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From its endless summer to epic shopping haunts, it’s easy to see why LA is so beloved. Wondering what’s worth the trip? We’ve rounded up the best eats, sights, and retail gems to help you make the most of your time in the City of Angels—find it all below.
Botanical Gardens at Huntington Library
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A hidden oasis from the hubbub in LA, the Botanical Gardens at Huntington Library are a labyrinth of 16 themed gardens, including a prickly desert garden, a serene Japanese garden and bamboo forest, as well as a recently-expanded assembly of Chinese pagodas, pavilions and bridges. The 130 acres are home to 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research.
Griffith Observatory
Sitting high up in Griffith Park overlooking Los Angeles (including a picture-perfect look at the Hollywood sign), Griffith Observatory is the ideal spot to soak in incredible views and get a bit of cosmic inspiration. There’s plenty to explore: interactive exhibits, telescopes to check out the stars, and fascinating tidbits about space. And it's even more magical at night with a chance to stargaze through the observatory's powerful telescopes.
Gil Rodriguez
With a flagship store in Silverlake, designer Gil Rodriguez makes elegant essentials you can lean on without artifice or unnecessary embellishment. Their slow-fashion garments are made locally in Los Angeles from the highest quality materials and custom knit in local mills whenever possible. They believe that the future of the fashion industry lies in changing the way we consume, choosing pieces that will last in both quality and style and moving away from fast trend cycles and disposable fashion.
Shop Gil Rodriguez on Garmentory
Mohawk General Store
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With a well-curated edit of Garmentory-favorite brands, Mohawk General Store is a one-stop shop for Angeleno in the know. In addition to clothing, accessories, and home goods from local and emerging designers, Mohawk has an in-house menswear line dubbed SMOCK, focused on quality textiles and ethical production in Los Angeles and Japan.
Wine & Eggs
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With its green-and-blue checkered tile floor and azure walls, this vibrant Atwater Village grocery store wouldn't be out of place in a Wes Anderson film or a hands-on children's museum (minus the shelves of natural wine). It's the perfect place to stock up for a picnic (albeit an expensive, artisanal one).
Little Dom’s
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Little Dom’s runs on red-sauce Italian nostalgia. Open for nearly 20 years, the restaurant feels like a warm hug from your grandma (think: cracked leather booths, hefty pours of red wine, a worn-in wooden bar). The food is, honestly, just okay. The heaping bowls of spaghetti and meatballs are exactly what you might expect, given the setting, but you come to Little Dom’s for the atmosphere, not a culinary revelation. Brunch, with its tasty ricotta pancakes and outdoor seating, is the way to go.
Night + Market Song
Go here for dinner, then keep the good vibes rolling down the street at Tiki Ti. Night + Market Song is a colorful hot spot that serves some of the best Thai food in the city. They don’t take reservations, and the small spot can fill up fast, but we promise it’s worth it.
El Prado
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One of the best places we’ve ever stumbled upon for an afternoon pick-you-up, El Prado is a little ballroom where you’ll find an authoritative list of natural wines from small producers across the globe. Outdoor tables spill across the sidewalks of Sunset Boulevard, each of which is emblazoned with a chess board for Queens Gambit types. Inside, it’s dark and often loud, a place to see and be seen without admitting to either.
Lowboy
Perfect for a lunchtime smashburger, Lowboy is a popular yet laid-back spot with great music and a mellow crowd. Pile into one of their cozy booths and peruse the menu of comfort food paired with a generous beer list and tasty craft cocktails.
Tiki Ti
This tiny tiki hut on Sunset is the epitome of a hole in the wall (but also a whole lot of fun). Tiki Ti first opened in 1961, and it seems like some of the clientele has been here since day one. Note that they often close up without warning, so call ahead before making a special trip. Also important: drinks are surprisingly strong—you’ll be dancing the hula before you know it.
Location
Open Wednesday–Sunday Noon–6:00
ri-ri-ku is a dreamy, fully shoppable concept space. Their goal is to provide a fully immersive environment where our customers can buy anything they see and inject it into their daily lives. Products range from beauty goods to travel necessities, wardrobe staples, and potted plants, all promoting positivity and empowerment for the modern shopper. After all, shopping should be fun.
Location
Open Sunday–Thursday Noon–6:00
Friday–Saturday 11:00–6:00
BellJar is a perfectly curated California boutique specializing in easygoing style and good vibes always.
Location
Open daily 10:00–6:00
Treehaus started life as a pop-up shop in a vintage VW bus and has grown into a well-loved style hub in Los Angeles’ Atwater Village. Purveyors of cool, owners Michelle Pedersen and Saralynne Precht, have channeled their passion for art and design into a kick-ass curated space. Their vibe is an eclectic mix of minimal, modern, bohemian, and general fabulousness. Treehaus showcases standout small-batch, local, and independent makers with a focus on female designers. Find your inner style voice at Treehaus.
Location
Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–6:00
Whimsy + Row is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand founded in 2014 and based in Los Angeles. Birthed out of a love for quality-made goods and sustainable practices, the environmentally responsible line aims to provide easy, sophisticated pieces for the modern, creative woman. The selection spans dresses, separates, jumpsuits, accessories, and even outerwear, all designed in simple-to-style neutrals and flattering silhouettes with charming details.
