I did it guys, I conquered a solo trip to Los Angeles. Going so far away from home solo for the first time was not only exciting, it was extremely therapeutic. This was actually my second visit to LA in less than a year. However, between the time alone, art, food, and fashion.. I left completely in love.
In today’s article, I’m going to discuss why I decided to pack a bag, camera, and tripod and take this ball trip in the first place; every where I went/ate, and tips on helping you conquer a solo trip along the way. Keep reading, a full guide of surviving a major city such and Los Angeles Solo Dolo.
Solo Trip To Los Angeles? Why?
I recently mentioned on my New Year’s Eve Vlog that one thing I would do this year and moving forward is take the trip even if I have to do it alone. I will no longer miss out on traveling experiences waiting on others.
The truth is, dealing with personal life, business challenges, and a rough holiday emotionally… sis needed a break.
I normally take a trip at least once a month, and although my last two months had been fairly eventful, there’s nothing like packing a suitcase, strolling though the airport, and the feeling of an aircraft taking off. This trip was totally impromptu and highly necessary for my self care, and mental health.
This Wasn’t My First Rodeo
It’s no secret Los Angeles is a hub for great food, art, fashion, and supreme culture. A cocktail for an eclectic person such as myself to have the best time ever. I know this because I had gone less than a year ago and liked it… a lot. Needless to say, my first experience there was amazing. I felt like, if I could survive Los Angeles solo without a hitch I could go anywhere. I mentioned liking it a lot right? After this trip I feel head over hills in love.
Speaking of hills, aside from the plethora of artsy and foodie things to do; between the fresh air and the backdrop of hills and mountains Los Angeles is just… refreshing.
She needed a serious reset (she is me lol) and traveling alone to Los Angeles was the perfect solution. With all these factors, traveling alone to LA never presented hesitation to book the flight. Keep reading to learn everything I did (for free) and the hottest foodies spots!
Tips: You Booked The Flight, Now What
Hooray! You did it you booked a flight and found a swanky spot to stay and figured out your mode of transportation. But whats next?
- Pack Essentials – Aside from clothes think about things you will need on your journey. I took my journal and was able to write out thoughts and ideas. I’m obviously a blogger I packed my mini ring light, tripod, along with my regular video camera. Remember, you’re going to be alone which means no one is there to take your pictures you know. Honestly, although I’ve tried it I’d just rather set up my pod and get the photo I want. All that being said, investing in a tripod with a bluetooth remote is an essential at the very least. I found mine on amazon for under 30.00.
- Let Someone Know Your Every Move – Although I don’t believe in thinking negatively; anything can happen. Pick a person you trust to know what your lodging arrangements are and call them periodically throughout your trip just so they know you’re safe. My best friend was my person, not only did she know my location, I turned on my phone’s location. I chose her because I knew honey would instantly book a flight if there was an SOS situation, lol.
- Set Up An Itinerary – I will discuss this later on, but at least have a general idea of how you plan on spending your time. Although I didn’t know the exact things I would be doing, I knew my trip would involve art, food, sightseeing repeat. This way I was able to pack accordingly and was ready for any occasion fashion wise.
Foodie Spots You Must Try In Los Angeles
I visited more than a few delish spots none of them fell short of amazing. Here’s were I ate, solo traveler approved.
Met Her At A Bar { 759 South La Brea Ave }
I found this premier breakfast and lunch spot while perusing tiktok. I saw several videos, and proceeded to google. The reviews raved about this spot so it was a no brainer it was my breakfast of choice for a Saturday morning. Its a cozy yet hip destination looking like it fell straight from an episode of The Food Network.
Although a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options are offered; Met Her At A Bar’s specialty is the Belgian waffle. We aren’t talking any waffle baddie, we are talking decked out decadent delicious f’ng waffles.
What I Ordered
Fried Chicken and Waffle
This dish has a Thai twist topped with peppers and fried basil. The flavor combo of this dish is UNREAL. From the syrup to the sriracha dipping sauce. This maybe the BEST chicken waffle dish I have ever had. Yeah.
Scrambled Eggs
Just like the main dish, my eggs were scrambled to perfection. I mean, do you see the photograph!?
Latte
Upon ordering my waiter asked if I wanted, regular, almond, or oat milk. I was floored. It’s the consideration and options for meee. I did an oat milk latter with caramel. Perfection.
When it comes to this foodie spot I have zero complaints. I highly recommend you give Met Her At A Bar a try should you grace Los Angeles. I visited at the peak of their opening about 9:00am. It was slow with no wait I can easily see there being a wait should you visit on the weekend later in the morning.
Post and Beam {3767 Santa Rosalia Dr}
I’m no stranger to this black owned brunch and dinner spot. This is my second go round here. My first experience was so delightful I vowed to return should I return to Los Angeles. Good vibes, good drink, and even better food this place did not disappoint, both visits.
