Embark on an L.A. adventure in Marina del Rey. From kayaking and sport-fishing to dining cruises and biking along the coast, our waterfront hotels, dockside restaurants and party-ready yachts make it easy to stay and play like a local.
Jacques Marie Mage · Jil Sander · Lanvin · Loewe · Louis Vuitton · Madhappy · Maison Margiela
Marni · Max Mara · Mejuri · Missoni · Miu Miu · Moncler · Patek Phillipe · Prada · Saint Laurent
Tag Heuer · Tiffany & Co. · Valentino · Van Cleef & Arpels · Versace · Zimmermann partial listing
Valet Parking · Personal Stylist Program · Gift Cards · Concierge Services
Cover: Olafur Eliasson: OPEN at MOCA. Photo by: Henri Lacoste
Studio Olafur Eliasson
at Deme
TREASURES FROM BULGARIA, ROMANIA AND GREECE ANCIENT
GREECE ANCIENT THRACE ANCIENT THRACE AND THE THRACE AND THE CLASSICAL THE CLASSICAL WORLD BULGARIA, ROMANIA, AND GREEC WORLD TREASURES
PUBLISHER Jeff Levy
EDITOR Leila Najafi
ART DIRECTOR Carol Wakano
PRODUCTION ARTIST
Diana Gonzalez
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dale Berman, James Schwartz
CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITOR
Heidi Dvorak
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Marah Eakin
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Liz Moore
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Jean Greene, Walter Lewis, Kerry Baggett
DIRECTOR OF HOTEL AND EVENT MARKETING
Christine Noriega-Roessler
BUSINESS MANAGER
Leanne Killian Riggar
MARKETING/PRODUCTION
MANAGER Dawn Kiko Cheng
DIGITAL PROGRAM MANAGER
Audrey Duncan Welch
DIGITAL MANAGER
Lorenzo Dela Rama
HONORARY PRESIDENT
Ted Levy
ARRIVED Los Angeles
3679 Motor Ave., Suite 300 Los Angeles, California 90034
Phone: 310.280.2880
Fax: 310.280.2890
Contact Us
ADVERTISING
Liz.Moore @CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
EDITORIAL
Leila.Najafi @CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
ART
Art@CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
DIGITAL Web@CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
CIRCULATION
Christine.Roessler@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
Fiery Feasts
Global hospitality group SBE, in collaboration with pop sensation Marc Anthony, unveils the latest dining hot spot in the heart of West Hollywood. Chef Wes Avila from Guerilla Tacos and Ka’teen helms the kitchen at MXO, which stands for Mexican origins. The Mexican steakhouse focuses on wood-fired preparations using California’s abundant produce, such as whole grilled prawns, birria beef hammer, and roasted squash mole. House-made Mexican-influenced cocktails are infused with bold flavors as seen in the Pura Candela, made with chipotle-infused Patron and mango syrup, cilantro, and lime. The sleek and sexy interior accommodates up to 150 seated guests with lounge-style seating outdoors and private nooks for more intimate gatherings. 826 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, 323.805.0696; sbe.com
Food and drink spread at Deme. Opposite: Whole grilled prawns at MXO
Poolside Perfection
Dining poolside in November is one of the many perks that L.A. offers. At Deme, the new poolside restaurant inside Hotel Figueroa downtown, guests are whisked away to the Mediterranean with a menu that pays homage to the flavors and traditions of the Aegean Sea and surrounding seaside destinations. Indoor and outdoor seating options are infused with a saffron palette inspired by Turkish bazaars. Start your meal with freshly made pita bread served with house-made dips. For a family-style feast, try the Turkish lamb manti, Greek-inspired octopus skewers, and duck shawarma. End your meal on a sweet note with crispy baklava made from scratch using Santa Barbara pistachios. Hotel Figueroa, 939 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 877.724.1973; hotelfigueroa.com
Fresh catch
Chef Akira Back, whose global footprint includes Mama Lion, ABSteak, and the Michelin-star Dosa, adds another notch to his belt with the opening of Norikaya, a 20seat Japanese restaurant at the bustling intersection of Western
Avenue and 6th Street in Koreatown. The intimate restaurant only features bar seating around a singular sushi bar to give diners a close look at the artistry and attention to detail that goes into the making of the hand rolls and small bites menu. Signature
dishes include AB Tuna & Caviar and the Supreme Team, made with o-toro, uni, caviar, and gochujang miso. Reservations are not accepted, and the restaurant is cashless so don’t forget your plastic card. 554 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, 213.816.8720
Sushi bar at Norikaya
THINGS TO DO IN WEST HOLLYWOOD ONE BLOCK
WEST HOLLYWOOD might only be 1.9 square miles but the small and vibrant city is considered by many to be the heartbeat of Los Angeles pulsating with trendy restaurants and thumping nightclubs. In honor of its 40th anniversary on November 29, here’s a guide to the world-famous Sunset Strip—a bustling boulevard in the city. The iconic 1.5-mile block is chock-full of entertainment and nightlife to fill your weekend.
SHOP EAT DO
Browse endless shelves of hardcover and paperback page-turners and pick up a New York Times best seller or the latest mystery novel at Book Soup, L.A.’s beloved independent book store. Across the street, stop at Supreme, where all the cool kids shop for the urban, global clothing brand. Kith has a 3,500-square-foot flagship store that could be confused for a museum. You’ll find the latest footwear and accessories here and stop by the Kith Treats bar to let your inner child indulge in cereal bowls, ice cream, and milkshakes.
› Book Soup
8818 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.659.3110
› Supreme
8801 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 323.655.6205
› Kith
8500 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 424.512.2800
Start your morning with a coffee and loaded breakfast burrito from Dialog Cafe, a popular local hangout just off the Strip. Seafood lovers won’t want to miss Saltie Girl, the Boston-born restaurant known for its eye-catching seafood towers, signature lobster roll, and impressive selection of tinned fish. The Tower Bar, an iconic restaurant tucked inside the Sunset Tower Hotel, is perfect for a formal dinner accompanied by live jazz music on the weekends. Bar Next Door is where you’ll want to end for a nightcap.
› Dialog Cafe
8766 Holloway Drive West Hollywood, 310.289.1630
› Saltie Girl
8615 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.734.7296
› Tower Bar
8358 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 323.848.6677
› Bar Next Door
9159 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, barnextdoor.com
Break a sweat at Rumble, the highintensity boxing class, and after you’ve worn out your muscles, get a CBD massage at Ole Henriksen Spa to help you recover. Enjoy a few late-night belly laughs at the Comedy Store, a legendary comedy club with an all-star lineup or catch a live show at The Roxy. But if you’d rather put on your dancing shoes, the Strip’s newest nightclub Keys is the place to be.
› Rumble
8544 Sunset Blvd., #104 West Hollywood, 213.246.2621
› Ole Henriksen Spa
8622 Sunset Blvd., Suite A West Hollywood, 310.854.7700
› The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 323.656.6225
› The Roxy
9009 West Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, theroxy.com
› Keys
9039 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, hwoodgroup.com
Kith LA Saltie Girl
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: H.WOOD, STAN LEE, KITH
Keys nightclub
Diningfashionlifestyle
“A” PCH
ACTIVE CULTURE CAFE
BOBA GUYS
THE BUNGALOW
CAFFE LUXXE
DAN MODERN CHINESE
FIRE WINGS
THE ITALIAN HOMEMADE
JINYA RAMEN BAR
NOBLE BIRD ROTISSERIE
OLA MEXICAN KITCHEN
PALPAPA
POTATO CHIPS DELI
SHAKE SHACK
TELEFÉRIC BARCELONA
URBAN PLATES
VAN LEEUWEN
WHOLE FOODS
@2nd_pch
AMOUR VERT
ANTHROPOLOGIE
BRIXTON
EVEREVE
FREE PEOPLE
GORJANA
JOLIE BOUTIQUE
LATHER
LINNE’S BOUTIQUE
LULULEMON
MADEWELL
NIKE WELL COLLECTIVE
SEPHORA
TRAVISMATHEW
URBAN OUTFITTERS
VUORI
WARBY PARKER
BARRY’S
BE FIT MODERN PILATES
CHASE BANK
GRIT CYCLE
HOLLY & HUDSON
MADISON REED
THE NOW MASSAGE
ONE MEDICAL PIXAR PUTT POP-UP
RUMBLE BOXING
THE SHADE STORE
SKIN SPIRIT
THE SOLUTION
HOT DATES
NOV EVENTS
November 14 The arrival of Santa Claus on Rodeo Drive marks the official start of the holiday season. From 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the street comes to life with sparkling holiday decorations, exciting live performances, and fun surprises for the whole family. The Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. rodeodrive-bh.com
5 EVENTS TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR
HERE FOR THE WEEKEND?
