Heather's Guidebook and Recommendations
Entertainment & Activities
The world-famous Venice Boardwalk is not to be missed! Restaurants, street vendors, street performers, local bohemians... you will find it all on this iconic beach-side stroll, just a mile and half from the Loft House. On the west side of the “walk” are hundreds of street vendors and performers. You can see everything from break-dancing to broken glass walking. Mimes to musicians, jugglers to jesters and everything in between make up the human landscape. You can have your fortune read, get a temporary tattoo or have your name written on a grain of rice. If souvenirs is what you are after then the boardwalk is the place to go. If you love to people watch, sit down for lunch and chill.
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Venice Beach Boardwalk
517 Ocean Front WalkThe world-famous Venice Boardwalk is not to be missed! Restaurants, street vendors, street performers, local bohemians... you will find it all on this iconic beach-side stroll, just a mile and half from the Loft House. On the west side of the “walk” are hundreds of street vendors and performers. You can see everything from break-dancing to broken glass walking. Mimes to musicians, jugglers to jesters and everything in between make up the human landscape. You can have your fortune read, get a temporary tattoo or have your name written on a grain of rice. If souvenirs is what you are after then the boardwalk is the place to go. If you love to people watch, sit down for lunch and chill.
AMC DINE-IN Marina 6
13455 Maxella AveFabulous dine in movie theater.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
3400 Warner Blvd
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaDrinks & Nightlife
This trendy boulevard, named for the city’s founder, is full of hip boutiques, amazing restaurants and bars, coffee shops, art galleries, and beautiful people. Suggested Activities: First Fridays on Abbot Kinney Food trucks on Abbot Kinney Blvd every first Friday Dine and drink at Salt Air, Sunny Spot, Hal’s, or Casa Linda! Grab a slice of pizza at Abbot’s Pizza Need a caffeine fix? Go To Abbot’s Habit, Tom’s, Blue Coffee or Intelligentsia Coffee! Keep you eye out for Venice murals by Jonas Never, Isabelle Alford Lago and more!
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Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney BoulevardThis trendy boulevard, named for the city’s founder, is full of hip boutiques, amazing restaurants and bars, coffee shops, art galleries, and beautiful people. Suggested Activities: First Fridays on Abbot Kinney Food trucks on Abbot Kinney Blvd every first Friday Dine and drink at Salt Air, Sunny Spot, Hal’s, or Casa Linda! Grab a slice of pizza at Abbot’s Pizza Need a caffeine fix? Go To Abbot’s Habit, Tom’s, Blue Coffee or Intelligentsia Coffee! Keep you eye out for Venice murals by Jonas Never, Isabelle Alford Lago and more!
Live Music on the weekends. Great place to take in some fresh marina air, scenery, restaurants, bars and shopping.
Also several water activities, boat cruises, fishing, etc.
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Fisherman's Village
13755 Fiji WayLive Music on the weekends. Great place to take in some fresh marina air, scenery, restaurants, bars and shopping.
Also several water activities, boat cruises, fishing, etc.
The Shack
185 Culver BlvdShack Attack burger and fries, and bar.
Prince O' Whales
335 Culver BlvdCheap drinks, bar food, live music
Mo's Place
203 Culver BlvdGrab a bite, cocktail and shoot a game of pool.
Harbor Room
195 Culver BlvdGreat pours, smallest bar in town!
Vibrant, modern brewpub featuring many beers on tap & casual American fare, plus patio seating.
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Gulp
13020 Pacific PromenadeVibrant, modern brewpub featuring many beers on tap & casual American fare, plus patio seating.
Take a stroll down 3rd Street Promenade with many restaurant, bars, shops and entertainment for all!
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Downtown Santa Monica Station
402 Colorado AveTake a stroll down 3rd Street Promenade with many restaurant, bars, shops and entertainment for all!
Take the whole family to the Santa Monica Pier, games, food, bars, amusements for the kids including rides, arcades and more. Go to the beach after or before.
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Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierTake the whole family to the Santa Monica Pier, games, food, bars, amusements for the kids including rides, arcades and more. Go to the beach after or before.
