The City of Angels has far more to offer than glitz, glamour, beaches, and traffic, as you'll see in this roundup of worthwhile stops.
Do: Hike in Griffith Park
Most out-of-towners are familiar with the Griffith Observatory, but that's only a small slice of this 4,210-plus-acre park. Set in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, its myriad trails traverse canyons, peaks providing outstanding views to the city and ocean beyond, and even pass right by that most famous of LA landmarks, the Hollywood sign.
Sip: Psychic Wines
While they won't be telling anyone's fortunes, the offerings at this shop, on the border of Silver Lake and Echo Park, will thrill lovers of natural wines. The store itself is light and airy, lending itself to casual browsing, and staffed with knowledgeable people happy to help out first-timers.
Wear: Bell & Ross BR-03 Diver Watch
Deftly blending nautical and aeronautical influences, the BR-03 Diver is built to stand up to 1,000-foot dives yet elegant enough for daily wear. It has a 42mm satin-polished steel case and a unidirectional rotating steel bezel with a black anodized aluminum insert. The insert matches the black dial, adorned with metal appliqué Superluminova-filled indices beneath a sapphire crystal cover. Finished with a woven black rubber strap. Available at the Westime in Beverly Hills.
Shop: Lady White Co.
Started in 2015 focused solely on making the best white tees, Lady White Co. has since expanded its line to include a number of timeless sportswear styles. Their designs are classic, unadorned, and made by family-owned factories within 10 miles of their Silver Lake flagship that shares space with their offices.
Shop: Mollusk Surf Shop
Venice Beach is already known as a gathering place for all types of creative folks, and its outpost of Mollusk is no different. Mixing aspects of a killer surfboard store with an art gallery/meeting place feel, it's conveniently located next to Great White for some post-meal perusing.
Eat: Gjelina Take Out
Opened in 2008, Gjelina is still one of Venice's best eateries. Unfortunately, that means it can be hard to get a table. Head next door to this sister take-out spot instead and enjoy some Guanciale pizza, sandwiches, and sparkling limeade, then spend the time you saved exploring the rest of Abbot Kinney.
Stay: Silver Lake Pool and Inn
Named for the central L.A. neighborhood in which it sits, this casual 54-room hotel is just a short walk from a lively mix of eateries, galleries, and bars. While the elevated pool deck is not to be missed, the real highlight is the location, with hilltop views and quick access to downtown and Hollywood.
See: New Beverly Cinema
Few people love film as much as Quentin Tarantino. As owner and head programmer at the New Beverly, he has a unique outlet to share it with others. Many of the 35mm and 16mm prints shown through the recently updated projector are from his private collection, and Friday midnight showings are reserved for Tarantino's own work.
Do: Vermont Canyon Tennis Courts
Conveniently located near the Griffith Observatory, these public courts feel like a secluded natural getaway yet are just 20 minutes from downtown. Reservations are thankfully required, so you know a court will be open when you get there, and the hourly rates are quite affordable.
Shop: Melet Mercantile
As a former director of vintage buying for Ralph Lauren's Double RL label, Bob Melet knows a thing or two about vintage finds. This third outpost of his eponymous store, located in a hangar on the grounds of LAX, is filled with hand-curated rare and unique finds from across the globe.
Recharge: Maru Coffee
Named after the Korean word for mountain, this shop believes the best beans are grown at high altitudes. They also have an affinity for single-variety coffees, which they roast at their Arts District location and also serve up in Los Feliz, the latter a perfect spot for a pick me up before heading to the Griffith Park trails.
Eat: Tacos Delta
Tucked away off Sunset Blvd., this family-owned Mexican joint is both delicious and highly affordable. While the tacos are an obvious highlight, don't overlook the sizable burritos, or discount the delightful chilaquiles as a filling breakfast option.
Eat: Jon & Vinny's
With light wood on the walls and minimal seating, this Fairfax joint turns the typical red sauce ambiance on its head. The chef-driven fare includes elevated takes on meatballs, pizzas, and mozzarella sticks, and is paired perfectly with some natural wines curated by the same Helen that runs a shop in the back.
Stay: Beverly Hills Hotel
Nicknamed the "Pink Palace", this iconic hotel has been serving guests since before its home city was incorporated. Offering opulent rooms and bungalows, well-manicured grounds, and the famous Polo Lounge, it's an ideal home base from which to explore the city.
Recharge: Verve Coffee
With locations across California and Japan, it's hard to call Verve a "local" coffee shop, yet one taste of their brews — roasted on vintage roasters in Santa Cruz and sourced directly from farmers — and it won't matter. Their West Hollywood spot is bright, roomy, and a perfect place to start a day of exploration.
Eat: Great White Cafe
Located just a block from the beach across from the Venice sign, this laid-back spot offers all-day delights ranging from Instagram-friendly breakfast bowls to sustainably-sourced fish tacos, along with a natural wine program highlighting small and independent producers. Come for the food and drinks, stay for the people watching from the sunny patio.
Sip: Helen's Wines
Born in NYC, Helen Johannesen learned the value of a farm-to-table ethos at L'Etoile in Madison, WI, and brings that experience to bear at her namesake wineshop. Situated in the back of Jon & Vinny's, in which she is a partner, the store is curated with an eye on naturally-driven, small production vineyards.
Shop: Rose Bowl Flea
Better known for football games and parades, Pasadena's Rose Bowl has been host to the most well-attended flea market in the entire country for over 50 years. With over 2,500 vendors spread across seven areas, you're sure to find something worth taking home.
Presented by Bell & Ross.
