A few weeks ago, we called on the city’s foremost budding photographers to submit shots of their favorite LA spots, and loads of shutterbugs sent in photos of parks, restaurants and museums they love. We weren't exactly sure what we'd get, but the results are in, and you guys sure are smitten with this city!
Time Out LA editor Kate Wertheimer and photo editor Jakob Layman took a hard look and deemed Ashley W.'s particularly photogenic stunners of Santa Monica State Beach the clear winners (we also crowned five runners-up, who submitted some sweet eye candy as well).
A huge congratulations to Ashley W. for these incredible shots. She’ll receive a $200 voucher to A.O.C. (and mad props). It may be too late for prizes (at least for now), but you can still share your own photos! Head to timeout.com/losangeles to create an account, then upload a photo and a review of your favorite places.
FIRST PLACE, and winner of a $200 voucher to A.O.C.: Ashley W., Santa Monica State Beach
"This beach has so much to offer for both tourists and locals. Are you a fitness enthusiast? Rent a bike or rollerblades to cruise along the beachfront sidewalk. On a family vacation? Check out the arcade and carnival at the end of the pier. Foodie? Grab a burger and a shake on the boardwalk or check out the many restaurants on the 3rd Street Promenade. Just enjoy people watching? Explore the outdoor gym located right on the sand at the south side of the pier. This beach has a little bit of everything!"
RUNNERS UP:
Mike B., Venice Beach
"Not being from LA, you realize Venice Beach is the reason that you moved here. Although it can be very tourist, Venice is a special place. Great place to people watch. Skate park, basketball courts, muscle beach, drum circles and shopping. I forgot to mention the beach. But Venice is still dope 6 years after moving to LA."
Latifah A., Maré Santa Monica
"There is an elusive charm at Mare in Santa Monica that is created by the coastal European inspired décor and sensual sounds from the Mediterranean. The detailed attention to the customer's satisfaction makes dining relaxing and satisfying. Although the menu is rather limited, two choices are quite delicious. First, the Moorish Chicken is a delight to the palate. The strips of dark meat chicken are served on top of a layer of thick Greek yogurt and covered in an unusual sauce creating a unique combination of tastes. The dish also comes with chickpea pancakes that have a crispy texture and simple taste that compliments the richness of the chicken. The third component of this meal is the kale salad interspersed with dates and nuts and a sprinkle of oil. The diner will certainly feel satiated and indulged after this meal. If you like adventure in food, I highly recommend this choice. The second dish that we found to be enticing was the shellfish option. We chose the shrimp with the curry and green apples. The dish was served with the shrimp in a broth in one bowl and spaghetti covered in the curry sauce in a second bowl and when the waiter brought the dish to the table, he cracked a lighted poached egg into the dish and stirred it. (The spaghetti comes with unlimited refills.) The taste of the curry certainly transported us to the Middle East and the combination was a rich and spicy delight. We highly recommend trying Mare and taking your friends with you for an enchanting evening that will not soon be forgotten."
Devi, Palos Verdes Golf Club
"This review is specific to one of the hike's in the area: the Donald Trump Golf Club Hike in Palos Verdes. This hike is awesome. There is plenty of parking for free all along the Donald Trump drive leading into the golf club area. Parking fills up during the weekends but even then if you park more up the road you’re still bound to find a spot. Everyone here is super friendly. Other hikers will say hi to you as they pass which isn’t always something that common in LA. There are different paths, with an option to go down towards the beach as well, so you can make it a leisurely hike or you can run it too. I see people with dogs, different tour groups, families, couples, everything. It’s a great view of the ocean cliffs and there’s different benches along certain points so you can sit and take a break or relax.
The overall terrain of the hike is mild, a lot of flat levels, so again, not the most challenging but there’s always the option to run it. I also love that it’s right up against the golf course so it feels like less chances of snakes and mountain lions (I have legit concerns). Great escape from LA congestion, so glad I found this!"
Tiffinunboxed, Pershing Square Park
"A couple of years ago, I didn't really consider Pershing Square a destination, but more of a place one passes through while in Downtown. Lately I've noticed more of a clean up, more security and more attractions bringing the square to life. There is a wonderful, wrap around playground. Most recently I went to see the public art installation, Liquid Shard by artist Patrick Shearn. Seeing pictures of this moving sculpture, I thought it was made of shards of metal. Inspecting it up close I found it is made mostly of bungee cords and mylar, which makes sense, after watching it flow and undulate through the air. The sound and motion is mesmerizing, almost like watching ocean waves. On my visit I was able to catch it right at dusk and sunset, then came back at night to see it in the dark. Both versions were quite spectacular. I love the sense of community it brought to the square as I watched hundreds of selfies being taken, a tourist video chatting the sculpture and surrounding buildins with his mom and the sound of the children playing. I cannot wait to see what they bring in next."
Melissa R., Little Izaka-ya by Katsu-ya
"Little Izakaya may just be one of the happiest places on this Earth. Unless it is 6pm and you have no reservation and you’re starving for a boat load of jumbo scallops, yellowtail, albacore, and uni. But, now that you have been warned that shouldn’t be a problem. This is a neighborhood spot that gets jam packed during peak hours. Fish here lives up to the Katsuya name in freshness and their prices aren’t terrible at all. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t recommend here to be honest. In fact - I strongly urge you to try it all. Lunch specials are quite good… The Chirashi bowl comes LOADED with tons of sashimi and you get your pick of uni or roe with it. If it’s Monday though…. Don’t get your hopes too high on getting uni though. Grrrr. Happy hour is really great too. A ton of small bites/sushi for under $6. Don’t quote me (mostly bec I’m too lazy to search the menu) but I believe a spicy tuna roll on HH is $3. Um, 10 orders please. My tips: Always look at their specials board, become friends with your sushi chef, be adventurous, and try everything. Enjoy!"
Hillary Freedman, Maradentro
"I love seafood and I love Mexican food. So basically this place is a dream for me. The food is amazing. The service was great. And they had amazing drinks. I had their cocktail of the night and it was some pineapple tequila goodness. I loved it. And their lobster special was unreal. We ordered oysters with a mescal mignonette and they were some of the best oysters I've ever had. That mignonette was unreal. I'd go back just for those haha. My friend had the sea bass and also loved it. My boyfriend isn't a big fish eater so he tried the tacos al carbon and said they were some of the best he's ever had. All in all this is a solid place for drinks and amazing Mexican food. Definitely go check it out. Oh and it's in the best stretch of Ventura Blvd so hit up some of the bars around there afterwards for a night cap!"