Check out these fun events happening around town. For more L.A. events, head over to SoCalPulse.com
BEAUTYCON
November 2-3
The future of beauty comes to DTLA with two days of panels, tutorials, and celebrity guests at this convention in which you can learn from stylists and creators at Beauty School, shop the latest brands at Soko Mrkt, discover the history of beauty at the Buseum, and listen to insightful conversations at the Masterclass Stage. Speakers include Jonathan Van Ness, Lili Reinhart, Lauren Ireland, and many others. beautycon.com
EYES ON THE ROAD: ART OF THE AUTOMOTIVE LANDSCAPE Through November 3
Explore the iconography of the open road and American car culture at the Petersen Automotive
Museum in Los Angeles. The exhibit features works by Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, and other artists who found inspiration in automobiles, road signs, and highways of the United States. Plan your visit before the exhibit leaves at the end of the month. petersen.org/ eyes-on-the-road-exhibit
MARIAH CAREY AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
November 8
While one could argue that the beginning of November, just a week or so after Thanksgiving, isn’t necessarily a great time to proudly belt out Christmas tunes, try telling that to Mariah Carey, who brings her “Christmas Time” tour to the Hollywood Bowl on November 8. The self-proclaimed Queen
of Christmas performs all of her holiday classics, including “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” livenation.com
NOON
TO MIDNIGHT: FIELD
RECORDINGS
November 16
Engage in deep listening during this 12-hour music marathon at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Awardwinning composer Ellen Reid designed the festival in collaboration with the L.A. Philharmonic, focusing on nature-inspired audio rather than studioproduced sounds. More than 35 composers and 15 ensembles perform including Andrew Yee, Missy Mazzoli, and more. Doug Aitken’s multimedia installation, Lightscape, premieres at the festival. laphil.com/ concerts-and-events
EXPLORE L.A.’ S ARTISTIC
FROM GALLERIES TO FESTIVALS: DIVE INTO L.A.’S CULTURAL SCENE by
MARAH EAKIN
Los Angeles is a great place to be in November. The city is just coming off its Halloween high and temperatures are now pleasantly cool. As Christmas approaches, many arts and cultural organizations kick off their holiday offerings, providing patrons with a wide range of events and experiences to enjoy throughout the city. With this in mind, here’s our roundup of local events happening this month all around Los Angeles.
Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza Through January 2025
Making its way back to Santa Monica after a 10-year absence, Cirque du Soleil is launching Kooza under the Big Top at Santa Monica Pier. A tribute to the traditional circus, Kooza combines acrobatic performance and clown artistry to explore themes of innocence, surprise, and identity. The show features elaborate costumes and artistic lighting, as well as acrobatic feats. Cirque du Soleil never fails to impress, and this is no exception. Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, cirquedusoleil.com/kooza
PST Art: Art x Science Family Festival
November 9-11
With 70 exhibits, shows, and performances spread all over Southern
California, the Getty’s new PST Art series aims to probe the intersection of art and science. There are a slew of great options to choose from on the event roster, but if you’re looking for something to please the whole gang, you can’t go wrong with the Art x Science Family Festival at La Brea Tar Pits. Explore distant exoplanets with experts from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and practice traditional adobe building techniques with artisans from the Craft Contemporary museum. Kids can learn the history of anatomical drawing before performing (fake) surgery on a lifelike anatomical dummy. There’ll be food and music, too, from L.A. band Quetzal. Nearby institutions, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, offer on-site science-inspired activities during the
HEART
festival. Various locations, pst.art/en/ events/familyfestival
Descanso Gardens’
Enchanted: Forest of Light
November 15-January 5
A holiday season tradition for so many Angelenos, Enchanted: Forest of Light is a feast for the senses. With stunning light installations scattered across the park’s massive footprint, Enchanted is a must for both art and nature lovers. This year’s event highlights Descanso Gardens’ newly refurbished model trains, as well as returning favorites like Tom Fruin’s “stained-glass” houses, HYBYCOZO’s cool geometric structures, and a musical forest. Hot beverages and food are available for purchase, so grab a cup of hot cocoa and embrace the holiday vibe. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, descansogardens.org
Lightscape
November 16
This multimedia work by artist Doug Aitken makes its world premiere at Walt Disney Concert Hall this month. The score is performed live with a feature-length film starring Natasha Lyonne, Beck, and members of the L.A. Dance Project. A portrait of the contemporary world that examines the complexities of life on the American West Coast, Lightscape features music composed by Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and Meredith Monk, which is performed live by the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the L.A. Philharmonic. It’s all part of the
Philharmonic’s annual Noon to Midnight festival, which fills the storied venue with new compositions, performances, and installation pieces for 12 hours. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.com
When the Veil Thins
Through
January 2025
A new artist exhibition taking place at Compound in Long Beach is artist and curator Tofer Chin’s attempt at exploring the relationship between identity, security, and the American dream. His own installation piece, There Is Another World, And It Is in This One, is on exhibit at the show, as are
Clockwise from left: Doug Aitken, Lightscape, 2024; Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures Through Cinema; Moon Over Modernism Willis Harpel House by John Lautner; The Starlight Garden at Enchanted Forest of Light
works from artists Amir H. Fallah, Analia Saban, Aryana Minai, and Todd Tourso, whose short, Sleep Now in the Fire, shines a light on contemporary immigrant life. 1395 Coronado Ave., Long Beach, compoundlb.org
Moon Over Modernism
November 2-3
It’s not often that the general public gets a chance to step into some of Los Angeles’ most beautiful and wellpreserved modernist architecture, but Moon Over Modernism cracks open that door with two of the city’s most renowned homes available for viewing. On Saturday, step into the mid-’50s with a sunset cocktail party at the Willis Harpel House, designed by legendary California architect
John Lautner. The house was recently (and masterfully) restored by its owner. On Sunday, take a daytime tour of the Gertler house in Pacific Palisades, which is a wood-filled modernist gem from 1970 designed by Ray Kappe, who founded the Southern California Institute of Architecture, still considered to be one of the top architecture schools in the world. And if seeing beautiful, architecturally significant homes isn’t reason enough to go, then take solace in the fact that all proceeds from the tours benefit USModernist, a nonprofit educational archive for the documentation, preservation, and promotion of Modernist architecture. Various locations, usmodernist.org/la
Fairplex Presents En Memoria
November 2
In Latin American culture, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) takes place each year in commemoration of those who have passed on, with families creating ofrendas (altars) and sharing food and music in remembrance of loved ones they’ve lost. While there are a number of events surrounding the holiday all over the city each year, En Memoria at the
Fairplex in Pomona is one of the most compelling and unique since it features not just the typical art, shopping, and food involved in that kind of festival, but also tacks on a lowrider show. Aimed at celebrating unity and connection in the Latin American community, the car show brings together clubs of enthusiasts from all over the region, rolling through in their amazing rides. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, fairplex.com
Romeo and Juliet
November 2-23
Everyone knows the play Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s epic tale of love and woe, but not everyone knows that it was turned into an opera by French composer Charles Gounod in 1867. The L.A. Opera’s latest adaptation opens at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion this month, with sweeping ballgowns and lusty romance-a-plenty in a production by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage director Ian Judge. Opera up-and-comers Amina Edris and Duke Kim are the star-crossed lovers in this tragic romance. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, musiccenter.org
From top: Compound Long Beach exhibit; LA Opera's 2011 production of Romeo and Juliet
FROM TOP: JOSHUA WHITE PICTURES, ROBERT MILLARD
CITY TOURS
FIND THE BEST IN
Beverly Hills
STARS, STELLAR SHOPPING, AND DINING HAPPENING IN CULVER CITY AND CENTURY CITY
It’s only 5 square miles, but Beverly Hills looms large in pop culture. The posh locale is home to some of the priciest properties in L.A. County and possesses the country’s most recognizable zip code. Rodeo Drive, perhaps the world’s most famous shopping street, offers virtually every luxury fashion brand. Nearby Century City and Culver City offer on-trend shopping and dining, frequented by entertainmentindustry heavy hitters.
THE MANSIONS
Beverly Hills’ glamorous reputation dates back to the early 20th century,
when the opening of the Beverly Hills Hotel ushered in a frenzy of moviestar mansion-building in the hills north of Sunset Boulevard. The triumvirate of Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills, and BelAir still attracts famous and fabulously wealthy residents. Hop on the Beverly Hills Trolley Tour or book with Starline Tours to see notable homes in the area and other local landmarks.
RODEO DRIVE + GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Find Louis Vuitton, Gearys and other highend designer boutiques such as TAGS in the
Golden Triangle, which consists of Rodeo Drive (the crown jewel of the shopping district) bounded by Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards and Cañon Drive. Ascend the cobblestone street of Two Rodeo to visit parfumerie Henry Jacques and Winn Slavin Fine Art
THE INDUSTRY + THE ARTS
Beverly Hills isn’t all shopping and gated estates: Talent agencies William Morris Endeavor and United Talent Agency are just two of its entertainment businesses in the area, which makes it easy to rub shoulders with power lunchers and their famous clients dining at nearby Spago, Wolfgang Puck’s legendary restaurant. Enjoy cultural offerings at The Wallis
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, an entertainment venue in what formerly was the Beverly Hills Post Office.
CENTURY CITY
West on Santa Monica Boulevard is modern acropolis Century City, home to talent agencies ICM and Creative Artists Agency as well as Fox Studios. Past Avenue of the Stars is Westfield Century City, an upscale open-air center with more than 175 stores, including Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom, Aritzia and John Varvatos for men as well as an AMC multiplex, Din Tai Fung restaurant, and Eataly. Nearby on Constellation Boulevard, epicures are drawn to Hinoki & the Bird, Javier’s, and Lumiere at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Across the street,
Clementine, a popular spot during lunch, serves farm fresh salads and sandwiches.
CULVER CITY
Culver City has a thriving downtown with trendy bars and restaurants. Near the intersection of Washington and National boulevards—a handy stop on the Metro Expo Line—is the hip Platform lifestyle and shopping complex. Culver City’s city seal proclaims it “the Heart of Screenland.”
In 1915, Ince/Triangle Studios opened on Washington Boulevard; in 1924, the site became MGM Studios, where classics such as Singin’ in the Rain and The Wizard of Oz were filmed. Today it is home to Sony Pictures Studios, where Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are taped.
Experience Culver City’s screen heritage on a Sony Pictures Studio Tour.
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR
LEFT: Two Rodeo; rack of lamb at Spago; outdoor shopping at Westfield Century City; Teller at Platform; Via Rodeo sign post.
