Girlfriends Guide to Los Angeles

Los Angeles! The city of dreams, glitz, and endless sunshine. From the Hollywood Hills to the sandy beaches of Santa Monica, LA is a lively and bustling metropolis that never fails to captivate. With its iconic palm tree-lined streets, glamorous celebrity culture, and thriving arts scene, there's always something exciting happening in the City of Angels. Whether you're indulging in world-class shopping on Rodeo Drive, exploring the eclectic neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Venice Beach, or simply soaking up the sun on the iconic Venice Boardwalk, LA has a little something for everyone. Get ready to dive into the exhilarating energy of this West Coast gem!

Table of Contents

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Where to Stay

We’ve curated a short-list of moderately priced boutique hotels perfect for your next girls’ weekend.

Note: some of the boutique hotels we recommend have a nightly amenities fee for some awesome extras included in your stay. Be sure to read about what’s included to take full advantage!

DREAM Los Angeles Hollywood

Welcome to DREAM Los Angeles, the ultimate destination for an unforgettable girls' weekend! Nestled in the heart of the city, this chic boutique hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and style. Indulge in beautifully designed rooms, complete with plush amenities. Enjoy the rooftop pool with breathtaking views, and complimentary morning Zen Yoga. Other highlights include weekend poolside parties, weekend brunch and Sunday Jazz Dinners.

DREAM Hollywood
Hotel Figueroa

Located in downtown Los Angeles, Hotel Figueroa is a trendy boutique hotel with a vibrant atmosphere. The hotel's pool area is a standout feature, boasting a stylish design with comfortable loungers and cabanas. Sign up for snchronized swimming and other wellness classes to stay fit on your getaway. Hotel Figueroa also offers chic rooms and suites with unique decor, an on-site restaurant and bar, and poolside lounge.

Hotel Figueroa
The LINE Hotel

Situated in the bustling neighborhood of Koreatown, The LINE Hotel is a hip and artistic boutique hotel. The hotel features trendy and modern rooms, a variety of dining options, including a greenhouse encased restaurant, and a vibrant atmosphere with regular live music events. Its pool area offers a rooftop oasis with a pool, lounge chairs, and a stylish bar. Stay fit with free tai chi and running club in addition to the 24 hour fitness center.

The LINE Hotel

Where to Eat

We’re not gonna lie, trying to recommend a great place to eat in a large metropolitan area is like trying to hit a moving target. Where you stay and the activities you have planned often dictate where you will end up eating.

Most often when planning our weekends away, we put in a little time looking for nearby places that match our taste. Rather than give you a long list of places that might not be right for you, we’re giving you our favorite local search links to help you get started.

What to See

For a gorgeous blend of art, architecture, gardens, and jaw‑dropping views, the Getty Center is a must for your girls’ trip to L.A. This world‑renowned museum offers free admission and houses an incredible collection of pre‑20th‑century European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and modern photography all set within stunning travertine‑clad buildings perched high above the city.

While admission is free, you’ll just need to reserve a timed entry and plan for paid parking. From the parking area, hop on the iconic Tram to the Top, it glides up the hillside with beautiful views of the center and the city below. Keep an eye out… you might even spot deer relaxing under the trees.

Once you arrive, don’t miss the Central Garden, a living work of art designed with colorful plants, peaceful water features, and a wide, sun‑drenched lawn that’s perfect for wandering, lounging, or a leisurely picnic.
When you and the girls get hungry, the Getty has tons of dining options. There are two cafes for casual bites, outdoor coffee carts, a full‑service restaurant with amazing views, and the Trellis Bar & Lounge for stylish sips.

For an extra special treat, come on Fridays or Saturdays between 2 – 3 p.m. to enjoy Garden Tea on the restaurant terrace, but definitely make a reservation, because it books up fast.

It’s inspiring, peaceful, and totally L.A., the perfect mix of culture and chic for your girls’ day out.

If you want one of the best views in all of Los Angeles (and a little space‑themed magic) the Griffith Observatory is essential for your girls’ trip. Perched on Mount Hollywood, this Art Deco icon has been welcoming visitors since 1935 and offers free admission to its exhibits. You can explore space displays, look through telescopes, and soak in those unforgettable panoramic views of the city.

It’s also one of the best spots to see the Hollywood Sign without the long trek. But if your group is feeling adventurous, Griffith Park offers hiking trails that take you toward and above the sign. Just keep in mind: you can’t get super close, and the hike from the Observatory to the top is stunning but definitely strenuous. Even in good shape, expect it to take over two hours, so plan ahead with water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes.

Whether you’re stargazing, skyline‑gazing, or snapping that perfect Hollywood Sign photo, the Observatory is classic L.A., and the views alone make it worth the trip with your girls.

