Modern Eyes Places To See: Los Angeles

Even if you’ve been there before, Los Angeles always has more to see than time allows. While LA and Westwood may seem worlds apart, the secret to enjoying both is the same – make plans but leave room for surprises. On a recent West Coast trip, we embraced this mindset by focusing on one unique experience a day while remaining open to the unexpected.
 
To See
Perched high above the city The Getty Center is a peaceful way to take in the scope of LA. The museum features world-class art, dramatic architecture, and serene gardens with panoramic views to the ocean – all free of charge. Nearby Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills was a fun contrast, where high-end storefronts, street couture, and celebrity sightings turned window shopping into a spectacle of its own.
 
Though LA’s vibrant beaches can be brisk in Spring, we grabbed our sunnies and explored. Beginning with Santa Monica Pier’s carnival-like boardwalk, we made our way past Muscle Beach, Venice Skatepark, and the Venice Canals – a fascinating, ever-changing scene of quirky, colorful characters. We even spotted Google’s Venice headquarters (the giant binoculars were hard to miss).
 
To Do
LA is the place to step out of your comfort zone. We kicked things off at Westside Comedy Theater, a tiny venue where beginners and comedy legends alike test new material. Some bits soared; others flopped – but we laughed anyway. Feeling bold, we stepped up to the mic at The GasLite, a world-famous karaoke dive where, thankfully, the friendly crowd treats even the tone-deaf like rockstars.
 
The final stop on our magical mystery tour was The Magic Castle. A private club for magicians, it’s notoriously hard to get into – you’ll need to “know a guy who knows a guy (in a top hat).” The Victorian-style mansion includes interactive stages, a steakhouse, hidden passages, and even a haunted piano bar. It was an evening of illusions that left us questioning our very eyes. If you get the chance, go.
 
To Eat
Wherever we went, the food impressed – from Barrique Venice’s romantic setting and delicate favors to The Misfit’s clubby vibe and allergy-friendly eats (who knew Jicama slices make a great taco shell?). We loved both the high-end Italian at Funke and beach-casual fare at The Waterfront, but our favorite was The Bungalow, which felt more like lounging at a stylish beach house than going out, with open-air rooms, firepits, cozy couches, and gourmet food trucks.
 
Last Look
We may have only seen a slice of LA, but the contrasting experiences, eccentric street theater, and eclectic dining has us California dreaming (of our next trip). The much-needed break also left us refreshed and ready to see what adventures we can discover closer to home.