Friends! Readers! Supporters! Thank You.
Thank you so much for your attention over the last few months. I’ve been thinking hard about what I could do special for my subscribers that would be valuable and interesting.
What I landed on benefits fellow LA residents most directly. Those of you who aren’t in the vicinity will have to come visit and check out my…
Since I was young, I’ve loved maps. They go well with loving fire engines and being a strong spatial thinker. For everywhere I’ve lived, I have maps—custom maps of my favorite spots I’ve made using Google’s tool.
Sunset picnicking at Barnsdall Park in Los Feliz
Since moving to Los Angeles in 2019, I’ve noted and saved what I consider to be the best spots around town. This includes interesting and unique shopping, charming coffee shops, recreation I’ve enjoyed, and lots of other points.
I also love playing tour guide, so please get in touch with me if you will be visiting, I’m happy to take you around. And, feel free to forward this map to others.
Here’s a quick guide to each layer of the map and how to use it.
How to use this map
If you can, view it on the desktop. This map is better in landscape orientation.
The base layer can be swapped. I grayed out the underlying street map so that the points are clearer, but you can toggle on the normal Google view (to see normal icons with web links) or the satellite image for more orientation.
LA is a city of little villages, so my suggestion is to pick an area and then group things together to make a day if you are visiting.
For example, go to The Getty (with reservations made in advance) and then spend the afternoon exploring Santa Monica and Malibu.
A car is handy in Los Angeles but not mandatory—Uber/Lyft are both reasonably priced and worthwhile to avoid the stress of traffic and parking. LA Metro goes all over town, so if your trip is short, consider the bus ($1.75/ride).
Shopping
I typically orient myself in a new city partly by surveying the shopping landscape, and LA has tons of it. The areas outlined in purple are the most interesting districts I enjoy walking and browsing, with a store list that’s as up to date as possible.
These are typically also great areas to eat or find coffee.
Restaurants
A note for the foodies: I eat healthy, light, and cheap if I can, so my restaurants list skews fast, casual, and inexpensive. For a guide to the best haute cuisine head over to Eater LA.
You’ll notice my favorite cuisines tend to be pizza, pastries, and Vietnamese.
Bars
I don’t drink much, but when I do it’s nice to be in a pleasant environment—not too crowded or loud. My favorite watering holes tend to be wine bars or otherwise small, intimate spaces.
Coffee
I love a third-wave coffee shop, though I can’t say I’m a coffee connoisseur. I just appreciate an excellent espresso drink and adore a sweet treat accompaniment.
The incomparable duo at Canyon Coffee in Elysian Valley
Recreation
I use two different icons which look similar: one for proper hiking (icon includes a hiking stick and backpack) and one for more leisurely outdoor spaces (no stick, no backpack). Most of LA’s urban parks, excepting Griffith and Elysian Parks, are meant for walking or picnicking.
For aggressive hiking, you’ll probably want to leave the city proper to explore the Angeles National Forest (marked as Tujunga on the map) or one of the hikes along the Verdugo mountains in Altadena, Sierra Madre, etc.
Attractions
LA being LA, there is lots to do and explore. From scenic overlooks to unique venues for comedy and film, I’m sure I’ve only scratched the surface.
Most museums are free admission, but require advance reservations. Nighttime shows and events are typically ticketed and often sell out quickly, so it’s best to reserve well ahead of time.
Snacks
Here you’ll find my favorite cold treats, baked treats, and a handful of local grocers that are fun to browse.
Angelenos love their carbs, so any breakfast place usually opens by 8 or 9am and will sell out by 1 or 2pm.
Dispensaries
Should you seek cannabis, there are dispensaries everywhere. These are just the ones I frequent and know well. A valid ID (18+ is required).
If you’re a fast food buff…In-N-Out is another must-do while visiting LA
Bookstores
After years of not reading much, I’ve rekindled my love of books and bookstores. LA has some great ones that are easy to get lost in.
Most are well-curated so that you can zero in on whatever topic is top of mind.
A constant evolution
Of course, there is still so much more to explore, so this map will continue to evolve as I expand my boundaries.
Thank you again for supporting my work and writing, I appreciate you.
Let me know what you think and if there’s a way I can enrich this map or post, I’m always open to suggestions.
-A
have you been to the rose bowl flea market on sundays? and this book store https://www.lastbookstorela.com/ love your blogs!!! made notes :)