WEST HOLLYWOOD

So West Hollywood (or "WeHo" as it is most often called) is officially its own city, one proud of its history and socially-minded, progressive residents (it was the first city to create a same-gender domestic partnership registration in 1985 and the City Council voted to make WeHo the first official pro-choice city in 1993). 

But for our own purposes, it is also one of LA's most well-known and popular neighborhoods, including iconic avenues like Sunset Boulevard, Melrose Avenue, and Robertson Boulevard. It's home to drag-queen bingo at Hamburger Mary's, the infamous LGBT bar The Abbey, the Troubadour, the Viper Room and Whisky A Go Go. If you've ever seen a gossip magazine's photographs of celebrities boutique-shopping or night-clubbing in Los Angeles, it's more than likely in West Hollywood.

Sandwiched between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, West Hollywood can be a congested concrete nightmare at times. And if you're not a 23 year-old pop star hanging out at the Sunset Tower, or a passenger on a double-decker sightseeing tour bus, is West Hollywood really for you? We certainly think so. We spent our day looking at vibrant art, browsing books, sipping margaritas, and drooling over lobster rolls. Welcome to the other side of glossy, glittery WeHo.

Stop 1: Jones Coffee Roasters

 

What would a day be if we didn't start with coffee?!

It was a perfect, 75-degrees-and-sunny day in Los Angeles, so we opted for iced drinks at Jones Coffee Roasters: a soy iced coffee and iced almond latte. The baristas put a lot of work into their lattes, which are recommended over the regular drip. The space is small and modern, with orange metal chairs and concrete floors, and an attached seating area and patio. With so many people working on laptops, it was a little too quiet for our taste...so continued on to our next stop, coffee in hand. 
(625 N San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood)

Stop 2: West Hollywood Library

 

Easily one of the most beautiful libraries in Los Angeles, the West Hollywood Library also offers gorgeous views of the city from the multitude of large windows throughout the building. As we walked in, we had the very WeHo experience of walking by actors loudly running lines outside, and there were clusters of families hanging out in the adjacent park. The library boasts free wi-fi, lots of community classes and events, and study rooms. The best idea would be to take your iced coffee and your stack of books to a bench in the West Hollywood Park.

Insider's tip: the library has 3 hours of free parking! 
(625 N San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood)

Stop 3: MOCA Pacific Design Center

 

Since the Pacific Design Center is closed on the weekends, we walked across to the West Hollywood branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). This satellite site is small (but free!), and the exhibit we saw was fantastic. "Cameron: Songs for the Witch Women" included works from Marjorie Cameron, a poet, mystic, performer and artist. The large room upstairs displayed her sketches, paintings and photographs from her eclectic collections. A really delightful way to spend an hour.
(8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood)

Stop 4: Gracias Madre

 

It was well after 2pm, and not only were we hungry, but it felt time for a weekend cocktail. Gracias Madre's margaritas have recently been voted some of the best by LA Weekly readers, and this "plant-based Mexican restaurant" has a beautiful outdoor area (that only gets a slight edge over the gorgeous interior: brick walls with colorful paintings of the Virgin Mary, bowls of citrus sitting atop a stunning black & white tiled bar).

Everything about this restaurant screams California, from the decor to the host with a glob-sized crystal pendant around his neck. We kept finding ourselves exclaiming, "I want my house to look like this!" We had the purista margarita (their house drink, add $1 to make it spicy - yum!) We dined on Flautas de Camote (filled with sweet potatoes and topped with guacamole and cashew nacho cheese) and Madre's Chopped Salad (summer squash, chickpeas, avocado). Deeeeelicious!

(8905 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood)

Stop 5: Millions of Milkshakes

 

 

After the gleam of Robertson Boulevard, we decided to search out a little more grit and ventured up to Santa Monica Boulevard. The sun was still beating down, and Millions of Milkshakes called our names (hey, we just ate an all-organic vegetarian meal!)

