The Health-Conscious Los Angeles Guide
Crossroads Kitchen
Vegan restaurant · Beverly Grove
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout and delivery. Only in LA would the bar inside a vegan restaurant be a major scene (it's kind of the best place to sit for a full meal, too). While vegan food rarely seems to get the upscale touch, it certainly does at Tal Ronnen’s dimly lit, luxurious bistro. There’s no mention on the menu of the fact that every dish is plant-based: Hearts of palm masquerade as crab cakes and calamari, and almonds pretend they’re cheese. Without the clever naming conventions, the food would still stand on its own. In short: You won’t miss dairy or meat. There are also lots of workarounds for the gluten-intolerant as well. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
The Detox Market
Cosmetics store · Santa Monica
"Situated next to the Beverly Hills Juice Club, this simple and well-organized shop is a veritable mecca for safe cosmetics and skin care. Founded to combat the fact that some of the most toxic elements in a woman's life come straight from her beauty products, the Detox Market sells lines like RMS, Ila, Rahua, and Odacité."
Moon Juice
Juice bar · Venice
"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. Situated in a storefront no larger than a walk-in closet, Moon Juice kind of feels like a New-Age pharmacy. You'll find tonics for every malady or desire (we love turmeric cup, with cayenne pepper, black pepper oil, and oil of oregano to help us through a cold). All this cold-pressed goodness doesn't come cheap (the green shake will set you back $14), but it's all delicious and effective. There is a second shop in Silver Lake. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
Gracias Madre West Hollywood
Mexican restaurant · Norma Triangle
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout and delivery. When we think of Mexican food, it's often tender pulled-pork carnitas or spicy beef tacos that come to mind. Gracias Madre serves up those same complex, spicy, tangy flavors we associate with Mexican cuisine with the following disclaimer: It's all vegan. The quesadillas are filled with butternut squash, caramelized onions, pumpkin seed salsa, and nutty cashew cheese; enchiladas con mole are reimagined using sweet fried plantains, black beans, and cashew crema. This food is super satisfying and layered with those salty, zesty tastes we all crave. Aside from the feat of creating vegan Mexican food that's actually delicious, Gracias Madre also has a patio that is arguably one of the most beautiful in LA—trees (studded with little lights), plush sofas, and mosaic-topped tables. Request a seat outside and start with an order of chips and guac with the signature mezcal margarita, or if you're feeling adventurous, a CBD snow cone (lemon, agave, hibiscus hielo raspado, and cannabidiol oil). COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
Broome St. General Store
Cafe · Silver Lake
"In addition to the delicious lattes, homemade sandwiches, and old-fashioned candies and trinkets, this general store stocks an equally excellent selection of homewares, including perfectly minimal white ceramic bowls, gardening tools, kitchen supplies, and more."
The Goods Mart
Permanently Closed
"Founder Rachel Krupa had an ambitious goal when she opened the Goods Mart in Silver Lake earlier this year: to create a convenience store unlike any other in the country. Think of it as the corner bodega for a new era, where prices are low (a cup of La Colombe coffee is a steal at $1.25), but the quality is high. Shelves are devoid of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners; pesticides; and hormones, and even the slushies (in partnership with Brooklyn’s Kelvin Slush Co.) are made with organic ingredients and served in paper—not plastic—cups. Even the tip jar is thoughtfully considered, as all donations go to local charities, and any food that’s approaching its sell-by date is donated to a nonprofit that helps the homeless on Skid Row. "
The Hive - Organic Cafe & Superfood Bar
Cafe · Santa Monica
"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. You can learn everything you need to know about this place from the menu displayed when you walk in: There’s a section devoted entirely to avocado appetizers, another to a fairly extensive offering of bone broth elixirs, kombucha on tap, and adaptogens sprinkled throughout. The comfort food is of the mushroom panini variety—which, at the Hive, means not just sautéed portobello, but also reishi, cordyceps, and maitake with goat cheese, green onion, and white truffle oil (kale chips side optional). Order at the counter and take a seat indoors or outside, or grab and go if you’re looking for a quick post-workout smoothie. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
Forage
Californian restaurant · Silver Lake
"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. Local, sustainable, and fresh ingredients are the focus at this rustic-meets-modern spot, so much so that if you bring your own home-grown produce, they'll exchange it for credit. And the credit is worth it: The roasted salmon bowl is particularly excellent, though there are very few misses on Forage's constantly changing chalkboard menu. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Sqirl
Cafe · East Hollywood
"What started out as a toast and jam pop-up now commands long weekend lines: A quick scan of the outdoor tables reveals that most people are digging into their signature Kokuho Rose Brown Rice Bowl, complete with nut-free pesto, preserved Meyer lemon, feta, black radish, and a poached egg. Don’t leave without picking up a bottle of the jam that made Sqirl famous."
modelFIT WeHo
Permanently Closed
"On a pedestrian-friendly stretch of West 3rd in WeHo, ModelFIT relies on small movements using hand weights, a resistance band, gliders, and mini exercise balls to target small muscle groups as opposed to more traditional jump squats, burpees, etc., in a bright, light-filled space. Among the best classes: ModelFIT Scuplt, which targets butt, thighs, and abs, and a dance-cardio version, featuring follow-along dance moves. A bonus? After class, fuel up with lunch at nearby Sweetfin Poké or Sweetgreen. "
necco (Omusubi Project By Necco)
Permanently Closed
"Health-conscious Necco serves super fresh small Japanese dishes, with an emphasis on tasty root vegetables like ginger, daiko, lotus root, and carrot. The dishes are prepared in satisfyingly innovative ways, and the restaurant's clean, minimalist décor suits perfectly."
Magpies Softserve
Ice cream shop · Silver Lake
"Few sweet treats are as satisfying on a hot LA afternoon than a crunchy waffle cone filled with frosty soft-serve ice cream. At Magpies in Silver Lake it can feel almost virtuous. That’s because Magpies has created one-of-a-kind vegan flavors like black rice horchata, chocolate taro, and orange yuzu creamsicle. The shop’s dairy-free fan base is so strong you’ll often find a line out the door, but trust us when we say it’s worth it—especially if you top your soft-serve with toasted maple coconut chips (also vegan)."
