I want to plan a weekend “staycation” with two of my friends. They have children, I don't. This weekend would be adults only. We are lifelong friends who are thinking about leaving the city., but now I feel that that option is too expensive. We are not heavy drinkers, but I like cocktails and good food. One of us doesn't eat meat. We all love the outdoors, but I would prefer to sit in the shade (to protect our skin and spend more time outside). We love dancing and live music. One of us is an avid walker.
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Can you suggest some things to do to have a restful, relaxing and energetic weekend that is affordable and can help create unique memories? — Estefania Perea
This is what we suggest:
I love your idea of spending a vacation at home instead of going out of town. It's definitely cheaper and easier to plan (especially for moms). Plus, it's fun to be a tourist in your own city. I've put together three mini itineraries in different areas to give you some options. All of the hotels mentioned have rooms with double beds at prices under $250 per night (before taxes and fees).
The first place I usually recommend to visitors is the Line in Koreatown because it is centrally located and there are many things to do nearby. The aesthetically pleasing hotel has a rooftop pool, a highly Instagrammed greenhouse restaurant, and an '80s-themed speakeasy with karaoke suites. Within walking distance, because you would easily waste an hour trying to find parking, there are also several delicious restaurants. In this guide to Koreatown, Jeong Park recommends Sun Nong Dan for a delicious Korean breakfast (“get there before 10:30 a.m.,” he notes) and Guelaguetza for Oaxacan staples. If you're a fan of Sundubu-jjigae (spicy tofu stew), my personal favorite is BCD Tofu House, which is just a short walk from the hotel and stays open until 3am most nights. It would be criminal not to visit a Korean spa while you are there, so visit the Olympic Spa. I recently had a massage there after a stressful week and it brought me back to life, without being over the top. For fun activities, you can choose from the many karaoke bars in the area, go dancing at Apt 503, take a virtual swing at W Screen Golf, or hit a strike at Shatto 39 Lanes.
For a west-side option, my colleague Christopher Reynolds suggests the lively Hotel Erwin in Venice, which “has a rooftop bar, a modern vibe, and a location near the boardwalk,” he says. Some notable restaurants in the area, according to food writer Danielle Dorsey, are Si! Mon, Dudley Market and Wallflower (which is vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free). He also suggests taking “a walk through the canals of Venice, which are decorated during the holidays.” Take a short drive to Santa Monica for a pastry and coffee at Bread and Butter, which you can enjoy while walking along the beach. My colleague Hanna Sender, who lives in the area, says: “I also love taking visitors to Bergamot Station for comedy at Crow and food at Le Great Outdoor.” For ultimate relaxation, visit Tikkun Holistic Spa, featured in our Times guide to hidden spas. Writers Elisa Parhad and Danielle Roderick noted that she gained notoriety when Goop reported on her former vaginal steam therapy, but that her services are appreciated for having “a more holistic bent than simple body scrubs.”
Another neighborhood that would be fun to explore on vacation is Culver City. The Hilton has affordable rooms, but if you don't mind splurging a little, the charming Culver City Hotel is a great option. It is located in the centre, which is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops, including the infamous Erewhon. Start your day with a short hike at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, which offers a stunning view of the city. (If you're feeling more adventurous, you can even challenge yourself to climb the 282-step staircase.) Dorsey also recommends Destroyer for brunch and Merka Saltao for an affordable lunch. I recently tried Japanese ramen shop Mensho Tokyo and haven't stopped thinking about it since. For a relaxing activity, get a facial at Formula Fig, but when you're ready to dance, head to Blind Barber, a speakeasy that features live DJs throughout the week.
I hope these suggestions help you plan your relaxing vacation. If you're like me, just being with your friends, no matter where you end up, is always a good time and a necessary recharge. *Indicates the theme song “Girlfriends” by Angie Stone.*
