When it comes to knowing the best of California no one does it better than Emily Johnston. Having been part of the Visit California influencer advisory board family for four years, Emily is our go-to girl for where to find the tastiest tacos in town, which hotels have the best views and vibes and where we should be shopping for independent designers. Follow Emily as shes hares her favourite way to spend time in LA and Palm Springs.
"My first step into Southern California was the start of a life long love affair that I revisit from London as often as I’m allowed. And when I do, I often bring friends along to discover my side of Socal. But, if I had to hand off a dream five day itinerary, this is what it would look like, with or without me in tow."
Downtown LA
If you want to find the real heart of this area, it’s beating in Downtown Los Angeles. The beautiful architecture alone will have you thinking you’ve stepped onto a movie set. And you can see a lot here in a day with your walking shoes on and the following itinerary in your pocket.
Start with breakfast at The Grand Central Market and make sure you take The Angel’s Flight railway down for the occasion. It’s a short journey, but a classic one you’ll remember forever.
In the market grab one of the best iced coffees in LA at G&B. If you’re a sweet breakfast person, head for Doughnut Man, and if you favour savoury, get in line at Eggslut.
Grab your camera for this next bit, and preferably a friend to capture you. The Bradbury Building, famous for its atrium, which has appeared most famously in (500) days of Summer, has made this a popular spot. To me, this is magical light, found only here and worth a look in.
Then, get lost in The Last Bookstore. And don’t be alarmed as they will ask you to check any big bags before you go in. This is a shop that will make you think you’ve walked into a set in Harry Potter. Books frozen in flight midair, book tunnels, book windows, all hidden in the stacks and waiting to be discovered as you search for your latest “on the road” read.
Finish your night with dinner and a cocktail on the rooftop of The Proper Hotel or The Hoxton (both also great places to stay while you’re in town). They have amazing al fresco dining options with views that will make you fall even more in love with the sunsets only California can provide with such vivid colours.
From Silver Lake to a stunning sunset
We start today in Silver Lake, a firm favourite and a place I always visit when I’m in Los Angeles. This part of LA has such a unique feel that is both edgy and cool while also maintaining a clear neighbourhood energy.
Begin your morning with breakfast at HOME. Like they say, “there’s no place like it.” My order is coffee and the French toast, but if we’re brunching I’ll always order one of their bloody marys!
Stroll past the many shops that have popped up around Sunset Junction over the years, from local brands to national trendy favourites, and keep walking until you get to the famous Rainbow Stairs. You’ll be glad you had a hearty breakfast after the hike up!
Afterwards you’ll be starving again and probably in need of a nice relaxing lunch in a chilled out atmosphere. So make a reservation for lunch at the newly opened Silver Lake Pool and Inn. It’s an interiors dream with good Italian food to boot. And I’ll go ahead and say that booking here for a night, so you could spend the afternoon by the beautiful pool under the Califorrnia sun, would be absolutely ideal.
But, come sunset, throw on some fresh clothes and head up to The Griffith Observatory, a 1930s art deco dream that has one of the best sunset views of the city down below. You probably already know that, however, if you’ve seen La La Land. This is one of my favourite places to watch the day fade away. It feels so very Southern California in every way, shape and form. And if you’re one who likes to hike, this is a beautiful place to tie on the trainers and go at any time of day.
For dinner, head over to the newly opened ROW in Downtown LA and step into Pizzeria Bianco. Make reservations ahead of time. This has been voted the best pizza in America and it’s worth the hike. Plus, you’ll love the setting!
Shop, eat and art
It’s important to fuel up this morning so let’s start with breakfast at Joan’s on Third. You cannot go wrong with anything you order on this menu. The coffee’s great, the sandwiches are even dreamier.
Now, get your shopping arms ready as I’m taking you over to one of the hottest shopping destinations in the city – The Grove. If you’re looking for anything from Apple tech, shoes from Nordstrom, a Charlotte Tilbury fix or a book from Barnes & Noble, you’ll get what you need here.
