I may reside in New York City, but Los Angeles is the place I call home. I was born in South L.A. and raised just north of the Valley, and I’m excited to share a few of my favorite things that make this city special. If you’ve never been before, you should know that L.A. is huge. There are corners of the city I have yet to explore, so curating the perfect list of how to spend 48 hours there was a difficult task, to say the least. It’s a multicultural metropolis filled with incredible cuisines, museums, history, and activities, but when I’m pinched for time, there are a few hits I turn to. Below, you’ll find my top restaurants and free(ish) activities. Plus, I’m revealing my go-to hotel that everyone needs to stay in. I wouldn’t write a story like this without sharing what to pack, so you’ll also find some of my favorite L.A.–approved fashion items and travel essentials. Keep scrolling for my guide to Los Angeles.