West Hollywood
THE SCENE INCLUDES THE SUNSET STRIP, 3RD STREET, MELROSE AND FAIRFAX AVENUES
For a municipality measuring less than 2 square miles, WeHo wields enormous influence over the L.A. lifestyle. Numerous world-class art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, and theaters make it a frequent destination for locals and visitors alike. In the Fairfax and mid-Wilshire districts, dining and shopping opportunities abound at The Grove and the Original Farmers Market; for art and culture experiences head for Museum Row.
SUNSET STRIP
After dark, the iconic strip of Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights
Boulevard becomes one of the hottest stretches of asphalt in L.A. County. The club scene rocks with legendary establishments such as the Roxy, the Whisky a Go Go, and the Viper Room, all of which have a long history of hosting performances by rock ‘n’ roll royalty. Newer nightclubs include the disco-themed Sunset at EDITION. The Comedy Store continues to showcase leading names and emerging stars in standup, and restaurants such as Madeo and The Tower Bar offer upscale fare. During the day, boutiques and shops, such as the beloved indie bookstore Book Soup, draw traffic.
MELROSE AVENUE
Melrose Avenue is synonymous with trendiness; new expressions in fashion, art and food continue to percolate up and down this street. East of Fairfax Avenue are indie boutiques, cafés, tattoo parlors, and vintage shops. To the west, Melrose becomes très sophistiqué, appealing to upscale tastes at Reformation, Cult Gaia, and Vivienne Westwood. Just off the avenue is the fashionable three-block Melrose Place, where luxury vehicles line up at chic boutiques such as IRO and Zimmermann.
BEVERLY BOULEVARD + 3RD STREET
Beverly Boulevard and West 3rd Street, major east-west streets running through the city, are filled with restaurants such as Marvin and
design showrooms and boutiques from some of the hottest up-and-coming clothing and accessories designers. The two streets bracket the landmark eight-level Beverly Center. Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton boutiques, and restaurants including refined steakhouse ABSteak, are among more than 90 draws.
FAIRFAX AVENUE + MID-WILSHIRE
L.A.’s Fairfax District and neighboring Mid-Wilshire are among the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the Mid-City/ West Hollywood area. At Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a renowned institution with more than 100,000 works dating from the ancient period to the present.
Adjacent to LACMA is the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, which traces the remnants of Ice Age history. Additional Museum Row venues include the renovated Petersen Automotive Museum and Craft Contemporary
To the museums’ east is the burgeoning District La Brea, a walkable stretch filled with dining spots including French café and bakery République. One of the Fairfax District’s anchors is the Original Farmers Market, established in 1934, with more than 100 produce stalls, shops, and eateries.
Adjacent, and connected by a vintage trolley, is the Grove—an outdoor shopping center with the character of an old-fashioned village square, with stained-glass street lamps and a central fountain. Retailers, a movie theater, and scores of restaurants offer a variety of experiences.
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Chris Burden’s Urban Light at LACMA; The ROW on Melrose Place; La Brea Tar Pits and Museum; The Grove; 1981 DMC Delorean from Peterson Automotive Museum.
CITY TOURS
Hollywood
STAR CULTURE: WALK OF FAME, GRIFFITH
OBSERVATORY,
SUMMER’S HOLLYWOOD BOWL
With its new boutiques, hotels, and restaurants, Hollywood has reemerged as a bona-fide visitor destination. In the heart of Hollywood, check out classic theaters and eclectic museums; see the stars embedded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; or tour the site of the Academy Awards show. For a different kind of starry scene, head to Griffith Park for stargazing at the Griffith Observatory or the thousands of acres used for horseback riding and hiking.
HOLLYWOOD + HIGHLAND
The entertainment and shopping complex of Ovation Hollywood was
a catalyst for the rebirth of Hollywood Boulevard. Its Dolby Theatre is the current home of the Academy Awards show, and its central Babylon Court frames views of the iconic Hollywood sign. Erected in 1923 to advertise a housing development, the sign’s 45-foot-high letters originally read “Hollywoodland.” Other draws include the Japan House gallery, the Anvio VR virtual reality experience, and dining spots such as Sugarfish for sushi. Next door to Hollywood & Highland is the TCL Chinese Theatre, famed for the celebrity hand and footprints embedded in concrete out front (see below). Nearby
restaurants include Gwen by chef Curtis Stone, chef Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf, and Shirley Brasserie, at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.
SHOWTIME
Just opposite Hollywood & Highland is the ornate, lavishly illuminated El Capitan Theatre. Restored by Disney, it offers special presentations of the studio’s releases. The 1922 Egyptian Theatre screens eclectic artsy and classic fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre stages hit musicals such as Wicked and Chicago. The Hollywood Bowl is the largest outdoor amphitheater in the U.S. The Los Angeles Philharmonic takes up residence in the summer; picnicking there under the stars is among the city’s most memorable experiences.
WALK OF FAME
The sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard (La Brea Avenue to Gower Street) and three blocks of Vine Street (Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard) are inlaid with the legendary brass-andterrazzo stars honoring celebrities from the enter-tainment industry. More than 2,400 stars are enshrined beneath visitors’ feet. Marilyn Monroe’s star is steps from Hollywood & Highland. John Lennon’s is in front of the Capitol Records Building, an architectural landmark designed to resemble a stack of records.
MUSEUMS, HOLLYWOOD-STYLE
Hollywood has its share of museums, but you won’t encounter Picassos or Monets. Next to the TCL Chinese Theatre is
Madame Tussauds
Hollywood, filled with more than 100 wax figures. You can ponder zany accomplishments at the Guinness World Records Museum; the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers bizarre exhibits. The Hollywood Museum showcases 10,000 artifacts representing 100 years of showbiz history.
GRIFFITH PARK
Among the largest urban parks in America, Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, take a train ride, or golf. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at Griffith Observatory, one of the world’s great planetariums and a frequent film location. The hike up Mount Hollywood provides spectacular views of L.A. skyscrapers and the Hollywood sign; the Greek Theatre is a legendary outdoor music venue. Also here: the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens and the Autry Museum of the American West
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: View from Ovation Hollywood; Taylor Swift in wax at Madame Tussauds Hollywood; the Hollywood Bowl; Griffith Observatory; bone marrow at Shirley Brasserie.
CITY TOURS
Santa Monica
THE COASTAL CITY THAT NEIGHBORS MALIBU, VENICE, PACIFIC PALISADES, AND BRENTWOOD
In the 1800s, orator Tom Fitch called Santa Monica “the Zenith City by the Sunset Sea.” The 21st-century version of Santa Monica fulfills its early promise with a bustling downtown and beach that attract millions of visitors each year. Pacific Coast Highway connects SaMo with elite coastal draws Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
Venice and its main drag Abbot Kinney Boulevard attracts an eclectic crowd; upscale Brentwood is home to the Getty Center and numerous A-listers.
SANTA MONICA
Third Street Promenade, three pedestrian-only blocks on 3rd Street
between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard, teems with visitors browsing dozens of shops, including H&M and Anthropologie, and gawking at the myriad street artists.
The Promenade is lined with all manner of eateries, as do the surrounding streets, with versatile dining experiences such as cozy pub Ye Olde King’s Head as well as Michelin-starred siblings Rustic Canyon for small plates and Cassia for Asian fusion.
Anchoring the Promenade at Broadway is Santa Monica Place, an open-air shopping center with Nordstrom, 80
boutiques, and a top-level Dining Deck. Steps away is the western terminus of the Metro Expo Line, which connects Santa Monica by light rail to downtown Los Angeles.
Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is at the end of Colorado Avenue and features Pacific Park, a mini amusement park with food stands and rides. Take a ride on the Pacific Wheel, a solar-powered and LED-lit Ferris wheel.
MALIBU
A few miles north of Santa Monica along Pacific Coast Highway is Malibu. Many of the city’s best destinations are visible from PCH, including renowned restaurants with ocean views, notably the casual Malibu Seafood and the upscale Nobu Malibu Celebrity-frequented Malibu Country Mart
serves as the area’s town square; Lucky’s steakhouse is popular amongst locals. Adjacent Malibu Village and Malibu Lumber Yard offer plenty more shops and restaurants.
PACIFIC PALISADES
There’s more than what initially meets the eye in seemingly sleepy Pacific Palisades. Palisades Village—from the devel oper of The Grove and the Americana at Brand —has more than 40 boutiques including Alo, Anine Bing, Jennifer Meyer, and Bottega Veneta. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine on Sunset Boulevard is a 10-acre oasis with a koi- and swan-filled lake. The area’s crown jewel is the Getty Villa, inspired by a Julius Caesar –era villa and dedicated to the study of the art and
cultures of ancient Greece and Rome.
VENICE
In the early 1900s, Abbot Kinney developed Venice as an American version of the Italian city; the canals in his version are now lined with multimillion-dollar residences. His namesake Abbot Kinney Boulevard is Venice’s coolest street, with restaurants such as Gjelina and distinctive boutiques that make for an altogether entertaining stroll. Ocean Front Walk is often populated by street performers, vendors, and Muscle Beach bodybuilders.
BRENTWOOD
Marilyn Monroe once called this affluent enclave northeast of Santa Monica home; it remains a favorite celebrity stomping ground. San Vicente Boulevard functions as the neighborhood’s main street, with independent shops, bakeries, cafés, and restaurants. The Brentwood Country Mart, an open-air shopping center, offers upscale retail. The architecturally stunning Getty Center is a hilltop museum worth a visit.
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Dining deck at Santa Monica Place; view from Getty Villa; Vietnamese Sunbathing Prawns from Cassia; Santa Monica Beach.
