What to see in Los Angeles

IT'S A CITY WHERE BIG DREAMS FLOAT THROUGH THE STREETS, UP TO THE MOUNTAINS AND DOWN TO THE BEACHES.

BY: KAITLIN NARCISO

Breathing in the salty air, listening to the crashing waves, feeling the warm sand beneath my toes; there’s a peace that flows through my body as the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk seems to blur behind me. As much as Los Angeles is always busy, there’s a peacefulness to it; everyone doing their thing, living with love, diverse with their talents and paying no mind to anyone’s differences.

It’s a city where big dreams float through the streets, up to the mountains and down to the beaches. Talent is everywhere: dancing along

the boardwalk, painted along the arts district, behind and in-front of the camera, below and above the water. Each neighborhood in Los Angeles carries its own unique atmosphere. Hollywood is filled with glitz and glamour, Venice boasts a bohemian vibe, the Arts District with its trendy, hipster feel, and Universal City with an entertainment and experience-driven environment.

Whether looking to indulge in the food scene, experience the entertainment world, or get outdoors and into nature, there something for everyone here.

VENICE BEACH

Venice is my paradise in the City of Angels; the perfect mix of beach and town. The Boardwalk stretches for miles extending from Santa Monica to Malibu and beyond. Inhabited by all sorts of individuals, the eclectic vibe of Venice Beach is quintessential and fitting, providing the perfect amount of quirky charm. Whether lounging on the sand, watching the skaters at the skate park, biking along the path, shopping in the beachy stores, or grabbing an ice-cold beverage, it’s all kinds of perfect.

Nestled along the Boardwalk is The Waterfront—and by far one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles. Wanting to bring a little Australian flare, Dave—one of the owners—modeled the new design after his favorite local hangout, Wharf Bar, in Manly, Sydney. As such, the beautiful bohemian beach eatery serves as the go-to spots for locals and tourists alike. Complete with a lounge area, takeout window, all-day café, beer garden and dining area, this soulful beach destination provides an authentically Californian experience with food options for all, whether vegetarian, vegan or carnivore. Over a beer, some fresh veggies and one of the best hummuses I’ve ever tasted, it was easy to spend a few hours laughing with a friend and enjoying the beautiful weather on the back patio.

Renting a bike is essential in Venice. More than just taking you from point A to point B, renting a bike allows you to see the city in a way that many locals do. Cycling down the coastline and taking in the beautiful landscape is an experience itself and provides the perfect transportation for a day adventure. Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals is my go-to spot for rentals with plenty of different bike options available.

Chulita on Rose Avenue is a must-try Alta California-style Mexican restaurant. They also serve up some tasty mezcal and tequila cocktails to pair perfectly with the cuisine. The bright colors, the wooden aesthetic and the big windows make for a welcoming dining spot on a warm sunny day.

HOLLYWOOD

Overlooking the beautiful city tucked under a cozy blanket while watching A Star Is Born was a fantastic experience. It is no surprise that rooftop cinemas are growing in popularity as they are the perfect date night escape. Rooftop Cinema Club offers screenings of iconic movies, drink and snack options galore and a cute venue with beautiful views of the city.

After a day spent on the Boulevard, curling up into the cozy bed of Dream Hollywood truly is a dream. The hotel perfectly epitomizes Hollywood glam and is extravagance at its finest. Within a one-block radius, Dream Hollywood provides high-end dining options, a rooftop restaurant and pool patio that transforms into a club, a late-night pizzeria and bar, a fully-equipped gym designed by celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson and more. To top it all off, the hotel is pet-friendly and their bathrobes, well, I could spend my entire day lounging in their luxuriously soft embrace.

The Comedy Store is a must for anyone who loves to laugh. Located on Sunset Strip and open 365 days a year, The Comedy Store is known for celebrity drop-ins and hilarious comedic lineups. Grab a couple of drinks, have a few snacks and enjoy the night over endless laughs.

DTLA / THE ARTS DISTRICT

The food options are endless; whether craving Asian, Italian, or some sort of fusion cuisine, you can find it here. Most notably, you can probably find it in Grand Central Market. GCM is an eatery that is home to a variety of vendors from all over the world. From Sari Sari, a Filipino rice bowl stall, to Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, a Mexican taqueria, to Ramen Hood, a vegan Japanese joint, the Market is LA’s culinary centerpiece with over 100 years of experience.

Walking down the street taking in the street art in the Arts District is incredibly moving, thoughtprovoking and wonderful. Teeming with creativity and political commentary, the neighborhood has transformed into an iconic spot with graffiti masterpieces that range from colorful and abstract to dark and contemporary. More than just a spot for incredible art, the food scene in the Arts District has developed into a sought-after spot for unique restaurants.

What started as a small taco cart, grew into a bustling food truck business, and eventually into a brick and mortar restaurant. But Chef Wes Avila’s Guerrila Tacos is more than just a Mexican restaurant, it’s the story of how a man turned $167 into a renowned establishment meant to bring exceptional recipes, locally sourced ingredients and the perfect medium of approachable, unpretentious, finedining gourmet meals to the street. Paying homage to the acclaimed food writer, Jonathan Gold—the man who broke down the walls of food writing and elevated ‘cheap eats’—Avila had his silhouette painted on Guerrila Tacos’ wall along with his quote “the taco honors the truck”. Guerrila Tacos embodies everything the Arts District stands for and more—and does it with some of the most delicious tacos in hand.

UNIVERSAL CITY

Letting my inner kid run free as I hopped on and off the different rides and was transported into the different worlds Universal Studios brought my excitement to a whole new level. Universal Studios is truly an amusement park for all. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the Jurassic World ride, you’ll get a taste of the entertainment industry full throttle. The 60-minute studio tour gives an exciting look behind-the-scenes of some of your favorite movie sets and an inner look into a real working movie studio. On the tram, Jimmy Fallon narrates the journey introducing the different locations from Bates Motel to the little town of Amity Island from Jaws. For those who hate waiting in lines, the fast passes are well worth the additional fees.