Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry’s Guide to the Best of L.A.

Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A.

As a born-and-raised Angeleno, actress Tia Mowry knows the City of Angels like the back of her hand. Whether you're looking to indulge in world-class cuisine, soak up some culture, or simply soak up the California sun, Tia has all the inside scoop on how to make the most of your time in Los Angeles.
Start your day with a scenic hike in Runyon Canyon, one of Tia's favorite spots to get her steps in. "It's such a peaceful way to begin the day, plus the views of the city skyline are just stunning," she raves. After working up an appetite, head to Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles in Hollywood - Tia swears by their signature dish. "The sweet and savory combo is pure perfection. I always get an extra side of that famous honey-butter sauce!"

For a dose of art and history, Tia recommends exploring the Getty Center. "The architecture alone is worth the visit, but the museum's collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs is truly incredible." Be sure to allot plenty of time to wander the sprawling gardens and take in the panoramic vistas. If modern art is more your speed, the Broad contemporary art museum is another Tia-approved must-see.
When the afternoon rolls around, Tia suggests grabbing a picnic lunch and spending some time at the iconic La Brea Tar Pits. "It's such a unique and fascinating place. Watching the excavations and learning about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area is endlessly interesting to me." For the perfect picnic spread, Tia loves to pick up gourmet sandwiches, salads, and sweets from the Larder at Tavern.
As the sun starts to set, Tia recommends heading to the historic Hollywood Farmers' Market. "The vibrant atmosphere, live music, and amazing fresh produce and street food make it such a fun Saturday activity." Be sure to save room for a sweet treat from Donut Friend, Tia's favorite spot for innovative, artisanal donuts.
To cap off the evening, Tia suggests catching a show at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. "There's nothing quite like enjoying world-class music or comedy under the stars, with the city skyline as your backdrop." For an extra special experience, splurge on one of the private box seats and indulge in gourmet bites and cocktails.

What else is in this post?

1. Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A.
2. Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - Uncover Hidden Gems: Tia's Favorite Neighborhood Spots in LA
3. Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - From Brunch to Sunset: Tia's Top Picks for the Perfect Day in the City of Angels
4. Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - Beyond Hollywood: Exploring LA's Diverse Cultural Landscape with Tia
5. Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - Insider Tips: Tia's Tricks for Navigating LA's Bustling Streets Like a Local

Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - Uncover Hidden Gems: Tia's Favorite Neighborhood Spots in LA

As a true Angeleno, Tia Mowry knows that the real magic of LA lies in its vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and hidden gems. "One of my favorite spots is Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice," she shares. "It's like stepping into a chic, artsy oasis. The boutiques, galleries, and cafes there are just dripping with California cool."

For a taste of LA's multicultural roots, Tia suggests wandering through the historic Olvera Street marketplace in downtown. "The sights, sounds, and smells are so intoxicating - you really feel transported to another part of the world. The tamales from Cielito Lindo are an absolute must-try." Another one of Tia's go-to spots for authentic Mexican fare is Guisados in Boyle Heights. "Their braised meat tacos are out of this world. I love how they use traditional recipes and techniques to create such vibrant, flavorful dishes."

When she's craving a dose of nature in the midst of the urban sprawl, Tia heads to the tranquil Japanese Garden in the Sepulveda Basin. "It's such a serene and zen-like escape. Strolling through the koi ponds and pagodas always puts me in such a peaceful state of mind." For a more high-energy outdoor adventure, Tia recommends checking out the iconic Runyon Canyon trails, which offer panoramic views of the city skyline.
"If you're a music lover like me, you have to make time to catch a show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. The intimate, historic setting makes every performance feel extra special." And for a truly unique cultural experience, Tia suggests visiting the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City. "It's unlike any other museum I've been to - part curiosity cabinet, part immersive art installation. You never know what you're going to discover there."

Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - From Brunch to Sunset: Tia's Top Picks for the Perfect Day in the City of Angels

After a morning spent soaking up the California sunshine, it's time to fuel up on a delicious brunch. Tia highly recommends heading to Gjelina in Venice for their mouthwatering selection of Benedicts, pancakes, and smoked salmon toast. "The vibe is so laidback and the food is incredible. Be sure to try one of their fresh-squeezed juice blends too!"

