A Los Angeles guide isn't an easy thing to write because it's a city in constant flux. What with all the film and TV studios in and around the city, it has to be ahead of the curve on what's popular, so the food, the drink and the music all seem like the sort of thing the rest of the world will be getting into in a few months' time – providing you hit up the right spots, that is. And luckily, GQ has the inside scoop on the outposts worthy of your time.
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is an all-year-round travel destination, with its hottest months in July and August. While June can be warm, it can be a little gloomy so if you're looking to make use of the sun loungers then the tail-end of summer would be your best bet.
How do you fly to fly to Los Angeles?
Norwegian Airlines is the cheapest, running a service from Gatwick to LAX for around £400 (plus baggage, seat selection and meal, if required) for a return. The service isn't as luxurious as flying with more premium airlines but if you're looking to make the trip affordably, this is an excellent choice. If you're looking for a more esteemed airline then British Airways offers two direct flights a day from Heathrow typically around £600 for a return. Deals can be found when booking last minute, but often this means avoiding flying over a weekend. If money's not an issue you can rent one of Stratajet's private jets for £56,000 each way.
Things to do in Los Angeles
From the Griffith Observatory to The Getty, Los Angeles isn't short on essential places to visit – and traffic jams to sit in as you travel back and forth between them. Assuming you're already familiar with Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive (or aren't fussed by their ostentatious charms), there's plenty else to see besides. Catalina Island is a picture-perfect paradise just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles with an unmissable trek up the mountain where buffalo roam freely and you get a view of LA from 1,500 feet above sea level.
Elsewhere, Grand Central Market is a sprawling mecca based in Downtown LA that showcases the diverse food scene in the city. It's handily situated right across the street from the Museum Of Contemporary Arts and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, so you can get a quick breakfast in at Eggslut before a day of exploring. We recommend a trip to Eggslut, which is one of the world’s first egg-based eateries. If that doesn’t take your fancy, a trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Los Angeles Kings (the city’s resident ice hockey team) play at home. The Crypto.com Arena is also the home of the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers, so if Basketball's more your thing you can nip across and catch a game.
What are the best hotels in Los Angeles?
If you are heading to LA but fancy a Mediterranean vibe then look no further than The Santa Monica Proper. The hotel is situated a stone's throw away from the beach and natural light floods the hotel creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The light and breezy design can be seen in all 271 rooms which have been designed using natural materials to give an organic look and feel. Once you are done at the beach you are within walking distance to the local farmers market and boutique shopping, and if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then indulge by the world-class pool, gym or spa. We love it here and we know you will too! 700 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Set on Sunset at the base of the Hollywood Hills, 1 Hotel is perfectly situated for exploring Beverly Hills, Hollywood and its surrounding areas. When choosing a room in this bohemian hotel, upgrading to a suite is highly recommended enabling you to enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Strip and more space thanks to a living area and his and hers sinks. A special mention has to go to the mattresses in this hotel, which feels like an embrace as you sink into it.
On site, there’s a fully equipped, 24/7 gym with picturesque views of the Los Angeles skyline – which will help provide some motivation for heading down there after a long flight – it’s equipped with treadmills, Peloton bikes and a weights section. The outside pool deck is situated just next door making use of the same striking views from Downtown to Santa Monica. GQ recommends heading there early on sunny days, and especially so on weekends if you want a lounger as these are limited. 8490 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069.
If you are after a boutique stay, then Hotel June Malibu is for you. Situated on the pacific coast, this hotel has been designed to feel more like a retreat than just your standard hotel. The mid-century cottages ooze sophistication whilst still striking the perfect balance of being contemporary and relaxing. Every room features a walk-in shower, complete with Aesop skincare, a king-size bed and a private patio with garden views (if you are super lucky, some even have hammocks) The hotel itself boasts a rich history and some unique stories; just make sure you ask the super friendly and helpful hotel staff. This really is a hotel that ticks all the boxes. 28920 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
If you’re looking for a hotel that's got it all, then Hotel June West LA is for you. Situated next to LAX airport, it's also just five minutes from the beach and walking distance to local shops and restaurants. The hotel itself boasts a baja-inspired pool deck and is complete with an on-site Mexican restaurant. The mid-century-inspired building is echoed into the rooms where white oak beds are complimented with vintage-inspired furniture to put a modern spin on a classic look. The on-site pool is more than just your average dip, tree-lined and completed with a fire pit and cushioned lounge seating to bring a whole new level of relaxation. After your dip, the airy spacious rooms are perfect for unwinding after a long day all complete with a city view or an ocean view. 8639 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045.
Modern, Californian dreaming is what you get at The Edition West Hollywood. From the bar area which oozes Hollywood glamour – with its stylistic choices taken from the energy of the Seventies and Eighties – right down to the Le Labo toiletries, it’s hard to find elegance at this level in a hotel. In the morning, head down to the ground floor restaurant Ardor for a healthy Californian take on breakfast, from Acai bowls with housemade almond butter to a lean dish for the carnivores: steak and eggs. You’re perfectly situated on Sunset to explore West Hollywood by foot or take a drive along to Runyon’s North Entrance to hike off your morning breakfast. That’s if you don’t want to hole up inside and soak up the Golden Age energy that the hotel has revived. 9040 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069.
