By GR on March 10
The City of Angels
I grew up in Los Angeles, near the beaches of Redondo and Hermosa Beach. Then, after I graduated from U.C.L.A. I lived in Brentwood and then West Hollywood. This was one of the most fun times of my life where every day is nice, people are beautiful and stay healthy (most of the time).
In LA, you can enjoy a variety of activities in a single day thanks to its consistently beautiful weather. From surfing in the morning to skiing in the afternoon, and dining out in Hollywood at night, the options are endless.
Rediscover Los Angeles After a Complete Overhaul
During a recent trip back to LA to visit loved ones, I eagerly anticipated exploring its beaches, hiking trails, and embracing the glamorous lifestyle synonymous with Hollywood, especially during the Oscars season. To get the most of Beverly Hills and the Oscars I highly recommend the Maybourne Hotel.
Exploring Malibu’s Serene Beaches
Malibu, with its picturesque coastline, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Zuma Beach beckons with its expansive sandy shores and clear waters, ideal for sunbathing and unwinding. El Matador Beach, a hidden gem with captivating rock formations and caves, provides a tranquil setting for meditation or relaxation.
Cool Hotels to Stay in Manhattan and Hermosa Beach (click images)
Go up the beach to Malibu or Santa Monica for secluded beaches and surf
Adventures in Hollywood Hills and Topanga
Beyond its iconic sign, the Hollywood Hills offer rewarding hikes with breathtaking views of the city. The journey to the Hollywood Sign is a feat worth accomplishing, granting sweeping vistas and a sense of fulfillment upon reaching the summit.
I love hiking through Bronson Canyon to see “the sign” or doing yoga at Runyon Canyon, the former estate of Hollywood icon Errol Flynn. Normally, I like to surf in Venice Beach or Malibu (Zuma), but didn’t have sufficient time on this trip.
Places We Stayed
Our accommodations in Los Angeles varied from boutique hotels offering personalized experiences to cozy VRBO finds that gave us a taste of local living. This time around I stayed in this beautiful house near the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory parks. Great hiking all around and easy access to amazing restaurants and the Oscars.
Each place provided a comfortable base from which to explore the city’s offerings. One of my favorite hotels in Beverly Hills is the Maybourne Hotel, which I highly recommend. From the comfortable rooms to the beautiful rooftop pool, it’s a step back into Hollywood luxury.
Restaurants We Loved (And You Will Too)
Los Angeles’s culinary scene was a delight to explore, with a particular focus on vegan delights and seafood specialties. Restaurants like Gracias Madre offered inventive plant-based dishes, while Neptune’s Net allowed us to savor fresh seafood with ocean views.
@Dante’s
@Maestro Lounge and Piano Bar
Plus, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Santa Monica attract the best restaurants from all over the world, particularly New York and Paris. This time I went to the newly opened Dante’s restaurant on the roof of the Maybourne Hotel.
Things We Did
We then went across the street to Maestro Lounge to hear some great music from a beautiful singer and piano man. From there we ventured to Soho House West Hollywood where it was jammed packed with celebrities, Formula 1 drivers, and singers. Of course, we couldn’t take pics there, but made some new great friends.
(And What’s Next)
Our trip to Los Angeles was a blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence. While we accomplished a lot, there’s still much left for our next visit, including paddle boarding in Marina Del Rey and exploring more of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
As we look forward to our next visit, the City of Angels remains etched in our hearts, calling us back to its vibrant embrace.