For a heartier meal, Tia suggests the fried chicken and waffles at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles. "It's a soul food staple done right. The chicken is perfectly crispy and juicy, while the waffles are fluffy and buttery. You can't go wrong with this L.A. classic."

If you're craving Mexican, Tia raves about the al pastor tacos from Leo's Taco Truck. "The meat is sliced right off the rotating spit onto warm corn tortillas. With the salsas and guacamole, it's an explosion of bright, bold flavors."

After indulging in a leisurely lunch, spend the afternoon leisurely strolling and people watching along Venice Beach Boardwalk. "It's such an eclectic scene. Street performers, local artists, and funky shops make this one of my favorite spots to take in the sights and sounds of L.A."

Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - Beyond Hollywood: Exploring LA's Diverse Cultural Landscape with Tia

As a longtime resident, Tia knows that Los Angeles offers so much more than just Hollywood glitz and glam. "LA is made up of so many vibrant, diverse neighborhoods - each with its own unique culture and identity," she shares.

For a taste of LA's Latino roots, Tia suggests checking out Olvera Street in the heart of downtown. Wander through the colorful Mexican marketplace and sample authentic dishes like tamales and churros. Or head to Boyle Heights for incredible tacos and live mariachi music along Mariachi Plaza.

To experience LA's pan-Asian influences, Tia loves exploring Little Tokyo and Koreatown. "The food alone is worth the trip, but these neighborhoods also have amazing art galleries, shops, and cultural events that showcase the diversity of Asian-American life in LA."

Nature lovers shouldn't miss the chance to visit the Japanese Garden in Van Nuys. Tia describes it as "a serene, zen-like oasis in the midst of the city." She also recommends grabbing picnic provisions at the Original Farmers Market and enjoying them under the shade trees at scenic Griffith Park.
For a uniquely LA cultural experience, Tia suggests a show at the legendary Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. "The intimate, underground venue is famous for showcasing emerging musical artists and is such a cool, authentic side of LA."

Sun-sational Sunday: Tia Mowry's Guide to the Best of L.A. - Insider Tips: Tia's Tricks for Navigating LA's Bustling Streets Like a Local

As a lifelong Angeleno, Tia Mowry has mastered the art of getting around Los Angeles with ease. "Traffic and parking can be a real headache for visitors, but there are some insider tricks I always use to avoid the hassle," she shares.

First and foremost, Tia recommends taking advantage of the city's robust public transportation system whenever possible. "The Metro is such a convenient and affordable way to explore different neighborhoods without having to deal with finding parking. Plus, you can use the time to relax and take in the sights." She suggests downloading the Metro app ahead of time to plan your routes and purchase tickets digitally.
For those times when driving is a must, Tia advises always checking traffic conditions before hitting the road. "I swear by the Waze app - it gives you real-time updates on accidents, construction, and other delays so you can plan the fastest route." She also recommends leaving extra time to account for LA's notoriously unpredictable traffic patterns. "Don't be afraid to give yourself 30-45 minutes more than you think you'll need. It's better to have that cushion than to be stressed about getting somewhere on time."

When it comes to parking, Tia has a few go-to strategies. "In popular areas like Hollywood or Santa Monica, the meter parking can add up fast. I always try to find a parking garage or lot instead - it's usually much cheaper, and you don't have to worry about feeding the meters every couple hours." She also suggests familiarizing yourself with the city's parking regulations and signage to avoid any pesky tickets. "Double-check the posted signs so you know if it's street cleaning day or if there are certain time restrictions. It can be tricky to navigate, but it's worth it to avoid those hefty fines."

For the ultimate insider experience, Tia recommends renting a bike or electric scooter to explore certain neighborhoods. "The Venice Beach Boardwalk and the trails around Griffith Park are perfect for getting around on two wheels. You can cover so much ground and see so many hidden gems that you might miss in a car." Just be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic laws, she cautions.