Naturewell Vegan Juice & Smoothies
Juice shop · Silver Lake
"It’s easy to miss Naturewell on this busy stretch of Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake (you’ll probably need to plug it into the GPS if you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood) but this blink-and-you’ll-miss it juice bar is worth finding for its phenomenal smoothies and acai bowls (the coconut-kale smoothie is legendary). It also doubles as a health-food market, with an entire wall of legumes, and it carries snacks like nutritional yeast, organic nuts, and kale chips."
SaunaBar | Infrared Sauna, Lymphatic Massage & Weight Loss
Weight loss service · Brentwood
"This spot is famous for its custom-made infrared saunas. In the personal pods, which look super futuristic, you lie on a bed of jade stones while your body is bathed in red infrared light. Your head is outside of the pod during the entire the forty-minute session, and the surrounding air is diffused with a custom blend of aromatherapeutic oils. The lymphatic compression massage and unique Magnesphere machine, which aims to improve your balance and sleep by way of deep relaxation, are so very worth exploring. "
Ma Yoga Culver City - WMN Space
Permanently Closed
"This all-ladies clubhouse is welcoming (to women) and airy, perfect for healing, supporting, and learning from other women. If you’re imagining the stodgy members-only clubs of yore, don’t. WMN is deliberately unfussy. Founded by doula Paula Mallis, WMN Space offers everything from pre- and postnatal workshops, to meditation and movement classes, to full-moon circles. The roster of in-house specialists includes a vaginapractor (if you’re not familiar, it’s essentially a chiropractor for your vagina), healers, hypnotists, as well as talk and body therapists. "
Erewhon Market
Grocery store · Northeast
"From organic produce to the juice bar, prepared foods, wheat, gluten and dairy-free treats, a salad bar, sushi and so much more, this market is a wonderful place for groceries or to have a healthy lunch or dinner. Seating consists of tables outside, so go on a nice day if you’re eating in. There’s another location just off Abbot Kinney in Venice, plus outposts in West Hollywood and Calabasas."
Erika Bloom Pilates
Permanently Closed
"Erika Bloom Pilates has finally ventured west (until now, it was just New York and Connecticut that got to sculpt and tone with the best in the business), taking up residency in Brentwood. The open space is flooded with natural light, making it a relaxing and—oh yes, we’re going to go there—fun workout. The studio’s knowledgeable staff curates personalized routines that borrow from Pilates, yoga, Alexander technique, Feldenkrais, and weight training. There are also programs for pre- and postnatal women, osteoporosis, injury prevention, acupuncture, bodywork, and holistic health consulting."
Plumb Line Pilates and Physical Therapy, Inc.
Physical therapist · Santa Monica
"Plumb Line Pilates is like traditional Pilates, but with special attention paid to the female anatomy. Let’s back up: It was founded by women’s health physical therapist Allison Oswald to combine traditional Pilates with personalized physical therapy or pre- and postnatal care treatments. With a focus on pelvic health, Oswald and her staff take a highly individualized and holistic approach to each client’s specific needs. There is also a certified lymphedema therapist on site to target a sluggish immune system, hormonal imbalance, stress, or really any combination thereof."
Love Adorned
Permanently Closed
"We were pretty thrilled when Love Adorned finally landed on the West Coast last year—after all, its flagship in Nolita (the jewelry companion to the legendary New York City tattoo parlor NY Adorned) is stunningly cool. It's also one of the few stores around that can embody an entire aesthetic, one that is subtly bohemian, gothic, and yet gloriously feminine, too. You'll find stunning, slightly asymmetrical diamond rings from Polly Wales, cool, Natural Park–themed bandannas for kids, and the resin champagne buckets by Tina Frey. The location in Santa Monica is fittingly airy and light and lined with all the jewelry treasures you’d expect along with a smattering of kitchen goods, throw pillows, and beautifully scented candles. There is also a location in Amagansett."
Bazar
Vintage clothing store · Venice
"In addition to being one of the longest-standing shops on Abbot Kinney, Bazar is also one of the most special. Owner Tina Wakino keeps the smallish space packed with antique furniture, textiles, and racks of hard-to-find international brands and vintage pieces for both men and women, then she rounds out the assortment with imported apothecary favorites from Santa Maria Novella and Astier de Villatte. Though small, the children’s section holds incredibly adorable options for giftables and accessories that are unlike anything you might find at a traditional toy store. "
Plant Food + Wine
Permanently Closed
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout and delivery. When the long-standing Axe shut its doors, a lot of West Siders were pretty bummed—but then chef Matthew Kenney, a force in the plant-based movement, swooped in to take over the space, turning the upstairs into a plant-based cooking academy. The place still has a light, low-key vibe, with exceptional outdoor seating; the difference is the menu is now completely vegan. Kenney’s restaurants across the country all do things with veggies and nuts that you don’t see anywhere else. They’re known for their aged-nut-cheese plate, fantastic salads, and the (amazing) curried cauliflower tacos. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
HotBox Infrared Sauna, Downtown LA
Permanently Closed
"The first thing you'll notice when you walk into this sauna studio is how spotless it is. Impeccable, in fact. That can be said of the décor, as well: A streamlined, all-white aesthetic reigns—up until you enter one of the sauna suites. Here, you can choose to cast a colored light based on your mood (we chose orange for its mood-elevating, stimulating, feel-good effect) during your sweat. Then you sit back and do just that—sweat—for forty-five minutes. Each suite comes with an iPod and a vitamin C–infused rain shower. Given the potential benefits of using an infrared sauna, there are plenty of reasons to come here. But what keeps us hooked is simple: We always leave feeling calmer, clearer, and just all-around better. (An added perk: HotBox just started carrying goopglow.)"
