From exploring picturesque Playa Vista to discovering hidden gems in Mar Vista, this thoughtfully curated guide will help you make the most of your 24 hours in these charming West Los Angeles neighborhoods. Save this itinerary for your next staycation!

Sunrise and Hike at Bluffs Creek Trail, Playa Vista

Start your day with an energizing hike. Bluffs Creek Trail, a beautiful natural oasis offers a tranquil escape amidst the hectic city life. This scenic 4.2-mile loop winds through lush greenery. This beginner-level trail’s meandering course provides breathtaking views of the surrounding neighborhood, including glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and the vibrant Playa Vista community. This trail is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., so you can arrive early to catch the sunrise. The Bluff Creek Trail is an excellent place to watch the sun come up over the Pacific Ocean!

Hearty Breakfast at Homestate, Playa Vista

Founded by Briana Valdez, HomeState is a Texas-style, no-frills restaurant chain crafting breakfast tacos, queso, brisket, and other mouthwatering plates using house-made flour tortillas. The cafe’s breakfast tacos are wildly popular and for good reason. Order the Trinity, which consists of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheddar cheese, or the Guadalupe, comprised of eggs, chorizo, and cheddar cheese, and you will not be disappointed! The Playa Vista outpost also houses a sprawling outdoor dining area, which is the perfect spot to people-watch.

Visit the Mar Vista Farmers’ Market

After breakfast, check out the bustling Mar Vista Farmers’ Market. Every Sunday, this farmers’ market hosts stalls by farmers selling farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, grass-fed meats and cheeses, fresh-squeezed juices, and seafood from the waters of California. 

The most well-loved vendors in this market include the Homeboy Bakery, Aris Natural Foods, Oaxaca Raw, and ChocoVivo. Moreover, don’t miss the Mar Vista Arts and Crafts Collective, which has stalls by artists retailing striking jewelry, pottery, hand-painted scarves, and more.

Eat Lunch at SOL Mexican Cocina, Playa Vista

SOL Mexican Cocina is a welcoming eatery that brings the flavors of Baja California to West Los Angeles. The restaurant’s chic and modern interiors are a delightful setting for enjoying its delectable menu of traditional Mexican dishes. SOL’s signature dishes include Grilled Street Corn, Coconut Calamari, Shrimp Taquitos, Ceviche Sol, Carnitas Street Tacos, Grilled Chicken Burrito, and Banana Chocolate Bread Pudding. I tried the Grilled Chicken Burrito ($19), a grilled flour tortilla with chicken, cheese, guacamole, black beans, pico de gallo, and onions. It boasted a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, and was greatly satisfying!

Retail Therapy at The Runway, Playa Vista

After lunch, make your way to Runway Playa Vista, a high-end outdoor shopping mall, which is home to a variety of upscale boutiques, eateries, and entertainment venues. My favorite shops at the Runway include Matte Argyle, Micro Kickboard, and Dri/Ki. In addition to its retail offerings, this outdoor mall is also a great venue for picnics and community events. 

Relaxing Picnic at Central Park, Playa Vista

Playa Vista Central Park is a well-landscaped, nine-acre park that features a central pathway and rows of tree species. It is home to basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, soccer fields, a baseball field, and lovely picnic areas. Central Park also houses numerous botanical gardens, water features with ducks, and walking trails. Additionally, the verdant park’s amphitheater hosts outdoor musical performances and films. 

Dinner at Little Fatty, Mar Vista

Little Fatty is an intimate eatery offering a comforting blend of Taiwanese flavors and modern American comfort food. The menu at Little Fatty is a delightful exploration of Taiwanese cuisine, featuring dishes such as Scallion Pancakes, Braised Pork Belly, Beef Chow Fun, Walnut Shrimp, Mapo Tofu, and Kung Pao Chicken. At Little Fatty, I ordered the XO Fatty Noodles ($22), which consisted of rolled rice noodles, XO sauce, bean sprouts, garlic chives, and fried shallots. The noodles were perfectly spiced, packed with flavor, and hit the spot. This comforting dish instantly transported me to the streets of East Asia! 

Nightcap at ArtBarLA, Mar Vista 

End your adventure at a creative space—ArtBarLA, an art gallery, a bar, and a performance venue. This bar’s expert mixologists whip up a range of lip-smacking craft cocktails using distinctive ingredients. The venue’s gallery section exhibits an array of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography by local artists. The performance area hosts live music, comedy shows, and other events. I suggest checking out ArtBarLA for a one-of-a-kind, immersive night out in the heart of West Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of Mar Vista Farmer’s Market.