A Not Boring Day In Los Angeles

Jan 28

Los Angeles is more than a city. It's the perfect backdrop for a day that's anything but boring.

Los Angeles covers a total area of 502.7 square miles, so there are a lot of ways to spend your day, and this is just one example. Sure, there's always a pilates class about to start, an after-party to crash, or a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on wellness to sit down at and order alfalfa sprouts and a plate of mashed yeast. But if that's how you spent your time in the country's second-largest city, you'd be doing yourself a massive disservice. Oh, and yes, you need a car, and it’s true that you can get jet lag simply driving across town, but think of the traffic as part of diving into the whole local LA experience.

LA is a LOT. It's more than its glossy exterior. It's a mixture of achingly beautiful natural wonders and contemporary cultural landmarks. It's a playground for your palate and imagination. Los Angeles is more than a city. It's the perfect backdrop for a day that's anything but boring.

First Thing

Griffith Park Observatory

4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Griffith Park is a scene, in a good way, providing ridiculously iconic, cinematic views of Los Angeles and that famous Hollywood sign. Whether you're vibing with a chill morning or craving an active kick, Griffith's got you covered. Take a scenic stroll or break a sweat on the trails – it's your call.

Some may suggest hiking nearby Runyon Canyon, but we promise Griffith is the move. With easier parking and an iconic landmark sitting at the summit, Griffith Park surpasses your shot at a D-list celebrity encounter any day.

Early Morning

Maru Coffee

1936 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Grab a coffee and a pastry at Maru Coffee. The neutral tones and natural light create a serene environment to enjoy what is, perhaps, the best coffee in Los Angeles. There's usually a line, but it moves fast. Honestly, you won't order a bad coffee here. The pour-overs are incredible, and the lattes are on point, but our favorite is the signature Cream Top; it's worth the hype. Is it worth the $90 sweatshirt they also sell in its honor? Probably not, but after you’ve tried it, maybe you’ll disagree.

Late Morning

The Broad

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Time to soak up some culture. The Broad showcases amazing contemporary art from some of the world's best artists like Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Chuck Close, and Cindy Sherman; but the must-see attraction here is Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Room, a trippy mirrored wonderland that creates breathtaking, otherwordly visuals, beyond IG worthy. It's also free, but you do need to secure your tickets ahead of time. This isn't the Louvre, so while you'll see amazing art, it won't take all day.

Mid-Day

Langers Deli

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

You've hiked, you've seen fantastic art, now it's time for the best Sandwich in Los Angeles. The classic, the indomitable, the absolutely heavenly creation that is the #19. You haven't had a pastrami sandwich until you've had this pastrami sandwich. Perfectly cut pastrami, swiss cheese, and coleslaw piled high between two beautiful pieces of Jewish double-baked rye bread. All the other Jewish Deli staples are fantastic and can stand up to anything New York can throw at them, but you come to Langers and come back for the #19.

*Warning is too strong a word, but note that the area surrounding Langers leaves a lot to be desired. It's been here for 70 years, so the area has changed over time. You're not coming here to walk the neighborhood, though, but if it's something you're sensitive to, you've been warned.

Afternoon

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

And the winner is...

You're in LA, the city that movies built, so you must do something film-related. This museum is surprisingly massive, so give yourself enough time to really soak in all the history. You'll get to see props from some of the most significant films in cinematic history up close. Like Dorthoy's red slippers from The Wizard of Oz and the last surviving sled from Citizen Kane (previously part of Steven Spielberg's private collection), This is a tour through the rich history of film. Whether you're a film buff or not, the Academy Museum is a gorgeous rendering of American culture to immerse yourself fully. You can reserve your tickets ahead of time or get them there, but the Oscar Gallery tour does need to be reserved in advance. If movies aren't your thing, that's fine; the Academy Museum is located on Museum Row, with LACMA next door and the Peterson Automotive Museum across the street.

Early Evening

Employees Only

7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Time for some pre-dinner drinks. One of the most famous names in cocktails is still one of the best options in town, years after its arrival from that other coast across the country. Skip the food; it's all about the spirits and dimly lit ambiance here. They take thier cocktails seriously and rotate their menu seasonally, but right now, we’re loving the Diasy Jade, a gin-based drink with green chartreuse, chinese 5 spice, lime & egg white, and the Midnight Breakfast with Brown Butter Bourbon amontillado sherry, chamomile, lemon, orange marmalade, and frozen candied orange.

Dinner

Jon & Vinny’s (Fairfax)

412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Yes, it's loud, and sometimes you don't feel quite cool enough to be eating here, but who cares? The food is so good, the second you take a bite, you forget all that. So, what do you order when a menu looks this good? It's impossible to order wrong, but some personal favorites are the Local Burrata, Broccolini, White Bronco, and Bronx Bomber Pizzas. That's just to start. When it comes to pasta, personally, we feel the Spciy Fusli, which is a must-try on other lists, is overhyped. Instead, opt for the Corn Agnolotti with brown butter, sage, and Parmigiano Reggiano. The meatballs are always a winner, but whatever you do, please, please, please don't leave without trying the best damn Chicken Parm you've ever had. If you feel like you've over-ordered, just remember, that's not a thing; enjoy every bite.

Evening

The Largo at the Coronet

366 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

The Largo is a small theater with enormous talent gracing the stage nearly every night. From Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, Nick Kroll, Pete Holmes, and Brett Goldstein to riotously funny improv shows like the Improvised Shakespeare Company, there is always something definitely not boring going on. Ensure you get your tickets well in advance as shows sell out. Will call usually opens two hours before the show, so show up early for the best seat assignments; you can always get your seats and come back when the show begins; no need to stick around.

Late Night

The Roger Room

370 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Whether it's after the show or before, next door to the Largo is one of LA's best cocktail bars. The Roger Room is a speakeasy-style bar with the best drinks in West Hollywood. It's small and can get crowded, but it's a great place to end your not-boring night.

Later Late Night

Leo’s Tacos

Multiple Locations

In a city filled with stellar tacos, Leo’s mouthwatering Al Pastor street tacos reign supreme. And at under $3 a taco, they’re also one of the best culinary ROI in the city.

Robyn Schmutte