WHY WE LOVE IT HERE | LA is definitely a city of opposing forces. Mountains and ocean meet in Malibu. The many canyons of West Hollywood and Echo Park give way to the flat Valley full of King Palms. The seedy tourist strip of Hollywood with its big movie studios could not be more different from the exclusive enclave of Bel Air tucked into the hills. If you have time, you'll definitely want to visit the hippie village of Topanga Canyon where the incense-laden main strip hasn't changed much since the 1960's - save for some of our fave family-friendly cafes. LA is so much more than just the Hollywood sign - with strip malls serving up incredible cuisine, secret gardens and parks abound, there is truly something for everyone to uncover and appreciate in the City of Angels - especially families.
BEST TIME TO GO | Southern California has pretty epic and quintessential weather from April - November and even into Dec if you're lucky. If your kids love a hotel pool with a side of warm breeze, our extended SoCal summer (Sept, Oct, Nov) is definitely for you!
LAY OF THE LAND | LA is really just a combination of micro-communities. First things first, dial into what neighbourhood is most appealing to you. Santa Monica offers the beach and lots of healthy cafes. While Venice is also a coastal community, it’s grittier with a hipster sensibility and lots of seriously good coffee & design shops. West Hollywood is the perfect place for travelers interested in hotspots (cool restaurants and cocktail bars dominate the main strips), but you can still wake up to hike and grab a matcha or smoothie for mornings-after. Beverly Hills is the quintessential LA with wide, palm-lined boulevards, tall hedges, shady trees and discreet classic hotels. The east end is hip and more low-key with some great dining options, independent boutiques and quirky book stores. Downtown LA is worth a visit for the museums, galleries, art studios and dining, but might not be the best place to stay with kids.
WHAT TO PACK | Our desert climate means hot days and cool nights. Layering is the name of the game. The West Coast is definitely more laid back when it comes to dressing - but make it stylish. Think athleisure (from hike to dinner - just add heels). Sneakers are de rigeur with most things - even sundresses - and for the littles, vans & tees will make them look and feel like locals.
TIPS | Leave room in your suitcase for some shopping. Not only is LA an amazing home design and streetwear meca - but there are also multiple flea markets that make it such a fun place to score original vintage - from furniture to jewelry - and honestly - everything in between.
SLEEP
Santa Monica:
Shutters on the Beach - a classic coastal hotel right on the sand, bright, airy and oh so Cali.
Proper Hotel - every square inch of this stylish property has been designed and curated for the aesthete. The rooms are comfortable with mid-century modern sensibilities. Some offer panoramic views towards the ocean. There is a rooftop pool and dining as well as a tres-chic lobby bar.
West Hollywood:
The Pendry West Hollywood - for sweeping views, a cute rooftop pool and an accessible price point
The Sunset Tower - decor is Hollywood regency style and although it hasn’t been updated in some time, it still holds so much allure. The service is intimate, as is the elegant piano bar in the lobby. Most of their guests are returning year over year.
Beverly Hills:
L’Ermitage: On a leafy boulevard in the heart of Beverly Hills sits one of L.A.’s most discreet luxury hotels. In a town that prides itself on over-the-top opulence, L’Ermitage is a refreshing counter-point to all that glitz and flash. However, there is nothing austere about this boutique property of 166 well-equipped suites, each with a reassuringly generous footprint
Beverly Hills Hotel: A classic for a reason. From the Polo Bar for their wedge salad, The Fountain Room for Mickey Mouse pancakes and the infamous Banana Palm 
leaf wallpaper. Everything about the BHH is giving Troop Beverly Hills. The service and attention to detail is top notch - so is the fun pool scene after a day of sightseeing.
Hotel Bel Air: Sister property to the BHH, a former private estate, hidden away in a sleepy but luxurious enclave. You feel like a real Bel Air local when posted up at the HBA! perfect for romantic getaways or cozy family stays away from it all with over-the-top service.
The Maybourne: Owned by the same hoteliers as Claridges it has all the class and trappings you would expect from a top drawer London hotel but with a California sensibility. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills so you can walk out your door for restaurants and shopping on Rodeo Drive.
EAT: BREAKFAST
Santa Monica/Venice:
Gjusta - an artisanal bakery, deli and commissary. It is a must stop anytime I find myself in Venice. From the folks behind crowd favourite - Gjelina. Serving up damn good coffee, seasonal salads & sides, baked goods, their infamous pizza, bagels and more. All made fresh daily in their commercial kitchen on-site. It is also a wonderful place to stock up on sundries, baked goods, jam, incredible olive oil etc.. Visit Gjusta Goods next door for lovely souvenirs or hostess/host gifts. They have a dreamy little patio out the back and to the side and you take a number, deli-style to order at the counter.
Layla Bagels - hand rolled sourdough bagels made fresh every mooring in Santa Monica
Tartine Bakery - with several locations spread out across town, you are spoiled for choice. Any will do. Try their toasts and of course the croissants
Great White in Venice is one of our go-to breakfast spots on the west side (although to be fair, they call themselves an all-day cafe). The Aussie's know a thing or two about cafes and the menu here is everything you might expect from a Bondi beach cafe (but with a welcomed California twist).
