I recently had an out-of-state relative visit Los Angeles for two days, one night. Figuring out where exactly I should take her ended up being tougher than anticipated. In New York tourists go to The Empire State Building, see the Statue of Liberty and stroll through Central Park. However, Los Angeles is much more spread out than visitors expect. Here are four perfect ideas and activities I did that will make you look like the Mayor of Los Angeles.
Gladstones Restaurant in Malibu
Located where Pacific Coast Highway meets Sunset Blvd, Gladstone's is a legend of Southern California. The vibe throughout the restaurant and patio is relaxed and family friendly so your guest won't feel out of place. The menu is classic seafood with a modern L.A. twist. The seafood tower is the ideal appetizer for the whole table to share over Pina Coladas.
Runyon Canyon
The epitome of Los Angeles culture. Runyon Canyon is the premiere location for Angelenos to showcase the bodies they've paid so much for. Once your guests get over the girls hiking in club attire and the paparazzi in the bushes, they will get perfect pictures of Los Angeles to Instagram, Tweet, Facebook, Vine and Myspace to their friends and family back home.
Bar Marmont
In a city that is known to tear things down and rebuild it, The Chateau Marmont has done nothing but preserve the classic Hollywood charm. Since walking down Hollywood Blvd. usually doesn't produce any celebrity run-ins, Bar Marmont will help raise the odds of your guest snapping a photo of their regular celebrity clientele.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood
Driving the foreigner to the Hollywood Sign is anticlimactic and takes two minutes. Hop on a horse and take a guided tour through the hills of Griffith Park. It will kill three birds with one stone and your guest will see the Hollywood Sign up close and personal, The Griffith Observatory and Downtown Los Angeles. Tours are offered daily and are designed for beginners to experts.
Tam O'Shanters
If you're guests are looking for that deep, Hollywood history, Tam's is the icing on the cake. For over 90 years diners have been enjoying their exceptional food and old-world atmosphere. Walt Disney and John Wayne frequented Tam's years ago and patrons can dine at their regular tables. Also, Tam's is next door to the bar Nick works at on The New Girl on Fox. Old and New Hollywood in one outing.