KNOCKOUT
Permanently Closed
"New spots continue to pop up in Playa del Rey, the beach neighborhood just south of Venice and Marina del Rey. One of the openings Westsiders are excited about most is Knockout LA, a fitness studio on the increasingly busy stretch of Culver Boulevard right in town. Knockout’s core class offerings are dance, yoga, meditation, and breathwork. There’s also a series of rotating workshops, like Disruption. Taught by Erin Ward (who also does Taryn Toomey’s The Class), Disruption is a feel-good mashup of everything you’ll find at Knockout—plus it manages to weave in a few minutes of writing as a form of emotional release. (Go with it: It works.) The front of Knockout is a pretty, curated beauty/wellness/workshop, so bring your wallet with you if you want to shop after om. The studio space itself is one long room that’s lit up by a wall of inset candles."
VIE HEALING Beverly Hills
Permanently Closed
"Acupuncturist Mona Dan runs her own spa in Beverly Hills, and has recently opened additional locations in West Hollywood and inside the Beverly Hills Neiman Marcus. You can see her for a single acupuncture session or buy a pack of five or ten sessions. Clients also come to Vie Healing for bodywork—massage, cupping, Reiki—and the rejuvenating variations of peels and facials. You can also sometimes catch intuitive energy healer and Reiki master Kelsey Patel if she’s in town. "
Dune
Mediterranean restaurant · Atwater Village
"Scott Zwiezen, who was the chef at vegetarian LA restaurant Elf, opened Dune in early 2015, and it quickly became known for its excellent falafel. Dune is a casual joint—you order at the counter and then, if you can, grab a counter seat or a patio table outside. It serves hummus plates, salads, and sourdough toasts, as well as a pickled beets sandwich and a lamb one for carnivores. But again, the falafel sandwich is the real star of the show here."
Little Pine
Permanently Closed
"At the end of 2015, Moby opened an organic vegan restaurant in Silver Lake that features Mediterranean-inspired and California-style cuisine along with wine, beer, smoothies, and kombucha. It serves lunch and dinner daily and a weekend brunch. Even better, a few months after Little Pine's opening, Moby announced that all of the restaurant's profits will be going to animal-welfare organizations."
Kreation Organic Kafe & Juicery
Juice shop · Beverly Grove
"Kreation Juicebars are expanding rapidly, but the brand has just three locations of its sit-down restaurant concept (Abbot Kinney, West Hollywood, and the original on Montana). Readily available through Postmates but equally in-an-out for a quick lunch meeting, they earn a solid spot on the office lunch circuit with fresh salads, filling grilled kebabs, and all-day breakfast. "
The Butcher's Daughter
Vegetarian restaurant · Venice
"COVID-19 Update: Open for delivery and takeout. Taking up prime real estate on Abbot Kinney, this beloved NYC spot has finally made it out west. And it's not just East Coast transplants who have been lining up for a table in the beautifully turned-out dining room (there's also an indoor-outdoor terrace that's pretty perfect for people-watching) or a seat at one of two bars; everyone can appreciate the veggie-friendly menu (just brunch, breakfast, and lunch, for now), which includes standbys like avocado toast and breakfast burritos. The teeny but well-stocked retail space out front and the cold-pressed juice cooler are welcome little add-ons. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Hotel · Golden Triangle
"From the branded Mini Coopers to the impeccably attentive service, the Peninsula's Beverly Hills outpost is every bit as grand and luxurious as you'd expect. You'll find marble bathrooms; soft, cozy beds; and patios in each room. Only a few blocks from Rodeo Drive and easy walking distance from Century City, it's within striking distance of all the major agencies and many of the big studios, making it an easy pick for a business hotel. If you're in town for leisure, plan to spend some time dining poolside on the rooftop (which, since this is LA, is open year-round). "
Lifehouse Tonics + Elixirs
Juice shop · Hollywood
"Lifehouse makes custom tonics that are specialized to your specific ailment (fatigue, pain, congestion, etc.); there is even one for pregnancy. There are excellent meal-replacement smoothies that are perfect for breakfast, but it’s also nice to stop by on a Sunday afternoon and stock up for the week ahead."
Heist
Clothing store · Venice
"While many stores on Abbot Kinney quickly come and go, Heist has become a long-standing staple, evolving and expanding with the ever-changing Venice. The large, modern boutique brims with labels both well-loved and still-unknown: You’ll find a huge range of Isabel Marant and Raquel Allegra, along with Newbark, Golden Goose, and Crippen."
Shuhari Matcha Café
Permanently Closed
"Before heading out for the rest of your day, grab a matcha at just-opened Shuhari, just down the street from the Butcher’s Daughter on Abbot Kinney. The matcha lattes are some of the best in town, and there’s also matcha, ginger, and black sesame ice cream if you’ve already been caffeinated for the day. Either is perfect for nursing during a stroll down to the beach."
Gjelina Take Away
Takeout Restaurant · Venice
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout and delivery. It’s been several years, but Gjelina—a restaurant that ushered in a new sort of veggie-centric California cuisine—is as mobbed as ever. The crowds make a lot of sense: Everything is always excellent, from the aforementioned vegetable sides to the whisper-thin jalapeño and smoked mozzarella pizza. Come when it opens so you can snag a table on the patio out back. (If the lines are too long, grab something to go at GTA, its takeaway spot next door.) COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Credo Clean Beauty
Cosmetics store · Beverly Grove
"We've been fans of this impeccably curated natural-beauty boutique since its original opening in San Francisco in 2015. It stocks a wide range of nontoxic brands from around the globe (more than a hundred), including top skin-care and makeup products from de Mamiel, Ilia, Kjaer Weis, Kypris, RMS, Tammy Fender, and our very own goop by Juice Beauty. Each of its locations (which also include Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Chicago) boasts a friendly and knowledgeable staff who will help you find healthy beauty essentials that fit your lifestyle and needs. Extra bonus: LA is one of the locations that has an exclusive Tata Harper spa in its space. "
Citizen Sprout
Permanently Closed
"COVID-19 Update: Open for delivery only (be sure to order a day in advance via the Citizen Sprout site). Jennifer Jewett makes the chore of preparing meals obsolete. Jewett—the founder and executive chef of Citizen Sprout and a mama herself—and her team whip up fresh, inventive, healthy lunches and dinners from scratch for kids and adults every day. They make it easy: You can drop by their bright Santa Monica location for ready-made salads, smoothies, soups, bowls, and the like, or you can order ahead online. (The Buffalo Cauliflower Salad and the Braised Chicken and Spinach Meatballs are goop-staffer favorites for lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.) Jewett also delivers to select schools throughout Los Angeles, offering littles a rotating, seasonal menu of lunches made with hormone- and antibiotic-free proteins and local and organic produce. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Honey Hi
Restaurant · Greater Echo Park Elysian
"A new-ish kid on Echo Park’s Sunset Strip block, Honey Hi is a very welcome addition to the neighborhood. Owned and operated by two best friends (one of whom is a nutritionist), Honey Hi offers a menu full of the type of food you wish you ate more often: gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, GMO-free, and seriously satisfying. A small, pleasantly bright, but no-frills space, this little café is the perfect place to grab a late breakfast, lunch with a friend, or a smoothie to go. While everything we’ve tried has been excellent, a few highlights include the Moroccan bowl, the miso bowl, and the matcha moringa drink. Oh, and the chocolate chip cookies made with cassava flour, grass-fed butter, and Maldon salt are no joke, either."
