LA, the city of angels, is the second most populated city in the US. And for good reason. This sprawling city has perfect weather year-round, beautiful beaches, fresh cars, and is home to the rich and famous. An entertainment hot spot, you can catch live comedy and musical acts nightly. It also has plenty of places to explore on two wheels.
Los Angeles
Before you go...
1. It's usually 70 and sunny during the day. Once the sun goes down though, it gets chilly. Bring your coolest outerwear to stay warm at night.
2. It's a driving town, bring your motorcycle, rent a car or share ride everywhere. Birds, the electric scooters are fun and easy for short distances as well.
3. Traffic is crazy. And everyone is on their phones and has road rage. Be alert and keep your cool.
4. Get a good playlist for driving, you'll need it. Stock up on West Coast staples like Snoop Dogg, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, and No Doubt.
4. It's a crazy active city. Bring a swimsuit and sneakers so you can get in the ocean and go for a hike in the hills. Depending on the season, you might need a wetsuit to get into the ocean.
5. It's not your 9-5 type of city. Expect to see a lot of freelancers, actors, musicians, and models off-duty.
Where to...
|Eat & Drink|
The originator of "but first, coffee", they have multiple locations and strong coffee at each. Stop by to grab an iced coffee, juice, or pastry.
My favorite spot in Brentwood to sit outside, drink my morning coffee and get some work done. The people watching is great and the staff is the absolute best.
You'll find a decent crowd standing at the wraparound counter drinking decadent coffees, tea creations, and pastries. They serve quality coffee and a damn good chocolate chip cookie.
Great for breakfast or dessert, this shop has a limited selection of über creative doughnut flavors. The huckleberry and butter & salt were standouts.
Their kitchen is serving up awesome Tex-Mex that reminded this Austinite of home. Grab a few breakfast tacos or migas to start your day.
an upscale, picturesque seafood spot with waterfront views in Malibu. It's the perfect spot to grab a bite after surfing or when the weather is just too perfect.
A quirky restaurant, think your grandmother's house meets taxidermy enthusiast, with top-notch food. We had southern inspired small plates and bespoke cocktails, make sure to get the cornbread, octopus or dates.
If you've watched Curb Your Enthusiasm, you've seen this spot. It's an intimate, dimly lit neighborhood watering hole with black leather booths, mean martinis, and modern American cuisine.
Homemade, small batch ice creams and sorbets. Try the fresh mint chip, it's light, creamy, and yes, fresh.
The perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy the sunshine. The bar is a sprawling bungalow with multiple bars, indoor and outdoor space and retro, surf-themed rooms.
A dark, eclectic bar with vintage freak show pictures on the walls serving strong craft cocktails.
An insanely good looking tiki bar paying homage to Old Hollywood with tropical-themed drinks and shareable punch bowls.
|SEE & DO|
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Surfrider's Beach, 2nd or 3rd break
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County Line, on the cusp of Malibu and Ventura right by Neptune's Net
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CorePower, there are plenty of locations and good instructors across the board
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Set and Flow Yoga, they have bootcamp, TRX, barre, great music and an inviting vibe.
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Yogaqua is yoga on the water, stretch and meditate on paddleboards.
My absolute favorite museum in LA, it is sleek, sexy, and modern. Take an informative look at the automotive world and how it shapes popular culture.
Open 365 days/year and always stacked with top-notch comedians.
The crème de la crème of jazz bars located in Beverly Hills, it's contemporary and always has an impressive calendar.
A discerningly curated selection of the luxury beauty products like makeup, skin care, hair care and nails. The team is knowledgeable about all things beauty and everything they carry has been thoroughly vetted by Hollywood experts.
An incredible selection of reads and it is the largest general interest independent bookstore in Hollywood. Their team also gives great recommendations if you need to switch it up.
A massive pop-culture retailer with cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs, videos and live music. It made me feel like Liv Tyler in Empire Records.
|MOTO SPOTS|
This conveniently located shop has Ducati, KTM, Ural, and Altas to check out. Their team fit me in for a last minute check-up on my Scrambler and turned it around fast.
A totally unique vintage motorcycle shop with art, restored motorcycles, rarities, and history.
Neptune's Net, a longtime motorcycle spot with seafood & beer overlooking the ocean. The Rock Store, one of the most famous moto stops, frequented by gearheads, and celebrities alike. Newcomb's Ranch, another gearhead hangout. The Snake Carspot, a turn on Mulholland Highway where motorists hangout.