The Ultimate Los Angeles Girls Weekend Getaway
By Amanda Mesa | Published on January 28, 2022
Trying to plan the perfect girls weekend getaway in LA? Never fear — California's cool, coastal capital has so many great ways to fill a few days with your besties. Whether your squad consists of foodies, beach bums, art lovers, and fashionistas, or if you're celebrating a birthday, bachelorette, or just a fun weekend with the girls, you won't run out of fun experiences, amazing scenic restaurants, and trendy local shops to explore while you're visiting Los Angeles on vacation.
In fact, because there are so many interesting places and activities to choose from in this sun-soaked city, it's helpful to have a game plan in place before you arrive. With so much to see and do, coordinating the perfect Los Angeles weekend getaway really comes down to researching destinations — though, with our guide to the ultimate vacation, we've done the heavy lifting for you.
Check Out LA's Most Iconic Destinations
If you're visiting the Los Angeles area for the first time or have never had a chance to check out its most famous treasures, a cool California girls getaway is the perfect opportunity to cross some must-see sights off your travel list. Like the Santa Monica pier with its world-famous Ferris Wheel and beautiful stretch of golden-sand beach or the 40,000-year-old La Brea Tar Pits located in Hancock Park. Of course, there's Hollywood Boulevard, where you can pose in front of the iconic Chinese Theatre, spot more than 2,500 celebrity stars along the iconic Walk of Fame, and snap a shot of your girl gang in front of the larger-than-life Hollywood sign.
Shop 'Till You Drop On Your Weekend Getaway
Whether you prefer designer shops, department stores or indie boutiques, you'll quickly find Los Angeles is a shopper's dream city. And scoping out fashionable new finds is a great way to bond with your besties during a girls weekend getaway in LA. Head to The Grove for al fresco shopping. It's a treasure-trove of fan-favorite brands like Topshop, Anthropologie, Nordstrom and more. Or hit up Melrose Avenue for a slew of cool, quirky boutiques selling everything from vintage clothing to statement pieces by edgy, up-and-coming designers. And for those looking to really up the luxe factor, nothing beats Rodeo Drive. You'll find all the top high-end designers here, including Burberry, Dior, Cartier, Chanel, Bulgari and Celine.
Take A Blissful Beach Break With Your Friends
Every California travel vacation calls for some time in the sun, and your girls trip to Los Angeles for a weekend getaway should be no exception. Luckily, you have several beautiful beaches to choose from in the area. Santa Monica is one of the most popular, with its amusement pier, lively boardwalk and large selection of restaurants. You can take surf lessons with your girls at Huntington Beach, known for having some of the best waves in southern California. It's also home to the International Surfing Museum. Craving a more secluded vibe to catch up and relax with your pals? Head about an hour west to Malibu for plenty of pristine, cove-like beaches that feel more intimate and laid-back than their fun-loving counterparts to the south.
Make Memories On An LA Museum Tour
You don't have to be an art lover to appreciate LA's selection of museums. This city has one for every topic under the sun, from natural history to antiquities to movies. There really is something for everyone in your group, so consider dedicating an entire day to museum-hopping during your girls weekend getaway in LA. Some top picks include the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, The Broad, the Getty Center, and The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens. For spectacular views of Los Angeles, head to the Griffith Observatory where you can look out through a 12-inch refracting telescope on the roof at LA's twinkling lights down below.
Add In A Global Los Angeles Food Tour To Your Weekend Getaway
After a busy day of museum hopping with your girls, you'll need a good meal. Like any great foodie capital, Los Angeles is home to a vibrant, thriving and diverse food scene. You'll find delicious dishes from every corner of the world here — Japan, North Africa, Mexico, you name it. One must-visit foodie enclave is Koreatown, nicknamed "K-town." Head here for refreshing patbingsoo (shaved ice), top-notch Korean barbecue and all kinds of authentic, street-food favorites. Lots of restaurants here are open around the clock, so you can find something delicious no matter what time of day (or night) it is. In Little Ethiopia, you'll find Ethiopian and Eritrean delicacies like fluffy sourdough flatbread called injera, kitfo — an Ethiopian beef tartare — and doro wat, a rich red chicken stew. Amazing Mexican cuisine awaits in Boyle Heights, East LA. And Silver Lake offers a little bit of everything — from Thai to new-school Italian.
Take A Blissful Beach Break With Your Friends
Every California travel vacation calls for some time in the sun, and your girls trip to Los Angeles for a weekend getaway should be no exception. Luckily, you have several beautiful beaches to choose from in the area. Santa Monica is one of the most popular, with its amusement pier, lively boardwalk and large selection of restaurants. You can take surf lessons with your girls at Huntington Beach, known for having some of the best waves in southern California. It's also home to the International Surfing Museum. Craving a more secluded vibe to catch up and relax with your pals? Head about an hour west to Malibu for plenty of pristine, cove-like beaches that feel more intimate and laid-back than their fun-loving counterparts to the south.
Don't Stop The Bar Hop In Los Angeles
Like its food scene, Los Angeles' bar scene is legendary. Whether you're into cocktails or mocktails, you'll find all kinds of fun drinking spots where the bartenders have elevated mixology to a science and an art. One notable favorite is the intimate Roger Room in West Hollywood. Dimly lit and channeling Old Hollywood vibes, it's the perfect spot for a nightcap or celebratory drink for a bachelorette party. Or channel your favorite girl groups from the late-90s with a night of dancing at Club '90s. And at Tiki No in North Hollywood, every cocktail will transport you to exotic tropical isles.
Now that you have the local’s guide to weekend getaways in Los Angeles' most scenic sights, shopping, beaches, museums, bars, and foodie neighborhoods, it's time to gather your gals and hit the road. Get ready for some unforgettable fun in the sun that’s sure to make these memories a homerun.
