A long weekend in LA with our Creative Director Kirstin-Lee Keysers
Los Angeles is one of my favourite places to visit with its perfect weather, beautiful beaches and great shopping. For me, spring is the perfect time of year to visit LA, as the temperature is warm but not too hot. I’ve curated my top recommendations on the best places to shop, eat, stay and play for your next visit to LA.
Where to stay in LA
LA has countless accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to unique boutique stays. As a coastal girl at heart, I always love to stay near the water. Santa Monica Proper is undoubtedly at the top of my list of places to stay. This gorgeous luxury hotel has a laid-back feel with exceptional service and stunning interior design — while also being within walking distance of the famous Santa Monica Beach.
The Sunset Towers and Sunset Marquis are also great hotels found along the Sunset Strip, located in West Hollywood.
What to do in LA
Your options are endless, but here are my tops picks.
• You can’t visit LA without hiking to the iconic Hollywood Sign and enjoying the panoramic views across the city.
• Hire bikes and ride along the path from Santa Monica to Venice Beach.
• Grab a surfboard and head out for a wave at one of the city’s many beaches, you’ll need a wetsuit, as the water can get cold this time of year.
• The Rose Bowl Flea Markets are a MUST! (3rd Sunday of every month) for the best vintage shopping, clothes and boots. You name it, they have it. The Melrose Trading Post is another great vintage market that's held every Sunday.
Where to shop in LA
From luxury boutiques to vintage shops, starting the list is Abbott Kinney Boulevard. Plan to spend the day, as there is a great mixture of retail shops and cafes to explore. Rodeo Drive is in the heart of Beverly Hills and is a must-visit destination with three blocks of luxury stores to visit, and notably some of the best restaurants in the country. LA is also known for its vintage shopping, with plenty of shops around Santa Monica and the downtown area. Some of our faves are:
• Scout — a curated boutique in Melrose that’s home to vintage styles from leading brands such as Hermès, Balenciaga and YSL.
• Playclothes — think: tulle dresses, beaded blouses and more, with this Burbank store's range of vintage clothing from the ‘30s to ‘80s.
• The Way We Wore — a smaller, curated vintage shop located in the Miracle Mile district with designer finds from the 20th century.
Where to eat in LA
There are so many delicious places to visit, but some of my go-tos would be:
• Gjusta Bakery is an artisanal bakery in an old warehouse space on Sunset Avenue, with an array of delicious and fresh seasonal foods.
• Huckleberry Bakery and Café in Santa Monica is a neighbourhood favourite with a great selection of pastries and bread — with all supplies from local farmer’s markets.
• Great White Café is always a delight when in Venice Beach and was opened by an Aussie guy. The menu reflects this with must-have brekkie burritos, avo on toast and, of course, espressos.
• The Butcher’s Daughter is a plant-based cafe with a delicious menu located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
• Calabra is the rooftop restaurant and bar of the Santa Monica Proper Hotel – perfect for watching the sunset, I recommend you order the labneh dip as a starter to share!
• Nobu Malibu is a MUST. Book in advance as the restaurant typically books out two months in advance. My faves are the rock shrimp tempura, baked crab handrolls and a margarita or two.
• Enjoy rooftop drinks at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach — another beautiful spot to watch the sun go down.
What to wear in LA
Spring can be cool in the morning and evenings, while beautiful during the day, so layering is a must while visiting LA. My picks are:
Shopping in the Tahlia Boilersuit
Brunch in the Helena Knit Midi Dress + Vari Hoop Earrings
Cafe Hopping in the Sophia Playsuit + Isle Pearl Necklace
Afternoon Cocktails in the Brae Boilersuit
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