Los Angeles

Why Los Angeles for a Bach Trip

LA is the bach trip for groups who want celebrity culture, world-class restaurants, beach access, and a city that has every flavor of weekend possible. West Hollywood for nightlife, Malibu for beach clubs, Beverly Hills for shopping, Downtown LA for art, Venice and Santa Monica for laid-back beach days. The bachelorette circuit favors groups doing a West Hollywood-and-Malibu weekend; bachelor groups skew toward beach-and-pool clubs in Hollywood.

The trade-off is geography. LA sprawls across 500 square miles. You will Uber 60 minutes between activities and the math gets ugly. Pick a base, stick to one or two regions, and accept that you will not see everything.

Where to Base Your Group

West Hollywood for nightlife focus. Beverly Hills for upscale shopping and dinner culture. Santa Monica for beach access. Hollywood for the iconic vibe. Hotels: The Standard West Hollywood, Pendry West Hollywood, Sunset Tower (boutique), W Hollywood. For groups, mansion rentals in the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, or Malibu sleep 10 to 20 with private pools; expect $1,500 to $10,000 per night for the bigger ones.

When to Go (and When to Avoid)

Best months: October, November, March, April, May. Marine layer is least intrusive. Summer is busy but reliable. Winter is mild but pool culture closes. Avoid Coachella weekends (mid-April), Oscars weekend (early March), and Comic-Con (late July, in San Diego but spills to LA).

The Day Scene

Beach day at Santa Monica or Venice. Hike Runyon Canyon (Hollywood photo with city below). Malibu beach club day at Soho House Malibu (members) or one of the public beaches. Shopping on Rodeo Drive or Melrose. Hollywood Walk of Fame photo. The Getty Center (free museum, incredible architecture and views). Universal Studios for theme park day. Spa day at the Beverly Hills Hotel or Korean spas in Koreatown (Crystal Spa, Wi Spa) for the unique LA spa experience.

The Night Scene

West Hollywood: The Abbey (legendary gay club, bachelorette gold), Chapel at Avalon, The Nice Guy. Sunset Strip: Bar Lubitsch, Rainbow Bar and Grill (rock history). Beverly Hills: Mr. Chow, Bar Centro at SLS Beverly Hills. Downtown: Edison, Otium (rooftop). Speakeasies: Apotheke (Chinatown), No Vacancy (the password is "Casey"). Most clubs to 2 AM.

Food and Drink Worth Planning Around

LA is among the best-eating cities in the world. Top splurges: Vespertine, Providence, Spago. Modern California: Bestia, Gjelina, Felix. Sushi: Sushi Park, Q. Tacos: Guisados, Leo's Taco Truck (the famous one), Sonoritas Prime Tacos. Brunch: Sqirl, Republique, Nickel Diner. For burgers: In-N-Out (LA's hometown burger), Father's Office. For dim sum: Sea Harbour. Korean BBQ in Koreatown is a Friday night option (Park's BBQ, Quarters Korean BBQ).

Pro Tips

Pick one region and stay there; do not try to cover West Hollywood plus Santa Monica plus Beverly Hills in one weekend. Uber from the airport is $40 to $80 depending on traffic; rideshare during 4 to 7 PM is brutal. Book major restaurants three weeks out. The Hollywood Sign hike is the cliche photo; do it Runyon Canyon for the easier version. Book pool clubs at hotels in advance; non-guest passes for The Standard pool or Mondrian pool are limited. And the In-N-Out at LAX (the original) has the longest line in town.