A Long Weekend in Los AngelesThis is based on one of my favorite weekend trips I’ve taken to the area, with a stay in Santa Monica, and then out in Malibu to see all of the iconic Los Angeles sites. Secret code: Harmony ✨Authorsbontraveler
DestinationsLos AngelesItinerary

Day 1 Santa Monica

Santa Monica Proper Hotel
This is my favorite design hotel in Santa Monica, it puts you close to a lot of the coastal things to do and other museums in destinations. The design here is absolutely stunning and it has one of the best rooftop restaurants as well.
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Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
The line is out the door for a reason and you can’t miss trying these donuts while here. Their flavors are always fun and love that they have seasonal options too.
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Abbot Kinney Boulevard
My favorite area to go shopping is in Venice along Abbott Kinney Boulevard, it’s a mile long strip of tons of boutiques, art, and food.
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Sushi Tsujita
One of the best meals we had during our week was the omakase lunch at Sushi Tsujita. Named one of the best sushi joints in LA, their more affordable lunch omakase is a delight. No reservations needed, just walk up.
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Santa Monica State Beach
For some beach time, head down to Santa Monica. There is the pier to enjoy and lots of walking paths here.
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Calabra
Definitely make a reservation to eat here at least once and I would show up for a sunset drink prior. On a clear day, you can see the Getty all the way down to the ocean for epic views. The Mediterranean-inspired menu serves amazing food, beautifully plated with bold flavors.
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Day 2 Art & Design

Palma
Lovely spot for breakfast, their avocado toast was so delicious and just downstairs in the Proper.
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Maru Coffee
We trekked across the city to go explore Los Feliz and Silver Lake in the same day. Maru was one of our favorite coffee shops on the trip and adored the SANSO LA flower store pop-up next to it.
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Neutra VDL Studio and Residences
LA is full of incredible architecture and a few of the famous homes are available to tour. We love Neutra’s work so we booked a tour of his Silver Lake residence and studio. It’s a short tour but still wonderful.
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Silver Lake Reservoir
Great spot for a walk in the Silver Lake neighborhood.
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Pine and Crane Silverlake
This Taiwanese joint was one of the best lunches, I felt like I was right back in Taipei. Their steamed buns are delicious so if they’re available, definitely grab an order.
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The Getty
We blocked off an entire afternoon to spend up at the Getty Center and are so glad we did. The grounds are wildly impressive and with clear views over the city, it was wonderful. Loved seeing the art, strolling the gardens, and a really family-friendly thing to go do.
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Day 3 Malibu

The Surfrider Hotel
This is one of my favorite boutique hotels in the greater Los Angeles area. 20 room beach house and you’re right across the street from the main Malibu Beach.
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El Matador State Beach
One of the most beautiful parts of the coastline we found on the trip was at El Matador Beach. You park at the top of the cliff and take the steps down to the beach. There are rock outcroppings and a decent amount of beach to go for a walk.
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Malibu Farm Pier Cafe
A classic for Malibu and a good option for a casual yet refined meal. Their location on the pier is a wonderful spot on a sunny day. I love their tacos here, especially the pork belly one.
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Malibu Lagoon State Beach
A good beach to go for a walk and family friendly.
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Broad Street Oyster Company
I can’t recommend popping into this restaurant enough while here. While known for their fresh oysters on the half shell, there are a few other plates to note. Their lobster roll is absolutely delicious as well as their uni butter spaghetti. You can even get fresh uni on the half shell sourced right up the coast from Santa Barbara.
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