Playa Vista is a super unique neighborhood in Los Angeles as a relatively new ‘planned development’ featuring residential, commercial and retail components. In the 1930s and 40s, Howard Hughes headquartered his aerospace empire there. The hangar where he designed and built the “Hercules,” also known as the “Spruce Goose,” is still there and has been transformed into Google’s office (which is INSANELY cool and has the best snack / cafeteria options of any office I have ever visited). Prior to being developed, the land was largely wetlands that were formerly part of the larger Ballona Creek watershed. The land was also once home to the Tongva Native Americans. In fact, a Tongvan burial site was discovered on the site during construction.
It is now a fairly sprawling community with over 6,000 homes, lots of modern office buildings housing tech / creative / gaming / consumer packaged goods companies, lots of retail and beautiful parks.
It can trigger pretty strong feelings from people with a sort of love it or hate it vibe. Some may call it sterile, boring, vanilla, or fake. Others love that it’s clean, safe, convenient and walkable. Honestly, I wasn’t always a huge fan. But in 2017 we sold our condo in Venice and purchased a home in Del Rey, just about a mile from Playa Vista. Now, with two small kids and a dog, we find ourselves spending lots of time there and enjoying all it has to offer. With new stuff opening all the time and lots of events, I’ve noticed it has become a real destination attracting visitors from all over LA.
Restaurants / Bars
Homestate
You can catch me and my family here on most Saturday mornings! A tex-mex style taco spot with lots of breakfast and all-day options. The tortillas are delicious and the tacos are the perfect size. A great casual, affordable and tasty spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Loqui
Also a taco spot with delicious tortillas, but the tacos are bigger and spicier than Homestate. Highly recommend it.
Joliet
I was beyond excited to hear about a speak-easy style bar opening in Playa Vista. Open until 2am on the weekends(!). This old lady has yet to be there later than 9pm, but I still like to know it’s an option! But anyway, this spot is an amazing addition to the Runway and way more than just a bar. They serve pastries, espresso drinks, delicious sandwiches / salads etc. by day and it’s a lovely place for dinner or drinks at night. They even let you take drinks to go! We may or may not have grabbed cocktails to enjoy at one of the many nearby parks / play spaces while the girls play.
Dan Modern Chinese
Love the soup dumplings, pan fried dumplings, shrimp fried rice and scallion pancakes.
Jeni’s Ice Cream
If you’re looking for delicious gourmet ice cream, Jeni’s is the place!
Coffee Shops / Cafes
Blue Bottle
When we first bought our house, the only coffee shop in walking distance was Starbucks. I actually have no problem with sbucks, but coming from Abbot Kinney where we had ALL the options, it was a bit of an adjustment. As soon as this Blue Bottle opened, it became an integral part of our lives lol. We may or may not get Christmas cards from the staff.
Joliet
Same spot as mentioned above, also a great spot to grab a coffee and a nosh!
Shopping
Free Market
There are a lot of beautiful high-end shops in the new Free Market at the Runway including County Line Florals, Archive Atelier Collective, Alchemy Works and Period Correct.
Whole Foods
The Whole Foods at the Runway is my absolute favorite Whole Foods in LA.
Health & Fitness
Bluff Creek Trail
I love having access to this trail for morning walks, trail runs, and casual 'hikes'. It also provides a short-cut in / out of the Kentwood neighborhood of Westchester. You can find me here several mornings a week!
SWEAT Yoga
SWEAT was my first experience with hot yoga, when I accidentally booked a class thinking it was regular yoga! But I absolutely loved it! Found it incredibly therapeutic both physically and mentally (I may have even cried!) They have a 50 minute class which is perfect for me.
RVIVL
This place just opened and offers infrared saunas, cold plunges, red light therapy and IV therapy. Everything recovery. I can’t wait to try it out.
The Studio (MDR)
Not your mother’s pilates class, these high intensity work outs will kick your but and make it look its best :)
Sender One
Bored with your normal workouts? How about a little indoor climbing to shake things up?
Orange Theory
Not really my thing, but people love this gamified workout!
Child / Pet Care
Brella
This on-demand childcare center provides a great option to parents looking for ad-hoc / as needed child care. They also offer educational content / parent and me groups.
Modern Animal
Bright Horizons Playa Vista
Healthy Spot
Great gifts, treats and supplies for your furry friends! They even offer professional teeth cleaning!
Activities
There are always a ton of fun family friendly activities at the Runway! They post an event calendar which you can see here. These are a few of my favorite activities to do in Playa Vista.
Farmers Market
Hosted at the Runway from 9am - 2pm on Saturday's
Kids Club Wednesday's
Hosted at the Runway from 10am - 11am and includes storytelling, yoga, Wild Child and other fun stuff for the littles.
Friday Night Fun
Right now it’s Christmas Carols and Cocoa, hosted at the Runway from 6pm - 8pm. A couple months ago it was live music and salsa dancing.
Artisan Markets
Throughout the year there will be different markets featuring local vendors and artisans!
Cars & Coffee
Hosted at the Runway by Free Market and Period Correct on the last Saturday of the month from 9am - 12pm.
Summer Concerts in Central Park
Also hosted at the Runway, these concerts are a fun way to get out and enjoy some music during the summer!
Annenberg Petspace
An incredible community space for pet adoptions with all kinds of great programming / activities for pet lovers and families.
Click HERE to see some of my favorite active listings in Playa Vista!
Come with me to Playa Vista!