CITY TOURS
Downtown
CULTURE AND COOL: THE MUSIC CENTER, THE ARTS DISTRICT, L.A. LIVE, AND DYNAMIC DINING
Downtown Los Angeles has undergone an eyepopping renaissance. Historic art deco structures share the streetscape with glass-clad towers, and celebrities have snapped up lofts in century-old buildings. The arts thrive along Grand Avenue as well as in the hip Arts District. Peacock Place is sports central; Chinatown and Olvera Street are fun cultural excursions; to the southwest, Exposition Park offers a trio of major museums.
GRAND AVENUE
The heart of L.A.’s performing arts scene and the site of its most dramatic architecture,
Grand Avenue lives up to its name. Four venues on Bunker Hill make up the Music Center. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to LA Opera, the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum host theatrical productions and architect Frank Gehry’s spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall is the home of the LA Philharmonic. Opposite is the 12-acre Grand Park with ongoing programming.
BUNKER HILL
Not far from the Ahmanson Theatre is the postmodern Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. A short walk south on Grand is The Broad museum,
a stunning edifice funded by and housing the contemporary art collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Angels Flight is a vintage funicular that climbs to California Plaza from Hill Street. The Bunker Hill Steps rise five stories at the U.S. Bank Tower. Across the street is the art decostyle Central Library
OLVERA STREET
The city’s origins date back to 1781 and the building of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, a historic monument that comprises 27 buildings along the festive pedestrian concourse Olvera Street. The city’s oldest building, Avila Adobe is here, along with Mexican restaurants, mariachi bands, and merchants selling arts, crafts, and food. Across the street is Union Station, the
largest railroad passenger terminal in the western United States; a few blocks away is L.A.’s oldest restaurant, built in 1908, Philippe the Original
CHINATOWN
Chinatown is the destination for dim sum—and dining at foodie meccas such as Howlin’ Ray’s for Nashville hot chicken— or browsing for clothing and home goods. Cultural highlights include the ornate Thien Hau Temple. Dodger Stadium is a short drive away, as is San Antonio Winery, which offers tours and tastings.
ARTS DISTRICT
To the east of emerging hipster ‘hood Little Tokyo is the Arts District, with its myriad murals, shops, and markets, the Hauser & Wirth gallery, a bevy of breweries, and lauded
restaurants such as Bavel, Manuela, and Brera—not to mention Damian from world-renowned Mexico City chef Enrique Olvera.
PEACOCK PLACE
The Peacock Place entertainment complex includes the Peacock Theater, several night spots, and a dozen restaurants, including Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Katsuya, Savoca, and Tom’s Watch Bar, all facing a massive plaza lined with LED screens. It adjoins the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers, Clippers, Sparks, and Kings and host to top pop acts. The Grammy Museum honors musicians with videos, artifacts, and exhibits.
EXPOSITION PARK
South of downtown is Exposition Park, site of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—home of USC Trojans football and twice host of the Summer Olympics—as well as the California African American Museum, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and California Science Center, which has a 3D IMAX theater and the NASA space shuttle Endeavour.
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT:
The Broad museum; rose clove chocolate donuts at Bavel; Union Station interior; ROW DTLA shop.
CITY TOURS
FIND THE BEST IN
Pasadena
HOME TO THE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES, THIS SMALL-TOWN CHARM BLOOMS ALL YEAR LONG.
TO THE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES, THIS SMALL-TOWN CHARM BLOOMS ALL YEAR LONG.
Pasadena’s charming small town vibe, historic buildings, and plethora of museums make it an attractive neighborhood for visitors. Walk around Old Pasadena, or as locals call it, “Old Pas” spanning across 22 blocks filled with shops and lively restaurants. For arts and entertainment lovers, there are plenty of options including an outdoor stadium where concerts and a monthly flea market are held, museums, gardens, and performing arts centers.
OLD PASADENA
A tribute to foresighted urban planning is the 22-square-block shopping
district known as Old Pasadena, roughly bounded by Walnut and Green streets, Arroyo Parkway and Pasadena Avenue.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a collection of restored buildings filled with trendy boutiques, bistros and nightclubs. Merchants range from Tesla Motors to Zara, and eateries include Union, a top-rated Italian restaurant. Pedestrian-only alleys meander through the One Colorado project in the heart of Old Pasadena, where restaurants offer alfresco dining overlooking a sculpture-strewn square. Boutiques such as Nike,
Patagonia, and Sephora draw shoppers, while iPic Theaters reimagines the moviegoing experience with state-of-theart technology, plush seats and a bar/café.
Nearby is the Norton Simon Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in the West. The galleries are filled with works dating from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and the museum’s repertoire of impressionist masters is formidable. To the north, you’ll find Rose Bowl Stadium (home to the UCLA Bruins, concerts and a popular monthly flea market) and, nearby, the interactive Kidspace Children’s Museum.
East of Old Pasadena is The Paseo, a shopping center with a Regal cinemas movie theater, restaurants and shops lining garden promenades.
Its open-air design frames views of Pasadena City Hall, a majestic landmark restored to its original beaux-arts grandeur.
PLAYHOUSE DISTRICT + SOUTH LAKE AVENUE
Anchored by the Mission-style Pasadena Playhouse, this district offers art house cinema, antique shops and bookstores, as well as the famed Ice House Comedy Club, whose stage has hosted George Carlin and Jerry Seinfeld. Other cultural attractions include the Boston Court Performing Arts Center and the USC Pacific Asia Museum.
East of the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue provides a vibrant shopping environment. Inviting boutiques are set around Europeanstyle courtyards at the Commons and Burlington
Arcade. A drive south on Lake Avenue through one of the city’s most opulent residential neighborhood leads to the Langham Huntington. Consider this grand, historic hotel for high tea, Japanese Kobe beef at its Royce steakhouse or pampering at its award-winning Chuan Spa.
SAN MARINO + SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
South of the Langham is San Marino and its primary attraction, The Huntington, whose library, art collections, botanical gardens and education and visitor center occupy one of the most remarkable pieces of real estate in Southern California. Here, the Italianate mansion of railroad magnate Henry Huntington houses an extraordinary collection of 18th- and 19th-century art. A library with nearly 9 million rare books, photographs and manuscripts occupies another structure. Throughout the 200-acre property are more than a dozen distinct botanical environments, the Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden and a formal rose garden boasting more than 1,200 rose varieties.
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Botanical gardens at The Huntington Library; Pasadena City Hall building; the wine bar at Vroman’s Bookstore; shopping in Old Pasadena.
CITY TOURS
FIND THE BEST IN
South Bay
HOME TO THE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES, THIS SMALL-TOWN CHARM BLOOMS ALL YEAR LONG.
THE SOUTH BAY’S BEACHES AND HARBORS BOAST OCEAN-VIEW DINING, AND MOM-AND-POP SHOPS.
The South Bay is a collection of charming beach towns each with its unique appeal. Manhattan Beach offers upscale shopping and fine dining, Hermosa Beach boasts a lively boardwalk, and Long Beach is rich in maritime history and diverse attractions. There’s something here for everyone.
MANHATTAN BEACH
Less than 5 miles south of LAX, Manhattan Beach boasts 2 miles of beaches with sand so fine that developers exported it to Waikiki Beach in the 1920s. Laid-back Manhattan Beach is home to many professional athletes: You might spot an
L.A. Kings player as you walk along the Strand, the pedestrian promenade sandwiched between multimillion-dollar homes and the beachfront bike trail. The city’s picturesque pier, with its newly modernized Roundhouse Aquarium, features plaques commemorating winners of the Manhattan Beach Open—the South Bay is die-hard beachvolleyball country. It’s also a playground for watersports enthusiasts, including bodyboarders and surfers. East of the pier along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue are chic boutiques and a burgeoning dining scene, with restaurants
such as Fishing With Dynamite, Love & Salt, and The Strand House drawing gourmets from across L.A. The Metlox center is a popular gathering place, with shops like the Beehive. Between Manhattan Beach and LAX to the north is El Segundo, an industrial city with a quaint downtown and upscale shopping and dining centers including The Point
HERMOSA BEACH
Head south on Manhattan Avenue to Pier Avenue, the heart of Hermosa Beach. Hermosa shares many characteristics with Manhattan Beach, including its own scenic stretch of beach punctuated by volleyball nets, fitness buffs weaving along the Strand (here merged with the bike path) and a pier studded with bronze
plaques commemorating surfing legends. Come late afternoon, the pedestrian plaza at the foot of the pier becomes a different kind of South Bay scene, thanks to spillover from bars and restaurants such as Hennessey’s Tavern and Tower 12. Close to Pier Plaza, on Hermosa Avenue, Jay Leno still draws crowds to the Comedy & Magic Club Sunday nights. To the plaza’s east, café/boutique Gum Tree and the Hook & Plow are standouts among the specialty shops and eateries that line Pier Avenue.
LONG BEACH
In the county’s southwestern corner, Long Beach is home to a busy commercial port, an attraction-packed waterfront and more than 5 miles of beaches. A popular draw is the 1,020-foot-long
Queen Mary, a historic, supposedly haunted ship-turned-hotel, dining and shopping attraction permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor.
The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, the Pike Outlets, the Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village are nearby. From the village, you can follow the Shoreline pedestrian bike path 3.1 miles, past the Long Beach Museum of Art and into the Belmont Shore neighborhood. Here you’ll find shops and restaurants at 2nd & PCH, a lively outdoor retail destination, Bay Shore Beach, the Belmont Pier and windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons. Across a small channel is Naples, where you can take gondola rides through the canals.
Downtown, along 4th Street between Junipero and Cherry avenues, vintage furniture and clothing shops make up funky “Retro Row.” In the emergent East Village Arts District, hip galleries and boutiques are sprouting. Farther east, an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works decks the walls of the Museum of Latin American Art.
