Find the Best Things to Do in Studio City
By Sujata Day
About Studio City
Photo courtesy of Laurie Avocado
Known as the "Beverly Hills" of the San Fernando Valley, Studio City boasts a booming business sector and a less hectic lifestyle than Hollywood's urban hub-bub. Looking for celebrities living their everyday life? Proceed to Studio City's gorgeous hiking trails, myriad sushi restaurants, and upscale shopping boutiques scattered along Ventura Boulevard.
See & Do
A relatively easy 3 mile loop through Studio City and the Hollywood Hills, Wilacre Park's Fryman Canyon offers beginning to seasoned hikers unparalleled views of Los Angeles. Less crowded than uppity Runyon Canyon, you're more likely to spot a celeb or two here on a morning run than in Hollywood. Another plus? George Clooney's house stands right off the trail.
Eat
Sushi lover? Studio City boasts Ventura Boulevard's popular Sushi Row, a throng of heavenly sushi restaurants clustered in one neighborhood. Sushi Row boasts the freshest sushi in America, because seafood boats from Japan first land in LA then proceed elsewhere throughout the States. Katsuya, Asanebo and Iroha are must-visit establishments for sushi connoisseurs.
Party
Taverns and gastropubs dominate Studio City's nightlife scene. Firefly Restaurant and Bar ranks high as a happening place where hipsters mingle with industry types. Laurel Tavern entices with a bar menu that includes grassfed burgers, steamed mussels, and pork belly skewers. The opening of Black Market Liquor Bar, a popular gastropub featuring Top Chef's Antonia Losfaso in the kitchen, further cements Ventura Boulevard's ascent into untragic coolness.
Stay
A Studio City landmark since 1962, Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel is known for its "Old Hollywood" guests like Clark Gable, Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn. Built on 8 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, the hotel boasts waterfalls, gazebos, native flora and fauna, and an olympic-sized swimming pool. Reminiscent of a mountain ski chalet, Sportsmen's Lodge offers a unique, historical experience in the middle of Los Angeles.
Shop
Studio City's famed Ventura Boulevard features many popular national chains, along with smaller trendy boutiques. Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and Free People flaunt their wares. Smaller boutiques like Dari, Hoity-Toity, and Diana's Boutique offer unique styles. Interested in sexy lingerie? Stop by Sara's Lingerie for bras, panties, and sexy sleepwear and you just might run into a celebrity!