I visited during brunch hours. Just FYI literally ordered the exact same dish as my preceding visit, each of the items were THAT good.
What I Ordered
Bellini
Fresh and the right balance of peach to alcohol. I felt a nice buzz after one.
Pecan Pie French Toast
This decadent dish is not your average french toast. The soft bread that used is topped with cinnamon cream and drizzled with a bourbon caramel. THIS is what french toast should be. It blissfully melts in your mouth.
Smoked Salmon Croquettes
My mouth is watering just at the thought of how delicious this dish is. You can fine these on the ‘sides’ menu. You get two, and although they appear small they pack a hell of a punch. Honestly, the serving size is just enough. If you aren’t traveling alone, and with someone. Make them order their own, you won’t want to share lol
Grits
These yellow grits are amazingly good. I’m not sure how they are prepared but when I tell you the flavor is there. Whew! I asked, and I was told they are made with a fresh shrimp stock. Unreal. I just don’t know another word to describe these grits.
If you plan on visiting Post and Beam highly recommend getting a reservation. This place books up QUICK. Post and Beam is open Wednesday – Sunday from 11:00am -10:00pm. Brunch is every Saturday and Sunday. However, the hours vary.
La Conde { 800 W 6th St.}
I wanted to experience a classy night life DTLA dining location. I went to my handy dandy Tiktok page and looked up ‘dinner in LA’ and came across this spot. A Latin fashion grill offers delicious authentic cuisine. Not only is this location sexy and vibrant, they have a girl who comes through and does a fire dance. Should you go, be sure to visit the bathroom. The entry hallway is highly Instagram worthy.
What I Ordered
Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita
I will cut to the chase, this drink was simply marvelous. It was probably the best margarita I had in Los Angeles for the weekend. The sweet and spicy flavor combination was unique and wowing. This is also coming from someone who loves a jalapeno in their drink.
Mignon Skewers
These tender fillets were grilled and cooked in a bittersweet sauce. The perfect appetizer to get your tastebuds going
Diablo Shrimp
Another waiter recommended item, this creamy shrimp dish was packed with flavor. Although I enjoyed the dish, I honestly don’t feel it was worth $40.00 but it’s Downtown Los Angeles and high pricing at a premier spot is expected.
Leo’s Taco Truck {1515 S La Brea Ave}
If you are looking for cheap but scrumptious tacos, here is a spot for you. I had the pleasure of enjoying this taco truck the first time I went to Los Angeles. Just like Post and Beam I made a personal vow to return my next visit to LA. No disappointment still.
What I Ordered
Chicken Tacos
Priced at $2 a piece you are getting way more than a bang for your buck, they are seasoned perfectly and grilled. You have the option of flour or corn tortillas. I went with flour. With each order you get a bag of onion and cilantro, red sauce, green sauce, and radishes. Although I didn’t know what to do with the radishes, these tacos slap. They were a perfect and light conclusion meal to end my trip at the hotel. After eating all these delicious meals I was over going out for food lol.
Tips: Dining While Traveling Alone
When traveling alone servers always ask “are you waiting on someone?” at restaurants. This was the number one question I was asked during my trip. I simply smiled and said no and gave an brief explanation of what I was doing out in this major city alone. Traveling alone is a conversation starter for sure.
- Be Confident – people eat out alone all the time. I had a video camera so I spent a lot of my time filming and snapping photos. Having your phone can be a life saver in needing something to do. Depending on the restaurant, bring a good book to catch up on. You won’t be looked at as a whack job even if you just sit and people watch, just don’t stare for too long lol.
- Keep conversations to a minimum- remember everyone in the World isn’t nice and there are some weirdos out there. You really have to use your best judgment with who it’s okay to speak to and about what. I didn’t tell anyone I was traveling alone. I may have mentioned I was stepping out alone while my friends where doing whatever if I was asked.
More Tips
- If you are a talker, have fun… make up stories. “Oh yeah, my husband (who plays for..) is having private practice for the game against the Lakers tonight and we are in town for the weekend game. Lol. You will most likely never see these people ever again in life, live a little.
- Always sit were you can see the entire space – this way you can pay attention to your surroundings and can see who is coming and going. You might even catch the eye of a weekend fling (oow)
- Tiktok Is The New Google – If you aren’t sure where to eat, hop on Tiktok and search for what you want. For example for dinner I searched ‘Dinner in Los Angeles’ all types of suggestions popped up. You get a chance to look at real life videos and reviews. From there I go to ye ole faithful Google and look up the same location. It has not failed me yet.
Things To Do In Los Angeles. Cover Charge: $0.00
If You’re Into Art, You’re Definitely Gonna Wanna Stop At These Places
I am biting my fist in lust just thinking about everything I saw during my solo trip to The City Of Angels. Everything that I am going to list is free to do. Of course you can purchase things while there but the cover charge is 0.00.
