Top Things We Did in Los Angeles: Views, Culture, Coastlines & Game Day Energy
Los Angeles is one of those cities where every day can feel completely different depending on where you are. One moment you're taking in sweeping views from the Hollywood Hills, the next you're exploring a contemporary art museum, relaxing on a Malibu beach, or cheering alongside thousands of fans at a Dodgers game.
Dinner with a View at Yamashiro Hollywood
One of the most memorable nights was dinner at Yamashiro Hollywood, a historic hillside restaurant perched high above Los Angeles.
If you’re lucky enough to sit along the outdoor railing (for two people), you get completely unobstructed views across the entire city. From our table, we could see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Downtown LA, Century City, and the glow of the city stretching into the horizon.
We happened to be there on an unusually clear LA night, and it made the experience even more surreal. A full strawberry-rose tinted moon rose directly over downtown, hanging over the skyline like something staged for a film.
The food is good, but the ambiance is what truly makes this place unforgettable. It’s one of those rare spots where you stop mid-conversation just to take it all in.
Yamashiro Hollywood was originally built in the early 1900s as a Japanese-style mountain palace, designed to resemble a hillside estate in Kyoto. The architecture, gardens, and wooden details give it a peaceful, timeless feel above the modern city.
Highly recommend timing your visit for sunset so you can enjoy golden light over the city and then watch LA transform into a glowing sea of lights.
Beach Hopping: Santa Monica, Venice & Hermosa Beach
We started at Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic landmarks in Southern California. Open since 1909, the pier is now home to a Ferris wheel and roller coaster sitting right over the Pacific Ocean. It’s touristy in the best way—classic, nostalgic, and full of energy.
Next was Venice Beach, which is pure chaos and creativity. Skateboarders, roller skaters, artists, and street performers all compete for attention along the boardwalk. It’s one of the best people-watching spots in the city.
We also stopped at Hermosa Beach, which has always been one of my favorites for a relaxed, local feel. It feels more laid-back compared to Santa Monica and Venice—wide shoreline, fewer crowds, and a slower pace that makes it the perfect place to actually unwind and enjoy the ocean without the intensity of the more tourist-heavy beaches.
Topanga Canyon Scenic Drive + Inn of the Seventh Ray + El Matador State Beach
We took a scenic drive through Topanga Canyon on the way to the Inn of the Seventh Ray, winding out of the city into a more natural, tucked-away part of Los Angeles.
The restaurant sits outdoors beside a flowing creek, surrounded by trees and soft lighting. It feels like a hidden escape from LA entirely.
Breakfast is buffet-style or a la carte—good, but not the main reason to come. The real highlight is the setting. Sitting on the patio near the water feels peaceful and almost otherworldly compared to the city.
A homemade lavender mimosa was a standout—light, floral, and perfect for a slow canyon morning.
After breakfast, we explored a few nearby vintage shops, which added a fun local touch.
From there, we continued up the coast to El Matador State Beach, one of Malibu’s most dramatic beaches.
El Matador is known for its rugged cliffs, sea caves, and towering rock formations that rise out of the sand and water. It feels wild and cinematic compared to more developed beaches.
Be prepared for stairs—you have to climb down quite a bit to reach the beach—but once you’re there, it’s absolutely worth it. Hidden coves, tide pools, and dramatic coastline views make it one of the most beautiful stops in LA.
Contemporary Art at The Broad
One of the cultural highlights of the trip was The Broad Museum in Downtown LA, a modern art museum featuring some of the most iconic contemporary artists in the world.
Inside, you’ll see works from Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama. The collection blends pop culture, bold color, and conceptual art in a way that feels both accessible and impactful.
It’s free to enter (with timed tickets) like many other LA museums, making it one of the best cultural stops in the city.
Classic LA Culture at Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Highland Park is one of the oldest puppet theaters in the United States. We saw there new show the Choo Choo Review, which is the first new show in 40 years.
Walking inside feels like stepping back in time. The handcrafted marionettes, vintage stage, and whimsical performances create a nostalgic and playful atmosphere.
The theater has appeared in various film and TV productions over the years and remains an important piece of LA’s creative history. Every single adult in the theater had a smile from ear to ear the entire show!
This is also the same day we would recommend pairing with Highland Park Bowl for a full historic, vintage LA afternoon.
A Dodgers Game at Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium
No LA trip is complete without a night at Dodger Stadium.
We took the bus from Union Station for about $8, which was easy going in but crowded coming out. Next time, we might consider driving, though traffic after games can be just as challenging.
We sat in the upper deck between home plate and third base—great views of the entire field.
Before the game, the entire city turns into a sea of blue. Fans flood in dressed head-to-head in Dodgers gear, creating an electric atmosphere before you even get inside the stadium.
And the game itself was unforgettable: the Dodgers scored nine runs in the first inning. The stadium erupted, and the rest of the game felt like a celebration.
For a true LA experience, you must also grab a sandwich at Philippe The Original before heading to the game. It’s a classic downtown stop known for its French dip sandwiches and spicy mustard that has become a rite of passage for Dodgers fans on game day.
What We Didn’t Get To (But Will Next Time)
There are still a few spots on the list for next time.
Highland Park Bowl is one of them—a beautifully restored 1927 bowling alley with deep ties to LA’s entertainment history and film culture. It pairs perfectly with Bob Baker Marionette Theater for a full Highland Park vintage day.
We also missed the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, which was closed for the summer during our visit. It’s known for large-scale, experimental installations and is a key part of LA’s contemporary art scene.
Another major stop is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), home to everything from ancient collections to modern works, plus the iconic Urban Light installation.
And of course, the Griffith Observatory is still on our list for next time—especially for sweeping city views and that classic Hollywood Sign overlook.
Honorable Mentions: Classic LA Dining Institutions + Unexpected Eats
Two standout LA institutions that really capture old-school dining culture are El Coyote and Dan Tana's.
El Coyote has been an LA staple since the 1930s. Known for its neon sign, lively atmosphere, and classic Tex-Mex menu, it remains one of those places that feels unchanged by time—bright, energetic, and full of old Hollywood character.
Dan Tana's, tucked into West Hollywood, has been open since 1964 and is famous for its red booths, dim lighting, and classic Italian red-sauce menu. It’s long been a Hollywood hangout for actors, writers, and industry regulars who come for its consistency and timeless feel.
We also had an unexpected food highlight at El Moro Churro Bar. You can literally watch churros being made through the window while you wait in line, which is surprisingly mesmerizing. It’s one of those stops that turns into an experience rather than just a quick bite. And yes—you can order churros with Dodgers blue sugar, which makes it a perfect LA moment if you’re heading to or from a game.
Final Thoughts
We visited museums, beaches, neighborhoods, Universal Studios and so much more and what made this LA trip so special was the variety. One moment you’re dining above the city under a glowing moon, the next you’re walking through a contemporary art museum, standing on a gorgeous beach, or inside a roaring baseball stadium.
Los Angeles isn’t just one destination—it’s a collection of completely different worlds layered together. And that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
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