Tracy Anderson studio
Permanently Closed
"We're longtime fans of the Tracy Anderson Method for a million reasons: It's a lifestyle approach to fitness, meaning that you never peak; it's fun (and hard); and it works. The studios in Studio City and now in Brentwood make following the method easy, as everyone's in it together. Membership is more expensive than your average gym but includes unlimited classes, and depending on the tier, semiprivate training sessions. The trainers are kind but tough—you will sweat (and melt inches)."
Y7 Studio Silver Lake
Yoga studio · Silver Lake
"It’s hot and dark, and it can get crowded—but honestly, the more the merrier. Thanks to a booming soundtrack of Drake and 2 Chainz and the only light coming from candles, you can neither hear or see other yogis. It sounds a bit corny, but we’re saying it anyway: Y7 makes exercise fun. The beats, the upbeat teachers hollering encouragement, the lack of forced-upon-you Zen mean that an hour flies by. Prepare for a serious sweat and stretch, with a side of convenience. Mats and towels are available for rent at the desk, the lockers are the combination kind, meaning you don’t need to come prepared with a lock, and there are several showers (as well as deodorant, face wipes, and hair ties to freshen up) on the premises. "
Speir Pilates
Pilates studio · Crescent
"With only nine Reformer beds, classes at this beloved Pilates studio are small—which means plenty of attention from instructors despite the fact that classes are almost always fully booked. The space is sun-soaked and tranquil; the only wall not filled with mirrors or windows displays a white neon sign that aptly reads “sweat + good vibes.” Andrea Speir teaches many of the classes herself; they vary in purpose and intensity but all share the same challenging but gentle ethos (and heart-rate-upping playlists). Every instructor here is great, but we love Kit’s early morning cardio class prework, and Dane’s evening barre class if you require some extra motivation to push yourself after a long day. Also note: There’s usually plenty of free street parking before 8 a.m., and at any other time, you can park into the public garage underneath the Santa Monica Public Library a block away. For one-on-one instruction, book time at the private studio a couple of doors down. "
Alchemie Spa
Day spa · Ocean Park
"The space is an eco-haven, designed with renewable, sustainable flourishes (the walls are made of cork, seagrass, and recycled wood)—and the facials are healing, pampering, and just: beyond. The Custom Superfood Facial floods skin with nutrients from tamarind, acai, turmeric, and manuka honey, while the Enlightening Ormus treatment’s miracle trifecta of microcurrent, LED light, and nurturing essential oil blends thoroughly revives skin. The infrared saunas are each tucked into a cozy private room with a shower—and they aren’t hooked up to Bluetooth, which means the promise of a genuine digital detox, too. "
Boheme Yoga
Yoga studio · Downtown Los Angeles
"The Los Angeles Yoga Club is a traditional Ashtanga yoga school that follows the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (an Indian yogi and Sanskrit scholar who’s credited with bringing Ashtanga into the mainstream). A sister school to Eddie Stern’s Brooklyn Yoga Club, the aim is to assist students in the development of their personal practice, with the disclaimer that it’s within a class setting. This sounds unusual, but it works in the sense that yogis take the asanas at their own speed, and the focus is on personal form and ability rather than keeping up with everyone else. This type of self-practice has all—or at least most—of the benefits of a one-to-one class minus the price tag."
Alexandra Wagner Skin Care
Facial spa · Venice
"Wagner, who also moonlights as a painter, is chill and wonderful, meaning that an hour spent with her skilled hands is kind of like hanging with a friend. A recovering tanning junkie herself, Wagner is nothing short of a magician when it comes to banishing sun spots and UV damage. Product-wise, the focus here is on holistic and organic lines, supplemented by Wagner's own turmeric and plant stem cell serum."
Face Place
Skin care clinic · West Hollywood North
"Don’t expect soft music and gentle massage protocols here. Face Place, whose minimalist aesthetic fits its no-nonsense treatment approach, takes a more clinical approach to skin care. The signature facial combines a round of extractions with oxygen therapy and pore-tightening galvanic current. Our other favorites: The Vitamin C Peel is excellent for softening hyperpigmentation, and the Enzyme Peel is superbly brightening. "
Vanessa Hernandez Skincare
Skin care clinic · Brentwood
"Her laid-back personality and healing approach to skincare has made Vanessa Hernandez one of the most in-demand aestheticians in LA, so much so that she juggles clients in two locations (Beverly Hills, where she works in conjunction with two plastic surgeons, and the Pacific Palisades). The treatments on offer, though not too invasive, range from microdermabrasion to oxygen therapy to vitamin infusions to customized facials. "
Destroyer
Modern European restaurant · Hayden Tract
"Let Destroyer’s aggressive name be the first indication that this tiny new spot, located in Culver City’s design district, Hayden Tract, takes breakfast and lunch fare pretty seriously. White walls and factory windows lend the bright, sixteen-seat space a familiar minimalist feel, but the menu is full of inventive Scandinavian-style fare from chef Jordan Kahn. The surprisingly affordable (and frequently updated) menu has included everything from Icelandic rye bread with cultured butter and preserves to a waffle-cone-shaped beef tartare wrapped in a crispy parsnip. They also serve pretty great coffee and tea."