Food Scene
The Tripel
333 Culver BlvdA quaint but awesome small restaurant with amazing dishes.
The best sushi around with exotic daily specials and an amazing selection of sakes. My favorite is King Crab legs with truffles, uni and quail's eggs, salmon or tuna samplers, ikura and quails eggs, soft shell crab, fresh shrimp, uni shooters! Ask for Peter. Must make a reservation.
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Kanpai
8325 Lincoln BlvdThe best sushi around with exotic daily specials and an amazing selection of sakes. My favorite is King Crab legs with truffles, uni and quail's eggs, salmon or tuna samplers, ikura and quails eggs, soft shell crab, fresh shrimp, uni shooters! Ask for Peter. Must make a reservation.
The best Northern Italian food around. A quaint and romantic restaurant in the heart of downtown Playa del Rey. Ask for Tony...he is the best.
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Caffe Pinguini Italian Restaurant
6935 Pacific AveThe best Northern Italian food around. A quaint and romantic restaurant in the heart of downtown Playa del Rey. Ask for Tony...he is the best.
The best Italian food on the Westside! Love the spaghetti alla casa, penne vodka, salads, appetizers, daily fish specials. They have an awesome fixed price menu that you cannot go wrong with an appetizer/salad, main, and dessert for $24.95. Ask for Franco!
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Pastina Trattoria
2260 Westwood BlvdThe best Italian food on the Westside! Love the spaghetti alla casa, penne vodka, salads, appetizers, daily fish specials. They have an awesome fixed price menu that you cannot go wrong with an appetizer/salad, main, and dessert for $24.95. Ask for Franco!
A great grub hub for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Great bar, and a separate whiskey bar and ice cream to go. Right down at the end of Culver Blvd.
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Playa Provisions
119 Culver BlvdA great grub hub for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Great bar, and a separate whiskey bar and ice cream to go. Right down at the end of Culver Blvd.
Tanner's Coffee Co. - Playa Del Rey
200 Culver BlvdGreat local coffee shop
Great Mexican or American breakfast and lunches. Fresh produce, juice bar as well. Great salsa and fresh chips.
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Señor G's Fresh & Healthy Mexican Food
343 Culver BlvdGreat Mexican or American breakfast and lunches. Fresh produce, juice bar as well. Great salsa and fresh chips.
Bacari PDR
6805 S Vista Del Mar LnGreat wine and tapas and views.
Cafe Milan
205 Culver BlvdGreat breakfast option.
The best pizza locally! Also serve beer and wine. Free delivery local.
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The Good Pizza
8115 W Manchester AveThe best pizza locally! Also serve beer and wine. Free delivery local.
Romantic bar/restaurant bringing together elevated New American fare plus harbor & marina views. Great service.
Bar and lounge area if you would just like to have a glass of wine and appetizer.
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Cafe del Rey
4451 Admiralty WayRomantic bar/restaurant bringing together elevated New American fare plus harbor & marina views. Great service.
Bar and lounge area if you would just like to have a glass of wine and appetizer.
Overlooking Mother’s Beach, Beachside Restaurant & Bar is the perfect waterfront dining spot in Marina del Rey to savor fresh Californian cuisine and enjoy tranquil beach views, while others paddle board, swim, or build sandcastles in the sand. This favorite Marina del Rey restaurant features a redesigned bar and dining room that open up onto our patio providing a one-of-a-kind al fresco dining experience. With California sunshine spilling over, and a fresh off the water breeze, feel truly transported while you drink and dine to your heart's content.
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Beachside
14160 Palawan WayOverlooking Mother’s Beach, Beachside Restaurant & Bar is the perfect waterfront dining spot in Marina del Rey to savor fresh Californian cuisine and enjoy tranquil beach views, while others paddle board, swim, or build sandcastles in the sand. This favorite Marina del Rey restaurant features a redesigned bar and dining room that open up onto our patio providing a one-of-a-kind al fresco dining experience. With California sunshine spilling over, and a fresh off the water breeze, feel truly transported while you drink and dine to your heart's content.
Love this place for Mexican cuisine. Great tropical ceviche and the best carne asada tacos. Great bar with an array of tequilas.
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SOL Mexican Cocina | Playa Vista
12775 Millennium DrLove this place for Mexican cuisine. Great tropical ceviche and the best carne asada tacos. Great bar with an array of tequilas.