Superba Food & Bread (main locations in Venice & Hollywood). Expect delicious egg dishes, family-friendly booths and a bright and inviting dining room. Promise me you won't leave without trying one (or several) of their warm cinnamon buns. Take one to go for a late afternoon snack.
West Hollywood/Beverly Hills:
Jon & Vinny’s (locations in West Hollywood, Brentwood, BH) you could just as well come here for lunch or dinner (and you should!!), but the banana bread with salted butter starter and crispy potatoes with parmesan and black pepper side are well worth the morning visit. The whole menu is crave-worthy!
Croft Alley Melrose - Come for the chlorophyll yogurt, stay for the cheerful atmosphere and breakfast burritos.
The Terrace - at The Maybourne for a white table cloth alfresco dining situation.
ENERGIZE
Griffith Park Observatory for great views of the Hollywood sign and potential wildlife sightings, it brings the wonder of outerspace to all.
Runyon Canyon is a Hollywood staple and always fun for people watching and getting that heart rate up - especially if pushing a stroller!
SNACK
Sidecar Donuts - worth. every. darn. high fructose. bite
Courage Bagels - montreal style - california inspired for a midday pick-me-up
Goodboy Bob - go for the coffee but please please stay for their Chapatis! Culver City & Santa Monica locations
PLAY
Petersen Automotive Museum - A private collection of cars, in an architecturally remarkable building at the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax, featuring over three floors of some standout wheels belonging to the likes of Batman and Doc, of Back to the Future fame. If you're into super cars, novelty vehicles, motorcycles and concept cars, you'll flip for the collection. This museum delivers maximum thrills every visit and the exhibits are constantly changing. Special mention to Bumblebee, the Transformer that got a squeal out of my boys on their first visit!
Stop by the Melrose Trading Post - open Sundays rain or shine. A Flea Market is a quintessential LA experience. Live music, international food stands, all sorts of wares, fun for the whole family.
The Cayton Children’s Museum is a perfect place to get a break from the intense Cali sun (or to hideaway from the winter rain).
Camp - a cute toy/activity and craft-centric shop in the Westfield Century City that is fun and unexpected. Offering classes on the weekends in their secret hidden lair at the back of the store.
EAT: LUNCH
Jones on Third - sort of like a glorified Dean & Deluca if they had seating. The coffee is AMAZING and the desserts are to die for (coconut cupcakes)! Beautiful salads and sandwiches for lunch (try the baguette with butter and french ham)
Bluey’s - an Aussie cafe tucked away in a commercial park in Santa Monica. Vibes are high and the menu is tight. Lots of outdoor seating and a casual and cute family-friendly vibe.
EATALY - I love everything on this menu at breakfast or lunch and you will too. Be sure to grab some of their incredible baked goods to-go for the inevitable late afternoon hunger meltdowns
Seoulmates - for fast casual Korean street food
Felix - for the best pasta in LA right on Abbot Kinney Blvd. Be sure to make a reservation
The Polo Lounge - their Wedge Salad is hard to beat. Snag a table on the patio to enjoy beautiful weather
FROLIC
Walk around Abbot Kinney - grab coffee at Intelligentsia, lots of great little boutiques to wander in and out of or walk along the boardwalk and watch the skateboarders in the huge skate park
CAFFEINATE
Destroyer in Culver City
Menotti's Coffee Stop in Venice
10 Speed Coffee in Santa Monica & Calabassas
Cognoscenti Coffee Bar Downtown & Culver City locations
Maru Coffee in Los Feliz & The Arts District
INSPIRE
La Brea Tar Pit Museum - Ice Age in the centre of LA. Part Science, part natural history.
LACMA - while not conventionally kid-friendly, we have always enjoyed taking our boys to art museums and often play little games with them as we traverse the various galleries. The staff at the LACMA usually have little notebooks and gift bags on hand for children so they can sketch and draw throughout their visit.
Academy of Motion Picture - If you have a movie buff in your midst, this is a fantastically fun and fascinating collection of memorabilia and evolving exhibitions, we return again and again.
Museum of Flying Santa Monica - For little aviators. Open Thursday through Sunday so plan your visit accordingly.
EAT: DINNER
Da Michele - proper Italian in the heart of hollywood, direct from Napoli, this is their first location in the US and worth all the hype
Mr. Chow. A Beverly Hills institution with family style dining (try the Gambler’s Duck feast). Always a buzzing dining room so you don’t need to feel remorseful when your children get rowdy.
Birdie G’s serves up Eastern European delicacies with a Californian flare. Daily Happy Hour (5-6) coincides perfectly with your kids early mealtime.
Endless Color in Topanga is a fun, laid-back fresh wood oven pizza destination with patio seating and endless records spinning inside the groovy bar-come-wineshop.
DATE NIGHT
Tower Bar (the piano bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel) If you fancy a fancy cocktail amidst hushed conversations, tinkling crystal bar ware and a piano man
Bicyclette, a romantic little spot if you’re craving French food in LA.
Gigis - it’s giving stylish winebar right on Sycamore but feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of WeHo
Horses - if you can snag a reservation