Millions of Milkshakes is the self-proclaimed "most famous milkshake bar in the world" and you're assaulted by TMZ footage of Miley Cyrus drinking a MoM shake as soon as you step through the door. We ordered the "Celebrity Shake" (duh) with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and cookie dough. They also have boba and juices, but why would you ever order those at a milkshake bar?  
(8910 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood)

Stop 6: Block Party WeHo

 

There's quite a few salacious shops along Santa Monica Boulevard, but Block Party WeHo pulled us in with their sign outside the store: "The Gayest Store on Earth." We made fast friends with a gentleman shopping for a shirt to wear to The Abbey, tried on boas and sparkly masks, and giggled over the slogans on their t-shirts. WeHo in all its glory!  
(8853 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood)

 

Stop 7: Barney's Beanery

This joint is an LA institution, a place where frat brothers from across the city come together to eat chicken wings and cheer on their college football teams. It may not be a typical MBLAD stop, but it was Husky Saturday and we try not to miss a University of Washington football game (as proud alumnae!)

Although Barney's is now a chain, the WeHo location is the original - opening in 1920 and enjoying a long legacy or LA lore (Quentin Tarantino supposedly wrote many of his films from a booth in Barney's). Clark Cable, Jean Harlow and Bette Davis all hung out here in the 30s and 40s, too. The most famous menu item is their chili, but one reason we like the place is that the menu is EXTENSIVE (it even features a "Bitty Bean" section with smaller portions). And breakfast is served all day!
 
We ordered beers, requested our game on a nearby television, and watched some colorful characters play pool. If our Huskies hadn't lost, it might have been the perfect Saturday afternoon. 
(8447 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood) 

 

Stop 8: Connie and Ted's

 

  

Inspired by a New England oyster bar, the "wicked good chowda'" and lobster roll are both a must at this darling seafood restaurant. You'd be surprised to find seafood this good outside of Maine, but it's dang delicious. The dining room is adorably nautical without being kitschy. We ordered some excellent cocktails (the "Born in East LA" with tequila, lime and tamarind was a favorite!) and squeezed into a corner in the bustling bar. Will definitely be back for a sit-down dinner. 

(8171 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood)

The Details:

West Hollywood is a very walkable neighborhood (voted one of the most easily walkable by Walk Score!) so we spent the whole day in foot. There's also a FREE mini-bus that travels through WeHo.

A map of our day looks like this:

MALIBU

The coastal town of Malibu is probably just as popular for its high-profile celebrity residents (just glance through the first few pages of any gossip magazine) as it is for sparkling beaches along a panoramic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway.

It was made famous by TV shows like Gidget, and the surfing movies of the 1960s. You can't forget that the neighborhood is an affluent one (the breathtaking views and glimpses of Cher's house will quickly remind you), but Malibu is a world apart from the city: all bonfires and bare feet and big wave surfboards.

And there's definitely a good reason Angelenos will brave the bumper-to-bumper traffic on PCH on scorching summer days just to spend an afternoon at Zuma or Surfrider Beach. It truly is a breathtaking piece of paradise right here in Los Angeles.

Stop 1: Corral Canyon Trail Hike

The Corral Canyon Trail is part of the Santa Monica Mountains, and one of the easiest hikes to find in Malibu: it's right off PCH, next to Malibu Seafood. The trail begins at a small creek, and then ascends into lush vegetation and spectacular views. You'll come to a fork in the road pretty quickly - go left if you want to experience a longer hike (it's a 2.5 mile loop) or right if you're looking for something a bit shorter.

Insider's tip: as you can see, dogs are allowed on this trail! Parking on PCH is free.

25653 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

Stop 2: Malibu Seafood

The very best part of the hike (at least for us!) is that we always end at Malibu Seafood for lunch. You can smell the fish and chips from the trail, which helps with motivation toward the end. And it truly is the perfect casual spot for lunch, with picnic tables, ocean breezes and really yummy food.

