Like any great city, Los Angeles is made up of a countless variety of people and expressions. As such, there’s an LA for film buffs and history nerds, for architecture aficionados and wave-studying surfers, for food-lovers and fitness freaks. Occasionally changing things up and experiencing these different worlds, making new and unusual choices, is the secret to unlocking all that the City of Angels has to offer—or any city for that matter. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, an adventurer or an observer, doing something new and different with your weekend will allow you to escape the ordinary and see things from a new perspective—and sure, it’ll also give you some fresh material for Instagram or the Monday-morning meeting.
Here, a few GQ-loved LA spots we think lend themselves to an extraordinary and unique, not to mention beautiful, weekend in the city. This list doesn’t begin to capture all that LA has to offer, but it does include experimental clothes, rare cacti, and an inspiring meal of seafood and sake so it’s sure to shake things up in one way or another.
Unwind on the West Side
Where you can buy the furniture from your super-stylish Airbnb
Los Angeles has no shortage of stylish hotels but if you’re looking for a truly unique venue—whether you’re visiting LA, plotting a staycation, or are in need of a unique venue for a dinner party or group gathering like a book reading—check out Merchant House in Venice Beach. This super-stylish Airbnb is run and furnished by the area’s best vintage furniture store, Merchant Modern. Between the perfectly broken in leather couch, antique clawfoot tub, and giant dining table you’ll feel more than at home during your stay. With everything in the home available for purchase, it’s also an unexpected and experiential way to shop for new furnishings.
Where you can step off the beaten path
