Four places that explain Los Angeles.
A beach at the end of a closed road, a Venice bakery, a Mar Vista counter and a market from 1917.
Four placesChecked October 26, 2026Prices in US dollars
Offscreen starts here: a beach, a bakery, a neighborhood restaurant and a market from 1917. Every post checks the place on its own page, with the price and how to get in.
Hours and prices change. Check with the venue before going. Times are Pacific Time.
Malibu, state beach
Point Dume
The headland where gray whales pass from December to mid-April. The road to the lower lot is closed, the beach is open.
The facts
- Where
- Point Dume State Beach, Malibu
- When
- Sunrise to sunset
- Price
- 2-hour parking at the top, no charge
- How to book
- Few spaces. Status as of Aug 28, 2026
- Who it's for
- Anyone who wants the coast early
Venice, bakery
Gjusta
A bakery, deli and counter on a side street off Rose Avenue. Bread, smoked fish and coffee, seven days a week.
The facts
- Where
- 320 Sunset Ave, Venice
- When
- Daily, 7am to 4pm
- Price
- Counter prices, menu on gjusta.com
- How to book
- Walk in, order at the counter
- Who it's for
- Early risers and long-lunch people
Mar vista, restaurant
Chez Mar
A neighborhood restaurant on Venice Boulevard that keeps short hours: dinner Thursday to Saturday and all day Sunday.
The facts
- Where
- 12222 Venice Blvd, Mar Vista
- When
- Thu to Sat 5 to 10pm, Sun 11 to 8
- Price
- Menu on chezmar.com
- How to book
- Check chezmar.com before going
- Who it's for
- A Thursday dinner with no fuss
Downtown, food hall
Grand Central Market
Open on Broadway since 1917. Counters under one roof from breakfast to dinner, with a garage on Hill Street.
The facts
- Where
- 317 S Broadway, Downtown
- When
- Daily, 8am to 9pm
- Price
- By counter
- How to book
- Walk in. Garage at 308 S Hill St
- Who it's for
- A first day in the city
How we checked
Every fact here comes from the venue's or organizer's own website, booking page or official listing. Nobody paid to be in this guide, and nobody knew we were writing it. If something has changed, write to [email protected] and we'll correct it. How we pick a place →
Photos
- Point Dume: Cecily Breeding, CC0, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
- Gjusta: @gjustabakery, venue photo, own site
- Chez Mar: @chezmar.vista, venue photo, own site
- Grand Central Market: NewtonCourt, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
