How to Live Like a Local in 5 West Coast Cities
Living like a local means diving deeper into the west coast cities and neighborhoods that we know and love. Whether you're looking to explore the Pacific Northwest, feel the heat in Arizona or relax in Southern California, these locals guides are your map to five of our favorite west coast cities. Plus, you can live like a local from the comfort of your favorite Loews hotel with Live Like a Local packages, available for a limited time.
San Diego
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Featuring You & Yours Distilling Co. and Mike Hess Brewing
You & Yours Distilling Co.
San Diego locals know each neighborhood has its own charm, and the East Village has quickly become a local favorite. While this neighborhood's main attraction is Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, you'll also find bustling bars and eateries, like pet-friendly Quartyard. Flavor by Loews Hotels partner You & Yours Distilling Co. is another neighborhood favorite, specializing in unique cocktails some might even call healthy. Try the Little Bunny Foo Foo, complete with Sunday Gin, carrot, turmeric, ginger and lemon.
North Park
North Park is another unique neighborhood frequented by San Diegans. Often called the "hipster neighborhood", there's no shortage of boutiques, wall murals, dive bars and foot traffic. Try Tribute Pizza, City Tacos or Underbelly Ramen if you're hungry, or stick to a liquid diet with the unofficial 30th Street beer crawl. Make sure to stop by Flavor by Loews Hotels partner Mike Hess Brewing on your crawl.
Hit the Beach
While Mission Beach is every San Diego visitor's first beach experience, locals typically prefer a more relaxed beach setting. Grab a burrito from a local taco shop, like Mike's Taco Club, and head to Ocean Beach (or "OB" if you're a true local). Other favorite spots are Windansea Beach and, of course, pristine Coronado.
Want to live like a local in San Diego? Book this specialty offer.
Santa Monica
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Live Like a Local in Santa Monica
Third Street Promenade
Head to the nearby Third Street Promenade, which is one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations filled with restaurants, movie theaters, shops and street performers or go to Montana Ave. for a change of pace and scenery. Located north down Ocean Ave., you’ll find boutique shops, artisanal coffee shops and restaurants including local favorites such as Father’s Office, R+D Kitchen, and Art’s Table on Montana. For a sweet treat, head to Sweet Lady Janes and grab a slice of cake or a pastry.
Santa Monica Farmer's Market
Named as one of the best Farmer’s Markets in the city, head to the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 8 am – 1 pm. Located on Arizona Ave. between Fourth and Ocean, you’ll get to try fresh foods and produce from local farmers and see some of the city’s best chefs and celebrities. Grab some of your favorite snacks and head back to the hotel where our concierge can help set up the ultimate beach picnic complete with beach chairs, towels, umbrellas and sand toys for the kids.
Local Watering Holes
For those that want to head out for a night on the town, local hotspots include one of the city’s most popular dive bars just right across the street at Chez Jay. For bar hopping and bar crawls, head to Main Street. Here, you can go to a variety of places like 31Ten Lounge, Rick’s Tavern Circle Bar, or the Basement Tavern.
Live Like a Local in Santa Monica with our limited time offer.
Tucson
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Sabino Canyon and Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch
Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch
Did someone say brunch? Guests and locals alike join us every Sunday from 11 am - 2 pm for our Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch, named “One of the Top 100 Brunches in America” by OpenTable! Enjoy classic brunch offerings like made to order omelets, waffles and salads or head to the outdoor grilling stations for an array of delicious barbeque, prime rib and more. Wash it down with bottomless craft beer from our local Flavor by Loews Hotels partner, Dragoon Brewing Co., available on tap for those 21 and over.
Sabino Canyon
A favorite local hiking spot, Sabino Canyon is located just minutes from Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Hop aboard the tram (which runs daily, every 30 minutes) and enjoy the 3.8-mile informational tour as it guides you through the canyon, with nine stops along the way where you can get out and enjoy the surroundings, including rest areas and picnic grounds. Locals recommend new visitors ride the tram to stop 8, where you can get off and take a dip in the natural waterfalls before hiking back down to the Visitor’s Center on foot. The best of both worlds!
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
If visiting the desert southwest is a new experience for you, a visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is highly recommended… just ask any local. And while it’s called a “museum,” you’ll be thrilled to find out it is so much more than that, combining the educational aspect of a traditional museum experience with the hands-on and wildlife elements of a zoo. Get up close to learn about iconic desert dwellers like coyotes, javelina and bighorn sheep, snakes, scorpions, and more!
Do as the locals in Tucson with this limited time offer.
Hollywood
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Duidough Café & Cookie Lab and Hollywood Farmer's Market
Duidough Café & Cookie Lab
Before heading out to explore LA, stop by Bodega located behind the front desk for a quick cup of coffee and snack for the road like a slice of coffee cake or cookie from our local Flavor by Loews Hotels partner, Duidough Café & Cookie Lab. Or if you feel like experiencing the local food scene their café is located just a mile from the hotel serving a delicious menu featuring bright, clean and locally sourced flavors – oh and did we mention incredible homemade cookies and coffees with house-made nut milks, yum!
The Grove
Shop where the locals go when they’re looking for a day out and about. The Grove is a high-end outdoor shopping center featuring brand names like Michael Kors, Banana Republic, and Athleta. When you’re done browsing the retail stores stop for a treat at Dominique Ansel Bakery or see the latest Hollywood blockbuster at Pacific Theatres before catching a complimentary ride on their popular trolley back!
Hollywood Farmer’s Market
Start your Sunday with a stroll through the Hollywood Farmers’ Market where local vendors share their passion with the community. From 8 am - 1 pm each Sunday you’ll find 160 farmers, producers and food artisans showcasing the fruits of their labor as well as live music, arts and crafts and other activities for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for inspiration to spice up your favorite recipe or just browsing for a one-of-a-kind souvenir the Hollywood Farmers’ Market is a great way to experience what the local LA community has to offer.
Relax in Southern California with this Live Like a Local package.
Seattle
Loews Hotel 1000
Visit Alki Beach; Stop for a coffee at Storyville
Alki Beach
While most Seattle visitors might not realize there is a legitimate beach in the Pacific Northwest, locals know Alki Beach is the place to be during warm summer months. Take the West Seattle Water Taxi to Marination Mai Kai for Hawaiian cuisine, then soak up the sun with endless beach views.
Capitol Hill
If you're looking for an energetic neighborhood away from Pike's Place and downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill it is. Known for its food scene and lively nightlife, plenty of locals recommend 'Cap Hill' as their go-to area. Grab dinner at Spinasse and snag a cocktail or two at Foreign National.
Take a Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Grab a coffee at Flavor by Loews Hotels partner Storyville and hop aboard an iconic Washington ferry. While we admit taking a ferry might not be part of a Seattleite's everyday life, any local will recommend taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island. You'll ride across the Puget Sound for about 35 minutes until you reach Bainbridge and are surrounded by beautiful scenery. Plus, the ferry is often said to show off the best views Seattle has to offer.
Adventure in the PNW with Seattle's Live Like a Local offer.
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Kelsey Prince