It also happens to be situated right next the famous Original Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles, where I suggest you head for lunch. Whether you tuck into a hot chicken sandwich from Fritzi Coop or a hot dog from Phiil’s Deli, I can guarantee you’ll be spoilt for choice here with something for everyone.
I’m then going to have insist you step into a little LA arts moment. Ok, there’s nothing little about it at all. LACMA is probably most famous for its very instagrammable Urban Light Installation outside. Inside, however, they have a collection of over 150,000 objects that fill one of the largest museums in the United States!
If you have any energy left, pop into the Academy Museun of Motion Pictures next door. Whether you are a film buff or not, you will absolutely enjoy this experience. They also have a great café downstairs, Fanny’s, if you need a pick me up coffee moment.
And for your final night in the city of Angels, I’m giving you your In’n’out burger finish. Head to Culver City and if burgers aren’t your bag here, step into Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken. It’s the best fried chicken I’ve ever had in my life and I recommend it to everyone I know visiting Los Angeles.
Palm Springs
Get on the road early to head out to Palm Springs from LA, as this is a drive you will absolutely enjoy. For me, this little road trip is as much about the journey as it is the destination, so I’m going to suggest a few stops along the way.
First place to stop needs to be the Desert Hills Premium Outlets. In my opinion, this is one of the best collection of designer outlets stores in the United States. So if you haven’t had your fill yet, allow a couple hours here before continuing on. Then, drive two minutes down the road to….
Yes, the world’s biggest dinosaur replicas are here for the photo opportunities. There’s even a dino museum to visit up in one of the replicas.
If you can, book a night at The Willows in Palm Springs. It is my favourite hotel here, and it also happened to be a favourite of one Albert Einstein, so I’m in good company. Definitely have breakfast at the hotel. 1920s music plays as birds lend a song or two to soundtracking a beautiful freshly made breakfast in the sun with palm trees swaying in the distance. It’s heaven. Just heaven.
Then my best advice is to make sure your sandals are tightened and get yourself walking. There are so many incredible antique stores, quirky bars, fun sites and beautiful (truly absolutely stunning) homes to discover in this part of the world.
If you want to let someone else do the driving, however, book a tour with Red Jeep Tours, who can take you on a tour in and around Palm Springs in a more comprehensive way!
For dinner with a classic Palm Springs vibe, head to Norma’s at The Parker Palm Springs. Order a martini and Lobster Mac’n’cheese.
A country western start with a meditative finish!
Your last day starts back on the road, leaving Palm Springs and putting “Pioneertown” into your GPS. You’re headed for Yucca Valley. As you turn onto Pioneertown Road, stop into the Frontier Café to grab a coffee and a light bite, and also a bottle of water or two for the dusty road ahead.
Just a few moments down the road you’ll pull into Pioneertown, an 1880s western town originally designed as a shoot location for film production and now a well maintained historic district that has become a must visit location in California.
The visit can be as short or long as you wish. There’s even a motel on site, should you wish to stay! And if you do, you must spend an evening in the local club, Pappy & Harriet’s, for a night you will never forget!
Whatever you choose to do with your final evening, make sure you carve time out in your day to visit Joshua Tree. And on your way there pop into my favourite Vintage store in the area, The End.
Joshua Tree National Park is like no place on earth you’ve ever been. With nearly 800,000 acres, it’s easy to find yourself feeling all alone at times in this beautiful desert land. And the quiet you will fiind, when you are, is the best medicine for the soul I’ve yet to discover. The rock formations will leave you breathless, the dancing trees will make you believe you’ve entered an alternate universe and the fluctuating temperatures will definitely make you grateful you packed fresh water and a sweater for this last adventure. I won’t give the rest away. Just prepare to be wowed!
And that, folks, is the most perfect way to conclude a trip to Southern California, where you will most certainly leave a piece of your heart behind to come back and pick up another day!
