I actually miss all that LA has to offer.

As an architecture student right on the edge of Downtown Los Angeles, I didn’t quite appreciate LA’s architectural beauty because I was homesick for NorCal. The skyline seemed claustrophobic and daunting each time I left and entered the city.

Given some space and perspective, I now appreciate the changing skyline of Los Angeles. And, of course, I miss all my lovely friends and family who call the City of Angels their home. Thankfully, I was able to visit this past November.

During my 4-day trip, I spent most of my time in K-town, but also made my way as far east as San Gabriel for milk tea. I rounded up a few of my favorite spots on this trip, including places you might miss if you only go for the big attractions.

Downtown LA

If you have an early weekend flight to LAX, which is undergoing some major renovations, head over to Downtown LA and check out The Broad—a free museum near the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Parking is a flat $15 for the whole day. That, my friends, is a good deal. Especially if you plan to spend a good portion of the day exploring DTLA.

The museum is an architectural treat. The facade, the glass elevator, the stairs, the little patch of greenery—you name it. Before you check out the exhibits though, put your name down on the iPad list for Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room on the first floor; this mirrored room is The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. That 45 second experience still gives me shivers of gratitude whenever I feel like my worries will envelope me.

While you’re waiting for the Infinity Room, browse through the art upstairs. If you’re still waiting for the Infinity Room after looking through the exhibits, head outside! Relax, grab a bite, or cross the street; there’s the MOCA and the Colburn School. You might be lucky enough to catch students playing music in the school’s courtyard—one of my favorite moments of this trip.

Nearby attractions:

• Try catching a free performance at the Colburn School

• For more art, visit The Museum of Contemporary Art

• If you’re a Frank Gehry or LA Philharmonic fan, visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall

• Enjoy LA views, landscape architecture, and performances at Grand Park

• If you don’t mind walking a few long blocks, check out the Grand Central Market which is near the historic Bradbury Building

Coffee and Tea

Balcony Coffee and Tea

Located on Western Ave is Balcony, which I’ll be returning to because of their enclosed outdoor seating area covered with plants. It’s like a jungle retreat in Koreatown. The customer service is also kind and knowledgeable, which helped me choose from their selection of loose leaf teas that you can smell before ordering.

I felt so at peace here listening to the soft jazz in the background, sipping iced tea surrounded by plants, and journaling. I wish I had found this place while I was still an undergrad at USC, but I’ll be sure to come back on my next trip!

LaB Coffee & Roasters

Located two blocks away from Balcony is LaB, a cute coffee shop with communal and bar style seating. They are on the pricier side, but LaB has something I’ve never seen anywhere else: tea macchiatos—a combination of tea, espresso, and milk.

I love tea and two of my staples are earl grey and jasmine, which luckily, they have both in tea macchiato form! During my stay, I had an iced earl grey macchiato twice because it was sooo good. My pledge sister, who recommended the place, got an iced jasmine macchiato and it was just as yummy.

Labobatory

Although not technically in Los Angeles, if you’re in the mood for another laboratory themed drink, there’s Labobatory which serves a variety of interesting drinks. They have two locations: San Gabriel and Pasadena, the latter of which just opened in late November 2019.

I got the 50 Shades of Grey, marketed as “Activated Charcoal Earl Grey Milk Tea For The Curious.” The other drink featured is a jasmine milk tea with a butterscotch cream topping. Both were delicious and I’d definitely be back to try more of their drinks.

If you enjoyed this post, stop by any of these places, or have your own LA recommendations leave a comment below! Thank you for reading, as always, and wishing you happy travels.