If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, this trip would be all about good food, great energy, and soaking in everything that makes SoCal special: beachy mornings, sunset dinners, creative pockets of the city, and a little magic in between.

Day 1: Welcome to the South Bay
As soon as they landed, we’d drive straight to The Strand House in Manhattan Beach for brunch with a view—ocean air and a glass of something bubbly always set the tone. Then we’d stroll the pier, maybe poke into some boutiques, or grab a coffee at Verve. Of course, it was a vacation, so we’d definitely take a little nap to get us through the rest of our day.

Later, we’d cruise back to Hermosa Beach, walk the strand, and end the day with delicious Sushi at Sugarfish or Izaka-Ya in Manhattan Beach. If we’re still feeling social, we’d grab a fun drink at the X Speakeasy inside Slay and listen to music—super local, low-key, and fun.

Day 2: Beach Day + Hidden Gems
We’d kick things off with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Phanny’s, then head to Torrance Beach—a little more tucked away, way less crowded, and the perfect spot to be. Maybe rent bikes or lie in the sun and talk for hours.

Dinner would be at Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach—always creative, always delicious. And if we want to keep the night going, we’d grab a nightcap at the Shade Hotel rooftop.

Day 3: LA Day
We’d hit the road early and head into LA for an arts + culture day. Brunch at Republique (because, duh), explore The Broad, or wander around the Arts District. I’d take them to Grand Central Market for a snack or to people-watch.

If we’re in the mood for a show, we’d catch something at the Hollywood Bowl—always something interesting. If not, just a sunset moment at Griffith Park and tacos from Tacos Tu Madre on the way home.

Day 4: Recharge Day
This one’s for us to slow down. We’d sleep in, maybe do a yoga class at SoHo Yoga, then grab brunch at The Rockefeller in Hermosa—because bottomless mimosas and crispy potatoes are therapy.

The afternoon? Spa time at Terranea or chilling in the sun with a glass of wine. Dinner would be cozy and creative at Barsha—one of my favorite local spots that always feels like a hidden gem.

Day 5: OC Road Trip
We’d do a day down the coast—maybe start in Laguna Beach, wander the art galleries, have brunch at Zinc Café, and hang out at Victoria Beach (yes, the one with the castle). Sunset drinks at Skyloft or The Deck, then dinner at Broadway by Amar Santana—worth the drive and the splurge.

On the way back, stop in Newport for dessert or drive along PCH with music up and windows down.

Day 6: Something Personal
This would be our day to do something meaningful—maybe shop the Redondo farmers market in the morning, grab coffee from Little King, and set up a sweet little backyard picnic with candles, wine, snacks, and a good playlist. We could even invite friends to make it a whole vibe.

These moments feel like SideDoor to me—simple, beautiful, intentional.

Day 7: The Goodbye
We’d keep it easy—walk on the pier, brunch at Decadence, soak up that last bit of beach energy. Probably squeeze in a few laughs, a few “don’t go” moments, and then I’d drive them to LAX with sand still in the car and a whole week’s worth of stories.

What are some of my favorite spots and people in the area?

The chefs at Fishing with Dynamite and Barsha are doing amazing things with flavor and style. The calm energy of Terranea. The little boutiques in Manhattan and Hermosa. And honestly, the beach—it never gets old.

This is the version of SoCal I love to show people. It’s not just palm trees and sunshine (though yes, there’s that too). It’s thoughtful, creative, full of heart—precisely the kind of experience I try to create in my work.