Be Prepared: An Insider’s Guide to Fall in LA

Pumpkins and turkeys, plus 70-degree weather? Sign us up for autumn in West Hollywood! Set out on foot or by bicycle, enjoy spa treatments, epic shopping excursions, and even a free-range turkey this season, as we catalog the best fall activities in this neighborhood.

Beat the Holiday Shopper

Get an early start on your holiday gift lists at one (or several) of West Hollywood’s concept stores. The West Hollywood Design District combines shopping with awesome experiences. For example, you can pop by Bluemercury to get your makeup done. This 2,500-square-foot store has all the top names and essentials for your own look, plus stocking stuffers for your close friends. For the gentlemen on your list, wander into The RealReal, a luxury consignment shop, to peruse their Rare Watch bar, or visit the Nike x Melrose concept store, where a glossy, bright-white showroom helps the colorful, athletic kicks shine.

Pro Tip: Just beyond the boundary of West Hollywood, the Beverly Center is a don’t-miss shopping destination. After a $500 million revamp, it features fast-fashion and luxury retail, a row of street-level restaurants and a walking pavilion with plenty of plant life for recharging and relaxing.

Get Fitter Before Winter

West Hollywood is famous for many, many things––buff bodies among them. To get the true local experience here, there are plenty of options for taking a class and carving your abs. Shape House is a modern take on an ancient sweat lodge, using FAR infrared heat to not only rid you of toxins but also increase quality sleep and boost your metabolism. CruBox offers tension relief and muscle toning in the form of boxing classes. They will provide the wraps and gloves, so long as you bring the stamina. And, finally … the holidays are coming, and they can be stressful. Unplug is another great option for travelers, focusing on group and private meditation classes. From breath work to crystal classes to hypnosis, they have a world of healing, calming options under one single roof.

Soak Up That Fall Weather

Strap on a helmet, climb aboard your electric-assist, state-of-the-art bike and cruise the hills of West Hollywood and the surrounding mansions of Beverly Hills with the tour guides at Bikes & Hikes LA. This crew also offers a classic hike, beginning at The Greek Theatre in Griffith Park and culminating in a climb to the famous Hollywood sign. Booked at sunrise or sunset, it can also be done as a private VIP tour for a more personalized experience. Not all outdoor activities need be strenuous. You will find plenty of locals to befriend at The 1 Hotel West Hollywood. Head up to Harriet’s Rooftop, their lush, opulent, open-air rooftop bar, for cocktails expertly shaken and parties extending long into the evening.

Hotel Amenities

A great hotel means vacationing without setting foot outside. Choose wisely and you could have a world of wonders at your fingertips. But, be forewarned. It’s tough to pick with so many impressive hotel options in West Hollywood. You’ll have plenty of space to relax if you book a suite at the brand new 850 Hotel. This residential-style property is housed in a 1918 bungalow, with apartment-sized suites that offer floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful European furnishings. Want to unwind in a spa before padding over to a pool chair in your fluffy bathrobe? The Sunset Marquis Spa is world-renowned, from their romantic couple packages to their signature ARCONA facials. Speaking of skincare, The Spa by Joanna Vargas has helped put the Sunset Tower Hotel on the map for skincare. They offer the latest in cutting-edge technology, from microcurrent machines to power peels to LED light beds.

Nourish the Soul with a Savory Thanksgiving Meal

There are things to nourish the mind and the skin, but how about the soul? Thanksgiving is just the season to raise a toast (and a turkey leg) to all the blessings around us. In West Hollywood, Knoll at Le Parc’s annual Thanksgiving prix fix menu includes all the fixings along with plenty of seasonal sweets.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, The London West Hollywood is donating 10% of all room revenues booked under their THANK YOU, FIREFIGHTERS rate as well as a percentage of all Thanksgiving Dinner sales to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Thanksgiving Dinner reservations can be made here and hotel reservations can be made here.

Cecconi’s is serving a family-style Thanksgiving feast with a seven-plate spread that features porcini and chestnut corn bread stuffing, truffle potato mash, butternut squash cappellacci and more. Guests can also enjoy homemade pumpkin pie, apple crostata and chocolate brownies. the menu is $95/person and it’s available from 12pm-8pm. Call 310-432-200 to make reservations.