From the hotels to the food to the art, and everything in between, Los Angeles is a city of endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, in need of a vacation spot that doesn’t require a passport, or a local who’s wanting to rediscover the city you call home, L.A. is a design lover’s dream destination. We asked a few of our favorite locals, who also happen to be top interior designers, to share their favorite places to stay, eat, shop, and get inspired, plus the one thing you shouldn’t leave town without doing! Consider your ideal itinerary tackled thanks to our Design Insider’s Guide to Los Angeles.
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Where to Stay
“Hotel Bel-Air. I love that this hotel is slightly secluded with a great bar and restaurant. With chic amenities, Hotel Bel-Air truly feels like a special escape.” —Jeff Andrews
“Beverly Hills Hotel. Timeless, classic, and they play classical music underwater in the pool.” —Kate Driver
“Actually – I recommend that friends rent an Airbnb! There’s so much to choose from, in any part of the city, and to fit any budget.” —Taylor Jacobson
“Petit Ermitage. It’s an intimate boutique hotel located in West Hollywood that is not only stunning and centrally located to all the hot spots in WEHO, but it also features a gorgeous rooftop restaurant and pool.” —Barclay Butera
“Since LA is so vast this answer changes based on what neighborhood you’re in, but for a classic L.A. experience I love Chateau Marmont. It’s beautiful, kooky and the rooms are just the right amount of kitschy and classy.” —Martha Mulholland
Where to Eat & Drink
“Angelini Osteria on Beverly Blvd, which is near my office and home. My go-to dish is the tuna tartare – it’s insane! One of those great appetizers that you can eat as a meal.” —Jeff Andrews
“Superba Food + Bread in Venice. Turmeric latte and the marbled eggs.” —Kate Driver
“Casa Bianca Pizza Pie in Eagle Rock. My husband and I split an eggplant and sausage pizza, green salad, and a carafe of Chianti!” —Taylor Jacobson
“Sunset Tower Bar is iconic in style and history and is the perfect place to end an evening in Los Angeles. Former residents include Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra and you’ll probably see a celebrity dining nearby.” —Barclay Butera
“I have favorites in every neighborhood but I’m almost always in the mood for the Chinese chicken salad from Joan’s on Third if I’m on the West Side at lunchtime, and the dill pesto quinoa salad from Kitchen Mouse if I’m back east. I’ll rarely turn down moules frites and a glass of Sancerre at Cafe Stella or any pasta dish on the menu at Osteria La Buca in the evening.” —Martha Mulholland
Where to Get Your Culture Fix
The Hollywood Bowl.” —Betsy Burnham
“The Wallis Annenberg Performing Arts Center. This new center is a perfect blend of contemporary architecture mixed with classic Beverly Hills style.” —Jeff Andrews
“The Broad Museum located in Downtown Los Angeles. The museum holds over 2,000 works of postwar and contemporary art worldwide. I loved walking through all the Andy Warhol pieces and Infinity mirrored room.” —Barclay Butera
“Every time I’m in The Arts District I feel like I’m in the center of cultural production in LA. New shops, galleries and restaurants seem to open almost daily.” —Martha Mulholland
Where to Go For Vintage Goodies
“Santa Monica Flea Market. It’s less intimidating than the Rose Bowl and great for accessories hunting.” —Betsy Burnham
“The Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax High School is fun and has a great mix. It’s easier than the Rose Bowl, and close to central LA. Every once in awhile, you’ll score a great find.” —Jeff Andrews
“Santa Monica flea market for home accessories and A Current Affair vintage clothing show that comes to town a couple times a year.” —Kate Driver
“I’m at the Pasadena Antique Center about once a week. Make sure to visit Jeremie Adkins Antiques and Bonita Interiors.” —Taylor Jacobson
“The Long Beach Flea Market is where I go to find one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s not as busy as the Pasadena Flea Market and much more manageable. The Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles has also become a huge hub for extraordinary pieces, and really memorable items.” —Barclay Butera
Where to People Watch
“Larchmont Boulevard.” —Betsy Burnham
“The Grove. It’s a beautiful outdoor mall that feels like a Hollywood backlot. There’s a great mix of locals and tourists, which makes for the best people watching. Plus it’s practically in my backyard.” —Jeff Andrews
“Grnad Central Market is always bustling and a great people watching spot.” —Taylor Jacobson
“The BLVD Lounge at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire has the best people watching in L.A.” —Barclay Butera
“Erewhon on Beverly Blvd.” —Martha Mulholland
Where to Get Inspired
“RTH on La Cienega Boulevard. Best styled shop in the city.” —Betsy Burnham
“Honestly, I’m so inspired when I get out of the office and shop. The La Cienega Design Quarter is a walkable neighborhood with tons of expertise and the best variety.” —Jeff Andrews
“A walk into Galerie Half is always a downright pleasure.” —Kate Driver
“The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena for the art collection and for the beautiful garden and cafe.” —Taylor Jacobson
“I love walking up and down Abbot Kinney in Venice. You can get inspired by the fashion, décor, food, art and you are surrounded by forward thinking individuals, entrepreneurs and companies.” —Barclay Butera
Don’t Leave Town Without…
“Driving from the city up to Malibu. The first time I did (probably 25 years ago now), and came through that tunnel where the 10 meets PCH and saw the ocean, it knocked me out. Real LA magic.” —Betsy Burnham
“Taking in a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. They have everything from the top pop acts to the LA Philharmonic. Bring some snacks and your favorite wine to enjoy!” —Jeff Andrews
“Hiking in Los Leones Canyon.” —Kate Driver
“Taking a trip to the Getty Center followed by lunch at In-N-Out.” —Taylor Jacobson
“Seeing the Hollywood Sign. Depending on your taste, you can do a hike up to see it or get a nice view from the Griffith Observatory.” —Barclay Butera
“Driving through the Santa Monica Mountains and down the PCH on a sunny day.” —Martha Mulholland
Huge thanks to our L.A. experts and be sure to check out their amazing work!
Jeff Andrews
Betsy Burnham
Barclay Butera
Kate Driver
Taylor Jacobson
Martha Mulholland
