West Los Angeles, CA, USA < change city >

Cakes/Candies Vendor:

Sweet and Saucy

Coordinator:

Jesi Haack Weddings

Ceremony & Reception:

The Belamar Hotel

Shopping:

3rd Street Promenade

"Popular shopping area with great restaurants, theaters and street performers. It's in the same neighborhood as the Santa Monica Pier, so it's easy to make a day of shopping, dining, and beach activities. Free three hour parking before 6pm is located along 2nd, Broadway, and 4th."

Shopping:

Old Town Pasadena

"Now the heart of Pasadena, this historic area has plentiful restaurants, great shopping, and theaters."

Shopping:

Rodeo Drive

"Visit this famous shopping mecca for star sightings, designer fashions, and a glimpse of the Beverly Hills lifestyle."

Shopping:

South Coast Plaza

"You'll find everything from Gucci to the Gap in this OC mega mall"

Shopping:

Sunset Junction Neighborhood

"Sunset Junction and the surrounding neighborhood of Silver Lake have so much to offer. Art galleries, restaurants, and some of the best local shops including Yolk, A+R, Show, and Reform School."

Shopping:

The Grove and the Original Farmers Market

"With a mix of upscale retailers and restaurants at the Grove and the adjacent historic Farmers Market (since 1934), you'll enjoy an experience like no other in Los Angeles. Our favorite dining options are found in the Farmers Market. Check out Loteria Grill for authentic Mexican food, Sushi A Go Go, and Bennett's Ice Cream."

Dining:

Apple Pan

"In a city known for its burgers, this is the clear winner as best burger in Los Angeles! The one and only Apple Pan has been serving Angelenos since the 1940's. Other great burger places to try include: In N Out - locations throughout the city www.innout.com Father's Office - Culver City & Santa Monica www.fathersoffice.com Pie N Burger - Pasadena www.pienburger.com The Habit - With 9 locations in LA County, the closest one to the Belamar is in Torrance www.habitburger.com"

Dining:

Baja Cantina

"Delicious Mexican food...need we say more?"

Dining:

Cafe Verde

"This small, cuban-inspired eatery is a great option for lunch/brunch. The shrimp plantains in squash blossom sauce are one of the best dishes we've experienced!"

Dining:

Father's Office

"Upscale pub with one of the best burgers in Los Angeles and a killer selection of handcrafted beers. There's also a much larger location in Culver City. Expect to wait in line at the Montana location. Also, don't ask for ketchup, don't try to custom order the burger, and do try the sweet potato fries!"

Dining:

Gingergrass

"We've known of this restaurant for quite awhile, but until recently hadn't tried it. We had been missing out! This is great Vietnamese food with a great atmosphere, located in one of Los Angeles' most unique neighborhoods. Imbibe the basil-lime elixir and don't miss out on the bread pudding with coconut custard sauce."

Dining:

Hole Mole

"Everything on the menu is great, but the fish tacos will knock your socks off!"

Dining:

Mashti Malone's

"Whole Foods is now carrying this one of a kind Los Angeles ice cream, but why not visit the original location for an authentic experience. With unique flavors, like rosewater saffron, Mashti Malone's is not to be missed."

Dining:

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant

"This is Cezanne's favorite non-dim sum chinese restaurant in Los Angeles (his favorite dim sum being Ocean Star). Try the Squid in Spicy Salt or House Special Shrimp."

Dining:

Ocean Star Seafood Restaurant

"Delicious dim sum! If you're feeling adventurous try the chicken feet...sounds gross, looks gross, tastes great!"

Dining:

Philippe the Original

"The birthplace of the french dip sandwich - this is a must if you're exploring the downtown area."

Dining:

Pie'n Burger

"A runner up for the best burger in Los Angeles (that title belongs to Apple Pan in Westwood)."

Dining:

Pink's Hot Dogs

"LA's best dog now that The Wiener Factory is gone :(. They sell more hot dogs than Nathan's on Coney Island. They have a long list of toppings and you'll have plenty of time to concoct your dog while waiting in their long, long line (even at 2 AM) but it's worth it! Free parking."

Dining:

Reel Inn Fresh Fish Restaurant

"Fresh seafood from around the globe is the reason to head to this glorified seaside shack. Steamed green lip mussels overflow from a pail, looking and tasting like they were just brought in from the beach. Although the fried platters are sure winners--especially the sampler filled with snapper, calamari and shrimp--don't miss the fresh-caught fish, such as ahi, grilled or covered with Cajun spices. All dinners come with your choice of fresh, steamed veggies, creamy homemade coleslaw, or your choice of mashed or fried potatoes."

Dining:

Sandbag's Gourmet Sandwiches

"For a delicious and affordable lunch option in the Beverly HIlls area, try this sandwich shop. Bonus - a chocolate chip cookie comes with every order!"

Dining:

Spago

"This is the flagship restaurant in the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. We celebrated our first anniversary here! If you're looking to splurge (on a meal that's worth every penny!) go here for dinner or lunch is a more affordable, but equally delicious option."

