It’s finally happening, your friends are flying in to visit! Whether you’re a native or a transplant, we’ve all experienced that moment that occurs after the excitement of getting to see your pals wears off and you think, “Where am I going to take them?” The obvious standouts are, well, obvious. No one wants to spend days trudging through crowds of tourists, even if those tourists are our best friends. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. So skip Hollywood Boulevard, Disneyland and the Santa Monica Pier, here are five quintessentially LA places that are perfect to visit with your out-of-town friends.
1. Venice
Venice is the LA tour guide’s best friend. Park by Abbot Kinney and you’ll be within walking distance of shops, amazing food and the beach. (Your friends are probably used to walking, and you can suck it up for one afternoon.) Grab pizza at Gjelina and then head down to the beach to watch the skateboarders do their thing.
2. Grand Central Market
There’s no better time to brave the line at Eggslut than when you’re hosting out-of-town guests. If eggs aren’t their thing, they’re bound to find something that calls out to them. Go for lunch and then walk down to the Ace Hotel for an afternoon cocktail and a great view of
Downtown.
3. The Griffith Observatory
Even if you don’t actually go inside the observatory, this one is a must-see. It arguably has the best view of the city, plus it’s close enough to have brunch at Alcove and poke through Loz Feliz staples like Skylight Books before you head up.
4. Bar Marmont
While your friends might want to see the Walk of Fame, you know Hollywood Boulevard is a nightmare to be avoided at all costs. But that’s no reason to shatter their Hollywood illusions. For a taste of Hollywood’s swanky side, take them to Chateau Marmont for drinks at Bar Marmont.
5. The Getty Center
Whether your friends are in the art world or not, they will enjoy a trip to this quintessential LA museum. Explore the exhibits, take in the views and bring along a bottle of wine and some snacks to picnic on the grass while you catch up.
