There is nothing better than moving to Los Angeles and getting to experience all the sites this city has to offer, but just like most big cities of the world, there are a few touristy things that we try to avoid.  Have we all done them once (or twice), of course, but there are some great alternate, yet still very popular places to take your friends, family, and loved ones to give them that amazing LA experience they’ll remember for a lifetime.

For those wanting to visit the Santa Monica Pier.

Kate’s Answer:  Malibu Pier and Broad Street Oyster Company! 

Santa Monica and Venice are classic LA, but so overdone.  With our gorgeous coastline as you drive down the PCH, why not travel to something slightly more local and less crowded?  The Malibu Pier, albeit still popular, still manages to make you feel small as you stare off into the picturesque blue view of the California coast.  A short drive from the pier, Broad Street Oyster Company is a lovely place to hunker down for a snack.  From the oysters and raw bar, to the hot with butter or chilled with mayo lobster roll, to the clam chowder and jumbo shrimp, BSOC even has a burger for those unable to enjoy the oceans delicious sealife.  Enjoy the sunset view as you drive back home, as you fantasize about living your new coastal beach lifestyle.

For those dying to go to Hollywood Center.

Kate’s Answer:  LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits.

LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits are quite well known, and for a fantastic reason. The art, the location, the history!  Full of historical facts, this is a perfect place to bring your visiting family and friends no matter what age.  Plus, on Fridays feel free to hang around for the free jazz that runs in the evenings from April through November!  Where art and music meet, you can even bring a picnic snack for the night.

If you’re looking for a place to recharge, there’s no more beautiful place than Hancock Park.  With additional tar pits located inside, Hancock Park is a beautiful place to relax and recover after enjoying a day viewing Picasso in his blue period. With loads of dining options to choose from in this area, you’ll be able to find the perfect place to replenish from Open Sesame to El Carmen (which you can find in my list of 8 quaint Happy Hours: https://katesbestdayever.com/2023/02/24/8-quaint-happy-hours-in-los-angeles/ )

For those wanting to shop at the Grove/Americana & Beverly Hills.

Kate’s Answer:  Abbot Kinney & Melrose & Magnolia Blvd.  

All of these are great places to shop, but you can shop at a GAP anywhere.  So why not find more fun and boutique items that your friends can boast about finding back home.  Depending on where you are located, the Valley, Westside, Central LA, there’s 100% a street for you to shop on!  

Magnolia Blvd in Burbank has some classic shops and dining options.  From Romancing the Bean to Audrey K Boutique to the ever famous Porto’s, with free parking in abundance, take a leisurely stroll and explore this gem of a street!

Abbot Kinney in Venice is just rad.  A mile long, and ending near the beach, AK has the restaurants, galleries, and bougie shops that keep you looking chic and cool during LA’s eternal summer.  Be sure to grab a slice from Abbot’s Pizza or shop at Skylark, for vintage or new looks for 2023!

Finally, Melrose is the ultimate street for a lazy Saturday walk, shop, and snack.  Dive Bars like Snake Pit and quality vintage stores like Wasteland make for a fun day date.  On Sunday’s it gets even better as you can experience the Melrose Trading Post, for all your thrifted and vintage finds. 

For those wanting to hike Griffith Park & Runyon Canyon!

 Kate’s Answer:  Eaton Canyon Or the Culver City Steps

Hiking is THE essential LA activity and your active guests should experience our most beloved pastime.  Griffith Park, as lovely as it is, tends to get overcrowded, and Runyon is just to be seen and not to actually sweat.  Located just north of Altadena and Pasadena lies the Eaton Canyon trail.   This 4.4 mile out-and-back trail has become more popular over the years for locals looking to escape out of the city and experience nature.  Coming in just under 2 hours, your excursion ends in a stunning 40 foot waterfall.  Easy for hikers of all levels, be wary of the LA rainy season as there are a few areas where crossing the river located in the middle of the hike could be treacherous.   Eaton Canyon is unique enough to capture your imagination and transport you out of the hustle and bustle of LA, if only for a few hours.  

With 282 individual stairs, the Culver City Steps are a force to be reckoned with. For those who dislike a steep incline, there is a gentle path for walking that can guide you along beautiful flower paths and local gardens.  But for those brave enough to make the climb up the uneven stone steps, remind yourself as you walk up, that you don’t have to go fast.  Choose a pace that works and just keep moving forwards.  The view at the top is a reward for you to claim, so just sit back and marvel at how spread out and lovely our city is! 

For those wanting to stargaze at Griffith Observatory 

Kate’s Answer  – Griffith Observatory

Oh, you should 100% do this, it’s incredible and everyone adores it! Open from 12pm – 10pm, the observatory is free to enter with additional charges for various screenings.   You must go at sunset, and if you have the time, take the hike up Fern Dell.  The 2.6 mile loop will only take you about an hour and a half to complete (round trip without stopping for time at the Observatory!  And parking at the base of Griffith is free, but there is plenty of paid parking in the lot or up the road and on the way.  

Once inside the Observatory, enjoy a lecture and demonstration on Tesla Coils, check out the Planetarium, or just enjoy the vast skyline that turns into cotton candy pinks as the day ends!  It’s the perfect way to end your loved ones’ visit to the fantastic city, that is LA.