Where: Los Angeles
What: Westside PlaceList
Who: Kellie Cockrell is a professional dancer/actress turned marketing manager for General Assembly. Before trading in her dance shoes and scripts for a laptop and desk, Kellie starred in a few films alongside her identical twin, Katie. Spot the twins at the beginning of Star Trek Into Darkness or throughout Staten Island Summer. Now, she’s a happy camper in the field of digital marketing where she’s able to create communities through strategic campaigns. When she's not in the office, find her cuddling her pup or exploring West LA. "What I love about the Westside is its proximity to nature. I love being close to the ocean, the hiking trails, bike routes, great restaurants, bars and friends. I feel like I can relax a bit more on the Westside."
Rainbow Acres
Marina del Rey, $
Kellie Cockrell: Rainbow Acres, health food store on Washington in Marina Del Rey, dishes the best smoothies on the west side for an unbelievable price of $4.25. I mean really, can you beat that?! Not in LA. The employees are also really welcoming and the food is delicious.
Alana's Coffee Shop
Mar Vista, $
KC: Alana's Coffee Shop just opened on Venice Blvd in Mar Vista. I walked there for the first time this week and the owner was friendly, welcoming and made a delicious cup of coffee. Go support them! You'll be glad you did.
Wurstküche Restaurant Venice
Venice, $$
KC: Wurstkuche located on Lincoln Blvd in Venice is my favorite spot to go on a weeknight with their delicious, reasonably priced food and fun vibes. You can order sausages, beer and fries which is basically a guaranteed good time. Note, it can get really busy on the weekends!
Mar Vista Farmers' Market
Mar Vista
KC: Located right up the street from my house is the Mar Vista Farmers' Market. A perfect Sunday entails waking up a little early, grabbing the pup and heading over. It has such a great community feel when you're there. Stock up on veggies for the week, grab a croissant, listen to live music, maybe replace a plant that died—it has it all!
Holy Guacamole
Santa Monica, $
KC: My boyfriend and I went on our first date here—ha! It's on Main St in Santa Monica and is delicious and inexpensive. THey have some great seasoning on the chips ... mmm.
Pacific Coast Highway
KC: Driving up the PCH is another great weekend activity! Wake up early, grab a coffee at Menotti's on the way, and take a cruise up PCH. Turn on great music, stop wherever your heart desires.
Topanga Living Cafe
Topanga Canyon, $$
KC: This is a great place to check out for healthy, delicious breakfast options. Plus, Topanga feels so secluded and unique compared to LA. It's one of those things that makes LA great—the fact that you can go on quick day trips one to three hours away and feel like you're on vacation.
The Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice
KC: Grab your bikes or rent some from the boardwalk areas for around $10 and cruise around. I think this is one of the best ways to explore the Westside, especially if you're staying in a general area. Bike around the Venice Canals, then head towards Marina Del Rey. You can go on the Ballona Creek Bike Path which is usually pretty isolated and open. There are gorgeous yellow flowers all over the Ballona Wetlands area right now. Go see it!
The Corner Door
Culver City, $$
KC: I love this area of Washington Blvd. Grab a drink (my favorite is the Moscow Mule) or dinner here, and then walk around. You can grab another drink at Hatchet Hall, grab some ice cream and stop in at Old Man Bar.
Arcana: Books on the Arts
Culver City, $$$
KC: Spend the afternoon at Arcana Bookstore! I love the design and wandering a bookstore is a pretty sweet way to spend the afternoon. Once you're done, check out the interior design stores in the area or grab the delicious shoestring french fries at Father's Office.
Rainbow Acres courtesy of @mushroomjerky
Alana's Coffee Roasters courtesy of @jaylarsoncomedy
Wurstküche courtesy of @darakim212
Mar Vista Farmers' Market courtesy of @milosees
Holy Guacamole courtesy of @everydayepicurious
Pacific Coast Highway courtesy of @richardvan_nairn
Topanga Living Cafe courtesy of @lissetteeemc
Venice Beach Boardwalk courtesy of @marta_gipsy
Header image courtesy of @kelliecockrell
