24 hours in LA
McKenzie Amaral
Los Angeles, The City of Angels, LaLa Land. This city is eclectic and laid back, and if approached with the right attitude (specifically about traffic) absolutely enthralling. The weather is like stepping into the warm arms of someone you love, mother-nature is constantly present in her kindest form, the beach entices you with its salty lick every time you step outside, the food-scene is constantly evolving and there is always another neighborhood to explore. All of these places and people forming a community under one name — Los Angeles. This guide by no means encapsulates all the things you can do in LA but gives you a 24 hour itinerary of something so sweet that I’m sure you’ll come back for the main course!
Morning
Head north to the sunny streets of Santa Monica, grab a croissant and coffee at Tartine. If it’s a Wednesday or a Saturday morning stop by the farmer’s market in downtown Santa Monica on the corner of Arizona and 4th Street for some gorgeous seasonal produce.
Head north to Malibu to stretch your legs on Carbon Beach, about a 20-minute drive from Santa Monica. Breathe in the salt air and take a walk in the sand where the mountains meet the sea. If you need a mid-morning pick me up and want to do a little shopping before the next destination, stop at the Malibu Country Mart for a smoothie or açaí bowl at Sunlife. Browse shops like the Surfing Cowboy for some California classics and Aviator Nation, just down the road by the Malibu Pier, to get a taste of California cool and maybe one of their velvet sweat suits for an upgrade to your plain outfit.
Afternoon
On your way back to LA take a pit-stop at The Getty Villa, the fun Aunt of the Getty Museum, a staple in the Los Angeles art scene. The Villa not only offers a beautiful collection of Greek and Roman art as well as rotating exhibitions such as “Icons of Style: A Century of Fashion Photography” and “Persia: Ancient Iran and the Classical World”, but also gives some of the best views in LA.
Head over to Venice for the rest of the afternoon and walk down Abbot Kinney starting at the iconic Erewhon, a purveyor of all things natural and home to some of the best green juices, salads and roasted cauliflower. Continue your walk down Abbot Kinney doing some window shopping and stopping in at some LA classics like Cha Cha Matcha for an iced CBD Lavender Matcha, Principessa, a boutique that rotates LA designers each week and Goodies for some housewares and knick-knacks that will add California chic to any space.
Have a few more hours to explore? Grab some bikes at the end of Bay Street in Santa Monica (right by Hotel Casa Del Mar) and head right towards the pier to see the vast stretches of sandy beach and the iconic Santa Monica coastline.
Accommodations
Check-in to the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica for luxe 24-hour accommodation or its sister hotel, Hotel June, for accommodation closer to the airport. Both hotels offer some of the Westside’s best rooftops and serve a great respite or aperitivo before adventuring out.
Evening
Craving a sundowner? Go to a West-side staple, Elephanté in Santa Monica for an aperol spritz under the California sun. This rooftop oasis not only serves the best whipped eggplant for an afternoon snack but also some of the best views of the Pacific on their patio.
Staying in the Santa Monica area? Sugarfish and Kazunori are not to be missed for some of the best sushi in the area. Both are in the same restaurant group, Sugarfish a more extensive menu and Kazunori all hand rolls but both equally delicious.
Nightfall
Looking to venture East in your last couple hours in LaLa land? The Hollywood restaurant, Horses, is having its time in the sun and while tables are exceptionally difficult to procure, the latest seating at 10pm is not to be missed and Martini nightcaps at Sunset Tower just down the road are the perfect nightcap.
If you find yourself in West Hollywood doing some exploration and in the mood for one of those very fun dinners that leaves you happy and full, Night + Market is the place. This LA staple has an eclectic Thai menu serving favorites such as Pad Thai and Pad See Ew but with special twists such as the Sweet Potato Massaman Curry and a natural wine menu not to be overlooked. If your time spent in their hot pink, 2000’s themed, pop-music food haven leaves you in the mood for a disco, head to the Edition Hotel that has events every Thursday known as IT by Edition, where you can dance your heart out under 100’s of disco balls and see where the night takes you.
If you are in the mood to stay local to the Westside and looking for an LA classic, Great White hits all the cravings with an Aussie twist to pizza’s, poke and salads. An espresso martini night-cap is highly encouraged at their sister restaurant across the street, Gran Blanco, followed by dancing at Winston House.
Early Morning
Looking to get a little morning movement before your next destination? Take a quick hike in Los Leones Trail in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood just past Santa Monica followed by Avocado Toast and a Matcha at LaLa Land on Montana Avenue.
With so many pockets, people and creativity 24 hours is simply not long enough in this amazing city and it will always leave you wanting more! If you decide to stay a bit longer and do some more exploring check out my Bimble for more of my L.A loves.
All photos courtesy of McKenzie Amaral.
McKenzie Amaral is a writer, cook and lover of all things travel. Amaral’s love of delicious, healthy food comes from her early days of growing up in Napa, California. Her book, Dormet, has guided college students through the trials of cooking in college and beyond.
If you have a story you’d like to share about a great little place or other bimbling experiences, get in touch with us at hello@bimble.com
