Los Angeles has always been one of those cities where I slip right back into a rhythm.

I've spent so much time here throughout my modeling career, whether I've been in town for castings, photoshoots, meetings, or staying for a longer stretch of time. And somewhere along the way, LA became a place I learned beyond just going there for work.

I've found the restaurants I return to, the workout studios that make me feel at home, where I like to stay, and the places I'll go when I unexpectedly have a few hours to myself.

That's really what I want these guides to be: the places I've discovered through years of traveling for modeling, plus the little things I've learned along the way that might make your own trip better.

If you're heading to LA for work, a weekend away, or a longer stay, here's how I'd do it.

Where To Stay

Palihouse West Hollywood

Palihouse West Hollywood is one of my favorite places to stay in LA. It has that relaxed, slightly vintage California feel that makes it feel more residential than your typical hotel, which I especially appreciate when I'm in town for more than a night.

The rooms feel comfortable and thoughtfully designed, and the location makes getting around West Hollywood relatively easy. You're close to Melrose, The Grove, restaurants, shopping, and plenty of the places I tend to find myself when I'm in LA.

I also love having somewhere downstairs where I can grab coffee or sit for a bit before heading out for the day. And their burger and spritz combination is one of my favorites when I don't feel like going far for dinner.

My tip: Location matters so much in Los Angeles. If most of your plans are in West Hollywood, stay in West Hollywood. Saving yourself from unnecessarily sitting in LA traffic is worth it.

Where To Eat

Cecconi’s

Cecconi's is always near the top of my list when someone asks me where to eat in LA. The first time I ate there was on the garden patio, and I immediately understood why people love it. It feels polished and special without being overly formal, and it's equally good for a long lunch or getting dressed up for dinner.

I tend to gravitate toward the truffle pasta, zucchini fritti, and a spritz. It's definitely an LA scene, but that's part of the fun. You'll see industry people, creatives, locals, meetings happening over lunch, and groups of friends who somehow turn dinner into three hours.

My tip: If the weather is nice, ask about patio seating. It's part of what makes Cecconi's feel like Cecconi's to me.

Zinque

Zinqué is much more of an everyday LA spot for me.It's casual enough that I don't feel like I need to get particularly dressed up, but still has a beautiful atmosphere that makes stopping for lunch or coffee feel like a little moment in the day.

I love going for a slower morning or an afternoon break, and the smoked salmon tartine is usually my order. It's also dog-friendly, which immediately earns points from me. I've brought Paris along and sat outside while answering emails or taking a break between whatever I have going on that day.

My tip: Save places like this for the gaps in your schedule. You don't need every meal in LA to be a reservation or an event. Having a few reliable places where you can sit outside, eat something good, and answer emails makes a work trip so much easier.

Where To Go

The RealReal

I've always loved stopping into The RealReal on Melrose when I'm in LA. Sometimes I'm actually looking for something. Other times, I just want to browse.

After working in fashion for so long, I genuinely enjoy seeing what's circulating on the resale market, spotting older collections, finding an unexpected designer piece, or seeing a bag I've been thinking about in person. It's also an easy stop to work into a West Hollywood afternoon rather than something you need to build your entire day around.

My tip: Go without a specific shopping list sometimes. Resale is at its best when you stumble onto the piece you weren't necessarily looking for.Workouts You Must Try

Spend an Afternoon at The West Hollywood EDITION

This is one of my favorite travel tricks, especially on work trips.

If I'm staying somewhere without a pool or suddenly have an open afternoon, I love the idea of using ResortPass rather than feeling like I need to book an entirely different hotel experience. Through ResortPass, you can currently book access to The West Hollywood EDITION's rooftop pool, which overlooks the Hollywood Hills and LA skyline. There are also separate spa options if your version of an afternoon off involves a sauna and steam room rather than sitting by the pool.

My tip: Pack a swimsuit even when you're traveling primarily for work. Schedules change constantly, especially in modeling. A casting gets moved, you wrap earlier than expected, or suddenly the afternoon you thought was booked is completely free. Some of my favorite travel memories have come from actually doing something with those unexpected few hours.

Where To Go For A Night Out

E.P. & L.P.

For a night when I want to get dressed up and actually go out, E.P. & L.P. is exactly the kind of place I think of for LA. It's the kind of spot I'd save for drinks with friends, a date night, or somewhere to start the evening when you don't necessarily want dinner to be the end of the night.

And that's something I think LA does particularly well. You can have your quiet coffee-and-Pilates version of the city during the day and then completely change the energy at night.

My tip: This is the night to wear the outfit you packed and weren't sure you'd have anywhere to wear. LA is much more fun when you occasionally lean into it.

Where To Work Out

John Reed West Hollywood

John Reed West Hollywood is one of the most energizing gyms I've worked out in. The first time I walked in, I remember thinking it felt like a nightclub and a gym somehow had a baby. The lighting is moody, there's music throughout the space, and the interiors feel completely different from a traditional gym.

And somehow, it works. The energy genuinely makes me want to train. They have plenty of strength and cardio equipment along with amenities that make the experience feel like more than simply walking into a gym, doing your workout, and leaving.

My tip: If you're intimidated by working out while traveling, have your workout planned before you arrive. I love using Ladder because I can put my headphones on, open my workout, and know exactly what I'm doing without trying to create a routine in an unfamiliar gym.

Be Kind Studio Pilates

Be Kind Studios is the opposite energy, which is exactly why I love having both options. The space feels calm from the moment you walk in. I started going during a particularly busy season when I wanted movement that felt grounding, and it quickly became a favorite.

The workouts are low-impact and controlled, with an emphasis on intentional movement and form. It's the kind of class where you leave feeling like you've worked without necessarily feeling completely depleted for the rest of the day.

My tip: Don't feel like your travel workout has to be intense to "count." Especially if you're working, walking more than usual, dealing with time changes, or spending long days on set, sometimes Pilates, stretching, or a walk is exactly what your body needs.

A Few Things Modeling Taught Me About LA

Stay near where you need to be. LA looks much smaller on a map than it can feel once traffic is involved. Group plans by neighborhood whenever you can.
Always give yourself extra time. Whether you're heading to a casting, dinner reservation, or the airport, assume getting there may take longer than expected.
Keep a few things in your car or bag. Water, a charger, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, lip balm, a snack, and an extra layer have saved me more times than I can count.
Don't over-schedule yourself. LA can be exhausting if you spend the entire day driving from one side of the city to the other trying to check things off a list.
Take advantage of unexpected downtime. Get lunch somewhere you've saved. Walk around Melrose. Book a workout. Sit by a hotel pool. Some of the best parts of being in LA happen between whatever originally brought you there.

One of the things modeling has taught me about travel is that eventually you stop experiencing certain cities like a tourist. You develop routines.

You know where you want coffee in the morning, which workout makes you feel good after a flight, where you'll meet a friend for dinner, where you can sit for an hour between meetings, and which places you genuinely miss when you've been away too long. That's what Los Angeles has become for me.

Have an LA spot you think I'd love? Leave it in the comments. I'm always adding to my list.

A Model’s Guide To Los Angeles