Being a lifelong resident of Florida, I’m no stranger to palm trees, beaches, great weather – and lots of out-of-town visitors. Since moving to California, I have entertained seven sets of friends and relatives from Florida and all parts of the country. I have had to become a weekend tour guide and learn my way around Los Angeles in a hurry. With limited time to show off my new city and all of the cool places it has to offer, I have to set priorities.
Here are some places that I recommend when entertaining friends who visit Los Angeles:
1. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a mecca of restaurants and shops, with a brilliant view of the iconic Santa Monica fishing pier. The stores on the Third Street Promenade (1351 3rd Street Promenade #201, Santa Monica, CA 90401) are generally larger than the same stores you would find in a mall. Shoppers are welcome to stop to lunch or dinner at some pretty cool restaurants. My two favorites are Ivy at the Shore (1535 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401) and Blue Plate Taco (1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401). Both have great views of the ocean and the pier. For dessert you should go to Go Greek, which is sensational frozen yogurt, or Carlo’s Bake Shop from the Cake Boss TV show (1354 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401).
2. Malibu
My guests don’t complain about the traffic when I drive them along the coast to Malibu. The views are breathtaking. I like to hike at Point Dume, a long bluff that juts out into the Pacific Ocean (and really a poor excuse for a hike and basically just a great photo opportunity). Lunching is great along the drive. I like Malibu Farm Pier Cafe (23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265) or the Sunset Cafe just below Point Dume. Both are great options with glorious views. Although it’s a little pricey, I like to browse the stores at the Malibu Country Mart as well (3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265).
3. Manhattan Beach
Definitely the place to tan, Manhattan Beach is a notch above the sands of Santa Monica or Playa Del Rey and the town of Manhattan Beach is worth exploring as well. The Kettle, which serves breakfast all day, is a family favorite (1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266). Don’t miss the homemade muffins – the orange flavor is to die for. On a really warm day, I’d recommend the Manhattan Beach Creamery for homemade ice cream sandwiches (1120 Manhattan Beach Avenue, Manhattan Beach, 90266).
4. Desserts
Angelenos love their treats. Here are some other random restaurants and dessert places I like to share with friends:
The Bigg Chill (10850 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064)
Randy’s Donuts (805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301)
Sprinkles Cupcakes (9635 south santa monica boulevard
beverly hills, california 90210)
Blue Star Donuts (1142 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291)
It’s pricey, but if parents are paying, I recommend a dinner at the famed Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel (The Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210) where the chocolate souffle is probably the best thing I’ve ever eaten!
Bigg Chill
Point Dume
Polo Lounge Beverly Hills Hotel
Randy’s Donuts