At Smith & Berg Property Group, we spend our days moving through Los Angeles, helping clients find where they want to live next. We certainly know this city inside and out, which is why, when we need a reset, we often stay close to home. In a place as richly layered with art, culture, outdoor escapes, food, and self-care, the right experience can shift your perspective, even if it’s just for a night or two. This week’s SBP Guide highlights the hyperlocal micro-escapes our team returns to when we want to unplug, get inspired, and see our city with fresh eyes.
1. Koreatown, Fully Immersed
STAY
The LINE Hotel anchors a Koreatown staycation perfectly: central, design-forward, and lively without feeling chaotic. Between the rooftop pool, greenhouse restaurant, and hidden speakeasy with private karaoke rooms, it sets the tone immediately.
EAT & DRINK
Everything unfolds on foot. Start with Korean comfort staples at Sun Nong Dan or BCD Tofu House, grab Oaxacan classics at Guelaguetza, and don’t skip late-night bites — Koreatown shines after dark.
DO
A visit to Olympic Spa is a must for a full reset. Later, lean into the neighborhood’s nightlife: karaoke bars, dancing at Apt 503, virtual tee times at W Screen Golf, or a classic stop at Shatto 39 Lanes.
Photo by @danedeaner for the @thelinehotel
2. Downtown LA, Cultural Core
STAY
Downtown LA Proper feels more like a curated cultural stay more than a hotel. Spread across restored historic buildings, its layered interiors pull from Spanish, Moroccan, Mexican, and French influences: bold, immersive, and unmistakably DTLA.
EAT & DRINK
Start and end at Cara Cara for rooftop dining and skyline views. Venture into the Arts District for lunch at Manuela, grab coffee at Maru, or explore DTLA’s ever-evolving bar and restaurant scene: Damian, Bestia, Bavel, Sushi Kaneyoshi…the list goes on and on.
DO
Spend the day gallery hopping between the historic core and the Arts District, wander converted warehouses, or catch live music downtown. The escape here is cultural — layered, creative, and constantly changing.
3. Santa Monica, Coastal Reset
STAY
Santa Monica Proper delivers a beachside stay that feels polished but relaxed. Design-forward interiors and thoughtful common spaces make it feel removed from the tourist energy, even though the ocean is steps away.
EAT & DRINK
Start your morning with a walk to Montana Avenue's Primo Passo Coffee, spend the afternoon beachside, and return to the hotel for rooftop cocktails at Calabra. Stick around for dinner or head out to local fave Cobi’s or to Shirube (don’t sleep on their signature toro tacos).
DO
Stay and enjoy the hotel, stroll the shops of Montana Avenue, or, better yet, spend the day biking or walking the Strand at Santa Monica Beach. Find your spot on the sand and take in the scene — this is an easy reset built around light, fresh sea air, and a view to unwind your mind.
4. Malibu, Beachside Calm
STAY
Nobu Ryokan Malibu offers an immersive, oceanfront experience — modern Japanese design meets coastal calm, making it the perfect base for a Malibu micro-escape.
EAT & DRINK
Grab a fresh, farm-driven meal on the pier at Malibu Farm or a casual bite at Zinqué. For an elevated dinner, Nobu Malibu itself is iconic for sushi and ocean-view cocktails. Supporting local businesses is key as the community rebuilds.
DO
Take a walk along the beach, browse the boutique shops at the Malibu Country Mart, or enjoy a sunset drive along Pacific Coast Highway. Every visit contributes to the neighborhood’s recovery — a micro-escape that’s restorative for both you and Malibu itself.
5. Beverly Hills, Iconic Escape
STAY
Tucked away from the city’s buzz, The Beverly Hills Hotel feels private, nostalgic, and glamorous. If you are up for a splurge, look no further than this Art Deco Pink Palace on Sunset Boulevard.
EAT & DRINK
Start your day at the hotel's iconic Fountain Coffee Room and plan to enjoy an al fresco lunch or evening cocktail at the Polo Lounge. If you decide to venture out: La Dolce Vita, Il Pastaio and Avra are SBP-approved.
DO
Spend the day by the pool, stroll the hotel's lush gardens, or lean into the high-octane shopping energy of Rodeo Drive.
SBP Tip
The secret to a great micro-escape? Choose one element that’s outside your routine — a neighborhood you rarely visit, a hotel you’ve never stayed in, or an experience you wouldn’t normally book. LA does the rest.