This past spring, a group of us girls made our way out to sunny California to celebrate our bride (and my college roommate!) Amber. Amber is known for her excellent taste in all things (well, just all things), so each part of this bachelorette “wellness weekend” was planned to a T at the best spots in L.A.

We set up camp at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, which is essentially a minimalist’s dream, and is also in close proximity to all the beautiful beaches, famed restaurants, bars and shops which were also on our list of must-do’s.

We early-arrivers kicked off the weekend with a wine tasting at Fred Segal’s Summer Somewhere, followed by a few other tasting rooms within walking distance. We spent our first evening enjoying cocktails and fine fare at the renowned Gjelina and even popped in for a late night sweet treat at Salt and Straw.

Once the rest of the crew arrived, we spent some time in the sunshine at the rooftop pool at the Proper, spent a brunch outing at The Butcher’s Daughter (also an NYC favorite!), and took in some of Malibu’s best sunset views (and whipped eggplant) at Élephante. Night caps at The Bungalow were also a given.

After coming this close to making it to yoga on the roof, we opted for coffee and doughnuts at Sidecar, then moseyed on over to The Ivy at The Shore—the seaside sister to The Ivy in Beverly Hills, which also happens to be significantly more spacious. A relaxing afternoon beach picnic was the perfect precursor to our night of dancing at The Abbey and The Doheny Room in West Hollywood, where we essentially threw all caution (and wellness) to the wind. C’est la vie.

As always, I came away already planning my next L.A. trip in my mind with dozens of new spots on my West Coast bucket list! Take note of a few favorites below to plan your next L.A. vacay:

L.A. Favorites
Gjelina
Élephante
Salt & Straw
Farm Cup Coffee
Verve Coffee Roasters
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Zinqué
Nobu Malibu
The Waterfront Venice
Perch
Malibu Farm
The Ivy At The Shore + Beverly Hills
Alfred Coffee
The Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge or Cabana Café
In ‘N Out