A few weeks ago Austin and I traveled to LA. It seems like we have been there a lot these past few months. Having family in the area and the occasional work project, it makes for a fun trip no matter what. After sharing our Weekend Guide in LA, we wanted to share something a little more in depth with more options than the small list we provided here. 

We get questions and requests for recommendations when traveling so we wanted to put it in one easy place. And after posting my Trendy NYC Coffee Shops list, it was obvious you guys like the pretty and photo worthy spots.  Hey, there’s no shame in the instagram game. I know you like to snap a photo of your coffee too! 🙂

Feel free to email us if you have any questions about our trip or just want to say hi! We love to hear from you. xx Ashley & Austin

– WHERE TO STAY –

The Hollywood Roosevelt was the perfect spot to stay while in the city. The location was a short car ride to Beverly Hills, Melrose and Downtown. We happened to stay while a premier was happening at the theater across the street. Austin and I got to watch Catherine Zeta Jones, Susan Sarandon and Kathy Bates walk the red carpet. It was pretty cool if I do say so myself! This hotel captures all the history from Hollywood and is still known to host many celebrities. Oh, and they sure know how to put on one heck of a breakfast.

When we weren’t exploring the city, we  loved spending time at the pool. It has an old Hollywood vibe and is surrounded by tall palm trees. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing! You can see more from the pool here & here. This was such a fun hotel to stay at while in Hollywood. Until next time!

makeup linked in this post

– EAT + DRINK –

COFFEE SHOPS

Dinosaur Coffee

Blue Bottle Austin said this was the best cold brew he’s ever tried. That’s saying a lot!

Alfred’s Coffee & Kitchen (Melrose or Silverlake): My favorite! Very trendy and snap worthy. We have more photos in our Weekend in LA Guide.

Alfred’s Tea Room (Melrose): This pink tea room is a must.

Verve Coffee

gingham dress // chanel flats (similar style here + here) // sunglasses // celine nanooutfit details here

GOOD EATS

The Hart and The Hunter The best avocado toast and house biscuits. If you go, you have to get the biscuits! Trust us.

The Polo Lounge Trendy spot for lunch located in the Beverly Hills Hotel. Be sure to make reservations for a table outside and have your phone ready for some instgram worthy photos!

The Ivy Another great spot for lunch. Be sure to make reservations for this one as well! You can read more about The Ivy in our Weekend in LA Guide.

Cafe Gratitude Hip vegan spot located in Venice. They have a great happy hour too! We loved the Sharing Nachos and Mojito Spritzer.

The Butcher’s Daughter

Lemonade

Joan’s on Third 

Milk The best ice cream sandwich shop! They are pretty big, Austin and I shared the red velvet.

High Rooftop Lounge Loved this rooftop lounge in Venice. We recommend making reservations right before sunset. The view is beautiful!

Salt & Straw Ice Cream

– SHOPPING –

Violet & Grey Obsessed with this cosmetic & beauty boutique. It’s located in the heart of Melrose and has the perfect curation of products. Everything they carry has been used by celebrity makeup artists and highly recognized in the beauty industry.

Chloe Another favorite store on Melrose

The Grove  This is a fun outdoor mall. They have your typical chain stores and a few unique restaurants. It’s great for the whole family!

Cuyana I love love LOVE this store. They carry “basic” but quality pieces that you will always have in your closet. I have a silk tank from them that I always wear under a blazer or moto jacket. It’s a staple. I am also loving this satchel. 

Abbot Kenny Boulevard

Rodeo Drive

Rolling Greens Home + Garden This may seem very odd to put with this list, but it is actually one of our favorite places. They have a gorgeous display of plants, flowers and home decor. Think of it as an “Anthropologie meets flower shop” type of store. It’s huge and has a ton of inspiration for home decor.

– ACTIVITIES –

Joanna Vargus Spa If you’re looking for a day at the Spa or a facial, you need to book an appointment here. I’m addicted to her eyebright firming mask. I also just got her Vitamin C Face Wash and anxious to give it a try. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Baxter Finley Barber Shop This is where I took Austin if you saw our snapchat! He loved it (I knew he would).

Venice Beach Honestly, this wasn’t my favorite part of our trip, but I’ve never been so I wanted to check it out. There are cool parts about the beach and it is worth visiting if you’ve never been. I would suggest walking Abbot Kenny Boulevard.  

Santa Monica Pier 

Disneyland (OK, it’s not in LA but it’s about an hour from Hollywood…still worth visiting! See my Disneyland Guide here) 

Olive & June Nail Salon