Whether it’s your first time visiting LA or you’ve lived here your whole life, there’s always something to look forward to in this bustling metropolitan.
In fact, whenever I have friends or family in town, I end up stressing out over having too much to do, instead of not having enough. (Does this count as humblebragging?)
After creating multiple itineraries, acting as the tour guide, and consolidating feedback over the last couple of years, I’ve managed to narrow down the list to 5 of my personal favorites.
If you can’t decide what to do in LA this weekend, then hopefully this list will get you inspired!
1. Smorgasburg LA
If you enjoy indulging in LA’s rich and diverse food scene, then Smorgasburg LA is the place to be.
As LA’s largest weekly open-air food market, Smorgasburg LA hosts over 90 food and shopping vendors– from fresh kumamoto clams to slow-roasted pork belly paratha tacos (drools), there’s something for everyone in your group.
Since it is only open every Sunday 10am to 4pm, the lines can get long after noon, so be prepared to spend anywhere from 2-4 hours here.
Oh, and don’t forget to slather on sunscreen!
2. Petersen Automotive Museum
The Broad, Getty, MOCA, and LACMA may come to mind when asked about LA’s museum scene, but if I could only choose one to visit, it would have to be The Petersen Automotive Museum.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Petersen boasts an impressive collection of vehicles from around the world, even contemporary superstars such as Mr. Lightning Mcqueen, as shown above.
Last time my parents were in town, I signed all of us up for the exclusive Vault tour, which features overs 250 rare vehicles from 6 different regions.
It was such an awe-inspiring experience that my car-enthusiast dad still talks about it to this day!
3. Exposition Park Rose Garden Near USC
My visitors tend to complain that you can’t around in LA without a car, but in my defense, our metro system (still growing!) does take you to all the key locations, and luckily the Expo Park Rose Garden is one of them.
This not-so-little gem is known as “one of the city’s best-kept secrets”, and getting there is a breeze, too.
Just take the blue Expo Line, and hop off at Expo Park/ USC station.
Tada!
Whip out your phone and get ready to take some insta-worthy pictures.
4. What’s Better Than A Mimosa?
A flight of mimosas of course!
LA proper has endless brunch options to offer, but my favorite one of them all is a quirky little place called The Peach Cafe that’s tucked away in downtown Monrovia.
My regular order consists of a Monte Cristo (oh savory goodness), and their most famous mimosa flight, which you can choose from a wide variety of flavors– blueberry, apple, passionfruit, and guava to name a few.
If you’re a party of two or more, I recommend ordering all the different flavors and sharing them amongst each other for the most optimal experience.
5. Hike To The Hollywood Sign
Last but not least, the famous Hollywood Sign Hike.
I’m not the most active person I know, meaning you won’t hear me offer myself up for anything more than a walk, but I will make an exception for the Hollywood Sign.
You would think I’d be tired of the trails by now, but each time I make it to the top, I feel just as proud and satisfied as my very first time.
I usually try to arrive by 8:30am at the latest. This way I’m done with the hike before it gets too hot and crowded, and make it back down just in time for lunch.
I have to say that food tastes extra delicious after a good workout!
What are your favorite activities to do in Los Angeles?
Counting My Apples 