Dining:

Sushi King

"Sarah's favorite! A low key spot for delicious, affordable sushi."

Dining:

The Hat

"World Famous Pastrami"

Attraction:

Adamson House Museum

"This historic beachfront home is filled with beautiful tilework - if you're interested in classic California architecture, this is a must see."

Attraction:

Cinerama Dome

"A success story of the LA Conservancy, the Welton Becket designed Cinerama Dome is a Hollywood landmark and Arclight cinema boasts a premium movie experience."

Attraction:

Disneyland

"If you don't know about this place I'm calling Homeland Security..."

Attraction:

Hollyhock House & Barnsdall Art Park

"This Frank Lloyd Wright home in Hollywood has one of the best views in Los Angeles. Tours are offered Wednesdays through Sundays."

Attraction:

Hollywood & Highland

"The heart of Hollywood! Home to Grauman's Chinese Theatre (where you can still see newly released movies), the Kodak Theatre (where the Oscars are held) and the Hollywood Walk of Fame."

Attraction:

Long Beach Museum of Art

"Free every Friday!"

Attraction:

Los Angeles

"If you'd like to learn more about Los Angeles architecture, its historic theaters and the evolving skyline of downtown, visit www.laconservancy.org for information on walking tours held every Saturday morning."

Attraction:

Los Angeles County Museum of Art-LACMA

"LACMA’s collections encompass the geographic world and virtually the entire history of art. Among the museum’s special strengths are its holdings of Asian art, housed in part in the Bruce Goff-designed Pavilion for Japanese Art; Latin American art, ranging from pre-Columbian masterpieces to works by leading modern and contemporary artists including Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and José Clemente Orozco; and Islamic art, of which LACMA hosts one of the most significant collections in the world."

Attraction:

MOCA

"Home of one of America's finest collections of American and European art created since 1940."

Attraction:

Museum of Latin American Art

Attraction:

Museum of Neon Art

"One of the most unique museums in Los Angeles, see a great collection of vintage signage that once lit the city at the height of the neon craze."

Attraction:

Olvera Street

"Olvera Street is the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles, otherwise known as El Pueblo Historic Monument. The colorful village features 27 historic buildings with a traditional Mexican style plaza area. Wander around the marketplace and shop for souvenirs including handcrafted Mexican wares typical of old Mexico. There are also free docent tours by Las Angelitas."

Attraction:

Queen Mary

"The Queen Mary is like the Titanic, only it's still above water. Don't forget to check out the engine room...it's HUGE!"

Attraction:

The Getty Center

"The Getty Center presents the Getty's collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views."

Attraction:

The Getty Villa

"The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria."

Attraction:

The Huntington: Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

"The Botanical Gardens are an ever-changing exhibition of color and a constant delight. Covering 120 acres, more than a dozen specialized gardens are arranged within a park-like landscape of rolling lawns. Among the most remarkable are the Desert Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Chinese garden. The camellia collection is one of the largest in the country. Other important botanical attractions include the Subtropical, Herb, Jungle, and Palm gardens. The Huntington Art Galleries include one of the most distinguished collections of 18th- and 19th-century British paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts outside London, including Thomas Gainsborough’s Blue Boy, Joshua Reynolds’ Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse, and John Constable’s View on the Stour near Dedham."

Attraction:

Walt Disney Concert Hall

"L.A. has world renowned architecture and one of it's most popular architectural landmarks is this 1990's Frank Gehry designed concert hall, which is home to the L.A. Philharmonic."

Beach:

Bolsa Chica State Beach

"Beautiful beach that's less crowded than Huntington. Just know that there are fewer restaurants and amenities in this area."

Beach:

Huntington Beach

"Surf City USA - This is where surf culture got its start. Many great shops and restaurants border this picturesque stretch of beach."

Beach:

Long Beach

"Not the best beach in L.A., but considering it's within walking distance of our apartment, we're fans."

Beach:

Manhattan Beach

"Lovely beach conveniently located near the Belamar, with many great dining options and boutiques. There is also an aquarium at the end of the pier. Neighboring Hermosa Beach and Redondo also have plentiful restaurants, shops, and nightlife."

Beach:

Newport Beach

"For serious beach lovers, travel south and include Balboa Island and Newport Beach in your itinerary. It captures OC living at its best."

Beach:

Paradise Cove Beach & Cafe

"Enchanting stretch of beach in Malibu, which also features a great restaurant. Snag a lounge chair on the beach front and spend the afternoon feasting on ocean fare and sipping your favorite beverage."

Beach:

Santa Monica Pier

"The last stop on the infamous Route 66 - Santa Monica Pier features a historic carousel, ferris wheel and carnival games. Located along 'The Strand', it's great for people watching. Free 3 hour parking before 6pm is readily available in garages on Broadway, as well as along 2nd and 4th Streets."

Beach:

Will Rogers State Beach

"Popular beach in a convenient location with ample parking"

Beach:

Zuma Beach County Park

"The best beach in northern Los Angeles county. It's cleaner and much less crowded than Santa Monica."