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Manhattan Beach Pier; vegetable dish from MB Post; outdoor seating area at The Point; Blue Cavern at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
A Taste of Tokyo
A historic Hollywood recording studio is getting a second life as a new restaurant. Originally from Tokyo, Rokushu brings elevated casual Japanese cuisine to the intimate Brutalistinspired dining room that holds 34 seats. Dishes include flame-seared Wagyu, kushikatsu (deep-fried meats and vegetables), and katsu sando. The beverage program showcases Japanese gin, whiskey, and sake cocktails for an authentic experience. 6630 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, rokushola.com
BEVERLY BLVD. / 3RD ST. / MELROSE AVE.
A.O.C. > Mediterranean $$$
Eatery from James Beard Awardwinning Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne pioneered two culinary trends: the small-plates format and wine bar. Also in Brentwood. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.859.9859 Map I12
AYA
> Mediterranean/Israeli $$$
Lively lounge and restaurant with entertainment including a D.J., body painters, fire dancers and more. Reservations required. D (Fr-Sa). Sofitel Los Angeles, 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 424.722.9406 Map I12
BAO DIM SUM > Chinese $$
Enjoy delicious, authentic dim
sum in a relaxing, lantern-lit atmosphere. Favorites include juicy pork dumplings and shrimp shumai, followed by bao milk buns for dessert. L, D (daily). 8256 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.655.6556 Map I12
(V) CROSSROADS KITCHEN
> Mediterranean $$$
Chef-partner Tal Ronnen creates refined plant-based dishes, many inspired by nonvegan comfort classics. Popular dishes include the artichoke “oysters,” Impossible Cigars, plus pizzas and pastas. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.9245 Map H12
DRAKE’S HOLLYWOOD
> Italian/American $$
Classic old Hollywood-inspired restaurant from Dallas makes its
L.A. debut. Red leather booths and central bar seating. D (nightly). 8747 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.334.6789 Map I12
(V) GRACIAS MADRE
> Mexican/Latin $$
Creative plant-based Mexican fare and winning patio will please vegans and omnivores. L, D (daily). 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.978.2170 Map I12
JOAN’S ON THIRD
> American $$
Busy cafe on West 3rd Street offers omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups, sweets, picnic baskets, and gourmet items. The Chinese Chicken Salad is a popular menu item. B, L, D (daily). 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.2285 Map I12
Guidelines
Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
THE LITTLE DOOR
> French $$$
For a candlelit dinner in a romantic setting, this is the reservation ne plus ultra. Dine on rustic French-Mediterranean dishes under the stars. D (nightly). 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.1210 Map I12
OSTERIA MOZZA
> Italian $$$
L.A. breadmaker Nancy Silverton partners in Mozza’s contemporary Italian spots including this sophisticated dining room. D (W-Su). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 Map H13
PIZZERIA MOZZA
> Italian $$
Osteria Mozza’s relaxed sibling offers pizzas, salumi and rustic specials. Delivery/takeout from Mozza2Go. D (W-Su). Pizzeria Mozza: 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101. Mozza2Go: 6610 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.1130 Map H13
PROVIDENCE > Seafood $$$$ James Beard Award winner and Michelin-recognized chefowner Michael Cimarusti pre-
Acclaimed chef Ricardo Zarate’s restaurant—named after his mother—introduces modern Peruvian dining (kampachi ceviche, chicharrón de paiche). D (nightly). 8479 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.297.9500 Map I12
SOULMATE
> Spanish/Mediterranean $$$
Trendy restaurant featuring a retractable roof and hanging lush greenery. Spanish dishes with a modern twist and extensive craft cocktail and mocktail menu. D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 631 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.734.7764 Map I12
TERRONI > Italian $$
Reliable Southern Italian cooking, including excellent thin-crust pizza and pastas. Try the delicious capunti al ragù d’agnello. L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). 7605 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.954.0300 Map J13
THEÍA > Greek $$$
Lively indoor-outdoor spot offers taramasalata and 24-karat-goldleaf-accented steak tartare, moussaka, lamb burgers, and other Mediterranean dishes. D (nightly), Br (Sa) 8048 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.591.0059 Map I12
BEVERLY HILLS
THE BELVEDERE
> Mediterranean $$$$
The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ restaurant has a lovely terrace and menu from executive chef Ralf Schlegel. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.788.2306 Map J11
THEBLVD PRIVÉ
> California $$$
Extension of THEBlvd Restaurant on topiary-filled private cobblestone boulevard; food pairings with Champagne and fanciful cocktails. B, L (M-F); D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.275.5200 Map J11
CRUSTACEAN
> Pan-Asian $$$
Walk-on-water aquarium meanders through this gorgeous landmark serving chef Tony Nguyen’s modern Vietnamese dishes and others from Madame
An’s “Secret Kitchen.” The garlic noodles are famous. L, D (TuSu). 468 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.205.8990 Map I11
CULINA > Italian $$$
The ristorante inside the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills offers a coastally inflected modern Rome-inspired menu, sleek crudo bar, and extensive wine list. Also a fire-lit patio. B, L, D (daily). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 Map J12
CUT > Steak $$$$
Getty Center architect Richard Meier and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s collaboration is the place to savor Wagyu and dry-aged Nebraska steaks. D (M-Sa). Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.276.8500 Map J11
ELLA > Cal-Med $$$
California-Mediterranean restaurant at the Sixty Beverly Hills hotel. Inventive craft cocktails and seasonal menu are offered in a retro-inspired dining room with leather booths and lush greenery. B (daily), D (Tu-Sa). 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.388.6860 Map J11
FUNKE > Italian $$$$
Chef Evan Funke opens his namesake restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills. Signature handmade pasta dishes and Sicilian-inspired dishes grace the menu. Reservations are required but rooftop seating is available for walk-ins. D (M-Sa). 9388 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 424.279.9796 Map J11
HONOR BAR > California $$
Popular upscale eatery adjacent to South Beverly Grill, both owned by Hillstone Restaurant Group. Known for the fried chicken sandwich. Dress code enforced. Sister restaurant, South Beverly Grill, next door is also popular. Walk-ins only. L,D (nightly). 122 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.0292 Map J11
MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE
> Steak $$$$
Swanky three-level steakhouse in the heart of Beverly Hills starring bone-in filet reigns; warm butter cake melts in your mouth. Penthouse at Mastro’s is an upstairs lounge with live music nightly. D (nightly). 246 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782 Map J11
MATSUHISA > Japanese $$$$
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s relatively modest original flagship incorporates luxurious Western ingredients alongside Latin American spices. L, D (daily). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 Map I12
MATU > Steak $$$
A modern steak restaurant focusing on 100 percent grass-fed Wagyu beef with a special tasting menu that rotates nightly. D (daily). 239 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 424.317.5031 Map I11
MR CHOW > Chinese $$$$
The L.A. County edition of scene-y restaurants in New York, London, Miami, and Las Vegas offers Imperial Beijing cuisine. L (M-F), D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911 Map I11
NATALEE THAI > Thai $$
Enjoy a menu of traditional Thai dishes such as Nutty Chicken and sole filet in red curry sauce served amid edgy decor. Veggie lovers favor the spicy maha jumlong curry. Cozy and warm atmosphere. Also in Venice. L, D (daily). 998 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.855.9380 Map J12
(V) PLANT FOOD + WINE > California $$$
Restaurant from Matthew Kenney takes a raw, locally sourced, plant-based approach to dining. Lovely poolside patio dining. Extensive organic and biodynamic selection of wines. B, L, D (daily). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 South Doheny Drive, L.A. 310.273.2222 Map J12
RIVIERA 31 > California $$
Elevated comfort food with dishes like fried oysters, Wagyu burger, pizza, and fried chicken
sandwich. Live entertainment nightly including jazz and salsa night. D (M-Sa), Br (Su). 8555. Beverly Blvd. L.A., 310.278.5444 Map I12
THE ROOFTOP BY JG > California $$$$
Casual open-air restaurant has sweeping city views and a retractable rooftop for open-air dining. . Rooftop: L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). Waldorf Astoria, 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.860.6666 Map J11
SANT’OLINA > Cal-Med $$$
Pop-up on expansive rooftop at the Beverly Hilton presents flavor-packed Mediterranean recipes and 360-degree city views in a space that cheers by day and shimmers at night. D (Tu-Sa), L (Sa-Su). 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.285.1260 Map J11
SPAGO > California $$$
Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant, an L.A. institution, is a contemporary spot with a diverse daily-changing menu, from spicy tuna tartare to Wiener schnitzel. D (Tu-Su). 176 N. Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 Map I11
SUSHI NOTE > Sushi $$$
This 14-seat intimate sushi restaurant is tucked away on the garage-level of Rodeo Collection. The 20-course omakase experience is offered twice nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. D (nightly). 421 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.808.4486 Map I11
TATEL > Spanish $$$$
A hot spot in the heart of Beverly Hills serving traditional Spanish Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist and rotating live entertainment offered nightly. B (Sa-Su), L,D (nightly). 453
Telefèric
Barcelona
Long Beach
Mid-East Tacos
N Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, 424.380.7902 Map I11
BRENTWOOD
BALTAIRE > Steak $$$$
Chef Travis Strickland’s sophisticated restaurant offers prime steaks, old-school charm, and sun-or-stars dining on its massive terrace. Large bar and lounge seating. Sunday brunch is a local favorite. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 11647 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 424.273.1660 Map J12
