Do It Like A Local In LA

Living in the constant bustle and grind of LA it's easy to forget what an amazing place it really is. Once you get past the towering egos and bad traffic there's a trove of great restaurants, awesome hiking, beautiful beaches, and amazing wine to enjoy. There's so much to offer in LA it just takes a little bit of looking sometimes to find it. These are a few gems to get you started.

1
Hilgard House Westwood Village
For me this is the perfect Hotel in Los Angeles. It's cheap, well placed in the city, and quiet. You can wake up early walk around Westwood, get some coffee, and set off to enjoy your day. With it's close proximity to major freeways you could be anywhere in LA in about a half hour (traffic allowing).
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Intelligentsia Venice Coffeebar
Intelligentsia is a little pricey but they brew some great coffee. Even every cup of drip coffee is made to order. It's the perfect place to people watch and sit in the sun.
Even every cup of drip coffee is made to order.
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Topanga Canyon State Park
LA is a beautiful place. This park will show you why. Get some exercise, enjoy the clean air and take in the beauful views of mountain, city and ocean. It can't be beat.
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Spicy BBQ Restaurant
In a city crawling with good Thai food this is quite the find. They do a solid rendition of all of your favorites but they specialize in Northern Thai dishes. Spicy jackfruit, Northern sausage, bbq pork, and Northern Curry make for some memorable food at a reasonable price.
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Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
In the fun Franklin Village neighborhood there are a slew of nice bars, restaurants, bookstores, and one heck of a comedy theater. 7 nights a week there are improv, and standup shows taking place. Keep an eye out because there's a good chance you'll see a celebrity.
There are good collections of artwork on display year round and throughout the year they hold events in the eveing with speakers, comedy, bands, and movie screenings.
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Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center
The Armand Hammer Museum boasts of a beautiful courtyard in the middle of Westwood with trees, a fountain, and a nice cafe. There are good collections of artwork on display year round and throughout the year they hold events in the eveing with speakers, comedy, bands, and movie screenings. More
The Armand Hammer Museum boasts of a beautiful courtyard in the middle of Westwood with trees, a fountain, and a nice cafe. There are good collections of artwork on display year round and throughout the year they hold events in the eveing with speakers, comedy, bands, and movie screenings.
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John Hallmann
John Hallmann
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