If you and the girls want that true “We’re in Hollywood!” moment, the Walk of Fame is the place to start. This historic landmark features more than 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars honoring legends from film, TV, music, radio, and live performance, basically a stroll through entertainment history.

The Walk stretches along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard (from La Brea Ave to Gower St) and along Vine Street (from Sunset Blvd to Yucca St), so you can pick a section and wander as long as you like. Along the way, you’ll spot iconic theaters, street performers, souvenir shops, and plenty of fun photo ops. It’s bright, busy, a little chaotic, and 100% a must‑do for a girls’ trip to L.A. Let the star‑hunting begin!

Silver Lake is one of those effortlessly cool L.A. neighborhoods that’s perfect for a girls’ day of strolling, shopping, snapping photos, and soaking up the local vibe. Its most famous feature, the Silver Lake Reservoir, has a super‑popular 2.25‑mile loop that’s ideal for a breezy morning walk or jog with gorgeous water views.

The heart of the neighborhood is Sunset Junction, a lively, walkable stretch of Sunset Boulevard packed with trendy boutiques, indie shops, and plenty of people‑watching opportunities. When you’re ready for a break, Silver Lake has no shortage of cozy coffee spots, cafés, and restaurants to refuel and recharge.

Once you’re caffeinated and ready for round two, don’t miss Silver Lake’s iconic secret stairs (“hidden” than actually secret, but totally fun). These historic staircases once helped locals reach the main streets from their hillside homes, and now they’re beloved for fitness walks and Insta‑worthy photos. Some of the most famous ones, like the Micheltorena Stairs (3400 Sunset Boulevard) and the Swan Stairs (Westerly Terrace & Swan Place), are beautifully painted in vibrant colors.

It’s artsy, energetic, and full of character, the perfect neighborhood for exploring with your girls and discovering cute shops, scenic corners, and colorful backdrops.

If you and the girls want that quintessential L.A. beach day with maximum people‑watching and iconic vibes, the Venice Beach Boardwalk is the place to be. Also known as Ocean Front Walk, this lively two‑mile stretch pulls in over 10 million visitors a year, making it one of Southern California’s most famous must‑sees.

The boardwalk is a total sensory overload in the best way, think hundreds of street vendors, quirky performers, colorful murals, beachside cafés, and plenty of fun spots to grab snacks and drinks. It’s the perfect place to wander, shop, and soak up those Venice vibes.

Griffith Observatory
Credit: RDNE Stock Project | Pexels

What to Do

Explore the Arts District of Los Angeles on a bike tour that provides a close look at this colorful neighborhood. Your guide leads you on a leisurely ride from the Grand Central Market to see street murals, art galleries, landmarks, museums, and other destinations that showcase the creative spirit of the district. You’ll also pass by breweries and distilleries, learn about Little Tokyo, and check out some spots on foot.

Explore secret bars and truly cinematic settings with the help of a guide who’ll have you wining and dining like a Beverly Hills local. Not only will you eat at spots many tourists miss, you’ll also get special access to a fashion house on Rodeo Drive. Enjoy enough food tastings to amount to full lunch and 2 alcoholic drinks.

Get to know a Malibu vineyard on a 2.5 mile loop guided hike. You’ll get to see amazing views of the Malibu hills, cave paintings of the local Chumash people and the property’s organic garden. Expect an easy to moderate hike with about a 300 feet elevation gain. After the hike, enjoy a complimentary two cans of wine to-go!

Short on time but still want to check off the Hollywood Sign from your LA bucket list? This is the #1-rated 75-minute express tour to the closest legal front-viewpoint of the Sign led by local comedian-guides who know the best paths, best stories, and the best photo angles. And yes, they’ll bring their dogs. Mozart and Lala are part of the team. They’re friendly, trail-loving pups who adore people and add instant joy to every hike. Dog lovers are in heaven on this tour.

Along the way, they’ll share fun Hollywood history, point out famous landmarks, and help you snap the perfect Instagram-worthy shots of the Sign and LA skyline. Water is included, no stress, no thirst, just epic views, real laughs, and good vibes.

Experience the heart of Los Angeles in true vintage style with a guided tour in a classic ’64 Impala lowrider! You will start in Beverly Hills, where you’ll cruise past some of the city’s most iconic architectural structures and snap photos along the way. Ride through the bustling Downtown LA revitalization area, where historic buildings meet modern innovation, and feel the pulse of the city’s transformation. Next, roll into the Melrose Arts District, known for its vibrant murals, unique shops, and eclectic atmosphere. Visit legendary filming locations where some of Hollywood’s most famous movies were shot, adding a touch of cinematic history to your journey. This tour combines LA’s iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and a few of the best spots for photo ops, giving you an insider’s view of Los Angeles from a true classic lowrider.