The best Taiwanese restaurant with fresh made soup dumplings, the crab rice is amazing. Love the fresh steamed al la dente veggies.
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ROC Playa Vista
The best Taiwanese restaurant with fresh made soup dumplings, the crab rice is amazing. Love the fresh steamed al la dente veggies.
Mandovi Indian Cuisine
150 S Sepulveda BlvdThe best Indian Food...try the rack of lamb!
Thai Talay
8411 Lincoln BlvdGreat thai food!
While The Anchor in Venice is perhaps best known for that outrageous lobster roll topped with shaved black truffles, there are plenty of other items on the menu to satisfy seafood cravings. And located just a short walk from the ocean, it is certainly a standout hub for westsiders to slurp oysters and beyond.
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The Anchor
235 Main StWhile The Anchor in Venice is perhaps best known for that outrageous lobster roll topped with shaved black truffles, there are plenty of other items on the menu to satisfy seafood cravings. And located just a short walk from the ocean, it is certainly a standout hub for westsiders to slurp oysters and beyond.
David LeFevre's tiny seafood restaurant in Manhattan Beach sports creative, Asian-inflected fare just steps from the ocean. Start with a tower of fresh shellfish then try some of the more composed plates. Of course, traditionalists can opt for more familiar, New England-style dishes as well.
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Fishing With Dynamite
1148 Manhattan AveDavid LeFevre's tiny seafood restaurant in Manhattan Beach sports creative, Asian-inflected fare just steps from the ocean. Start with a tower of fresh shellfish then try some of the more composed plates. Of course, traditionalists can opt for more familiar, New England-style dishes as well.
Great place to pick up a sandwich, soup or salad quickly. Boar's Head meats...excellent quality. Pack it for a concert in the park or beach day.
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Del Rey Deli Co.
8501 Pershing DrGreat place to pick up a sandwich, soup or salad quickly. Boar's Head meats...excellent quality. Pack it for a concert in the park or beach day.
I have had good luck every time I have eaten here for Lebanese Mediterranean food. Fresh veggies with good vegetarian options.
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Playa's Pita
8501 Pershing DrI have had good luck every time I have eaten here for Lebanese Mediterranean food. Fresh veggies with good vegetarian options.
Sage Plant Based Bistro West
5668 Sepulveda BlvdGreat place for vegan food.
Want to grab a quick taco or rotisserie chicken....this works.
Casual dining and close.
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Bennys Tacos & Chicken Rotisserie LA
7101 W Manchester AveWant to grab a quick taco or rotisserie chicken....this works.
Casual dining and close.
Taj India Palace
8320 Lincoln BlvdAnother Indian food option closer to the casita...
Essentials
The best local pharmacy. Talk to Joe the pharmacist. They also compound here as well including for pets.
Playa Pharmacy & Compounding
8131 W Manchester AveThe best local pharmacy. Talk to Joe the pharmacist. They also compound here as well including for pets.
Spring Cleaners
8636 S Sepulveda BlvdCall for Pick-up of your dry cleaning or laundry.
Need something quick to pickup and don't want to go to a large market...Dale's is it...plenty of spirits as well.
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Dales Jr Market
8105 W Manchester AveNeed something quick to pickup and don't want to go to a large market...Dale's is it...plenty of spirits as well.
Bed, Bath and Beyond has the largest collection of travel toiletries I have seen, since you probably want that size as not to waste. Check it out...fun shop! Dangerous for me.
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Bed Bath & Beyond
11854 W Olympic BlvdBed, Bath and Beyond has the largest collection of travel toiletries I have seen, since you probably want that size as not to waste. Check it out...fun shop! Dangerous for me.
Located on the north side of Manchester Blvd in a busy strip mall, this laundromat has been renovated with all NEW washers. The place is very clean and has free wi-fi which works well. The washers and dryers take quarters or credit cards/debit cards.
The staff are here from open to close as they have a fluff and fold business to tend to.
Laundry Locals
West Manchester AvenueLocated on the north side of Manchester Blvd in a busy strip mall, this laundromat has been renovated with all NEW washers. The place is very clean and has free wi-fi which works well. The washers and dryers take quarters or credit cards/debit cards.
The staff are here from open to close as they have a fluff and fold business to tend to.
