36 Hours in Hollywood: An Ode to LA for Creatives
Can Hollywood, of all places, make for a quiet creative retreat? Turns out, it’s just a hidden courtyard (or three) away.
An Ode to LA
LA is a great many things to a great many people. It’s the land of dreams, after all. With so much to see, explore, and ways to just - well - exist in LA, how can a creative, introspective type possibly find the right “pockets” of the city to call their own?
Many guides have been written (and I’ll be adding to that list with one on Santa Monica soon). I wanted to take the time to make this the one guide for anyone who wants a creative, restorative, and intentional 36 hours in LA - no car required and ride-share optional.
And you’ll do it all while staying in Hollywood, of all places. Not the first place that comes to mind for many when they think “quiet” and “restorative.”
A theme you’ll notice as we go: the best of Hollywood tends to hide a courtyard back from the street. It’s something most of LA is great at: building around communal spaces that bring the indoors and outdoors together.
For the sake of timing and a well-paced trip, let’s imagine you’re arriving around midday Saturday and flying out late Sunday. Feel free to adjust accordingly.
Like most places worth exploring, LA is worth the extra days.
But if you only have ~36 hours, here’s how to make it a proper creative retreat…
Where to Stay
The Prospect Hollywood, for a sense of arrival
Solace is easy to find in the courtyard of The Prospect Hollywood.
The Prospect Hollywood
Address: 1850 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Website: theprospecthollywood.com
You can look high and low, but you may never find a boutique hotel that gives you the sense of arrival and tranquility the way The Prospect so effortlessly does.
Tucked just off the bustling streets of Hollywood proper, The Prospect is a quiet oasis that calls back the lost Hollywood of yesteryear. The art deco touches are tasteful. Rooms are named after famous actors, with concealed mirror-paneled bars to make any lush swoon. And the hotel itself warmly hugs an intimate courtyard where the dual fire pits send their smoke up towards gently swaying palms overhead. An oasis, indeed.
I’m a big believer that where you stay will define your stay.
Of many, many, many stays around the world, The Prospect is amongst my favorites (and somehow quite reasonably priced, too).
Day One | Saturday
In Search of Bread, Lost Signs & a Fireside Drink
Mid-Day: Brunch Just Down the Street
Superba Food + Bread for the bread (naturally)
Superba Food + Bread
lifesuperba.com | 6530 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Drop your bags and take in The Prospect for a minute. Then let’s head out for brunch (or lunch, depending on when you’ve landed).
Just a few blocks south of The Prospect, you’ll find one of the most charming, equally oasis-like spots in town: Superba Food + Bread.
Bring an appetite and your journal (and camera). The courtyard patio is idyllic, the interior holds its own, and the menu keeps a good focus on what anybody should be craving at this point: great bread and great beverages.
What to get: You may have gleaned by now… this spot is known for its bread, so, yes, the bread and butter is a must. Beyond that, go for the breakfast sandwich. The thick bacon alone is worth the order and it comes with a side of potatoes you won’t want to leave behind (I certainly didn’t).
Afternoon: Exploring & Photographing Lost Hollywood
Crossroads of the World for a 1930s oddity
After your meal, venture a few feet west and across the way from Superba to Crossroads of the World. It’s a (somewhat mysterious looking) 1930s open-air mall that has been the backdrop for movies like L.A. Confidential and shows like Dexter.
More than likely, you’ll find the gates closed, but it’s still a worthy oddity to take in and photograph.
Keep your walk going. At this point you may be tempted to drink in the hustle that is Hollywood Boulevard, and I can’t fault you. It’s a sight to behold, sidewalk stars and all.
But let’s keep out of the chaos and keep to the creative. Fortunately, you just have to look up for that.
Around Hollywood, you’ll see rustic buildings, vintage and forgotten signs, and abandoned spots that give the whole area a luster of lost charm.
It’s frankly sad to see some of the most beautiful architecture hidden behind emblazoned signs for tourist novelty shops, but that’s a different story.
Afternoon: Head to Silver Lake
Go Get Em Tiger for a patio and some people watching
No creative’s guide to LA is complete without Silver Lake. It’s a magnet for creatives, with fun boutiques, small-format restaurants, and tons of vintage shopping. That’s not to mention the exploring.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk it. There’s no shame in grabbing a ride, though. Set your destination for Go Get Em Tiger.
Go Get Em Tiger (Los Feliz location)
gget.com | 4630 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
I love the atmosphere at Go Get Em Tiger - sitting right where Los Feliz runs into Silver Lake. It’s airy, Nordic, and creative through and through, and that tree-covered front patio is my favorite spot to be at any time of day.
