We made it a yearly habit of traveling to Los Angeles, California!! We did this mainly because my best friend from Vassar College lives in the city.
In our trip last year, my bff and I cruised down the Californian coast in a convertible mustang, strolled down Venice Beach and more (you can read last year’s post and view pictures here).
This year, however, we went on a color wall hunt, visited Disneyland and embarked on a hike! Our visit was much more laid back since we did all the touristy activities prior.
Just in case you go to LA, we thought it would be helpful to put together a 3-day weekend guide. This ultimate itinerary highlights must-see attractions.
Check out the guide below for activities to do in Los Angeles! We included restaurants (vegan-friendly), entertainment and beaches to help you get the most out of your vacation. *Note: You will need a car or another method of transportation to get around.
Day 1 – Color Wall Hunt
• Breakfast: Donut judge us for loving donuts! Blue Star Donuts is a minimalist cafe for grab-and-go brioche donuts in grown-up flavors such as blueberry-bourbon-basil. They are vegan too! • Activity 1: Color wall hunt. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I love taking pictures in front of colorful walls and buildings. LA’s street art is very “instgrammable.” Get a list of the places we went to by checking this guide by Racked out!
• Lunch: Taking pictures can make you hungry. Stop by Vegan Glory for a delicious Thai meal. Vegans and non-vegans can dine here and be satisfied. We got the lunch special! Your entree of choice will come with steamed brown rice, spring roll, salad, and soup of the day. That’s a ton of food!
• Activity 2: Color wall hunt continued. *Note: Be sure to stop by Venice Beach. There are a lot of colorful street art in the area. • Dinner: For upscale dining, head to Crossroads Kitchen. This restaurant is 100% plant-based with a full bar. The menu has a Mediterranean feel and most guests don’t even know that the restaurant is vegan! The food is that good. • Activity 3: Have enough energy for a nightcap? Stop by Congregation Ale House in Pasadena. This American pub not only has a nice rotating tap selection but is also decorated to represent a cathedral.
Day 2 – Hiking
• Breakfast: For delicious baked goods go to Erin McKenna’s Bakery. They focus on the under served— people with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy sensitivities, the health-minded, and, most importantly, allergic kids who are often unable to indulge. How cool is that? • Activity 1: Get moving and go on a hike in Santa Anita. The Santa Anita Canyon is one of the most beautiful areas close to LA. The hiking trail is 8.7 miles round trip. • Lunch: Pack a lunch to eat on the trail. • Activity 2: Hiking continued. • Dinner: Want to eat 950 feet above the city of LA?! Head to 71 Above for breathtaking views and fantastic food. The restaurant is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. It offers a three-course modern-American menu. You have to put a deposit down to book your reservation, but it is worth it.
Day 3 – Disneyland
• Breakfast: Treat yourself to Starbucks. Sorry, we are addicted to coffee! • Activity 1: Get in touch with your inner child and visit Disneyland. The park has both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. I recommend that you visit the Adventure Park first. They have rides geared towards an older, more mature audience. • Lunch: Pack a lunch and plenty snacks to eat at Disneyland. • Activity 2: Disneyland continued. • Dinner: Who says you can’t be vegan and eat fried chicken and burgers? Doomie’s Home Cookin’ is the perfect place to get meat-free versions of your favorite comfort dish. I’m almost glad we don’t live in LA because I would eat here every day…seriously.
Thanks for reading this Weekend Guide to Los Angeles!
What recommendations do you want to try? Let me know in the comments below!
Until Next Time,
Tay
“Your life is happening now. Make it amazing!”