The Doost’s Guide to Visiting Los Angeles!!

Okay, so you’re planning a trip to LA but you’re overwhelmed by all the great things to do.

Take it from a Californian, here’s some of my top priorities when visiting hom:

Pamela Obedian 2013

• The Lake Shrine Temple and Retreat in the Pacific Palisades. This Self Realization Center off of PCH is magnificent in every way. An exotic site in harmony with peace and love. It’s well known for holding some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes in their Meditation Garden. It also has a retreat across the street which is something I’d like to check out in the near future. For more information CLICK HERE

•  One of California’s best features is the amazing beaches all along the coast. But over time, some areas are affected badly by the pollution and the ocean blue water is bark green. For the kind of beach you see in movies turn to Manhattan Beach, Newport, or out to Sand Diego.  If you’re only in the Los Angeles area then you must see Manhattan Beach, fifteen minutes from LAX. It’s an ultimate California beach blonde sun-kissed kind of day. Filled with great shops, restaurants, and a fun party scene.

Manhattan Beach Sunset

• The Griffith Observatory is a breathtaking experience. Learn about the universe you live in and enjoy the beautiful view while you’re at it. Feel free to turn it into a day activity. My recommendation is to stop by Trader Joe’s for some wine, cheese, and snacks and bring along a picnic blanket. I would first hike the mountain and enjoy the views, the iconic Hollywood sign isn’t too far and a great hiking destination. After taking some amazing pictures I would hike to the Observatory and be amazed. Set your blanket and snacks out on the lawn and enjoy California’s famous sunsets. I think one of the top best places to experience the sunset is outside the Observatory.  CLICK HERE for the location and more info.

Griffith Observatory View

Bay Cities Deli

• Now that I live in New York, I have been spoiled with some of the best deli sandwiches in the US. But none can replace Bay Cities!! This place is authentic, international, and some of the best service in town. The deli, inside the grocery store, is absolutely fantastic. It’s always crowded, but the lines move fast enough. If you really can’t wait, I suggest pre-ordering online and picking up at the store. If you do that, once you’re in the store walk to the far right side of the market passing the cheeses and wine. By the way, you can always ask the staff kindly what cheese they are sampling for the day and they will gladly slice some for you to try. CLICK HERE for Bay Cities Italian Bakery. You can’t go wrong with any order. My favorite is their Chicken Salad Sandwich with everything on it and spicy, YUM! I don’t trust outside C.S unless it’s Bay Cities!!

• In & Out… Fresh, fast, cheap, delicious, and they have a SECRET MENU.  Think “double double” and go Animal Style on everything!

Double Double Cheeseburger

Animal Style Fries

• A must trail to journey through are the Escondido Falls in Malibu. the trail leads to a beautiful waterfall. I’ve yet to visit this beautiful road along to Malibu’s very own natural waterfall springs but it’s on my bucket list.

Escondido Falls in Malibu

• If you’re making a trip to Hollywood be sure to check out the Roosevelt Hotel. My favorite thing about their hotel is how well kept the history is. If the walls could talk, they would have interesting old Hollywood glamour stories to share. I’m also a huge Marilyn Monroe lover and they have a great museum right near Mel’s Dinner showcasing Monroe’s dresses and personal belongings.

Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood

Marilyn Monroe in her Beverly Hills abode.
Photo: MPTVImages.com

•  If you’re a fancy garlic lover, like me, you’ll love The Stinking Rose in Beverly Hills.  A whole restaurant dedicated to garlic!
• Drive down Sunset Blvd. with your cool shades on and the windows down. If you’re like me, then include the flower in your hair. Feel the breeze! I also recommend to stop by Chateau Marmont for a drink or snack.
• Melrose Boulevard!! The boutiques scream a fun time and friendly personal stylists who love to ‘create.’ Be ready to spend half your day there and have a fabulous time. But if you’re saving for your next trip and like to be smart about your money then Go straight to the vintage stores, you will find gem!! The vintage boutiques are the heartbeat of the city and get your money’s worth (if not more).
• Go to Venice Beach and be amazed!! First, you must walk through the Canals, they’re California’s recreation of the Canals in Venice (hence the name Venice Beach). Second, take a walk down the strip. There are some fun stores as well as performers all along. But DON’T eat there or around there. Most places are overpriced and not ‘safe.’ Third, now that your legs had a warm up go rent a bike and ride it along the ocean. For the history and map CLICK HERE.

Venice Canals in California

If you’re looking for a place to stay any of the areas mentioned above are excellent choices too!