los angeles

Yin Lin &:Free admission, fantastic view over LA & hollywood sign. Park at the foot of the hill, bring your light picnic set and take a hike up. The view at dusk is the most beautiful. Don’t forget to bring head lamp or torch light for your hike down. The observatory is a landmark and a must-see.

Yin Lin &:LACMA-One of the most visited museums for contemporary art in LA. Also nearby: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Peterson Automotive Museum, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures… all great and family-friendly museums. All within walking distance from each other, one can easily spend a whole day in this museum row called “Miracle Mile”. After long day of museum-visits, have dinner in one of the authentic ethiopian restaurants nearby. See recommendation on Little Ethiopia.

Yin Lin &:Ice age excavation site and still an active paleontological research site. Unique and must see! One of the museums on Miracle Mile (see LACMA).

Yin Lin &:Close to the museum row (see also LACMA). A lively street full of authentic ethiopian restaurants and shops. Our favorites are Rahel (offers only vegan dishes) and Messob. Order the combo platter+ethiopian honey wine and dive in with hands!

Yin Lin &:Interesting architecture and a nice view over LA. After museum visit, take a short drive to Hakata Izakaya Hero for authentic and delicious japanese dinner (tapas style). See also Hakata Izakaya Hero.

Yin Lin &:Very authentic and delicious japanese food (izakaya-style), a hidden gem in Westwood. Do come early (5:30pm) or else call ahead for reservation.

Yin Lin &:Our favorite Dim Sum restaurant in LA. Dim sums are served in a very authentic way - in rolling carts by middle-aged ladies, extremely efficient and pragmatic service😂. Dim sum classics that we always order: Har Gao, Shiu Mai, Sticky chicken rice wrapped in lotus leaf, turnip cake, steam souped dumplings, rice noodle rolls, pork Bao, egg tart…

Yin Lin &:Rent a beach cruiser here and cruise north from Hermosa Beach up to Venice Beach (or even Santa Monica pier!) and back. Super fun, a lot of sun light (so don’t forget to wear sunscreen). Make a few stops along the way, e.g. at Playa Vista for a coffee/pastry at Playa Provisions.

Yin Lin &:Hip and trendy shopping mile between Venice Blvd and Main Str with lots of restaurants and shops. Our favorite destination for Sunday beach cruise-rides coming from Hermosa Beach. Great place to have brunch/lunch and do a little shopping. For brunch: check Gjusta out.

Yin Lin &:A.k.a. the glass church with unique architecture and amazing view over Pacific ocean, designed by architect Lloyd Wright (son of Frank Lloyd Wright).

Yin Lin &:Father’s Office in Culver City. Great gastropub to try out different craft beer, food is not bad too. Have dinner at the nearby “Pasta Sisters” and come here for beer.

Yin Lin &:One of the best shopping malls in LA. For good and authentic chinese food try “Meizhou Dongpo”, or “Hai Di Lao” for hotpots and order “dancing noodle” there, kids (or kids-alike) would be thrilled.

Yin Lin &:One of the few movie theaters with luxury loungers where food and drinks can be ordered from your seat and be brought to you to your seat. Good location and clean.

Yin Lin &:Unique concert venue under the night sky, a historic landmark popular among locals and tourists. A variety of concerts for diverse music tastes. Must visit! Bring your own picnic and wine or order from one of the many options at the venue. Best way to get there: Park your car and take one of the shuttles.

Yin Lin &:Beautiful and unique rock formations. Film location for countless hollywood and western movies. Mount Whitney at the backdrop and the entrance to Death Valley is closeby.

Yin Lin &:Beautiful, mediterranean-style town in Central California. But close to SB is a charming small town also worth visiting called Ojai (pronounced as “Oh-Hi”), in the valley of Topatopa mountains, known for small boutique shops, olive farm and organic farmers market. Do also check out this book store “Bart’s Store”. We highly recommend Ojai Valley Inn in the center of the village for lodging.

Yin Lin &:Private skateboard lesson. Coach Cameron is super experienced with teaching kids (and adults) and is super patient. Contact skeltonskateboarding@gmail.com or follow him on IG: skelton_skateboarding

Yin Lin &:You’ll find many special events throughout the year at Manhattan Beach near the pier. The ones not to miss are: Skechers Holiday Fireworks (this year on Dec 11th), MB Open Beach Volleyball Tournament by AVP (August).

Yin Lin &:Small local brewery in Torrance. Awesome brews and usually has food truck at their location selling street food (check their homepage for food vendor schedule).

Yin Lin &:Another brewery! Nice atmosphere, frequented by supposed employees of nearby SpaceX🤓. (By the way checkout the Falcon 9 booster at SpaceX too). Food vendors are usually available (check their food vendor schedule) and if possible, go on the day when GochugangBBQ is there, their korean bbq Tacos are heavenly!