Wanderlust World Wanderlust World If you are a resident of Los Angeles or if you have been around the area for some time, you may have already seen, done and explored all the typical tourist attractions on offer. Los Angeles is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city with an endless amount of venues, scenic locations and things to do. Even after visiting Universal Studios Hollywood and strolling through Venice Beach, there are plenty of activities for local LA city-siders.
The unordinary Annette Greene Perfume Museum is located at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Downtown LA. The museum focuses on art, culture and olfactory senses. The collection contains over 2,000 bottles of perfume and also includes documentary material from the late 1800s. Entrance is free to the public and about 150 objects are exhibited and rotated every six months.
If you are interested in grabbing a low-key after work drink, Beechwood in Venice and the Other Room on Abbot Kinney Boulevard offer laid-back, local attitude. The Purple Lounge, inside the Standard Hotel Hollywood, provides a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere in West Hollywood with purple lighting and swing chairs. The Dresden Room features live jazz music and a very experienced bar staff for those looking for a serious drink.
If you want to check out some local dining that helps out locals as well, Homeboy Industries is a small business that employs down-on-luck locals having a hard time finding transitional jobs in a safe, supportive environment. The company features a bakery that makes handmade breads, bagels, pies and cakes, and a cafe that serves up dishes like omelets, tofu salad, deli sandwiches and tacos. The company also offers catering and hats, bags and sweater merchandise for purchase.
LA's many scenic beaches ensure you can find a secluded spot for a picnic, swim or relaxation meditation. Point Dume Beach in Malibu and Point Vicente Beach in Palos Verdes are popular favorites for locals to visit, and Descansco Gardens offers garden trails and solitude. Fitness and being outdoors are common priorities around LA. You can take a walk, run or rollerblade down the Santa Monica main drag or you can check out undercover surf spots Lunada Bay or Zuma Beach to catch some waves. For a romantic scenic view and drive, you could cruise up to Hillcrest in Los Feliz and within a short 15-minute walk view the city below.