GST Body by Anna Rahe
Permanently Closed
"If you’re typically sore after workouts—and wished they involved more stretching—this is the studio for you. Totally devoted to optimizing the health of your fascia, GST founder Anna Rahe and instructor Stefanie Bernhard lead classes that range from cardio-focused to sculpt to hourlong sessions designed to increase flexibility and range of motion. They all feel like you’re giving yourself a full-body massage. You can book one-on-one sessions with Rahe, too, which are great for an initial assessment and game plan."
goop Brentwood
Women's clothing store · Brentwood
"COVID-19 update: Open for socially distant shopping (max four in the store at any given time) and pickup. Burrowed in a cozy nook of the Brentwood Country Mart, the 1,300-square-foot space was designed by the brilliant Roman and Williams who set out to create our dream Brentwood bungalow. Which is exactly what they did. And in this bungalow, you can shop everything: a gorgeous mudroom-meets-greenhouse; an enviable kitchen decked out with pretty pink mixing bowls, Staub French ovens, and glossy cookbooks; and the clean beauty apothecary, where you can nourish your face in oils and creams, spritz on fragrances, and try all the things on display in the towering vanity mirrors. There’s even a living room, with a dreamy daybed and plush pillows, a stocked bar cart, and a constantly rotating edit of clothing from goop-shop favorites like G. Label, G. Sport, Stella McCartney, Ulla Johnson, Isabel Marant, Acne Studios, and more. But the real MVPs? The staff—a team so warm and welcoming they will soon know you by name. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
CAP Beauty
Permanently Closed
"New York wellness mecca CAP Beauty finally has a home on the West Coast at Fred Segal on Sunset. The tightly curated, quality-obsessed company—CAP stands for clean and natural—is one of our most-trusted resources for natural (and we actually mean natural—no synthetics, parabens, or other nasties) beauty. You’ll find all the wellness industry’s best players, like Moon Juice and Sun Potion, alongside beauty mavens Tata Harper, May Lindstrom, and Shiva Rose on the shelves. In the clean beauty space, it doesn't get much better than this one-stop shop."
Love Yoga Venice
Yoga studio · Venice
"We're big fans of this Montauk studio, so we were thrilled when it opened a second beach-town location—on the West Coast. Yoga directors Kyle Miller and Sian Gordon have converted their Lincoln Boulevard space into an airy paradise that smells more like white sage and Diptyque candles than a sweaty yoga studio. The aesthetic matches the beachy interiors of the Montauk space, with white walls, teal floors, and geometric neon wall murals by local artist Carly Margolis. While the studio interior has obvious appeal, the teaching is what really shines. The overall vibe is laid-back—no heat, no mirrors, and definitely no weights—with a meditation and healthy Savasana built into every class. And while clear direction and game-changing adjustments will make seventy-five minutes go by extraordinarily fast, there’s nothing about this that’s easy: Expect to sweat (a lot) and to feel it the next day. "
OSEA Skincare Studio | Facial Spa
Facial spa · Venice
"It feels like a Venice Beach bungalow inside this Venice Beach bungalow: intimate, calm, airy, and cozy. And the treatments are on another level. They’re experts at gua sha (a sculpting, lifting, toning therapy in which an aesthetician smooths a stone tool over the face to stimulate tissue and ease tension); it feels cooling, relaxing, fantastic. You can always customize your facial, but there’s no improving upon the Deep Sea Age Defying treatment, an ultrapampering mash-up of LED light therapy, lymphatic drainage massage, and cranial therapy to support circulation and promote skin (and overall) balance. Whatever your skin needs, they have it here, and the glow you saunter out with is stunning. "
The Trails
Cafe · Griffith
"While The Trails Café in Griffith Park is a bit out of the way, it's the perfect pit stop before a hike up to the Art Deco observatory (and its sweeping views of LA). The avocado sandwich is epic, particularly when enjoyed at a picnic table among the trees and string lights."
Gentle Wellness Center
Alternative medicine practitioner · Santa Monica
"For thirty-odd years, this Santa Monica institution has been focused almost singularly on colon hydrotherapy (to the extent that they train and certify practitioners). There is also an on-site infrared sauna."
Tikkun Holistic Spa
Day spa · Santa Monica
"Tikkun is the next level when it comes to Korean spas, combining high-tech far-infrared heat with traditional Korean sauna therapies. So if you want to lie down in a Himalayan-salt-brick-tiled sauna or sit in a Hwangto clay room, you get the added benefit of far-infrared heat. And in addition to the sauna rooms, there's a long menu of massages and kick-ass body scrubs to complement the sauna time. We're burying the lede though, because the real golden ticket here is the Mugworth V-Steam: You sit on what is essentially a mini throne, and a combination of infrared and mugwort steam treats you to an energetic release. If you're in LA, you just might have to try it..."