We ordered the Ahi Tuna Burger (which comes with perfectly thick fries) and the Fish and Chips (duh). You're not just coming here for the views - our lunch was scrumptious. If you save room, they also have Beachy Cream ice cream sandwiches (with flavors like Key Lime Cowabunga).

Insider's tip: the line can be long during peak hours, but it moves quickly. Order at the counter, get a beeper, and then pick up your food at the window to the left.

25653 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

Stop 3: Grom Malibu Gelato

If you're at the beach, ice cream is always a must (right?!) Grom Gelato is an Italian chain, so you know it must be good, and it's only one of two shops in the United States (the other is in New York). 

We've heard many people wax poetic about the gelato in Italy, and those who have tried Grom swear it's just as good. Our Chocolate Fondente cone was creamy and gorgeously rich, although perhaps slightly more expensive than a gelato in Florence (the small cone is $5.50) Totally worth it.

3886 Cross Creek Road, Malibu

Stop 4: Malibu Country Mart

Malibu may not be the shopping capital of Los Angeles, but the Malibu Country Mart is a great taste of the neighborhood, and just a stone's throw from the Pacific Ocean (how many malls can say that?!) Some of our favorites include:

Room at the Beach - perfect furnishings for your cozy beach cottage (we all have those, right?) Here you'll find chairs with coral backs, driftwood hearts and charming gemstone jewelry.

RRL & Co - this shop is ideal for the rugged cowboy in your life. The shop caters solely to men, with cool clothing, coffee table books and accessories. The Alabama Shakes were playing loudly when we walked in, so you know it must be good.

Life is Beautiful - we stumbled upon this pop-up art exhibit next to Grom Gelato. The space is currently open Wednesday-Sunday and by appointment only.

Marmalade Cafe - you're going to need caffeine to get you through any good shopping session, and the lattes at Marmalade are strong. Don't forget to pick something out of the counter cookie jars, too!

3894 Cross Creek Road, Malibu

Stop 5: Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Malibu Lagoon State Beach is directly across from the Malibu Country Mart, and overlooks the Malibu Pier. Within the confines of this state beach is the lagoon, and farther down, a series of tide pools. Although some sunbathers have complained about the copious amounts of kelp on the sand, this beach is perfect for kids (and the curious!) You are almost guaranteed to spot pelicans, and plenty of talented surfers. 

Insider's tip: Parking is $12, or you can park for free on PCH. Come early (or during the week) if you want to find a spot.

Stop 6: Adamson House

Look no further for your dream home - THIS IS IT! 

We kid, we kid. Unfortunately, this gorgeous home and gardens is a historic house and not for sale, but spending an afternoon on its six acres is a delight. The Spanish Colonial home was built in 1929 by Rhoda Adamson and her husband and is known as the "Taj Mahal of Tile." Guided tours are $7, but since we were there on a Sunday, we opted for the (free!) self-guided tour. While wandering the grounds, we found couples canoodling on benches and friends lounging on the grass, just enjoying the sunshine. They do weddings and events, too.

23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

Stop 7: Duke's Malibu

Duke's Malibu is located right at the water's edge, near Malibu Point. The restaurant is dedicated to Paoa Kahanamoku, best known as Hawaii's "Father of Surfing." The restaurant is huge, and has a decidedly Aloha vibe - this is the spot you want to come to relax and sip a Mai Tai. We cozied up to the Barefoot Bar, where we ordered the Poke Tacos and the Shrimp & Crab Salad (complete with avocado, corn and a creamy lemon dressing). The Fire & Ice Margaritas are SPICY and a must!

Insider's Tip: "Aloha Hour" runs Mondays 4pm-close and Tuesday-Friday 4-6pm.

21150 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

The Details:

So, we cheated a LITTLE bit during our Malibu Day. We drove from Malibu Seafood to Malibu Country Mart and back down PCH to Duke's later in the day (we walked between spots otherwise). Pacific Coast Highway provides the perfect Southern California drive though, and we recommend renting a convertible or motorcycle here for the full wind-in-your-hair, sun-on-your-face experience.

A map of our day looks something like this: