Garvey, and Celeste Moure
- 24 Best Bars in Los AngelesWhat L.A. lacks in a late last call, it makes up for in bartending talent.
By Krista Simmons and Hugh Garvey
- 16 Best Brunches in Los AngelesAnyone who thinks brunch is for amateurs hasn’t eaten the mid-day meal in LA lately.
By Krista Simmons
- 18 Best Sushi Restaurants in Los AngelesSushi here is practically a religion—and rightly so.
By Hugh Garvey, Krista Simmons, and Maxwell Williams
- 14 Best Mexican Restaurants in Los AngelesThe city has one of the most varied Mexican restaurant scenes in the world.
By Hugh Garvey
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Yess$$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 2001 E 7th StWhere the meal is a meditation on restraint.Hot List
- Mother Wolf$$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 1545 Wilcox Ave
- Providence$$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 5955 Melrose Ave
- Damian$$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 2132 E 7th PlaceLocal produce, seafood, and possibly the best tortillas in L.A. play the well-deserved starring roles here.
- Escala$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 3451 West 6th StreetKorean and Colombian flavors shine at this rambunctious K-town spot.
- Maude$$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 212 South Beverly Dr.A memorable, splash-out meal that manages to still feel unfussy.
- Osteria Mozza$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 6602 Melrose AvenueCalifornia-cuisine pioneer Nancy Silverton's Michelin-star pasta—not to mention, a mozzarella bar.
- All Day Baby$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 3200 Sunset Blvd.The diner everyone should be so lucky to have.
- Kato$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 11925 Santa Monica BlvdWeaving together Taiwan and Los Angeles.
- Sqirl$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 720 N Virgil Ave. #4Jessica Koslow, still working magic with rice and toast.
- Genwa Korean BBQ$$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 5115 Wilshire BlvdGood gracious that's good galbi.
- Alta Adams$$ | United States, Los Angeles, 5359 W Adams BlvdWith terracotta tiles and honeyed woods, the warm, unfussy nature of Alta Adams is apparent when you walk in.
By Maxwell Williams
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- Boston Travel GuideCharming and legitimately historic
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- Portland, Oregon Travel GuideBeverly Cleary, Matt Groening, and James Beard are all from here. Enough said.
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