Surya Spa
Health spa · Santa Monica
"Surya Spa is no joke—in fact, it's one of only a handful of Panchakarma spots in the States (now, up and running at the beautiful Proper Hotel in Santa Monica). That said, it takes a pretty intense level of commitment that's a bit out of reach unless you have the vacation time and budget: It requires three to four hours a day, for three, five, or seven days (we recommend the full week, though it's tough, as you have to abide by the very ascetic menu that they prescribe). The house-made organic food and authentic Panchakarma treatments reach far beyond what you'll find in a traditional wellness spa (people come here for help with parasites, for instance). The results—which can range from better skin to weight loss—speak for themselves. Beyond being a wonderful detox resource, mothers, babies, and mothers-to-be are in for a treat with Surya Spa's special approach to pregnancy and babies' first six weeks. "
Parachute Home
Bedding store · Venice
"Inspired by the Italian linens she encountered on a trip to Amalfi several years ago, Parachute founder Ariel Kaye wanted to bring the same luxurious bedding experience to the American market, without compromising on quality. While the line started with bedding (the linen sheets are the only thing you'll want to sleep in—trust), Parachute has rounded out its offerings to include waffle bathrobes, Turkish towels, table linens, and throws. Recent collaborations have included bedding with Jenni Kayne, decorative throw pillows with Caroline Cecil, and, most recently, ceramics with Kat & Roger. The storefront boutique is chock-full of design inspiration, too (a rose gold-colored mirror, potted cacti, and leather-and-copper chairs from Eric Trine). Bonus: Upstairs, Parachute Hotel, which is available for overnight stays, regularly hosts special events, like a seasonal wreath-making workshop, throughout the year. "
Kye's
Permanently Closed
"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. We're big fans of this genius lunch spot on Montana, which serves self-named KyeRito’s: In lieu of beans and tortillas, though, you’ll find things like wild seared salmon and macro-pressed veggies wrapped in nori, collard greens, or romaine leaves. And to keep the mini burrito from getting soggy, the interior ingredients are packaged in a slip-wrap that you pull out before eating. It's a grab-and-go place, though there are a few tables and benches. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
Face Haus - Santa Monica, CA
Facial spa · Santa Monica
"The idea and execution here are brilliant: Face Haus is a facial bar with treatment chairs spaced evenly apart in one huge, airy room. The therapies are excellent and varied, ranging from peels and eye-area pampering add-ons to more intense sessions that include LED light and microdermabrasion. Renowned Beverly Hills–based dermatologist Harold Lancer is the consulting physician, so you can rest assured your face is in great hands. Bonus: You can rent out the whole place for private bridal and baby shower facial parties. (The OG location is in West Hollywood.) "
Be Hive of Healing Integrative Medical & Dental Center
Medical clinic · Agoura Hills
"Founder Dr. Habib Sadeghi believes that with the right healing protocols—he focuses on homeopathy, osteopathy, and anthroposophical medicine, the belief that we’re able to access the spiritual world through inner development—the body can be restored back to its natural equilibrium and heal itself. He and his staff integrate techniques from Eastern and Western medicine to get to the root of issues, and on top of providing rehabilitating treatments like the Integrative Medical Colon Hydrotherapy and Integrative Neural Therapy, they’re also remarkable at balancing skin. During the Integrative Medical Facial, you get a thorough cleanse and deep exfoliation. The aesthetician traces a scalpel along the side of your face to smooth away the top, dull layer of skin, revealing radiance beneath. It’s enormously detoxifying and brilliant for pores. A rousing facial massage follows, as well as layers of beautiful hydrating and antioxidant-infused formulas that nourish and melt into skin. It’s the only facial on the menu, and it’s beyond. "
Veda Yoga Center
Yoga studio · Palms
"Good Ayurveda spots are a rarity, and the newly opened Veda in West Hollywood tops the list. Their approach centers around the ancient healing modalities of Ayurveda and Panchakarma in space that evokes a modern and organic aesthetic. Appointments start with an in-depth consultation for Veda’s experienced practitioners to assess what treatment will best serve you. We loved experiencing Shirodhara—streams of warm oil pour onto the portion of the forehead known as the “third eye”, which is said to help stimulate an overall sense of calm. Conveniently there are post-treatment showers in the back, but, we like to keep the oil on for an added nourishing dose of calming aromatherapy."
Body By Nonna
Pilates studio · WeHo
"A one-time Olympic hopeful for the Ukranian gymnastics team, Nonna Gleyzer has an innate understand of how to stretch the human body to the limits of its potential. She’s also part of a long lineage of Kabbalistic Rabbis, so she understands some of the more nebulous stuff, too. While she can certainly work you out on a Cadillac (and does so with many of Hollywood’s leading ladies and men), you really go to Nonna for her capacity to immediately identify areas that are unbalanced and out-of-harmony, whether it’s postural or emotional (or both), and then set them right. She is a rare talent. While she has an unassuming studio in West Hollywood, she also occasionally does house calls."
YogaWorks Main Sreet
Permanently Closed
"There are hundreds of Los Angeles yoga studios (including the original Bikram), though it’s hard to beat Yogaworks for its breadth of studios and wealth of classes. (There are about a dozen outposts in LA.) We like Vinny’s classes best."
BRERA Ristorante
Italian restaurant · Historic Core
"True to its name, Broome Street General Store is as much a place to get goods as it is a place to get goodies (coffee, flaky pastry, sweets). But back to the goods: perfumes, Tata Harper skin-care products, leather-bound journals, made-in-LA ceramics, olive oil from Spain, Italian Arborio rice. It was only a matter of time before the café began to overflow. And this overflow has encouraged the opening of Broome Street’s extension, Oficine. It’s a treasure trove of waxy Barbour jackets (for looking chic the three days a year it rains in LA), Staub kitchenware, exquisitely scented Fornasetti candles—the things you didn’t realize you wanted and won’t want to leave without. Next time you find yourself on this somewhat random stretch of Rowena Avenue, go in; you can’t miss the distinct emerald storefront."