Discover the local shopping scene and its fashion DNA with a professional stylist as you embark on a curated shopping circuit. Learn more about the art of styling your body features and take a figurative soft tour outside your comfort zone as your stylist pulls pieces for you to explore and try. Think of it as a mini style consultation followed by recommendations and a hands-on practice session during the shopping tour where you can ask any fashion and style-related questions. Prior to your shopping tour, you will be sent a little shopping form to help personalize your style tips. And following your fashion escapade, you will be sent some tour souvenir photos.

Experience Los Angeles’ peaceful side, and enjoy a fun-filled excursion out on the water, when you rent a private swan pedal boat on Echo Park Lake. Pick from multiple convenient start times, from morning to night, and make your own way to the departure point. After getting fitted with lifejackets, set off on the water and soak up the scenery and skyline views as you pedal.

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Los Angeles on the TMZ After Dark Tour. This 2-hour adventure invites you to explore Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and Santa Monica Boulevard from the comfort of a luxury party bus, complete with an onboard DJ spinning the latest hits. Enjoy stops at popular bars for drinks and good vibes, while receiving fun surprise giveaways throughout the journey. This tour combines the excitement of nightlife with iconic city sights, making it perfect for groups and celebrations. You never know what celeb host might be your DJ for the night!

You’ll never see Hollywood the same way again as you explore the working sets and actual sound stages where the biggest names in entertainment made history. From Friends to Batman and beyond, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood takes you behind the lens for a revealing look at how the magic of Hollywood is made. Your knowledgeable Tour Guide will take you through the over 100-year-old backlot streets and sound stages. You’ll stop at Stage 48: Script to Screen, an interactive sound stage where you can learn about the production process of a film or TV show, sit on the couch at Central Perk on the actual set of Friends, become Hobbit-sized at our forced perspective special effect table, soar above Hogwarts on a broomstick and much more. The grand finale, “Action and Magic Made Here,” allows you to step into the DC and Harry Potter movies and interact with iconic props, costumes, and recreated sets.

Where to Shop

The Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax is one of Los Angeles’ most beloved landmarks. It’s a lively, open‑air marketplace that’s been buzzing since 1934. With more than 100 gourmet grocers, international eateries, and specialty vendors, it’s the perfect spot for a girls’ outing filled with great food and even better people‑watching. Just steps from The Grove, the market blends rustic charm with a global mix of flavors, from Cajun and Brazilian to Italian and Middle Eastern, plus fresh produce, spices, and artisan coffee. It’s a delicious, history‑rich stop where you can wander, sample, and savor LA’s culinary soul.

The LA Fashion District is a 107‑block style playground in downtown Los Angeles. It’s an ever‑evolving hub where trends are born and fashion lovers come to explore. With more than 4,000 independently owned shops and showrooms, you’ll find everything from luxury labels to affordable streetwear, plus accessories, jewelry, fabrics, flowers, and more. Most of the high‑end retail sits between Broadway and Los Angeles Street from 8th to 11th, and many wholesalers now offer retail too, so it’s always worth popping in to ask. Shop Santee Alley for amazing bargains at 150+ retailers packed into an open-air corridor. When you’re ready for a break, the district is filled with cafés, bars, and restaurants where you and your girlfriends can recharge before diving back into the fun.

Rodeo Drive is the definition of Beverly Hills luxury. A palm‑lined, three‑block stretch where the world’s most iconic fashion houses shine. This glamorous avenue invites you to browse legendary boutiques like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton along the main stretch from Wilshire to Santa Monica Boulevard. Just up the way, the 400 block is home to the Rodeo Collection, an elegant multi‑level mall filled with more than 45 upscale boutiques, salons, and cafés. Whether you’re window‑shopping, splurging, or simply soaking in the polished Beverly Hills vibe, Rodeo Drive delivers that unforgettable mix of fashion, glamour, and pure California sophistication.

Visit The Grove, a vibrant, open‑air destination perfect for a girls’ day of shopping, dining, and people‑watching. This 575,000‑square‑foot marketplace brings together around 40 top fashion and tech retailers, all set around a beautiful central park with an animated fountain that puts on a show every hour. Just steps away, the iconic Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax offers fresh produce, flowers, and that classic Hollywood charm. With pop‑up shops from celebrity and high‑end brands, plus plenty of spots to relax, sip, and explore, The Grove delivers that quintessential LA mix of style, sunshine, and effortless fun.

Santa Monica Pier
Credit: Bettina Nørgaard | Pixabay

Nightlife

For those of you looking for a fun night out on your girls’ getaway, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s dancing the night away or girl talk over delicious cocktails, we’ve got options. We’ll help you find the right fit with our favorite local search links below.

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Events

Dia de los Muertos - Hollywood Forever
October 24, 2026
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