Bus to and from Los Angeles, CA from $0.99

Most of Tinseltown’s landmarks like the Rodeo Drive, the Walk of Fame or the Hollywood sign attract flocks of tourists but fail to capture LA’s unique character. But once you dive into the different neighborhoods you get to appreciate the distinctively different vibes: From the hip, artistic kind in East LA and Downtown to the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ (current acronym status as of 10/18) friendly in West Hollywood. And from the suited business atmosphere in Beverly Hills’ 90210 neighborhood to the holistic SoCal beach vibes along the LA’s urban shores and everything in between these loving generalizations. 

While FlixBus has several bus stations all over the city, be prepared to spend a few Benjamins on alternative transportation. LA’s public transit system is a disaster and the city is a poster child for urban sprawl.

Hinoki & The Bird is located a stone’s throw from the Annenberg Space for Photography and with one of the best Cod dishes on the menu it’s definitely a spot worth visiting. Yes… Cod again, but you won’t regret it. 

The nightlife options in Hollywood and adjacent WeHo are endless. From the celebrated gay lounge The Abbey to the speakeasy inspired Good Times at Davey Wayne’s bar, a retro 70s joint that reminds one of Aunt Helga’s mildew-y living room – only better. Or how about the raging piano bar Tramp Stamp Grannies that’s even cooler than its name?  Rest your buzzing, weary head either at The Palihotel on Melrose Ave or the meticulously curated Hotel Covell, located in the trendy Los Feliz neighborhood before you call it a wrap on your time in LA.  

Downtown LA (DTLA) has undergone a serious makeover in the last decade. Some of the city’s hippest restaurants, noteworthy galleries and popular bars have popped up between LA’s few skyscrapers. And the fixie-riding hipsters arrived, too. 

One of DTLA’s architectural highlights is Frank Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall. Its concave and convex surfaces remind of billowing sails (Gehry is an avid sailor) and it is worth checking the Philharmonic’s schedule as the acoustics in the concert hall are impressive. Only a stone throw away, the impressively designed THE BROAD Museum houses prominent modern art pieces by i.e. Warhol, Koons, Hirst and many more. An early arrival usually allows for entry even without a reservation. 

Continue to ROW DTLA for a curated shopping, wellness and food experience. Spread out over 6 iconic buildings that used to house LA’s produce supplies, around 100 unique stores are opening their doors here for business and 15 restaurants are ready to cater the famished shoppers. Suggesting a ‘West Coast spin on an East Coast heritage’, Rappahanock Oyster Bar serves locally sourced fish, meat and produce in a cool, industrial setting. For a more budget-friendly meal carry on to Wurstkueche for sausage and beer from their extensive globe-spanning selection. Will you dare and try their rattlesnake or alligator sausage?

Koreatown isn’t far from DTLA and a visit at a Korean Spa is usually a fun experience. Glowing from a proper rubdown/polish, head over to Soo Won Galbi for traditional Korean BBQ or head toward the hip neighborhoods of Echo Park, Silverlake and Los Feliz. 

A visit at the Griffith Park Observatory will be rewarded by spectacular views of the city and explore Mexico’s culinary footprint either at the hip Malo Restaurant in Los Feliz or tuck into some street food at the casual Tacos Delta. 

Cap your eventful day with a mint julep at the Whiskey Bar Seven Grand before hitting the sheets at the stylish and lively ACE Hotel. The hotel also houses the Upstairs Bar, a “sky-high urban oasis” located on the roof terrace and sleep may just not be on the menu for today.  

Enjoying the proximity to the Pacific Ocean? Then chose a westside accommodation like Hotel Erwin. Not much to look at from the outside, the hotel’s rooftop terrace and prime Venice Beach location make up for it and countless bars in walking distance allow you to immerse yourself in LA’s famed beach town. If you’d like to take a page from the fit and healthy westside Angelinos, move your body and hop on a bike for a pedal along the boardwalk from Venice to Santa Monica or take a Yoga class at Yoga Salt in Marina Del Rey. Tamal Dodge’s classes – rigorous, thought provoking and inspiring - are always a good choice.

After plenty of surf and turf meals, Café Gratitude is a welcome plant-based alternative, even for the die-hard carnivores. Fair warning: this restaurant mission statement of “sacred commerce” can be a tad cringe-worthy but it makes up for it with absolutely delicious food. Gjelina’s little sister Gjusta on Abbott Kinney is a more grounded alternative if you don't mind a standing meal. For a dose of culture visit either the Bergamot Station, a gallery collective for local artists or make your way to Century City’s intimate Annenberg Space for Photography. The photo exhibitions and multimedia montages showcase some of the biggest names in photography and rarely disappoint.

To contrast DTLA’s urban experience a day in Malibu is the perfect alternative to cleanse your airways. For a little wild west Ponderosa charm, start your day with brunch at The Old Place. This former general store nails the atmosphere and grub (hello chicken pot pie) and also serves up a mean MANmosa, since Mimosas apparently are for sissies. 

Whether you opt for 2 or 4 wheels, cruise down the windy N1 and stop for a retail splurge at Malibu Country Mart, which hosts a collection of unique boutiques and fresh labels. A pound or two heavier and a few dollars lighter, you’ve earned yourself a relaxing time in the sand. >

Point Dume's wide beach is ideal for dolphin or whale spotting and it might just bring back memories of The Hoff and Pam Anderson sprinting along the shore in their red swimwear, body parts bouncing. For a more secluded, romantic experience dig your toes in the sand at the rocky El Matador Beach.  Once your SPF is wearing thin, continue north on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) until you hit County Line. Neptune’s Net , located across the street from this popular surf spot is a casual biker cafe where you can munch on fried calamari while keeping an eye out for Laird Hamilton slicing through a wave. 

For a more upscale selection of seafood, head back toward the city and treat yourself to black cod and rock shrimp tempura at the beachfront Nobu Restaurant, one of Instagram’s most tagged eateries of 2017. For a more upscale selection of seafood, head back toward the city and treat yourself to black cod and rock shrimp tempura at the beachfront Nobu Restaurant, one of Instagram’s most tagged eateries of 2017.