How To Have An Amazing Weekend Getaway in Los Angeles

Getaway to LA! Where to stay, where to eat, and where to play when spending a long weekend away in Los Angeles, California.

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I can still remember my first weekend getaway to Los Angeles. As I stepped off the airplane my heart almost exploded with joy! Coming from a cold winter to the balmy sunny desert weather was all I needed to put a smile on my face.

The year round sunny weather is just one of the things that makes LA a perfect weekend getaway. There are tons of things to do, places to explore, and of course, amazing food to eat!

Someone like myself with food allergies especially appreciates the diverse food offered throughout the city of Los Angeles. That is what makes it one of the best allergy-friendly vacation destinations! Being that it is such a large city, I am able to find just about anything I am craving at any time of day. A dream come true!

If you haven’t been to Los Angeles before, you might be intimidated by tackling it as a weekend trip. Don’t be!

There is so much to do to have a fantastic weekend getaway in Los Angeles. And luckily, I am here to tell you my very favorite ways to spend a few days in the city of angels.

Let’s get to it!

Getting To LA

Although there are quite a few airports around Los Angeles, I have found it is easiest, and usually cheapest, to fly right into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It is pretty centrally located and only about 20 minutes to my favorite hotel.

I always start my search for flights on Skyscanner. It is the easiest way to compare prices. Setting up alerts always helps me find the best deal with the least amount of effort. It’s a life-saver!

Getting Around LA

The only way I like to get around LA is by car. Renting a car at LAX is easy. After collecting your baggage at baggage claim, follow the signs to get to the rental car area.

I tend to prefer to drive an SUV since that is what I drive at home. If you’re looking for an adventure – consider splurging and rent a sports car. Driving around is definitely part of the experience, so you might as well enjoy it! Keep in mind, searching for deals and comparing costs on rental cars can be super easy using Skyscanner too!

Where To Stay

Coming from the Midwest, when I go to a coast I want to be near the water. There’s nothing that makes me happier than waking up and seeing the ocean. I am even happier if I can walk to breakfast and to good shopping.

That is exactly why I love to stay right across from the beach in Santa Monica. My go-to hotel is the ultra-modern and comfortable Shore Hotel.

This hotel has everything! Their modern rooms have comfortable beds and everything you need to experience a relaxing and luxurious stay. Of course it also has an amazing location right across from the Santa Monica Pier, easy walking distance to outstanding shopping, and has tons of great eateries just a few steps away.

Parking is super simple with their valet option to give you easy access to your vehicle any time of day or night. If you prefer a pool to the beach, here you can enjoy them both! With views of the ocean, swimming in the pool is a treat on a hot afternoon. There is so much to love about this hotel!

Where To Play

It goes without say, there’s so much to do in Los Angeles! Of course, when you’re planning a weekend getaway, you want to be choosy about how you spend your limited time there.

Here are some of my very favorite ways to fill a long weekend in LA:

Santa Monica and Venice Beach

Right across the street from the hotel is the Santa Monica Pier. Walk over to enjoy games, grab a bite to eat, or take a ride on the ferris wheel! It is a fun place to enjoy an afternoon or evening.

I love the beach! Staying close to the water makes it easy to take full advantage of the water. If you want to enjoy the sunshine but playing in the water isn’t for you, then consider taking a walk or renting a bike to head down to Venice Beach.

Following the sidewalk to the south of Santa Monica will bring you to the artsy and bustling Venice Beach. Stop for breakfast or a drink, check out the shops, or get a workout in at Muscle Beach! Venice Beach is somewhere you wont want to miss.

Universal Studios

While I always love to visit Disneyland, when I am only staying a few days I prefer to make a stop at Universal Studios. If you are as impatient as I am, you should consider investing in the Express tickets. They give you access to each ride in an express line so you can get on the rides faster and on to the next activity. It is 100% worth the extra money – believe me!

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum and Los Angeles County Museum of Art

If you’re looking for some excellent photo opportunities and like to learn, this is where you want to be! It’s always a blast to check out LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits. They are located directly next to each other which makes it simple to combine the two into one activity. It’s a fun way to learn and be inspired in a new place!

Rodeo Drive

There’s never a bad time to go shopping! Where I live has somewhat limited store options, so when I head to LA I love to take advantage of the excellent shopping. Rodeo Drive is a great experience for anyone looking to find some new treasures to add to their wardrobe. It is easy to spend a whole day just walking and shopping!

Where To Eat

Eating with food allergies is incredibly easy in Los Angeles! In fact, I have found there are always more places I want to eat at than I have time to visit. That said, these are a few of my very favorite restaurants that I will not miss when I am in town!

Vegetable

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan

Vegetable is the restaurant of my dreams! This plant-based has some of the most delectable gluten free and vegan food I have ever had the pleasure of eating. When I visited during a getaway weekend with my sister, we could decide what to order so we just ordered everything we wanted! We felt so gluttonous and it was completely worth it. No trip to LA would be complete without a stop here!

Erin McKenna’s Bakery

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan

Erin McKenna’s Bakery is my favorite bakery in the entire world. They offer gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free, and kosher baked goods that are even better than the “originals”. After landing in LA, this is always my first stop. I especially love the cookie sandwiches, although you can’t go wrong with any of their goodies! I recommend ordering lots of goodies and then sticking them in the refrigerator once you get to the hotel. You’ll be glad you did!

Fritto Misto

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan Options

This small, cozy restaurant is really convenient as it is just a few blocks from the pier in Santa Monica. The food is authentic Italian and absolutely delicious! They also have gluten free and vegan options which means you can create your own perfect dish. I was able to make a vegetable pasta that was out of this world! I highly recommend a stop at Fritto Misto.

Ready To Go?

Since my first visit, Los Angeles has become one of my very favorite places to getaway for a weekend. In fact, I have taken more trips here than anywhere else. I am confident that once you visit you will feel the same way!

What do you look forward to doing or eating during your stay in Los Angeles? Is there anything else you would add to the list? Share it with me below!

My Travel Must-haves: