There’s so much to do in Los Angeles that attempting to plan the perfect getaway weekend for you and the girls may seem overwhelming. While you’re bound to have a fulfilling weekend no matter how you spend your time in L.A., we thought we’d make things a bit easier on you by mapping out our ideal itinerary.
First things first, book your hotel stay. There are tons of fabulous hotels in Los Angeles (check out Forbes Travel Guide’s new star-award winners here), but we recommend the exotic Petit Ermitage boutique hotel tucked away in the Hollywood Hills. From this plush perch (which also has an amazing rooftop pool), you and your gal pals will set out for your first day in L.A., which will look something like this:
Day 1
Start the morning off with a light breakfast at the hotel and a morning hike at Runyon Canyon Park. Be sure to bring along some fuel such as a granola bar, a banana and some water to keep you hydrated. After your hike, grab a bite at Aroma Bakery Café on Sunset Boulevard. You’ll find a variety of healthy and delicious meals made fresh to order such as the veggie delight omelette.
Head back to your hotel to freshen up and go shopping through The Avenues, West Hollywood’s art, fashion and design district (don’t forget to make a pit stop at Urth Caffe for a latte or a mid-day treat. You’ll love its mouth-watering carrot cake or apple tartin). Shopping will take a few hours, so when you and your friends get back to your hotel rooms, take some time to rest up for an eventful night ahead. Stock up on sustenance before your evening out, have dinner at Fig & Olive; the cuisine is centered on the olive oils and flavors of the Riviera, and the wine list is impressive.
The real fun begins in the City of Angels when the sun goes down. Check out the lively Sunset Strip for any concerts at the following venues: The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, Viper Room, House of Blues Sunset Strip or Key Club.
Day 2
It was a late night, and this is vacation, so sleep in a little and order in-room dining at your hotel to help you wake up and get ready for the day. Start your morning with fresh French toast, a Belgian waffle topped with strawberries, or opt for yogurt and granola. Not that your day will be too taxing, mind you. You and your friends have appointments at the luxurious Hotel Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie, the only Five-Star spa in the city. Book The Enclave, a private suite with its own shower, tub and patio. You and up to nine of your friends can relax outside near the waterfall while waiting for your four-handed massages. When you head back to the hotel, soak in some of the California sunshine by relaxing at the rooftop pool for the afternoon. Enjoy a few cocktails and appetizers, and the splendid view of the city of Los Angeles.
For dinner, try Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood. The menu includes items such as beef filet, roasted lamb, tai snapper and Pacific cod — all savory dishes that will satisfy your palate. After dinner, check out a few of West Hollywood’s best hotel bars, such as Tower Bar at Sunset Tower, SkyBar at Mondrian and Bar 1200 at the Sunset Marquis. As you stand atop the roof of these sky-high buildings, enjoy the delicious taste of a custom-made libation by one of their mixologists.
Photos Courtesy of The London West Hollywood, Petit Ermitage, Morgans Group LLC, Runyon Canyon Los Angeles, Fig & Olive
