Travel: An Ideal Day in LA

One of the things that I love about L.A. is the contrast of experiences you can have in a single day: everything from taking in the waves at the beach, driving down the rugged coastline to hiking through succulent-lined trails. And of course there is the shopping, the dining, and the culture of Hollywood history at the city’s core.

If I could spend a day in L.A. it would be a simple day in the most glorious way.

There’s a certain bungalow on Airbnb located in Venice Beach that I always try to book when I come to the City of Angels. I would take this humble abode over a suite at the Chateau Marmont any day.

Ideally, I would wake up at dawn and make my way to the beach, walking along the canal path, taking in the atmosphere of colourful plumes, scents of jasmine and vintage cars.

I’d grab a takeaway breakfast and a cold brew at the Butcher’s Daughter to enjoy at the beach while watching the morning waves.

The Butchers Daughter
@the_butchersdaughter
1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291

THE J. PAUL GETTY MUSEUM | @THEGETTY

The Getty is an oasis, high in the Santa Monica Mountains. A tram takes visitors up a mountain to the white modern structure designed by the architect Richard Meier. The museum is surrounded by gardens and is a place not just to see art, but to take in stunning views of the city.

In-N-Out
7009 W Sunset

Runyon Canyon

Alfred Tea Room
@alfredtea
705 North Alfred Street

Going to In-N-Out is necessary to do when visiting L.A. – just once and only once. The location on Sunset Boulevard is a short drive to Runyon Canyon, where a good hike is the perfect companion to a burger and strawberry milkshake.

I understand that this is in every guide and is such a cliché, but hear me out—it’s cheap and cheerful fun!

As a beauty hound, visiting Violet Grey on Melrose Avenue would be the perfect afternoon activity. Their shop is as beautiful as their website! (Check out this plush interview with Violet Grey founder, Cassandra Grey, on One King’s Lane.)

After loading up on lipsticks and potions, I would enjoy a tea at Alfred Tea Room.

Violet Grey
@violetgrey
8452 Melrose Place

By now the sky would be a mix of orange, purple and pink. My dream dinner would be a gigantic salad and matcha tea smoothie from the Urth Caffé in Beverly Hills. I like the juxtaposition of having a casual meal in a neighbourhood associated with opulence. It takes the pressure off of trying to create the perfect moment. But dinner on Urth’s porch is pretty much just that.

After dinner, a drive down Santa Monica Boulevard and eventually the coast, listening to the radio until I arrive “home” to Venice Beach would end this ideal day.