Weekend Guide To Los Angeles

Chilling out is the norm for Angelenos — the city's warm and laidback year round. We've rounded up our picks to suit your every whim, whether it's the beach, city, or old-school Hollywood.

Sleep: Imagine 1,000-square foot suites that combine chic interiors with in-room laundry machines and gas ranges, and you have the The Redbury. This newest addition to the hotel scene mixes boho-glamour with spacious practicality and is a welcome break from the boutique hotel scene.

Private, seductive, and classic — what's not to love about Chateau Marmont? Beautiful grounds, an intimate restaurant, and unique rooms provide the ultimate rendezvous.

Rodeo Drive more your style? Check into the Beverly Hills Hotel and relive the glory days of Hollywood with today's modern luxuries. For a more modest way to experience 90210 living, stay at Maison 140, where boutique meets 1920s Parisian chic.

The cosmopolitan beach bum will find solace at Shade. Sumptuous rooms (some with fireplaces), close proximity to the beach, and bicycles to get around make this the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

Eat & Drink: Hollywood's Loteria Grill is the place to go for authentic Mexican (pictured). The modern décor,

(Photo courtesy of Flickr/esimpraim)

It's all about the meat at Animal. Follow the sound of the boisterous crowd to the unmarked door off Fairfax where décor is minimal but the food is bold and seasonal.

Combine the cozy feel of a tavern with cutting-edge patrons and you'll find yourself at Lazy Ox. This downtown hot spot serves international dishes and has an excellent wine and beer list.

Need a rest from a hectic day shopping the streets of Beverly Hills? Take in the eye candy at The Ivy, the infamous celebrity hang out on Robertson Boulevard. Sit outside and sip on something refreshing.

Heading west, stop off at Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice and land a table at Gjelina. The rustic interior fits the diverse atmosphere of this high-energy eatery. Fresh, local ingredients will leave their mark on your taste buds.

Venturing further south along the coast, you'll find a gem of a restaurant that eludes the crowds of Manhattan Beach. Darren's is a local favorite with consistently good food and a well thought out wine list.

Play: Wake up and head to one of the many canyons or parks for a morning hike. We like Runyon (pictured), Franklin, or Griffith, but all locations are beautiful and are a great way to get the day going. Be sure to check the levels of difficulty and distance before you set out.

(Photo courtesy of Flickr/afternoon)

Venture over the hills to the Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena. Walk through miles of gardens exploring various themes from the desert to the rainforest and Japanese to Chinese. Don't leave without viewing the art, antiques, and rare book collection, including a first edition Shakespeare folio.

Check out the social art scene and gallery hop. You'll find pockets of galleries in and around LA such as Culver City, Beverly Hills, and Downtown. The Downtown Art Walk happens the second Thursday of each month and the free, self-guided tours are a great way to experience the growing downtown district.

Take time to explore the many diverse neighborhoods that span the city. Hang out in a Silver Lake café, shop the stalls of the Venice Farmers Market, do brunch on West Third Street, and be sure to catch the sunset in Malibu.

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