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A nod to its namesake, the London hotel captures British elegance and laid-back Californian cool in a tranquil oasis of modern luxury. The suites are the embodiment of this. King-sized beds, large marble bathrooms with deep bathtubs and a private balcony overlooking Los Angeles allow you to live out your time in LA as any pop icon would. Hints of British whimsy can be found in the form of English bulldog sculptures and statues. A stay cannot be completed without a visit to the on-site pool, gym and restaurant where you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast before heading back in the evening to test a few cocktails – as would be your right when visiting the City of Angels. Located in WeHo, which packs some of LA’s hottest destinations, coolest restaurants, and chicest shops into just under two square miles, you’d never be short of something to do. 1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069.
Situated in the indie scene of Silver Lake (The Beastie Boys set up Grand Royal Records just east in Atwater), the recently opened Silver Lake Pool & Inn is total LA cool. The sunlit spot hosts an elevated pool deck, which is a much-needed, private retreat in the summer months. When it comes to rooms, GQ recommends the deluxe king ada, which is like having your own studio apartment in the city. The room is a modern take on Mad Men design with 70s vintage tiles in sunset tones, independently made mezcal in the mini bar and low-slung leather chairs. To make it even more LA, the view from the room looks out onto the Hollywood hills. Silver Lake Pool & Inn is a charming boutique retreat that makes you feel at home, in stylish surroundings. 4141 Santa Monica Blvd, Silver Lake, CA 90029.
If you’re looking for somewhere to relax but don't want to be too far from the action of central LA, the Terranea Resort's just the job. Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, it's a bastion of luxury, favoured by none other than queen of the high life Mariah Carey. The eco-friendly resort boasts 400 rooms, suites and bungalows, and there are multiple restaurants for you to enjoy, from Mar’sel, where everything you eat is home-grown, to Nelson’s, which specialises in proper Californian comfort ford. You've also got to try Terranea's secluded clifftop spa, which uses the Pacific Ocean’s oils and minerals alongside traditional spa techniques across a range of treatments. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
Situated right on Santa Monica beach, Casa Del Mar is one of only two hotels that were allowed to be constructed on the beachfront (the other, Shutters On The Beach, is Del Mar’s sister hotel next door). No wonder it's where Robert De Niro and Heidi Klum hole up when they're in town. The 1926 property has been completely restored to its original grandeur and its lavish lobby is one of the most Instagram-friendly spots in Los Angeles. Just a five-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade, this hotel has one of the best locations in the whole of Los Angeles. Opt for an ocean view room to really get the most out of your stay. 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Where to dine
Funke
Funke sits in the heart of Beverly Hills and is brought to you by chef Evan Funke – who designed Vanity Fair’s Oscars 2024 afterparty menu. And who doesn’t want to feel every bit the Oscar winner? Even if the closest you get is a booking at Funke. GQ recommends taking a chef’s menu or recommendations from your server, unless dishes like lemon pizzas are your usual go-to’s: There’s something pleasantly unexpected about the flavours that you’d likely skim over as “too LA” on a first menu read. But, you would be missing out though! It’s not just the food that packs such a punch in this restaurant, but the decor. You’ll sit surrounded by artwork from world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tracey Emin and more.
9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. funkela.com
Mar’sel
Located at the secluded Terranea Resort, Mar’sel takes its name from a play on the Spanish for "sea" and the French for "salt" and offers an inventive twist on Californian cuisine, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients from Terranea’s grounds. The location is just as delicious – you'll struggle to decide if you should stare at the high beams and vaulted ceiling of the main dining room or the incredible view of the Pacific Ocean.
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. terranea.com/marsel
Broken Spanish
Broken Spanish is perfectly situated just a short walk from the Staples Centre and is an excellent pregame dining experience. Drawing inspiration and flavours from Los Angeles’ diverse Latin community, Chef Ray Garcia's fresh take on modern Mexican cuisine is a unique culinary experience that must be tried.
1050 S Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015. brokenspanish.com
Mother Wolf
Mother Wolf pays homage to the Eternal City and culinary heritage of La Cucina Romana, from crisp wood-fired pizzas to seasonal antipasti and the traditional handmade pasta for which chef Evan Funke is known. Through maintaining relationships with local Californian farmers, produce is fresh, seasonal and some of the most pristine and unique in Los Angeles. GQ recommends you try the La Mortazza pizza which is folded like a Calzone and stuffed with ham and pistachios, the classic Cacio e Pepe and the fried squash Fiori di Zucca dish.
1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028. motherwolfla.com
Zinc Café
Zinc Café has been serving guests since 2014 and has taken full advantage of the popular arts district just east of Downtown LA. Offering a menu based solely around vegetarian dishes, there is something for everyone, but we recommend the cauliflower pizza and zinc fries. The open kitchen, airy marketplace and peaceful courtyard are a welcome retreat from the hustle of LA.
580 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. zinccafe.com
Poké Shack
Poké has only just reached London, but it is still relatively unheard of elsewhere in the UK. If you didn't already know, it’s a mixture of salads with rice and raw fish and a special poké sauce that originates from Hawaii. The Poké Shack on Venice Beach is the best place to try it in the city.
79 Windward Avenue, Venice, CA 90291. thepokeshack.com