Without going into severe detail here are a few places I found for my solo trip and enjoyed
The Broad {221 S Grand Ave}
Out of all of the contemporary museums I’ve been to, this can go down in my history book as one of the most memorable ones I’ve personally experienced. The Broad is an architecture’s dream, the design alone is a sight to see. Upon arrival you must go up a long escalator which opens up to one of the coolest museums ever.
With original designs from Roy Lichenstein to Andy Warhol, it was simply breath taking to an arty. For the first time in my life I stood in from of a Jean Michael Basquiat and cried. Okay, waaay tmi. But yeah, The Broad is the deal. It’s 100% free, the catch is you’ve got to reserve a ticket online. If it so happens to be sold out the day before, check early the morning of to snag a last minute pass.
Richfield Tower’s Art Deco Doors {515 S Flower St}
These two massive bronze doors are the only thing standing from the once mystical Richfield Towers building.
The Last Book Store {453 S. Spring St}
This symbolic and chic bookshop is housed in an 22,000 sq foot abandoned bank. Even if you don’t buy a book, its a sight to see.
Corporate Head {725 S Figueroa St}
A sculpture of a man’s head buried in a corporate building with a story to tell.
Urban Light {5905 Wilshire Blvd}
Known as LA’s ‘Miracle Mile’, this stretch of vintage lights is not only a popular art tourist spot, its beautiful to see. I visited here the first time and felt the need to go back my second go round. One word of advice… NO TRIPODS lol. I had no idea, I’d set up shop and got just enough photos in before security politely asked me to take it down. It’s one of those places thats says ‘I’ve been to La’ without saying I’ve been to LA sort of deals.
Other Notable Places To Visit
The Fashion District
Leave it to me to end up in the Fashion District in Los Angeles. Vendors, food, fashion, people… it was insane. The street were lined with fabrics, I felt like I had stepped into a movie scene. I found a authentic LA vintage store and stumbled across The Santee Alley.
Venice / Santa Monica Beach
If you’ve ever seen the movies with a small amusement park on a beach, this is the spot. Santa Monica/ Venice beach is a vast stretch of restaurants, Cali living, and the Pacific Ocean up close and personal. During my visit it was about 48 degress, so me going out in a two-piece and flip flops was a no go. However, getting out and smelling the fresh air and seawater in solitude was a beautiful experience. I walked, put positive affirmations out for myself, gave Thanks to God, and snapped a few photos with my tripod iphone.
Even during the warmer days, this is the beach to go to. Santa Monica’s pier is also a top tier destination for attractions mainly food and views. But it’s a cute and cozy spot to visit when traveling alone.
Tips: Traveling Alone As A Tourist
- Download Atlas Obscura… NOW – Anytime I visit a new city I use an app on my phone called Atlas Obscura. This app is AMAZING at finding cool and quirky things to do anywhere in the world. I’m artsy and appreciate the weirder things in life, Atlas Obscura is my soulmate. I’ve discovered so many cool things by having this app.
- Choose Safe Locations – Being safe is always priority. I visited places where a lot of people were and stayed away from sketchy areas. In most cities, downtown is always a good place to start because it checks off the above lists and there’s tons to do. I normally stay Downtown when visiting a city. In this case I stayed in Pasadena, Ca. Not only is it extremely safe, I saved majorly on lodging. It’s only 20 minutes from DTLA.
- Make The Most Of Your Time – Whenever I’m traveling in general I have a full itinerary, I’m totally the person who has everything down to a science of how I plan to spend my day. Traveling solo is no different. Once you’ve established what you want to do map it out, literally. I use my phone map to create a timeline especially when I’m in unknown territory. In a big city like LA, its very easy to get stuck in traffic or drive all over the place just circle back where you started. Spend your time enjoying yourself, plan your day and travel accordingly.
- Do what YOU enjoy – The best part about traveling alone was the fact that I had full control of what I wanted to do. I stayed in The Broad for nearly 4 hours, why? Because it’s what I wanted to do. Should you chose to do a solo trip, invest your time in doing what makes your heart sing.
Wrapping Things Up: Traveling Alone In Los Angeles, California
As you can see I had a BLAST by my lonesome in LA. My advice to you if you’re thinking about taking the solo trip. DO IT.
I have become much fonder of spending time with myself. Silence and meditation was front and center; I didn’t post one thing on social media. In fact, I was having such a time aside from snapping a picture here and there I wasn’t invested into my phone whatsoever. I did what I wanted to do without any regard for anyone. That was the best part of this entire experience.
Let’s be real, we all want to be a little selfish from time to time. We all deserve to be selfish and spend time with ourselves, traveling alone is the ideal opportunity.
I hope this article helps you with pressing ‘Book Flight’ if you are on the fence with taking a solo adventure. Aside from that Los Angeles is a dope city, I hope this mega guide is of assistance for your trip there.
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-Ash
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