JEMMA DI MARE
> Italian American $$$
Inspired by the Mediterranean coast, this restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to Italian seafood. Don’t miss the lobster fettuccine or the squid ink scialatielli. L (daily), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 11677 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, 424.955.2410 Map J12
JON & VINNY’S > Italian $$ Stylish yet family-friendly diner from chef-owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo has it all— pastries, pizza, house-made pasta, and meat entrees. Also on Fairfax Avenue. B, L, D (daily). 11938 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 310.442.2733 Map J12
CENTURY CITY
DIN TAI FUNG > Chinese $$ Foodies and families line up for renowned soups, noodles, and dumplings filled with pork or crab or both—and a host of habit-forming sides. Also has a location in Torrance. L, D (daily). Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 424.382.1118 Map J10
LUMIÈRE > French $$$ Modern American-French brasserie inside the iconic Fairmont Century Plaza hotel serving
traditional French dishes such as chicken liver mousse, French onion soup, and steak frites. B, D (nightly). 2025 Avenue of the Stars, L.A., 310.424.3031 Map K11
CULVER CITY
NATALEE THAI > Thai $$
Traditional dishes, edgy decor. Nutty Chicken; sole filet in red curry sauce; vegetarian maha jumlong curry. Also in Beverly Hills. L, D (daily). 10101 Venice Blvd., L.A., 310.202.7003 Map L11
VESPERTINE
> Eclectic/Fusion $$$$
This sleek and edgy restaurant in Culver City stands as a beacon of avant-garde dining. Chef Jordan Kahn’s visionary tasting menu showcases meticulously crafted dishes that challenge traditional notions of flavor and presentation where some dishes look like a piece of artwork. Reservations required. D (Tu-Sa). 3599 Hayden Ave., Culver City, 323.320.4023, Map L12
DOWNTOWN
71ABOVE > American $$$$ Chef Javier Lopez’s swanky restaurant on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower. Spectacular skyline views of L.A. and elevated contemporary dishes. A la carte at the bar, prix fixe in the dining room. D (nightly). 633 W. 5th St., 71st Floor, downtown, 213.712.2683 Map H16
BAAR BAAR > Indian $$
Modern Indian American restaurant hailing from N.Y. featuring a fresh twist on classic dishes. Small, shared plates with lots of vegetarian options. D (TuSu). 705 W. 9th St., downtown, 213.266.8989 Map I15
BAVEL > Mediterranean $$$
Bestia chef Ori Menashe and wife-pastry chef Genevieve Gergis make Middle Eastern cuisine mainstream at their lively Arts District spot. Wide range of mezze; herb-stuffed dorade with red chermoula. D (nightly). 500 Mateo St., downtown, 213.232.4966 Map J17
BESTIA > Italian $$$
“Beast”-focused dishes such as roasted marrow bone with spinach gnocchetti—at multiregional Italian in the Arts District. Reservations are highly recommended. D (nightly). 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724 Map east of J17
BOTTEGA LOUIE > Italian $$
This palatial Italian restaurant, decked out in white marble, is a hip, noisy hall where young professionals convene over brickoven-cooked pizzas. There’s a gourmet market and patisserie, too. Also in West Hollywood. B, L (M-F); D (nightly); Br (SaSu). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470 Map I16
BRERA RISTORANTE > Italian $$$
From the team behind the Factory Kitchen, this rustic yet stylish trattoria serves a daily changing, Northern Italy-inspired menu. The rice dishes, spit-roasted meats and handmade pastas are superb. D (nightly). 1331 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.553.8006 Map J17
CHA CHA CHÁ > Mexican $$ Sibling to Terraza Cha Cha Chá in Mexico City launches lush rooftop perch in the Arts District with design elements of Mexican villa and Palm Springs. D (Tu-Su). 812 E. 3rd St., downtown, chachacha.la Map I17
DAMIAN > Cal-Baja $$$
Chef Enrique Olvera of Pujol in Mexico City is behind this sophisticated produce-driven spot in the Arts District. Order the Dungeness crab gordita; pescado a la brasa, and carne asada. D (W-Su). 2132 E. 7th Place, downtown, damiandtla. com Map I11
DRAGO CENTRO > Italian $$$
Well-executed Italian fare and extensive wine list are pre sented in a 9,500 square-foot contemporary space in the Financial District. D (M-Sa). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998 Map H16
GIRL & THE GOAT
> California $$$
Farm-to-table restaurant in the Arts District led by acclaimed chef Stephanie Izard. The seasonal menu is a nod to California produce featuring small, shareable plates and craft cocktails in a beautiful, airy space with outdoor seating available. B (Su), D (daily). 555-3 Mateo St., L.A. 213.799.4628 Map J17
GUERRILLA TACOS
> Mexican/Latin $$
Chef Wes Avila’s lauded taco truck opened a brick-andmortar space in the Arts District, complete with a bar and patio. Don’t forget to ask about the chef specials. B (M-F), L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 2000 E. 7th St., downtown, 213.375.3300 Map J17
L.A. PRIME > Steak $$$$ City views, wet-aged steaks and winning wine list, on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites’ 35th floor. D (Th-Su). The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, 404 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.612.4743 Map I16
ORSA & WINSTON
> Fusion $$$$
Acclaimed chef-owner Josef Centeno draws on Japanese and Italian traditions for a daily changing five-course tasting menu ($125 per person). D (Tu-Sa). 122 W. 4th St., downtown, 213.687.0300 Map I16
OTIUM > California $$$
French Laundry alum TimothyHollingsworth helms this modern restaurant adjacent to the Broad museum, preparing rustic, market-driven cuisine such as hamachi with nori and avocado, and a signature black-cod dish. L (Tu-F), D (nightly), Br (SaSu). 222 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.935.8500 Map H16
PHILIPPE THE ORIGINAL > Quick Bites $
Purported birthplace of the French dip sandwich, this downhome cafeteria is an L.A. institution, established in 1908. Try the legendary 45 cent coffee. B, L, D (daily). 1001 N. Alameda St., downtown, 213.628.3781 Map G17
Q SUSHI > Japanese $$$$ The omakase-only Michelinrecognized experience at this intimate sushi bar showcases the strictly traditional artistry of
chef Hiroyuki Naruke. L, D (TuSa). 521 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.225.6285 Map I16
REDBIRD > American $$$ Contemporary cuisine and retro cocktails amid Spanish Baroque decor in former Cathedral of St. Vibiana rectory. Weekday happy hour menu. D (W-Su), Br (Sa-Su ). 114 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.788.1191 Map H17
SAVOCA > Cal-Ital $$$ California trattoria at The Ritz-Carlton L.A. Live unveils the Cottages at Savoca, outdoor dining cottages with electric candles, cozy decor and skyline views. Housemade pastas, pizzas, and more. D (Th-Sa), B (F-Su), Br (Su). Cottages: D (Th-Sa). 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.8630
Map I15
STRADA > American $$$
Casual, tapas-style restaurant featuring international cuisine. Popular dishes include ceviche, bacon sandwich, and beet salad. Close walk to GRAMMY Museum. L, D (Tu-Su). 825 James M. Wood Blvd., downtown, 213.822.4558 Map I15
Ye Olde King’s Head
WURSTKÜCHE
> Quick Bites $$
Don’t even try to pronounce it—”the sausage place” will do. Bar/restaurant offers thick-cut Belgian fries and a repertory of exotic franks: rattlesnake and rabbit, buffalo with Luxardo cherries and mint. Open late. L, D (daily). 800 E. 3rd St., downtown, 213.687.4444 Map I17
YANG CHOW > Chinese $$
The Yun family has been offering Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine at elegant Chinatown mainstay since 1977. The Slippery Shrimp is renowned. L, D (daily). 819 N. Broadway, downtown, 213.625.0811 Map G17
HOLLYWOOD / EASTSIDE
BAR LIS > French-Med $$$
Ultra chic indoor and outdoor rooftop bar and lounge at Thompson Hollywood hotel. Menu features shareable bites and extensive wine list inspired by the French Riviera. Live jazz music every Tuesday night, and DJ on the weekends. Check website for other programming. D (Tu-Su). 1541 Wilcox Ave., L.A., 323.410.6210 Map H13
THE BOURBON ROOM
> American $$$
Step into the world of Rock of Ages at this restaurant and bar. The immersive theatrical and dining experience features dinner and bar service before, during and after performances. Nightly entertainment including stand-up comedy and tribute bands. D (nightly). 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, bourbonroomhollywood.com Map H14
GRANDMASTER RECORDERS
> Italian-Australian $$$
A former legendary recording studio has been converted into a restaurant and rooftop bar in the Vinyl District. Views of the Hollywood sign can be seen from the rooftop. D (W-Su). 1518 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.963.7800 Map H14
GWEN > American $$$$
Maude chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke offer meatcentric tasting menus in an art deco dining room; plus European-style butcher shop. Pretheatre menu available. L, D (daily). 6600 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.946.7513 Map H14
HARD ROCK CAFE
> American $$ Leo Messi and Hard Rock Cafe teamed up to create a winning combo. Smashed burgers with savory Spanish-style chorizo and signature sauce, available for a limited time. L, D (daily). 6801 Hollywood Blvd., #105, Hollywood, 323.464.7625 Map H14
MUSSO & FRANK GRILL
> Steak $$$
Storied restaurant, Hollywood’s oldest, recently marked its
centennial. Enjoy flannel cakes, lobster Thermidor, and Welsh rabbit. Start with the martini; the drink was purportedly invented here. D (Tu-Su). 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7788 Map H13
LA BREA / MID-CITY
JON & VINNY’S > Italian $$
Stylish modern diner offers pizza, creative vegetable dishes, pasta and meat entrees and pastries. Locations also in Beverly Hills, West L.A., and Brentwood. Reservations strongly recommended. B, L, D (daily). 412 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.334.3369 Map B2
PINK’S HOT DOGS
> Quick Bites $
There’s a perpetual queue at the legendary stand, open since 1939. The menu offers about 40 kinds of hot dogs and chili cheeseburgers, too. Open late. B, L, D (daily). 709 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., 323.931.4223 Map I13
RÉPUBLIQUE > French $$
Walter Manzke and pastrychef wife Margarita offer bistro classics such as escargot, duck confit, and steak frites in a landmark that once housed silent-film legend Charlie Chaplin’s studio. B, L (daily); D (TuSu). 624 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 310.362.6115 Map I13
LA CIENEGA BLVD. / RESTAURANT ROW
BARTON G. THE RESTAURANT > American $$$
L.A. location of Miami spot offers showstopping food presentations in fine-dining setting. Laughing Bird Popcorn Shrimp; cotton-candy Marie Antoinette’s Head. D (nightly).
