Dear Dani,
As I patiently wait for our next reunion, I thought I’d go ahead and create a special ✨LA City Guide✨ for our upcoming adventure together.
Included are places I think you’d like, places we’ve been to before and also new ones to check out.
Here we go!
GREAT OUTDOORS
1. Fryman Canyon Trail
Of course the list would start off with a hike at Fryman. This trail is for locals so IYKYK. It’s so good that I hike it once a week. As far as difficulty, I’d say it’s a moderate level with inclines of 45 degrees, but tapers to flat ground occasionally so you can catch your breath. You get pretty high up and are rewarded with gorgeous views of North Hollywood. It’s amazing for dogs and takes approximately 60-90 minutes. Extra points for the shade from the trees.
2. Griffith Park
Okay, so I know that Griffith gives off major tourist vibes. But it’s also so large that it’s never super overcrowded. It is a huge mountain after all. It’s also a choose your own adventure type of trail. I have no idea how many there are, but I know for sure there’s more than 3. You can even hike up to the famous Hollywood sign (which I have yet to do). The view up here is unmatched though because you get a panoramic view of LA.
3. Will Rogers Memorial Park
This park has been THE spot for our picnics lately. It’s a quiet inconspicuous park nestled right in the heart of Beverly Hills. Tons of cute and flat areas for a simple or elaborate hang. Best of all, there’s usually no one there. The bathrooms are immaculately clean, always stocked with soap and paper towels btw. Lots of trees for shade and a huge fountain with a subtle water drip for a relaxation touch.
4. Echo Park Lake
Remember when we had a picnic here with Cheeki? Time flies. Echo Park Lake is SUPREME. It surrounds a huge lake with bursting fountains and the DTLA skyline as our backdrop. It’s so scenic, you get a little bit of nature in the bustle of the city. You even have the option to rent out swans! Which this time we gotta. This park is loved by all. You got teens laying out on the grass, hipsters drinking cold draft beer, toddler palooza, to burners tight roping on trees. It’s one big collective watering hole.
FOOD + BAR
1. All Time
One thing I miss about living on the Eastside is All Time in Los Feliz. Brunch here is extraordinary and I’m not even a brunch person. You can just order at the front and then they seat you. It’s casual, cute, and you’ll probably spot a celebrity. So far I’ve spotted Lyyke Li and Francis Bacon. We have to order the French toast and breakfast burrito. Truly out of this world!!
2. Yangji Gamjatang
I know you love kimchi jjigae, so I’m surprised I haven’t taken you to Yangji in Koreatown. It’s smack dab in the center of Alexandra Court. K-town locals used to call this Bermuda Triangle because once you were in this plaza, you were black out drunk already (lol). I’ve had many messy nights in Yangji ordering kimchi jjigae and loading up on panchan, but I’ve also Postmated it tons of times. I love how their jjigae comes with a ton of tofu and rice cakes. Spicy, delicious and dare I say, better than my Umma’s?
3. Soulmate
This is a new discovery in West Hollywood. Soulmate is a sleek and sexy restaurant with an outdoor/indoor space. There’s a freaking tree inside so you know they know what they’re doing. Best part? Their generous happy hour. You can slosh down cocktails for $10 a pop and order some hors d'oeuvres. The food is decent, but honestly the girlies are there for the drinks.
4. Love Hour
My latest obsession in K-town. You can easily miss it because it’s just in a parking lot, but Love Hour is such a gem. Upon entering, you’re instantly transported into a dive bar. Reminds me of the Mission in SF. They sell biodynamic wine and beers and also smashburgers! Wait, did I mention it has a photobooth too? Plus on some nights, there’s a DJ.
SHOPPING
1. Los Feliz Flea Market
How is it that we’ve never been to a flea market together in LA yet? Well, I’m taking you to Los Feliz Flea next. It usually has all the same vendors from the Melrose Trading Post and the Silverlake Flea, but the Los Feliz one feels quieter and a little calmer. Less folks, meaning you can get a better selection. There’s tons of Americana vintage tees, mid century modern furniture and unique bits and bobs. It’s also not too big so you don’t get overwhelmed.
2. Sleeper Vintage
I have to forbid myself from going to Sleeper because it’s horrendous for my bank account. So I’m using your visit as an excuse. HA. Every time I go in, I leave with at least two things. Sleeper has imo the best vintage and designer items. It’s quite tiny, but definitely mighty (on my wallet). Very curated and a true find in LA.
3. Row DTLA
I love a retail experience that’s soothing. That’s the Row for you. Plus their parking structure is known for their golden hour, so we can grab our next OOTD there. There’s so much to check out. You got stores from independent designers, my favorite stationery store (Hightide DTLA) is also there, and tons of home goods. And cute restaurants. It literally looks like a mini NY.
4. Platform
For this one, we’re venturing out to Culver City! Now, hear me out. This shopping center has a ton of cute, less-known brands along with restaurants—that are constantly rotating. Which is cool because there’s always a new store/business to check out. Like Sleeper, it’s a little steeep but you know window shopping is also fun. The best part is that it's walking distance to a ton of new restaurants that have popped up in this area in the last year. Yum.
So how’d I do Dani? I think we covered all the LA fundamentals between the hiking, eating, and shopping of course. Very pivotal to a great visit if you ask me. I can’t wait until we’re reunited to put this guide to work!
Xoxo,
Jenn