Tomoko Japanese Spa
Spa · Beverly Hills
"Tomoko in Beverly Hills is a transformative experience from the moment you walk through the door, where it’s likely Tomoko herself who will hand you a pair of slippers before leading you into the traditionally minimalist, Japanese-style pretreatment relaxation area for tea, the first of many pots they’ll brew for you. There’s no communal changing area or locker rooms, as each of the four treatment rooms is set up with all the amenities of a luxury hotel room (shower, closet, bath, vanity, etc.). A single treatment can take up to four hours with all the trimmings—starting with a foot soak and reflexology massage and ending with post-massage herbal tea and mochi ice cream. Photo credits: Tessa Neustadt; @beverlyhoodrich, @kylewaldrop"
STRIIIKE
Beauty salon · Beverly Hills
"It can take years of trial and error to find a go-to spot for cuts, facials, brows, and makeup, so finding a salon that offers all four is kind of like hitting the beauty jackpot. Striiike in Beverly Hills is owned by a trio of sisters—Kristie, Ashley, and Jenn Streicher. Each has a specific beauty talent: Kristie (aka The Eyebrow Whisperer) has a cult following thanks to her famous feathered-brow technique, Ashley is a hairstyling genius, and Jenn is an incredible makeup artist. Striiike is also one of the best under-the-radar spots for facials, thanks to resident aesthetician Melanie Simon. Her two-hour Physics Facial tones and repairs skin with low-frequency electric current and sleight of hand that leaves you unfathomably radiant for days afterward. In a rush? The fifteen-minute Lightning Striiike brings all three sisters together for a quickie mini makeover. "
Paseo Miramar
Pacific Palisades
"This five-mile round-trip hike offers epic views of the ocean—the trailhead is at Paseo Miramar just off Sunset, making it easy to get to, as well (just park on the street). Then end your trip with gluten-free pancakes at Café Vida."
Griffith Observatory
Observatory · Griffith
"Griffith Park is one of those spots where you think you’ll spend an hour and end up staying for the day. Complete with an observatory, a planetarium (there’s a live show every sixty to ninety minutes), loads of displays, and even more hiking (it sits on more than 3,000 acres, and offers fifty-three miles of trails), this draws a crowd from across the city. On weekends, it’s packed."
Venice Canals
Historical landmark · Venice
"In the early 1900s, Abbot Kinney resolved to make a “Venice of America” and decided to turn modern-day Venice into a system of canals. While many of the waterways have been filled in during the intervening years, a small patch remains—though they had fallen into disrepair, they were restored in the ’90s and are now lined with some of Venice’s fanciest homes. It’s a totally random yet awesome enclave, and worth a stroll on a nice day."
Echo Park Swan Boats by Wheel Fun Rentals
Boat rental service · Greater Echo Park Elysian
"Echo Park isn't as celebrated as LA's larger parks, like Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon, but with excellent views of Downtown's skyline and a well-tended walking trail, it's a local favorite (you'll recognize it from the park's tall fountains, which are visible as you leave Downtown on the 101). For a kid-friendly afternoon adventure, rent a four-person pedal boat for the afternoon."
Cookbook Market - Highland Park
Gourmet grocery store · Highland Park
"COVID-19 update: Open daily (senior hour runs from 8am-9am) with a limit of two customers at a time. Cookbook Market, founded six years ago by two longtime Echo Park residents (who also happen to be married), is the serious home cook's culinary playground. The tiny, tightly edited space stocks plenty of daily provisions (farm-fresh dairy, organic meat and vegetables, homemade pasta, pickles, and salsas), alongside harder-to-find artisanal items (Anson Mills grains, obscure oils and vinegars, special spice blends). Aside from fresh produce and pantry items, you'll also find a host of flavorful prepared salads, sandwiches, and tempting baked treats by the counter. Order a cup of the espresso-based coffee and sip it surrounded by buckets of wildflowers on the benches outside. For those living farther east, a second Cookbook Market location has just opened in Highland Park. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Zinc Cafe & Market and Bar
Restaurant · Historic Core
"Zinc got its start down in Orange County (there are similar outposts in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, and Solano Beach), before branching out to the Arts District downtown in the summer of 2014. The airy, bright space is marked by an open kitchen and a smattering of tables and chairs for low-key breakfast and lunch meetings, though many carry out. Baked goods, really delicious salads, and wood-fired pizzas round out the mix."
Cafe Gratitude
Vegan restaurant · Venice
"COVID-19 Update: Open daily for takeout and delivery. Everything on the menu is an affirmation, so if you can stifle the giggles at names like "I Am Connected"—which is actually an amazing zucchini cilantro hummus—you'll find that the vegan food here is delicious, even for those who normally refuse to go meat and dairy-free. There are picks for every sensibility, from coffee milkshakes (made with almond milk), to cashew cheese topped corn tacos to Indian curried lentils. There are three locations—Hancock Park, Venice, and the Arts District—and the Café Gratitude team also has a Mexican iteration in Hollywood called Gracias Madre. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Superba Food + Bread Venice
Californian restaurant · Venice
"You’d never guess it with its beautifully light and airy atmosphere, but Superba Food + Bread was once an auto body shop. It’s now one of Venice’s most popular spots for healthy-ish breakfasts and brunches, with five varieties of toasts that go way beyond the ubiquitous avocado version. We love the kale toast—a slab of the house made grilled bread topped with sunny side eggs, avocado, braised kale and chili oil—and pair it with a side of heirloom tomato gazpacho with cucumber and garlic croutons. Superba is also rightly famous for its crispy brussels sprouts in dashi broth, and no visit is complete without a bowl of them."
Mh Zh
Permanently Closed
"Despite being the most unannounced restaurant in LA, with no sign, no website, and menus written on strips of brown paper, Mh Zh (pronounced "Mah Zeh"), on a Silver Lake corner of Sunset, is packed seven nights a week. The food is vegetable-heavy, Israeli-inspired, and designed to share. We’ve all had hummus and vegetables before, but chef Greg Shemtov’s version is different—the hummus tastes like a smooth tahini and garlic cream. Eaten with the vinegary pickled vegetables and a side of charred Bub and Grandma's bread, it’s the perfect marriage. Most of the seating is curbside and it doesn’t take reservations, but, Mh Zh is arguably the best-priced, most satisfying meal to be had in this part of town."