861 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.388.1888 Map I12
GOZEN BISTRO
> Japanese $$$$ Tiered seasonal kaiseki tasting menus featuring premium ingredients, e.g. Angus-Wagyu hybrid beef and exclusive small-batch junmai sakes. D (M-Sa). 521 N. La Cienega Blvd., 213.308.9393 Map J12
NOBU > Japanese $$$$ Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s flagship location focuses on sushi rolls and Asian fusion dishes. The black cod in miso is his signature dish—a must. Also has a location in Malibu. D (nightly). 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.657.5711 Map H12
MALIBU
DUKE’S MALIBU > Seafood $$
Named for surf legend Duke Kahanamoku; daily-changing fresh fish plus tropical cocktails and ocean views. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.0777 Map west of K7
LUCKY’S MALIBU > Steak $$$ Second location of Montecito steakhouse serves USDA Prime steaks, live lobster and classic cocktails. D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310.317.0099 Map M8
MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB
> Seafood $$$$ On-the-waterfront eatery offers Malibu views; ahi tartare and caviar starters followed by Maine lobster and steaks. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.454.4357 Map west of K7
NOBU MALIBU
> Japanese $$$$
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s popular coastal spot attracts celebrities and foodies for excellent sushi and ocean views including many dishes with beguiling Peruvian accents. Reservations are strongly recommended. L, D (daily). 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.317.9140 Map west of K7
PASADENA / GLENDALE
ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE
> Steak $$$$ Luxe take on the American steakhouse—with Japanese influences. Certified Angus beef, domestic and imported
Wagyu. D (nightly). 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626.486.1111 Map Q20
DIN TAI FUNG > Chinese $$
Foodies and families line up for renowned Shanghai-style dumplings filled with pork or crab or both, noodles, and a host of habit-forming sides. L, D (daily). Also has a location at Westfield Century City. The Americana at Brand, 177 Caruso Ave., Glendale, 818.551.5561 Map U23
FLOAT > American $
Cozy neighbordhood cafe with a retro vibe and modern take on old-fashioned soda fountains. Sandwiches and coffee also served. Also located in Hollywood. B, L (daily). 380 S. Lake Ave., #106 Pasadena, 626.844.3488 Map Q19
PERLE > French $$$
Bistro spills out onto the sidewalk in Old Pasadena. Family-owned and operated French restaurant serves classically inspired fare such as steak tartare with black truffles, escargots, roasted duck breast, and steak frites with béarnaise. D (W-Su). 43 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.460.8819 Map Q19
SUSHI ROKU > Japanese $$$
Find nouvelle Japanese, sleek decor and a creative menu that includes tuna tartare with yuzu guacamole and soy truffle. Also has a location in Santa Monica. L, D (daily). 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, 626.683.3000
Map Q19
SANTA MONICA
1 PICO > California $$$
This upscale oceanfront dining venue at Shutters on the Beach focuses on California coastal cuisine. Stop by the Living Room for a pre-dinner cocktail. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (SaSu). Shutters on the Beach, 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.1717 Map M8
BIRDIE G’S > American $$$
James Beard Award-nominated chef Jeremy Fox presents “regional American cookery and timeless family recipes” at Bergamot Station. D (nightly). 2421 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, 310.310.3616 Map L9
Chicken Karaage at Ramen Ochi
Wax Icons
Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the renowned wax museum on the Hollywood Walk of Fame opens The Hollywood Rooftop Bar and Restaurant. Enjoy a unique Tinseltown dining experience or cocktail among your favorite wax stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Zendaya with a menu of classic comfort food. Madame Tussauds Hollywood, 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 323.798.1670; madametussauds.com
ATTRACTIONS
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC Focus is on Pacific Ocean sea life. Touch the ocean’s predators in Shark Lagoon, see jellies in the Wonders of the Deep gallery, penguins, sea lions and 11,000 other animals. Reservations are required. M-Th 9 a.m.-6 p.m. F-Su 9 a.m.-8 p.m. $27-$37, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16
BARNSDALL ART PARK
Features Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery, Barnsdall Art Center, Junior Art Center and Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. Park: daily 6 am-10 pm; Municipal Art Gallery: Th-Su noon-5 pm; Hollyhock House tours: Th-Su 11 am-4 pm. Hollyhock House
tours $3-$7. 4800 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.913.4031 Map W22
BATTLESHIP IOWA MUSEUM
Former battleship is permanently docked as a floating museum. Ongoing exhibit follows the ship’s history through World War II, Korean War and Cold War. Daily 10 am-5 pm; last ticket sold at 4 pm. $11.95$19.95, under 5 free. Pacific Battleship Center, USS Iowa BB-61, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, 877.446.9261 Map O15
CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS Contemporary 11-story cathedral by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo opposite Music Center. M-F 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sa 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 7 a.m.6 p.m. 555 W. Temple St., L.A., 213.680.5200 Map H17
CENTRAL LIBRARY Downtown beaux arts–style landmark is the nation’s third-largest public library in terms of book and periodical holdings. It also holds many archival collections. M-Th 10 am-8 pm; F-Sa 9:30 am-5:30 pm; Su 1-5 pm. Free. 630 W. 5th St., downtown, 213.228.7000 Map I16
CHINATOWN Ornate architecture, dim sum, traditional and trendy eateries and shops with Eastern wares surrounding a central plaza. Art and antiques on Chung King Road. Between Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Bernard Street, Yale and Spring streets, downtown Map G17
DESCANSO GARDENS
Coast live oaks, roses, Ancient Forest, Japanese Garden,
Guidelines
Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
and camellia garden. Gardeninspired gift shop for plants and housewares. Daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m., $5-$15, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 Map Q19
DISNEYLAND Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Attractions include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and classics Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Superhero land Avengers Campus opens at adjacent Disney California Adventure Call for hours. $98-$154, under 3 free. 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map D6
DOLBY THEATRE Tour the home of the Academy Awards and see the Oscar statue. Hours and times vary. $19-$25, under 3 free. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Map H13
EL CAPITAN THEATRE
Renovated Spanish-style movie palace built in 1926 screens Disney films new and old. Preshow preludes on Wurlitzer pipe organ. Call for tour schedule, pricing. 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7674 Map H13
EL PUEBLO DE LOS ANGELES Birthplace of Los Angeles; the site of this historical monument dates back to 1781. Historic buildings, 11 of which are open to the public, including 1818 Avila Adobe, L.A.’s oldest. 125 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown, 213.628.1274 Map H17
A WALK IN THE PARK
Los Angeles is a go-to destination for so many reasons, and tucked away between Hollywood and Downtown stands an icon waiting to be explored.
Dodger Stadium’s mid-century lines lead to breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountains, a botanical garden and over 140 years of history. Everyone has a reason to swing by – from architecture enthusiasts and baseball fans to hikers and horticulturists. Witness the landmark with the help of expert-led tours that showcase it like never before.
Visit dodgers.com/tours to book a tour today!
