When in LA, Live Like an Angeleno
Four Perfect Days in the City of Angels
Los Angeles — the U.S.’s second-largest city — is a sprawling hub of creativity, culture, and contrasts. Driven by the entertainment industry and shaped by diverse communities, LA offers a kaleidoscope of experiences: world-class music, sports, film, food, and art. So when a European client asked us to design an incentive program that would make participants feel like locals, we knew we had the perfect playground.
First, though, we had to spotlight LA’s many strengths:
Entertainment Capital: From iconic studios to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, LA is the beating heart of film and television.
Cultural Diversity: A true melting pot, with vibrant neighborhoods, global cuisine, and festivals from every corner of the world.
Arts & Music: Home to institutions like LACMA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl.
Perfect Climate: Mediterranean weather with sunshine year-round.
Beaches: From Venice’s colorful boardwalk to Santa Monica’s golden sands.
Neighborhood Charm: Instead of a single city center, LA’s character is revealed in its many eclectic districts.
Economic Powerhouse: Beyond Hollywood, industries like tourism, tech, and design thrive here.
Iconic Landmarks: The Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and Getty Center, to name a few.
With that stage set, here’s how we introduced our adventurous group to LA, one unforgettable day at a time:
Day One: Sun, Sand & A Taste of Venice
After the long flight “to the edge of the world and Western civilization,” our guests had one request: the beach. Venice, with its skateboarders, murals, and gritty charm, was the obvious choice. We fueled up with brunch at Gjusta, a beloved bakery-café famous for artisanal breads, seasonal veggies — and notoriously long lines.
For accommodations, we skipped the big chains and chose the Channel Road Inn, a quaint bed-and-breakfast in Rustic Canyon, Santa Monica. With its homey vibe and short walk to the beach, it was just the right fit.
Lunch was a local legend: sandwiches from Bay Cities Italian Deli, where the “Godmother” has a cult following. The afternoon was spent meandering through the historic Venice Canals and stylish Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Dinner at Felix, a cozy Italian gem, capped off the day.
Day Two: Beverly Hills Chic
We grabbed a quick breakfast at Petitgrain Boulangerie in Santa Monica (a New York Times darling) before cruising down Wilshire to Beverly Hills. A stroll down Rodeo Drive is an LA must, whether for people-watching, window shopping, or swiping the credit card at luxury boutiques.
Lunch took us back in time at the Fountain Coffee Room, a retro diner tucked inside The Beverly Hills Hotel since 1949. The afternoon was left open for shopping and exploring before a glamorous dinner at La Dolce Vita, a storied Italian restaurant originally backed by Frank Sinatra and stylishly reborn in 2023.
Day Three: Hiking & Hollywood Nights
Breakfast was at Dialog Café, a West Hollywood hotspot favored by influencers. Then it was time to check into the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, with its mid-century charm, palm-lined pool, and cabanas.
A quick glance at the Hollywood Walk of Fame was followed by something more authentic: a hike at Runyon Canyon, where sweeping city views rewarded our active group. Dinner was indulgent at Zimone’s Florence Osteria, known for its Parmesan-wheel fettuccine, before dancing the night away at the retro-inspired Moon Room nightclub.
Day Four: Eastside Eats & Downtown Arts
On their final day, our guests sampled LA’s trendiest eastside flavors, starting with Courage Bagels — famous for its Montreal-style creations like the heirloom tomato–topped Run It Through the Garden.
The morning continued with a cultural stop at Barnsdall Art Park, home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. From there, it was on to Downtown LA, a vibrant showcase of the city’s renewal.
Our farewell toast took place at Settecento, a stylish Italian spot next to the Los Angeles Public Library, where cocktails flow alongside wood-fired pizzas and soulful pastas. With glasses raised, the group celebrated their whirlwind Angeleno adventure before heading to the airport.
Four days. Countless memories. And a city that proved it’s more than just bright lights and Hollywood glitz — it’s a living, breathing cultural mosaic best experienced like a local.
To plan an unforgettable few days for your team of overachievers, reach out to our team of event architects.