KHAMSA ventures to Los Angeles, the City of Angels.
Los Angeles, the sprawling city of dreams and contradictions, pulses with an energy all its own. In this urban playground, palm trees sway against a backdrop of neon-lit boulevards and sun-kissed beaches, coexisting with a city skyline as multifaceted as the rest of the destination.
This week, KHAMSA touches down in the famous LA and explores it with a detailed travel guide by Dana Boulos (@danaboulos on Instagram). Dana is a director, photographer, and DJ based in LA. She aims to empower the next generation of creatives through her work, which is as inviting as the city itself.
From the iconic Hollywood Sign to the kitschy charm of the Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles is a city of landmarks. These monuments to the city’s history and culture are more than just tourist attractions – they’re symbols of the dreams and aspirations that have drawn people to this city for generations.
Top must-visit food spots in Los Angeles?
BREAKFAST
For traditional Japanese breakfast.
Order the crispy rice salad. You won’t regret it!
Serves my favourite blueberry pancakes and has a design that captures the essence
of a classic, chic L.A. diner.
The name says it all.
LUNCH
Try the “Pick-a-Sandwich” option, where you can choose your ingredients for a custom sandwich in LA, all set in a beautifully designed interior.
I’ve been visiting them since childhood, and I’m still obsessed with their cherry rice.
Perfect for a light and healthy lunch.
I love their falafel plate and mint tea.
My favourite spot for tacos and burritos. I often find myself there, enjoying good food and great company with friends.
FOR JUICES
“Maru is my go-to for iced matcha; it’s the best! Moon Juice is essential for any LA Native. It has fantastic juices that you just have to try. Stories is not only a great bookstore, but it also has a charming little café to enjoy.”
– Dana Boulos
FOR DINNER
I’ve been going here since childhood. It’s my favourite Lebanese restaurant in LA. When I’m craving a home-cooked meal, this is where I go. It’s my little gem of comfort, reminding me of Teta and Lebanon.
This is my all-time favourite sushi restaurant in L.A.
The Smoke House
If you know, you know. It’s the best place for a steak, and, fun fact, it’s George Clooney’s hidden gem of a restaurant.
FOR DRINKS
“My friend Harley opened this fantastic wine bar called Stir Crazy, and it feels like a slice of New York and Paris right here in our city. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying little bites and catching up with friends. At Grandmaster Records, my favourite place to dance, my friend Myles Hendrix DJs the night away.”
BEST PLACE FOR SUNDOWNERS?
For the best spots to enjoy sundowners and rooftop views, I recommend the following places to relax and
watch the sunset.
- Yamashiro Hollywood – It is the perfect place to watch the sunset while having a Japanese drink.
- Sunset Tower Hotel – There’s nothing like dessert and drinks at the iconic Sunset Tower Hotel; sit outside on their terrace overlooking the pool and view.
- Griffith Park Hike – Hike to the top of Griffith Park to watch the sunset from the helicopter landing area, which offers stunning views over Los Angeles.
- The Hollywood Bowl – It is a fantastic spot for sundowners to enjoy live music and picnic under the stars with friends.
BEST PLACES FOR SHOPPING?
Here’s a mix of vintage and new shops that I adore:
MUST-VISIT CULTURAL SPOTS?
“Living in L.A., it’s easy to overlook the iconic cultural spots that define this city. However, whenever I have a friend visiting from abroad, I see L.A. through fresh eyes, and it’s always a stunning revelation. I’m fortunate enough to call home some of these iconic cultural treasures.”
– Dana Boulos
Hollywood Sign
“I still get star-struck when I see the Hollywood sign on a clear day.”
Los Angeles Theatre
“The most beautiful theatre I have ever been to! It’s so majestic and out of this world.”
China Town
“Has such beautiful architecture with hidden travel souvenirs.”
Malibu Beach
“My all-time favourite beach. There, you can see surfers and beautiful dolphins jumping from the ocean.”
Luna Luna
“It opened just a year ago in downtown LA and is a must-visit destination. This unique spot features carnival rides creatively designed by artists like Keith Haring and Salvador Dalí.”
BEST HOTELS TO STAY IN?
Chateau Marmont
“The Chateau holds a special place in my heart; it’s my all-time favourite hotel in L.A. This legendary hotel is rich with stories and personal memories. The pool area is so magical. I love the hotel’s privacy — it doesn’t feel like any other hotel I’ve stayed in. Staying here feels like coming home.”
The Langham Huntington Hotel
“The Langham has a European charm that makes you forget you’re just in Pasadena. I cherished sneaking into the grand ballrooms and savouring the finest high tea with my best friend.”
Silver Lake Lake Pool & Inn
“The Silver Lake Pool & Inn is super comfortable and in the best area with a great restaurant also, it’s up the street from Erewhon.”
The Roosevelt Hotel
“An iconic Hollywood hotel with endless stories, it features a fantastic pool area where you could happily lounge for hours.”
UNDERRATED PLACES?
The Academy Motion Picture Museum
My favourite museum in Los Angeles, I make it a point to visit every couple of months because there’s always a new exhibition showcasing a director’s iconography. It’s a must-visit.
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater stirs deep nostalgia in me with its timeless marionette performances. It’s a magical place that captivates visitors of all ages, proving its charm is universally enchanting.
Arcana Books is worth the drive. It boasts the best archive of art and photobooks imaginable. They also offer rare deadstock prints from various photographers and artists….I treasure my “Priscilla” print by Joseph Szabo from their collection.
Stahl House (Case Study House #22)
If you’re as passionate about architecture as I am, you must visit the iconic Stahl House, famously immortalized by photographer Julius Shulman.
WHAT SHOULD YOU AVOID?
“Traffic from 4 pm to 6 pm!”
– Dana Boulos
MUST-PACK ITEMS?
“Here’s my go-to essentials when packing for L.A….”
- My Contax T3 camera
- Fuji Polaroid
- Vintage Chanel Black Sunglasses
- Classic Baseball hat
- Levis 508
- Dieux instant angel cream
- Vacation 50 SPF Sunscreen
- Agenda book
- Balenciaga city bag (which is my Mary Poppins-like bag; everything fits in it)
- Bikini
- Mason Pearson brush
- Santa Maria Novella perfume in
- Portable iPhone charger
- Chanel lipstick in the shade Legend
ANY TIPS TO TACKLE THE CITY?
“Rent a car and always have a playlist ready!”
