Los Angeles through local eyes – Discover the city's hidden gems

Morning in the city – Natural serenity and quiet moments

Begin your day like a local and head into nature. Mornings are often at their finest outdoors, when the air is still cool and the city peaceful. Don't forget water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection – proper gear makes hiking more comfortable and safer.

Nestled between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley, Franklin Canyon Park offers a tranquil environment for the whole family. Pack a picnic and settle beside the duck pond – here, the city's noise fades away. If you're seeking a longer escape, you'll find it at Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks. As a bonus, the drive offers a glimpse into life beyond the metropolitan bustle. Wildwood Park features rolling hillside landscapes and diverse trails. Paradise Falls at the trail's end rewards you with a spectacular waterfall.

If you're staying closer to downtown Los Angeles, I recommend heading to Lake Hollywood Park. The park offers not only unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign but also the opportunity to hike behind it. A gentle ascent awakens your body to a new day and provides views that reward the effort.

If you prefer a more relaxed morning start, grab a coffee or smoothie bowl and head to the beach. Swim, practice yoga, jog, or capture photos in the soft morning light – without the stress of finding parking. Classic Zuma Beach and Paradise Cove to its east are excellent choices for a more peaceful beach day in Malibu. If iconic Venice Beach calls to you, arrive before nine o'clock and avoid the crowds. Near the beach, you can rent a bicycle and explore the area on two wheels. Leo Carrillo State Beach, familiar from the first Karate Kid film, is also an experience worth having.

Escape the day's warmest hours with shopping

If you're planning to shop, head to stores during midday. As afternoon approaches, crowds grow, and air-conditioned shops offer a momentary refuge from the blazing sun. Melrose Avenue features wonderful vintage and specialty shops, while the Sunset Junction area offers small boutiques and café atmosphere. And if you started your day at Venice Beach, you can conveniently continue to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for shopping and excellent dining. Los Angeles and its vicinity also feature outlet villages where you can find brand-name discoveries at affordable prices. My personal favorites are Citadel Outlets on the city's southeast side and Camarillo Premium Outlets in Ventura County. Both shopping centers are easily accessible by car, with an impressive range of different stores.

If you want to capture authentic local atmosphere, visit a grocery store. This works everywhere in the world. A grocery store gives you a concentrated glimpse into the area's food culture – try Trader Joe's, for example. I also warmly recommend farmer's markets. And when hunger strikes, Los Angeles' numerous dining spots await – below you'll find recommendations for local favourite flavours and restaurants.

When the sun sets, the city calls you to adventure

Los Angeles at twilight sets the stage for scenic drives. Set out after the worst of rush hour – around six o'clock, side roads begin to empty. If an evening drive appeals to you, I recommend routes on the city's west side between mountains and valleys. Kanan Road and Las Virgenes Road particularly offer photographic vistas.

While California's beaches are beautiful at any time of day, they hold a special atmosphere at sunset. If you want to unwind, drive just under an hour west on Pacific Coast Highway and sink your toes into the sand at Point Mugu Beach. The sheltered, cliff-lined beach offers a peaceful counterpoint to the city.

If you're seeking more action than a quiet beach moment, head to American football. Even if you don't actively follow the sport, I recommend giving both the game and the preceding tailgating a chance. During NFL season from August onward, head to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and join the home team's supporters. Arrive early to enjoy tailgating in the stadium parking lot. Before the game, fans gather in the parking area for an unofficial event where grills are hot and the atmosphere relaxed.

Global flavours and local favourites

The best way to discover a new city is one plate at a time. Los Angeles is a fascinating destination for food travelers, as the city offers flavors from around the world. In Los Angeles, your meal comes with either views, experiences, or stories as a side dish – or sometimes all of these.

If you want to start lighter, stop by the quintessentially Los Angeles Alfred Coffee. Inventive drinks with authentic 1900s atmosphere can be found at Clifton's, recently renovated. If you're seeking art, experiences, and events alongside a good beverage, I recommend stopping at Angel City Brewery. The brewery is located in the city's Arts District, so after cold drinks you can admire colorful street art. I also recommend The Misfit, known for its cocktails, right near Santa Monica Beach.

When hunger strikes, get your hot dogs from Pink's – good things are worth waiting for. If burgers are more your taste, try Heavy Handed's smash burgers. Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles serves comfort food for many Americans. The restaurant's signature dish, chicken and waffles, is one of its most famous options. Mexican restaurant Don Antonio's is known for quality food, especially its tacos. And when options feel overwhelming, Grand Central Market brings Los Angeles' food culture together into one vibrant, diverse whole.

Disconnecting from routine in Los Angeles happens easily over good food and views. If you're looking for a rooftop, try Greek restaurant Kassi in Venice, for example. In Santa Monica, ocean views unfold from the rooftops of both Élephante and Calabra. When you're seeking views from literally new heights, head to 71Above in downtown Los Angeles, 300 meters above ground level. Remember to reserve a table to ensure you can enjoy the food and atmosphere. Ocean views are offered by Neptune's Net, waiting along Pacific Coast Highway, which combines seafood and beach atmosphere. The restaurant is a classic among locals.

The story of California and food wouldn't be complete, in my opinion, without adding In-N-Out to the list. Do you love both hamburgers and airplanes? Indulge at the Sepulveda Boulevard location – or I-N-O, as locals call it. It's located directly under the approach path to runway 24R at Los Angeles Airport. Might you spot a Finnair aircraft traveling from Finland toward the warmth?

A piece of California to take home – Souvenir tips

After experiencing the city's best adventures, you might consider souvenirs. California offers plenty of treats to take home, such as peanut brittle from local See's Candies. I also recommend Trader Joe's seasoning blends (Seasoning in a Pickle, Salmon Rub, Green Goddess, Everything But The Bagel), which travel across the ocean in the store's canvas reusable bags, for example.

You can bring Los Angeles atmosphere home through Boy Smells candles and posters and postcards created by Venice Beach street artists. The city also offers iconic mementos, such as Oscar statuettes. You'll find them with different inscriptions in most souvenir shops. The United States in general is a paradise of choices and options. You'll find numerous flavor varieties in stores alongside familiar domestic products – I personally carefully browse through tea, coffee, and dry goods selections, for example. Convenience is also key in America. You can order purchases for yourself or as souvenirs conveniently through various online stores, and delivery directly to your accommodation is often completely free.

Your City of Angels adventure awaits

The metropolitan area connects beaches, mountains, and urban downtown within short distances of each other. Renting a car makes getting around Los Angeles flexible and simplifies exploring the city's surroundings. Did you know that as a Finnair Plus –member, you can enjoy great benefits from our partner car rentals around the world? Set out to discover the Los Angeles that locals don't just love – but where they feel truly at home. Experience the city that offers something for everyone. Finnair flies from Helsinki to Los Angeles three times weekly.