GRAND PARK Urban park positioned between the Music Center and City Hall offers draws such as a farmers market and community entertainment. Daily 5:30 am-10 pm. Free. Entrances at 200 N. Grand Ave., 221 N. Hill St., 221 N. Broadway and 227 N. Spring St., downtown, 213.972.8080 Map H17
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
Iconic attraction with spectacular views of L.A. and the Hollywood sign. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tu-F noon-10 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission free; planetarium shows $5-$10, under 5 free. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23
IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH
Step inside the works of postImpressionist artist Vincent van Gogh. An hourlong walkthrough digital-art experience at former Amoeba Music building. Call for schedule. $40-$50. 6400 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 844.307.4644, Map H14
KNOTT’S BERRY FARM
The small family farm turned into a 160-acre theme park and world-renowned attraction with roller coasters, shows, and entertainment for all ages. Tickets start from $59. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200, Map 5D
JAPAN HOUSE This project from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs features an exhibition gallery and a Monozukuri Shop with a curated selection of Japanese products, plus a cafe, restaurant, library, and views of L.A. Daily 11 am-6 pm. Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 800.516.0565, japanhouse.jp Map H13
LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN Peafowl roam the grounds and roost overhead at this idyllic 127-acre garden. Daily 9 am-7 pm (last admission 6:30 pm). $5-$15, under 5 free. Free third Tuesday of the month. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.821.3222 Map Q22
LOS ANGELES ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS
The zoo, located in Griffith Park, is home to 250 animal species, many of them endangered, living among immersive
habitats and lush gardens. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Ticket sales cease one hour before closing. $17-$22, under 2 free. Griffith Park, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23
MADAME TUSSAUDS
HOLLYWOOD Get close to the stars: 125 figures include celebrities, pop icons, and actors; Marvel Super Heroes 4D. Daily 11 am-6 pm. $30$46, under 3 free. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670 Map H13
THE ORIGINAL FARMERS
MARKET Landmark destination established in 1934 boasts 120 local and family-owned produce stalls, restaurants, and gift shops in open-air setting. Adjacent to The Grove. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Map I13
PEACOCK PLACE Entertainment center is home to Grammy Museum, Peacock Theater, restaurants, high-tech bowling lanes and nightspots such as the Conga Room and The Novo. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.5483 Map I15
PORSCHE EXPERIENCE
CENTER Drivers 21 and older pilot latest-model Porsches for 90 minutes on a 4-mile track with a driving coach at 53-acre center. Plus simulators, store, and restaurant 917. 19800 S. Main St., Carson, 888.204.7474 Map M15
RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! ODDITORIUM Three hundred displays feature curiosities gathered by traveler Robert Ripley in the 1930s. M-Th 11 am-8 pm., F-Sa 10 am-10 pm, Su 10 am.8 pm. $25.99, under 4 free. 6780 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.6335 Map H13
RONALD REAGAN
PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Visit Air Force One Pavilion, see full-size replica of White House Oval Office. W-Su 10 am.-4 pm. $6-$16, under 2 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of A1
SAN DIEGO ZOO First opened in 1916, the world-famous zoo houses 4,000 rare and endangered animals in a charming park with gorgeous inclined walking trails—with private tours also
available. Free parking. Open daily. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515
SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI
PARK Go on a safari through the 1,800-acre preserve, home to herds of exotic animals roaming in vast enclosures resembling African and Asian plains. Experiences include the Sun-Up Cheetah Safari, where you can see a cheetah run at top speed. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702
TCL CHINESE THEATRE
Movie palace featuring world’s largest Imax auditorium and Walk of Fame featuring stars’ handprints and footprints. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.3331, tclchinesetheatres. com Map H13
UNIVERSAL CITYWALK
Dining, shopping, entertainment promenade includes eateries Dongpo Kitchen, Johnny Rockets, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Mel’s Diner, and Voodoo Doughnut; boutiques and novelty stores; Universal Cinema and Imax; and simulated skydiving wind tunnel iFly Hollywood. Call for hours. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455 Map U20
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
HOLLYWOOD Step inside this movie-inspired theme park. The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! and spectacularly realistic dinosaur Indominus Rex at Jurassic World—The Ride are new. Plus Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Studio tour includes King Kong 360 3-D, Fast & Furious—Supercharged. Call or check website for hours and prices. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377, universalstudioshollywood.com Map U20
STUDIO TOURS
PARAMOUNT PICTURES
STUDIO TOUR Group tours of Hollywood’s longestoperating and only remaining major studio. Reservations recommended. See paramountstudiotour.com for schedules. Studio Tour $65, under 10 not admitted; VIP Tour $215, under 10 not admitted. 5515 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777 Map I14
SONY PICTURES STUDIO
TOUR Two-hour walking tour of working motion-picture
studio includes stages where TV shows and movies including The Wizard of Oz and SpiderMan were filmed. Reservations, photo ID required. M-W, F 9:30 am-2:30 pm; Th 9:30 am-6 pm. $55, under 12 not admitted. Parking free. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687 Map L11
WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD
Three-hour tour of TV and film studio includes backlots, prop warehouse, the real Friends Central Perk set, Batmobiles, and observation of filming when possible. Reservations recommended. Th-M 10 am7 pm. $55-$68, under 8 not admitted. Parking $12. 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, 877.492.8687 Map U20
MUSEUMS
ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES
An immersive museum dedicated to the history of films and moviemaking. Reservations required. M-Th, Su 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; F-Sa 10 am-8 pm. $15-25; under 17 free. 6067 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.3000 Map J13
AUTRY MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST Museum explores the art, history, and cultures of the American West and houses one of the top U.S. collections of Native American materials. Tu-Su 10 am-4 pm. $6-$14, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.667.2000 Map H14
THE BROAD Architecturally significant museum built by philanthropists and art collectors Eli and Edythe Broad contains more than 2,000 spectacular
works of contemporary art. TuW 11 am-5 pm; Th-F 11 am-8 pm; Sa 10 am.-8 pm.; Su 10 am-6 pm. Free. See thebroad.org for special-exhibition ticket prices and extended hours. Online reservations encouraged. 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.232.6200 Map H16
CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
Exhibits showcasing the history, culture, and art of African Americans, with an emphasis on California and the Western U.S. Tu-Su 10 am-5 pm. Free. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 213.744.7432 Map M8
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE
CENTER Interactive exhibits for budding scientists; Imax theater. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Permanent gallery, free; admission for Imax varies. Parking $12, $15 after 5 pm. Cash only. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Exposition Park, L.A., 323.724.3623 Map K15
GETTY CENTER Travertine-clad hilltop museum houses collections of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts. Fabulous Central Garden and city views. Tu-F, Su 10 am.-5:30 pm; Sa 10 am-9 pm. Free. Parking $20, $15 after 3 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300 Map H9
GETTY VILLA Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart features Etruscan, Roman, and Greek antiquities. W-M 10 a.m.-5 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 after 3 pm. Advance timed tickets required for entry. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300 Map K7
GRAMMY MUSEUM Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music, artists, the creative and recording processes, and
Dolby Theatre view off center of stage
Grammy Awards history. F-Su noon-6 pm. $13-$16, under 6 free. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.6800 Map I15
HAMMER MUSEUM UCLAaffiliated venue presents traveling exhibitions and permanent collection. Also check out Lulu, acclaimed restaurant centered around local produce. Tu-Thu 11 am-6; Fri 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. Free admission. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 310.443.7000 Map J10
HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM
In the historic Max Factor Building, steps from the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum houses 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures that showcase 100 years of Hollywood’s entertainment industry. W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $5-$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 Map H13
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM LA
Closed for construction until November 11. The West Coast’s largest collection of Holocaustera artifacts housed in an award-winning architectural building. Interactive exhibits, public tours, and Holocaust survivor talks. Sa-M, Thu 10 am-5 pm; F 10 am-2 pm. Free for students and CA residents. Pan Pacific Park, 100 The Grove Drive, L.A., 323.651.3704 Map I13
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART MUSEUM, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Art and beautifully manicured grounds with more than a dozen themed gardens, several dining concepts, gallery, and an education and visitor center. W-M 10 am-5 pm. $13-$29, under 4 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141 Map R21
JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located in Little Tokyo with a mission to promote understanding of ethnic diversity with a focus on the Japanese American experience. F-Su 11 am-5 pm. $6-$12, under 6 free. 100 N. Central Ave., downtown, 213.625.0414 Map H17
KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM More than 40 hands-on exhibits, programs and events on almost 3.5 acres of indoor and outdoor space. Tu-Su 10 am-5 pm.
JOSH KLINE: CLIMATE CHANGE
On view through January 5, 2025
MOCA Grand Ave
250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
$13-$15, under 1 free. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.9144 Map Q18
LA BREA TAR PITS AND MUSEUM Watch paleontologists at work uncovering Ice Age L.A. Among the main attractions are the ever-bubbling tar pits, which make up the world’s most famous fossilexcavation site. W-Su 9:30 am-5 pm. $7-$15, under 3 free. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.934.7243 Map J13
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
MUSEUM OF ART The largest art museum in the western U.S., with diverse, superb collections housed on a 20-acre campus. Chris Burden’s Instagram-worthy Urban Light outdoor installation welcomes museumgoers. M-Tu, Th 11 am-5 pm; F 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm. $10-$21, under 13 free. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000 Map J13
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPO-
RARY ART Premier contemporary art museum in two facilities: Arata Isozaki–designed MOCA Grand Avenue and Geffen Contemporary, which displays exhibitions in a former policecar warehouse. M, W, F 11 am6 pm; Th 11 am-8 pm.; Sa-Su 11 am-5 pm. Admission is free. MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown; The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., downtown, 213.626.6222 Map H16, H17
MUSEUM OF LATIN
AMERICAN ART Leading museum of modern and contemporary Latin American art; visit the Robert Gumbiner Sculpture Garden. Tu-F 10 am5 pm. $7-$10, under 12 free. 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, 562.437.1689 Map O6
MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE
Exhibits on prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust, human-rights issues, and Anne Frank’s life and legacy. Th-Fr 10 am-3 pm, Su 10 am-5 pm. $11.50-$15.50. Anne: $12.50-$15.50. Under 5 free. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.772.2506 Map J11
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Thirty-three million objects including dinosaur and fish fossils. Highlights include the 3.5-acre Nature Gardens, Dinosaur Encouters exhibit,
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and interactive Nature Lab. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $7-$18, under 3 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A., 213.763.3466 Map K15
PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM
More than 300 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles in permanent and rotating exhibits. W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $11-$16, under 4 free. Tours of renovated vault with 250+ rare vehicles hidden beneath museum. $20-$30; under 10 not admitted. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.2277
Map J13
SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER
Venue highlights the American Jewish experience through engaging exhibitions and programs. The award-winning Noah’s Ark attraction is great for tots. Tu-F noon-5 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-5 pm. $13-$18, under 2 free, free Thursdays. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500
Map G9
SHOPPING
THE AMERICANA AT BRAND Downtown Glendale retail, dining, and entertainment hot spot from the creators of the Grove has a Main Street U.S.A. atmosphere and trolley. Louis Vuitton, Aritzia, and Indochino are among the 90 or so stores. Dining options include Din Tai Fung, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, and Nonna’s Empanadas. 889 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8900
Map U23
BEVERLY CENTER Trendsetting mall with more than 90 boutiques (Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana) and is anchored by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. Restaurants include ABSteak, Eggslut, H&H Brazilian Steakhouse, and Let’s Boba. 8500 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.854.0070 Map I12
THE BLOC Vibrant open-air urban center encompasses a full city block along L.A.’s iconic 7th Street corridor and boasts exciting dining (Joey DTLA and District), shopping (Macy’s and Uniqlo), and entertainment (Alamo Drafthouse Cinema) options. 700 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.454.4926, theblocla.com Map I16
