You can find a comprehensive list of some of our favorite places to eat and to do here: Google Maps

But Los Angeles is so big, so we broke it down even more below:

Mercado la Paloma - community-oriented market with many food options particularly Holbox and Komal

LA tacos are delicious and worth the trip alone; here are a few of our favorites: Sonoratown, Villa’s Tacos, Mariscos el Rey Del Mar, Mariscos Jalisco, Guisados, Leo’s

Bakers Bench - friend of the Catholic Worker’s bakery with a NY Times celebrated vegan croissant (also cute place to sit and relax)

Benny Boy - a favorite brewery with special ciders

Honey Hi - grab a healthy meal or smoothie paired with a walk around Echo Park Lake

Coffee - Picaresca and Kumquat Coffee

Grand Central Market - conveniently located in DTLA with some of our favorites like Villas Tacos and Saritas Pupuseria; head here for a quick dinner before our welcome gathering

Homegirl Cafe - famous for its mission connected to Homeboy

Ice Cream - Mateo’s and Mashti Malone's

Catch 21 - a delicious fish centered restaurant that cares for the people of Skid Row

Local picket lines and protests

Corita Art Center - famous Catholic artist center close to our home, appointments needed

Vista Hermosa Park - like the name says, you'll have a beautiful view

Placita Olvera and Museum of Social Justice - oldest street in Los Angeles with kitschy but fun vendors and foods

Echo Park Lake and Stories Bookstore - talk a stroll around the lake and head to the bookstore/cafe afterwards

LA River - sad excuse for a river but a lovely walk with food and coffee nearby

Griffith Observatory + Mt Hollywood Trail - a classic but beautiful LA institution with a hike and Trails Cafe

Ascot Hills - nature walk in the hills in the middle of the city

Santa Monica Beach - if the sun comes out, head to the beach on the E Line

Huntington Gardens - beautiful and expansive gardens

If you've made it this far, I hope you've also made it to our wedding or are on your way. Traffic gets gnarly. See you soon!