Digital Nomad’s Guide to Los Angeles (LA)

Brown tinted, hazy skyline photograph of Los Angeles skyline.

Most of my cousins live in LA, so it’s a city I visit often and know somewhat well.  Though LA’s sprawl drives me crazy, because it makes getting around without a car exceedingly difficult, I’ve gotten more into the ‘LA vibe’ over time. Especially in neighbourhoods like Venice Beach and Silverlake.

(Want to know what LA sounds like? Here’s a playlist of local tunes.)

Coffee Shops

Groundwork Coffee Co. (Rose)

671 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

This exceptional coffee shop (part of a local chain) sports a perfect outdoor seating area, with reliable wifi, right by Venice Beach. It’s my go-to LA cafe for work and Saturday morning reading.

Bright exterior shot of white cafe building.

(Photo: Groundwork Coffee Co.)

Verve Coffee Roasters (Mateo)

500 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Though the location isn’t in a particularly interesting or walkable area, the Verve (also a chain) on Mateo Street is a picturesque two-story cafe that’s excellent for work or real-life meet-ups.

High contrast exterior shot of modern brick building.

(Photo: Verve Coffee Roasters)

Stories

1716 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This lefty bookstore cafe in Echo Park has a cool DIY vibe. There aren’t too many places to sit, but it’s crowded for a reason.

Crowded interior shot of caffee with lots of people sitting, working.

Restaurants

Cafe Gratitude (Rose)

512 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

After coffee at Groundwork on Rose, I’ll walk down the street to this phenomenal vegan restaurant for lunch, and order a menu item like the “I Am Whole” or “I Am Grateful” (everything is named something like that).

Bright photograph of plates of colour, healthy-looking food.

(Photo: Cafe Gratitude via Postmates)

Sage (Sunset)

1700 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Hippie/hipster vegan spot in Echo Park. Super organic, amazing vibe, awesome food.

Interior shot of restaurant with rustic wood aesthetic, chairs and tables.

(Photo: Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery Echo Park)

Gracias Madre

8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States

Super classy Mexican vegan restaurant, with a great vibe and great food.

Exterior shot of white and black building with two small trees.

(Photo: Gracias Madre)

Parks and Recreation

Venice Beach

Venice Beach, Los Angeles

I’m not sure I’d bother with parks in LA. Instead, hit up the Venice Beach boardwalk for some funky shopping (especially art) and a dip in the ocean.

Bright shot of Venice Beach with massive crowd around a man holding another man doing a headstand.

The Broad

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Very cool art museum with free general admission, though you may need to pay for special exhibits.

Getty

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States

Hard to say what’s better about the Getty: the art or the mountaintop views.

Exterior shot of large square building by street.
Bright exterior shot of white building, stairs, and reclining black statues.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol: Legal drinking age in California is 21.

Cannabis: Recreational cannabis is legal at the state level (though federally, it’s still illegal). It can be purchased from licensed dispensaries by adults aged 21+.

Psychedelics: Aboveground stores sell kratom, and I’ve seen places on Venice Beach apparently selling Amanita Muscaria (legal) and even psilocybin products (illegal).