Grab a drink, grab a seat, and journal / people watch.
It’s mighty restorative and you could easily spend your whole afternoon doing just that.
Save some time to explore the rotating galleries and boutiques that dot the street -
I’m tempted to steer you but, ultimately, there is no wrong way to enjoy (and discover during) an afternoon in Silver Lake.
Early Eve: Back to the Oasis
The Prospect’s happy hour for a drink and a good book
As the shadows grow longer, head back to The Prospect to freshen up (by foot, car, or your preferred method).
You’ll be met with the evening happy hour. The lobby bar livens with spirits by night - and livens the spirits in return. Grab a drink and a good book and head out to the courtyard to post up by one of the fire pits.
This is one of the finer ways to spend the evening. So sip, read, and repeat, until your appetite wins out.
Dinner: Another Courtyard and Fireplace Combo (are we sensing a theme?)
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele for the courtyard and towering fireplace
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
damicheleusa.com | 1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
If there’s a theme here, it’s a creative’s endless longing for a good courtyard - ideally paired with a roaring fireplace.
So let’s keep it going with a walk to one of my favorite stumbled-upon finds: L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.
It won’t take you long to see why I think L’Antica is sublime. It’s an airy, expansive restaurant just minutes from The Prospect, and you’re in for a real treat if your hunger is calling for Italian.
Skip the enclosed front area and the interior. The real destination is the back courtyard, which feels more at home in Tuscany than tucked off Hollywood Boulevard. And, against the far wall, a tall fireplace stands as the centerpiece amongst the buzz of diners.
What to get: Go with the Margherita (Tomato, Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Basil) and add the Prosciutto, Arugula and Parmigiano. It’s simple, fresh, and exactly what that airy courtyard calls for. Pair it with whatever the fireplace puts you in the mood for.
Not in the mood for Italian? I’ve got you covered. Lace up and walk the ~35 minutes to The Formosa Cafe (or grab a ride if your legs are still recovering from the day).
The Formosa Cafe
theformosacafe.com | 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
The walls are lined with photos of famed celebrities, and there’s a literal train car inside the swanky, old-Hollywood room.
It’s a fantastic pick for an iconic night out in Hollywood - plus incredibly great Asian food. (And, while no courtyard, I’m assured the rooftop is equally sublime.)
Late Eve: A Speakeasy Nightcap
Sunset & Vinyl for the spins, sips, and (entrance) search
While you’re out, swing by one of my favorite speakeasies, Sunset & Vinyl. I’m not one to ruin surprises - so no photos or information on entrance location here. Have fun finding it!
Once you do find your way in, I think you’ll have to agree: this is an unpretentious spot that is dripping in cool.
There’s a long bar, vinyl spinning, a few different places to settle in, plus a solid cocktail list and vinyl collection both very worth exploring.
Pick a drink and pick a record to add to the spin queue (on bar).
Not the drinking type?
Ask for a non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated espresso martini (you read that right). It’s the perfect nightcap that won’t throw off your morning.
Other creative-worthy evening options
We’d rec:
Blue Note Jazz for a live performance
Aviator Cocktails for the kitsch of it (pictured)
Melrose Umbrella Co for the courtyard, of course
Hollywood Forever Cemetery for movies and concerts
Plus plenty of pop-up galleries and live music around the area
Field Tip: Keep an eye out for pop-up shows and intimate concerts at Post Mix Film Lab.
Far more than a place to get your film developed, Post Mix Film Lab occasionally hosts gallery showings and music. Their Instagram is the best place to keep tabs.
Catching Y La Bamba from feet away at Post Mix Film Lab was a dream come true on my last visit.
Post Mix Film Lab
postmixfilmlab.com | 5662 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
That’s a wrap on Day One
Keep exploring, or settle into a slow evening back at The Prospect.
Sunday has even more ahead.
Day Two | Sunday
Exploring Markets, Trails & One Last Patio
Morning: Breakfast by the Fire Pits
The Prospect’s breakfast spread for a slow start
Ease into Day Two with the breakfast spread at The Prospect.
Grab a croissant, a coffee, and some juice, and take it in against the brisk morning air, the not-yet-burned-off clouds, and the fire pits already going.
Mid-Morning: Market Hour
Hollywood Farmers’ Market for the Sunday buzz
As you liven up, make your way a few blocks over to the Hollywood Farmers’ Market, every Sunday from 8am-1pm.
