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things to do in los angeles

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things to do in los angeles

When you think of LA, you may think of glitz and glamour … it is home to a never-ending parade of Hollywood’s elite, after all. But a trip to Los Angeles can include everything from high-end hotel experiences to low-key restaurants and everything in between. If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, you may be looking for things to do. Here’s my list of things to do in Los Angeles, via a series of Instagram photos! Afternoon tea at The Montage Beverly Hills Many hotels offer afternoon tea but the tea service at The Montage, in the heart of Beverly Hills, is a fun experience for both men and women. My husband wasn’t exactly sold on the idea of tea and finger sandwiches but was pleasantly surprised to discover that at The Montage, they offer a Gentlemen’s Tea, which appealed to his more … manly … appetite. Tea started with champagne for me and scotch for him. And while I loved the sandwiches, scones and pastries, he was delighted with the sliders, pie and cake on his ‘gentlemen’s’ menu. Bouchon Directly across from the lush and verdant gardens of the Montage Beverly Hills is Bouchon, the fine French bistro that has earned a place on my list of favourite places to eat. The decidedly charming atmosphere (it feels like an authentic Parisian bistro) was the first thing to win me over, followed swiftly by the incredible menu. Try the Moules Frites or the Croque Madame. But the Black Truffle French Fries are what will really send your taste buds over the edge. The desserts are divine but if you don’t have room, pop down to the bakery below and pick up some treats (like the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and macarons) to go. The Original Pantry Café Established in 1924, The Original Pantry Café in downtown Los Angeles is a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. Serving up heaping helpings of traditional American fare, it’s the perfect spot for a big weekend breakfast. Its unassuming exterior belies the fact that this diner-style café has served movie stars and politicians over the course of its nearly 90-year history. Every time I’ve ever passed by, there’s been a lineup winding down the street, just to get in. But if you don’t feel like waiting in line for a table, grab a seat at the counter where the food tastes just as good and the energy from the kitchen, which the counter overlooks, is just as high. Polo Lounge The Polo Lounge, inside the famed Beverly Hills Hotel, is one of the city’s best spots for star-gazing. (Dr. Phil was lunching at the table adjacent to mine when I visited but let’s be honest … that doesn’t count.) There’s indoor and outdoor seating but definitely bypass the dark interior in favour of a seat on the pretty garden patio. The signature Polo Lounge Burger is rumoured to be the best in the city … but you might want to be the judge of that.  Just make sure you save room for dessert … the warm berry crumble pictured above was berry, berry yummy! Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel Does the Beverly Wilshire hotel sound familiar to you? Might be that you recognize it from the film Pretty Woman. All these years later, this iconic luxury property, which sits at the head of Rodeo Drive, is still associated with the movie – so much so that in the hotel’s Nail Bar, you can enjoy a mani/pedi with a glass of champagne and a viewing of Pretty Woman.  The hotel has 395 luxurious rooms and suites and great dining options like Wolfgang Puck’s CUT, a Michelin-starred steakhouse and THE Blvd. Santa Monica California is one of the best driving states so while you’re visiting, jump in a car and explore! Santa Monica, just outside Los Angeles and still in Los Angeles County, is a quick trip from the heart of the city and visitors are rewarded with beautiful beaches and great routes to walk. Definitely visit the Santa Monica Pier, which was built in 1909 and marks the official end of Route 66. The famed carousel and Ferris wheel are also fun attractions; they’ll mostly appeal to tourists but you’ve got to see them at least once. Do some shopping along the Third Street Promenade and when it’s time to relax, head to the Dining Room at the Hotel Shangri-La for a refreshing meal made from locally sourced ingredients.

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Stores We Love

things to do in los angeles