Shopping
The best local market for all your needs. Organic produce, meats, seafood, etc. Great sushi, panini's, deli, hot food and salad bars. Juice bar and bakery.
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Bristol Farms
8448 Lincoln BlvdThe best local market for all your needs. Organic produce, meats, seafood, etc. Great sushi, panini's, deli, hot food and salad bars. Juice bar and bakery.
Great market for all your organic needs. Fresh organic produce, sushi, bakery, seafood, meats, and prepared food.
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Whole Foods Market
225 Lincoln BlvdGreat market for all your organic needs. Fresh organic produce, sushi, bakery, seafood, meats, and prepared food.
Great market for everyday needs. There is one on Lincoln and on Sepulveda and 2 down in the Marina. The one in the Marina is a 'Fresh Fare' ...a step up form the other.
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Ralphs
1644 Cloverfield BlvdGreat market for everyday needs. There is one on Lincoln and on Sepulveda and 2 down in the Marina. The one in the Marina is a 'Fresh Fare' ...a step up form the other.
Great shopping mall...offering all different types of shops...
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Manhattan Beach Art Center
1560 Manhattan Beach BlvdGreat shopping mall...offering all different types of shops...
Great mall with all the choices...then go to the 3rd Street Promenade for even more shopping pleasures.
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Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica PlaceGreat mall with all the choices...then go to the 3rd Street Promenade for even more shopping pleasures.
Westfield Century City, formerly known as Century Square Shopping Center, is a two-level, 1.3 million-square-foot outdoor shopping mall in the Century City commercial district in Los Angeles, California.
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Century City Mall station
Westfield Century City, formerly known as Century Square Shopping Center, is a two-level, 1.3 million-square-foot outdoor shopping mall in the Century City commercial district in Los Angeles, California.
The best array of foods, great for pick up of already prepared foods as well. Love TJ's!
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Trader Joe's
6150 Slauson AveThe best array of foods, great for pick up of already prepared foods as well. Love TJ's!
Specialty chain offering a range of natural & organic grocery items (most carry beer & wine).
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Sprouts Farmers Market
5660 Sepulveda BlvdSpecialty chain offering a range of natural & organic grocery items (most carry beer & wine).
Parks & Nature
Great place to hike around and enjoy nature and alot of birds.
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Ballona Wetlands
Great place to hike around and enjoy nature and alot of birds.
Ballona Creek Bike Path
Ballona Creek Bike PathGreat bike path to see the local sites.
Dockweiler Beach Ladestation
12000 Vista Del MarLocal beach, quiet
Topanga State Park
20828 Entrada RdGreat for hiking for the day.
Great place to visit and enjoy nature, hiking trails, and an observatory.
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Griffith Park Boulevard
1519 Griffith Park BlvdGreat place to visit and enjoy nature, hiking trails, and an observatory.
Malibu Strand
Cool beach....surf's up!!
El Porto Beach
4499-4401 The StrandGreat local for surfing..
LA Zoo station
The La Brea Tar Pits are a group of tar pits around which Hancock Park was formed in urban Los Angeles. Natural asphalt has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years. The tar is often covered with dust, leaves, or water.
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La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
5801 Wilshire BlvdThe La Brea Tar Pits are a group of tar pits around which Hancock Park was formed in urban Los Angeles. Natural asphalt has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years. The tar is often covered with dust, leaves, or water.
Sightseeing
Hollywood Sign
Great place to hike up to.
Santa Catalina, one of California’s Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles. It's known for its wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. The resort town of Two Harbors lies to the north. To the south, in the city of Avalon, palm trees and cabanas line Descanso Beach. Avalon’s circular, art deco Catalina Casino is a cultural center with a movie theater, ballroom and museum. Catalina Express is just an hour away with year-round boat transportation and up to 30 departures daily. Boats depart from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina is only 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. Book online or call 800.481.3470
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Santa Catalina Insel
Santa Catalina, one of California’s Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles. It's known for its wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. The resort town of Two Harbors lies to the north. To the south, in the city of Avalon, palm trees and cabanas line Descanso Beach. Avalon’s circular, art deco Catalina Casino is a cultural center with a movie theater, ballroom and museum. Catalina Express is just an hour away with year-round boat transportation and up to 30 departures daily. Boats depart from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina is only 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. Book online or call 800.481.3470