Welcome locals! If you have found this page, you want to know your city better. Whether you have recently moved to Los Angeles or have been here for decades, I promise that I will reveal something new. No matter how long you have been in Los Angeles, locals should start here!
One of my proudest moments is when locals tell me I have shown them something new. (It just happened last week. I was asked if there was a good sake bar in Los Angeles. I recommended Ototo.)
Table of Contents
What is this Ugly Beautiful City?
This Ugly Beautiful City is a local’s guide to Los Angeles. It is an itinerary-focused travel site that features travel tips and guides for anyone exploring Los Angeles, from a local Angeleno to a first-time tourist who is passionate about food, art, and culture.
Why I am writing this for you?
Los Angeles can be intimidating. There is so much to do, and so much of it is so spaced out. I know many of you stick to your neighborhood or the ones close by. I was guilty of that too. When I lived near Paramount Studios, I spent most of my time in Hollywood and Los Feliz. Going to Santa Monica felt like heading out for a day trip.
I am going to help you get to know your neighborhood and the other Los Angeles neighborhoods better. I will help to reveal your new favorite things to do in the city you call home.
Neighborhood Guides
I have a collection of neighborhood guides to help you explore. I am just getting started. Each guide lists my recommendations for things to do, eat, and see in each neighborhood. I would treat each guide like a day trip instead of jumping from one far-flung neighborhood to another.
My one piece of advice for locals is to explore outside of your home neighborhood. Get out there and see what the other 400+ neighborhoods feel like.
Helpful apps and websites for Angelenos
There are things I wish I had known when I moved here. I have stumbled upon some great resources in my seventeen years of living in Los Angeles, and I thought I would share them to help you enjoy this city and not have to learn things the hard way,
I was on a podcast
If you would like to listen to my advice instead of reading it, I was on a podcast last year. In the episode, I talk about my love for Los Angeles and give a shout-out to all the hidden gems I love in this city.
This page gives 1) a link to listen 2) show notes with all of the things we talked about.
Los Angeles On a Budget
Can you experience Los Angeles on a budget? What if I told you it was possible? These 100+ ideas show you how to see art, dance, shop, eat, and more for less than $15. I even encourage you to quit that gym you are paying for and aren’t going to. This list has some of my favorite things to do in this city.
Two hints are in this photo!
Staycationing in L.A
My recommended itineraries for locals
Los Angeles Hidden Gems Bingo
Exploring the local side of Los Angeles can be hard. What if you turned it into a game? Whether you’re a lifelong Angeleno or visiting from out of town, this clever game will turn you into an LA insider with an eye for the extraordinary. Stop just seeing the Hollywood Sign and finally experience the true hidden gems and under-the-radar hotspots of LA!
Be a part of the community.
The best thing you can do is subscribe to my newsletter! My newsletter is the best way to stay in the know about Los Angeles. I send out curated events lists twice a month and get subscribers to come out and explore with me. This post outlines the reasons why you should subscribe.
Get post updates, news, a list of the best things I ate in the past month, and more by subscribing to my newsletter.
Are people visiting you in Los Angeles?
Send them to my tourists start here page. (Then you don’t have to answer all of those questions.)
Some posts to read about living in Los Angeles
- How to speak Angeleno
- Something that can only happen in L.A.
- My experience with a psychic in Los Angeles
This Ugly Beautiful City is a 100% self-funded publication. If you have used any of the advice on these pages and would like to send a thank you, consider buying me a coffee.