Hollywood Farmers’ Market
8am-1pm Sundays | foodaccessla.org | 1600 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
It’s wonderful: rows and rows of vendors with everything from produce to flowers to artisan goods to fun bites. Try the samples, admire (and acquire) something handmade, and soak in the early buzz.
Staying longer than a day? Grab a bouquet for your room too.
You deserve it.
Note: If you’d rather sit down for a meal before or after the market, grab a light bite nearby at Groundwork Coffee Co. I’m not always one for big breakfasts, but Groundwork’s fresh ingredients (especially in the Breakfast Tacos) earn the praise.
Groundwork Coffee Co.
groundworkcoffee.com | 1501 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Late Morning: Hit the Trails
Griffith Park for the views (and fresh air)
As the sun starts to peek through, grab a ride (or trek it) up to Griffith Park.
I like starting from the Glendale Peak trailhead and taking in the sweeping skyline views along the way - plus offers a great vantage point both from Griffith Observatory and of the famed Hollywood Sign.
Want something a bit less strenuous? You can’t go wrong with the Hollywood Reservoir loop, about 3.5 miles of well-tended trail.
Whichever trail you pick, slow down and take in the views.
Early Afternoon: Refuel & Respite
After hiking, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Two great options, depending on what you’re feeling - and doing both is absolutely an answer…
Beachwood Cafe for a post-hike pastry (and people watching)
After your hike, do yourself a favor and keep the walk going (or grab a ride) to Beachwood Cafe.
The drinks range from coffees and teas to wines and beers, and there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians.
The people watching is excellent, and so is the people listening: you’ll often overhear some fun entertainment-industry conversations.
Personally, there’s no better choice than a cold drink and a pastry from the outside benches or the window bar, especially after a solid hike.
Take some time to wander, too. There are lovely homes and shops along this stretch. If you’ve got time to fill before your flight, detour to The Hollywood Sculpture Garden, especially if you’re a fan of art and all things eclectic.
Solar de Cahuenga for one last (beautiful) patio
Before your journey to LAX (which is, truly, a journey in and of itself), make time for one final beautiful patio. Lucky for us, right near The Prospect is one of my favorite places in Hollywood: Solar de Cahuenga.
It’s just as good for breakfast as it is for lunch. You’ll be immersed in a crowd that’s a vibrant, all-ages mix of folks catching up and getting work done (a notable gathering of screenwriters is delightfully expected), all energized by a menu of juices, smoothies, empanadas, crepes, and other scratch-made fare.
Perhaps the toughest decision of your trip is what to order here. Fortunately, you can’t go wrong.
Eat on the patio just out back behind the bar where you order, and bask in the slivers of sun cutting through the overhead awnings and strings of bulb lights.
Leaving LA, fully restored
Soak it in and take the time to reflect (and journal)
With the time left under LA’s golden sun, take the time to reflect on your trip and all the beautiful sights, sips, sounds, and side-quests you’ve enjoyed.
Under the surface, even a place packed with tourist-focused spots like Hollywood offers so many quiet, restorative, and downright creative finds.
Most of them, as you might now see, are just a hidden courtyard away.
Always leave more to be discovered
As you head off to LAX and onto your next journey, I hope you’re already plotting a return. We barely touched what more time in Silver Lake can hold, or the incredible gallery scene around Los Angeles.
Then there’s Santa Monica, plus all the creative energy out in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree (did someone say Desert X?).
For all the different things it is to so many different people, LA is above all (and underneath it all) a deeply, deeply creative place.
I hope you leave as recharged and restored as I usually do after a creative - albeit too short - stay in LA.
—//—
Safe travels, explorer.
Our Hollywood Field Notes
Recap of key recs and beyond for your explorations
Where to Stay: The Prospect Hollywood
What to See & Do: Crossroads of the World · Silver Lake galleries and boutiques · Hollywood Farmers’ Market (Sundays) · Griffith Park trails · Hollywood Reservoir loop · The Hollywood Sculpture Garden · Post Mix Film Lab (pop-ups)
Where to Eat: Superba Food + Bread (Brunch) · L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Dinner) · The Formosa Cafe (Dinner) · Groundwork Coffee Co. (Breakfast) · Beachwood Cafe (Post-Hike) · Solar de Cahuenga (Breakfast + Lunch)
Where to Drink: The Prospect (Happy Hour) · Sunset & Vinyl · Go Get Em Tiger (Coffee) · Groundwork Coffee Co.
What to Look Forward To: Desert X (rotating dates)
What Else to Explore? Santa Monica · Palm Springs · Joshua Tree
Enjoy & Explore Well.
Thanks for Exploring
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