The NOW Massage
Massage therapist · Ocean Park
"By way of a serene neutral interior—complete with cactus plants and lots of driftwood—this massage spa aims to re-create a little piece of Tulum in the center of Los Angeles. It's also open until 10 p.m., catering to a crowd that can’t always break away during the day for some spa time. The best part, however, is the pricing: $35 gets you a twenty-five-minute massage ($85 for eighty-five minutes). While you can book an appointment through the site or app, the spa also allow walk-ins. The original location is in West Hollywood; two others are in Santa Monica and Studio City. "
The Surfrider Hotel
Hotel · Malibu
"Who better to take on the tall order of preserving the iconic 1950s Surfrider Hotel than local son Matthew Goodwin, an architect who grew up surfing at First Point across the street? Together with his wife, Emma Crowther Goodwin, as creative director, and New York–based business partner Alessandro Zampedri, they’re hoping to infuse a bit of polished California nostalgia back into a space they’re treating as an extended living room for both locals in need of a staycation and visitors alike. The twenty-room hotel is luxurious, airy, and light-filled—you get the sense it’s the kind of place their friends will be hanging out. The rooms are thoughtfully laid out and beautifully appointed, each with its own ocean-facing balcony and hammocks, plus Grown Alchemist toiletries in the bathroom and Parachute waffle robes. (For a real treat, book the Surfrider Suite, which at 500 square feet feels like a serious home away from home thanks to a generously sized balcony, separate sitting area, and kitchenette.) They teamed up with LA-based Croft House and Malibu Market & Design for custom furniture, and each room features reclaimed teak floors, imported tiles, woven overhead lights, and Italian linens; a few have their own kitchenette stocked with locally made ceramics. There’s a guests-only roof deck bar and restaurant, which has uninterrupted views of Surfrider Beach across the street and a killer fire pit."
Belcampo- Santa Monica
Permanently Closed
"Anya Fernald is a bit of a badass: Not only is she a cofounder and the CEO of Belcampo Meat Co., which has quickly become the go-to purveyor of humanely raised, sustainable meats and poultry in California, but she’s also a mom, cookbook author, and a master of open-flame grilling. Go to her shops for whole-animal butchering (and the interesting, rare cuts of meat associated with it), seriously good hamburgers, and the best bone broth. There are also locations in West Hollywood and Downtown."
Gjusta
Bakery · Venice
"Sister bakery/deli/café to the much-adored restaurant Gjelina, Gjusta literally does a little bit of everything. They also smoke their own fish, which means the cured and smoked mackerel, salmon, and trout—served open-face on fresh-baked bread or bialy—taste amazing. At the other end of the spectrum is the chicken parm: light, cheesy, and addictive. Seating indoors is limited, but we love tucking into plates of fresher-than-fresh California bountry at the scattered outdoor tables. "
Fresh on Sunset
Permanently Closed
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout and delivery. Your vegan lifestyle is energizing and life-affirming and wants for nothing—until you have your first craving for mozzarella sticks or anything with buffalo sauce. Fresh on Sunset understands this. Yes, the Toronto-based family of restaurants makes a mean hummus, a satisfying tempeh wrap, and plenty of cold-pressed juices, but where Fresh flourishes is with its vegan nonvegan food. Quinoa onion rings, buffalo cauliflower, and panko squash tacos—they’re all excellent delivery vehicles for Fresh’s house-made sauces: jalapeño chipotle crema “mayo,” mushroom gravy, the list goes on. The 100 percent plant-based addition to West Hollywood’s dining scene is a luxurious 5,000-square-foot space filled with organic curves and vibrant hues, all awash in natural light. It’s the place you’ll pop into to grab a smoothie and also where you’ll want to cozy up in a booth for a two-hour lunch that starts with freshly shaken vegan cocktails and ends with doughnuts for dessert. While Sunset is the restaurant’s first location stateside, Fresh’s founder, Ruth Tal, has been serving Toronto’s vegan (and vegan-curious) community for over twenty years, in five locations. A seasoned cookbook author, Tal’s titles will help you re-create your favorite dishes at home (check out the website to buy them). COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
Malibu Farm Restaurant
New American restaurant · Los Angeles County
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout. Malibu Farm is our go-to restaurant for impressing out-of-towners, thanks to its sweeping views of the ocean in both directions (and even of Catalina Island on a clear day). You can watch surfers and stand-up paddleboarders on iconic Surfrider Beach, plus the white sangria is perfectly refreshing on a hot day. Enjoying a zucchini pizza on the porch while you watch the sun set is pretty much as California as it gets. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Shutters on the Beach
Hotel · Ocean Park
"Shutters may look like it was lifted straight out of Cape Cod, but a quick survey of the endless sand out front suggests otherwise. Excessively comfortable, elevated beds may make it harder to get up in the morning, but should you manage to get your running shoes on, an oceanside path stretches for miles in either direction. Bike-rental kiosks dot the beach and there’s obviously welcoming surf just a few steps away—it really don’t get much better. The view, the location, the vibe: It's all great, even if some décor elements, like the bamboo bedposts and the heavy mirrors, don't feel very modern."
Hotel Bel-Air
Hotel · Bel Air
"With a guest list that has included Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Prince Charles, and Richard Nixon (he wrote his memoirs here), it's not that surprising that after a comprehensive remodel in 2011, people were upset that Hotel Bel-Air wasn't exactly the same. But we still love it: We just don't go there expecting to see the original. The lobby, in particular, is so chic, and the Wolfgang Puck restaurant is a great pick for an event."
The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Hotel · Golden Triangle
"Plush Spanish colonial décor blends well with high-tech features and five-star splendor to make this a slick but overwhelmingly comfortable stay. The elegant Terrace space (perfect for an afternoon tipple and currently open), Cigar Bar, and Maybourne Bar add a pop of London pizzazz to Beverly Hills. For this much luxury, expect a luxury room rate—and it’s worth every cent. "
Sweat NSK
Permanently Closed
"Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Country Mart, this gorgeously turned-out boutique specializes in luxury athleticwear. The brand assortment includes all our favorites, including Alala, Electric Rose, Ultracor, Alternative Apparel, and more. Many of the pieces can double as street clothes, so you could easily pick up something (comfortable) to wear to dinner among the sports bras and leggings."
House of Intuition Echo Park
Metaphysical supply store · Greater Echo Park Elysian
"This kooky shop is filled with the types of gems, crystals, candles, incense, and other knickknacks that make perfect metaphysical souvenirs to bring back from LA. If you have time, opt for one of the amazing readings or a treatment with one of the healers on staff, who offer modalities like Reiki, crystal healing, and shamanic energy medicine."