Los Angeles Travel Guide

I have been visiting Los Angeles for years ever since I went to school at the University of Arizona and my best friends were all from the west coast so i’m especially excited to share this Los Angeles FODMAP travel guide .  It’s such a culture shock and change of pace from Texas which is why I love it so much.  There are so many different “scenes”to check out just based on the neighborhood that you’re in.  Plus I’m a huge geek when it comes to celebrity sightings! Workout Hot Spots

Part of the LA culture is all about getting your fitness on!  On my most recent trip, I tried out two different classes.

Playlist Yoga-this place is such a fun and modern approach to traditional yoga!  You are in an intimate, dark space that has awesome music playing the entire 60 minutes.  Don’t take this class excepting the “ommmm” relaxation but I promise it’s a great workout!

Platefit -I can easily say I have NEVER taken a class like this before.  All workouts are done on a Power Plate which is best described as a vibrating platform that activates the body’s natural reflexive response to vibration.  The vibrations were super intense and I was able to turn it off and do a regular workout on the plate.

Shopping

When I think of LA, the first thing that comes to by mind is the infamous Pretty Woman scene with Julia Roberts shopping on Rodeo Drive returning to the store that turned her away.  “Big mistake, Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now.”

Rodeo Drive-This is more of a place to walk around and window shop (unless you’re lucky enough to afford it, get on with your bad self!).

The Grove-A super fun retail and entertainment complex that ranges from high end to low end.  You can also find live music being played near the large fountain area.  The farmers market is also a great place to explore and grab a bite to eat.

Beverly Center-An eight story shopping mall with every store imaginable including Bloomingdale’s, H&M and much much more!

3rd Street Promenade-Three blocks of retail shopping, restaurants, and a farmers market in Santa Monica.  You can spend a whole day walking the nearby pier and shopping!

Melrose Avenue-Fun spot for funky vintage shopping and all around fun fashion.

Summer Fun

Cinespia Cemetery screenings-this is a truly an “LA” summer experience located at the historic Hollywood cemetery.  Make sure to buy tickets in advance for classic 90’s movie screenings like Wayne’s World and Clueless.  Bring a picnic and a blanket and you are set for a fun night!

Beach

There are so many beautiful beaches in Los Angeles that it can be hard to choose just one.  Some beaches are more for laying out and others are for people watching.  I try to make it a goal to make it to the beach at least once every trip.

Santa Monica State Park-Beautiful beach walking distance from 3rd street promenade.

Venice Beach-One of the most fun people watching spots in LA.  Not technically a beach you’d layout on but a great boardwalk to walk down for shopping, street art and restaurants.

Malibu Beach-This is more of a fun filled beach day as Malibu is west of LA.  It’s worth the car ride just for the possible star sightings!

Restaurants

There are SO many amazing restaurants in LA that it can be hard to keep up with especially with all the new food fads that pop up.  I have been enough times now that I have my “must go” list that I request going back to every time.  Plus it’s an ideal city to visit if you have food allergies like me as I joke that LA is the city of substitutions.  No one thinks I’m crazy when I request no garlic, no onion, etc.

Flower Child-I first came here when I visited Scottsdale and was absolutely obsessed!  I was so excited to see it in LA but now Houston needs a location.  I came here for lunch and the restaurant had no issues making me a plain piece of chicken with no garlic or onion.

The Butcher’s Daughter-This restaurant was on my NYC list but we ran out of time to try it.  I loved the vibe and atmosphere but the weekend menu only offers brunch and I really wanted lunch.  I would love to come back for dinner!

Izakaya -The number #1 reason I come to LA is to visit my best friends but a really close #2 is for this restaurant.  If you have never been, put it on your list right NOW.  If you have been, you know what I’m talking about!  The baked crab rolls and spicy tuna crispy rice is out of this world.

Other Restaurant Suggestions

• Urth Cafe-I love this casual and healthy spot for lunch.  They have a great patio to have a leisurely lunch and also serve breakfast!
• Rose Cafe-This is on my list to try on my next trip.  The menu looks amazing!
• Hugo’s-Love this place for brunch plus I’ve seen a celebrity sighting here which is ultra fun!
• Sugarfish-I haven’t been to this sushi spot yet but everyone is OBSESSED!  It’s a high priority on my next trip!
• Toast Bakery Cafe-Love this casual eatery for lunch and the food is so delicious.  Plus you’ll almost always see a celebrity.

I would love to hear from you what your favorite spots are and suggestions you have and if this Los Angeles FODMAP travel guide was helpful to you!!