This month, our student Sarah Blank takes us to Los Angeles, a city built on dreams and traffic jams in equal measure. It’s where her grandmother arrived in the 1940s, where her mother grew up wandering Pico Boulevard, and where Sarah spent eight years before life took her to Dublin and eventually Tel Aviv. Between donuts and the Dodgers, here’s her honest take on LA 🎬

Hey! I’m Sarah Blank (yes, that’s really my last name!), a Las Vegas native who made Aliyah to Tel Aviv in April ’25 after a 3-year detour in Dublin. I work in tech and am finding my rhythm in this new, exciting city. Brunch, happy hour, walks on the tayelet – I’m there. I’ve been studying Hebrew (on and off since the 2020 Zoom days with Citizen Cafe) and am now heading into the Lime level. After living in Los Angeles, CA, for 8 years, I’m sharing a few of my favorite spots and an opinion or two along the way!

1. Where do I get my coffee?

📍 Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee – 631 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

You may or may not know it, but donuts are ingrained in Los Angeles culture. In fact, donuts almost resemble LA culture. One thing you can count on in LA (besides traffic) is encountering a donut shop on every corner. Casual donuts, funky flavored donuts, old-school classic, vegan, fancy donuts – whatever LA vibe you’re after, you’ll find a donut to match. 

One of my favorites (cause let’s be real, I’ve never met a donut I didn’t like) is Sidecar. Coupled with great coffee, I recommend bringing a friend, ordering a few of their “hot out of the oven” donuts, and taking a walk to Ocean Ave to view the Santa Monica beach. Ocean air and fresh donuts – my kind of heaven. There are several locations in the city, but this was my local spot. 

2. Where do I go when I’m feeling fancy?

📍 Gracias Madre – 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Have you ever wondered what an entirely vegan menu, that you wouldn’t even know was vegan, looks like? Gracias Madre is one-of-a-kind, with insane margaritas, something for everyone, and the only place I dream of saying “I’ll have one of everything”. In the heart of West Hollywood, it’s a fun but non-pretentious atmosphere with close proximity to the famous Troubadour to catch a concert or the exciting nightlife scene on Santa Monica Blvd. It’s a place where friends and I would go, share several plates to sample plenty, and switch up the cocktails every round. It’s a date night spot, a celebration meal, or just a night out kind-of-place!

Photo by William Neuheisel, CC BY 2.0

3. Cultural hub

📍 Griffith Observatory – 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Driving through LA can feel like time travel. History is everywhere. It’s on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – an ode to actors and actresses of yesterday and today. For visitors, there’s often so much to see and such little time! 

One of my favorite places is the Griffith Observatory. If you’re a budding astronomer, into star signs, or simply want great views of the city, this is the place. It first opened its doors in 1935 as one of the first public observatories. If you bring comfy shoes, I recommend walking/hiking up to the Observatory. The Planetarium is not to be missed!

For folks interested in seeing the sun, moon, and visible planets, I suggest attending a public “Star Party” held monthly, and a great time for all. 

4. My go-to outdoor spot

📍 Dodger Stadium – 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Another cultural hub and my favorite outdoor spot is Dodger Stadium. In my opinion, you don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the baseball experience. Beer, food, energy, music, people watching – baseball stadiums have it all. The Dodgers, originally from Brooklyn, relocated to LA in 1958 and have brought more joy (and sometimes heartbreak) to Angelenos than we can handle! They’re a community unifier; a place for everyone. Nothing beats the energy of a packed stadium and fireworks after a Dodger win. I can often be found around Tel Aviv in one of several Dodger hats!

A meaningful outdoor place for me can be found in the San Bernardino mountains. Two hours, sans traffic, outside of LA and 30 minutes from Big Bear Lake is where I spent my college summers and then some – Jewish sleepaway camp. A major part of the Jewish American experience, summer camp for me was my home away from home. For 10 weeks each summer, I worked with kids, ran leadership programs, and trained new counselors. My best friends and favorite memories all happened there. If only we could be campers and counselors forever! Big Bear, CA, is a great place to go hiking, camping, or a relaxing getaway, especially for the 4th of July.

5. A place that I don’t like in the city

📍 Runyon Canyon – 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Any article about “must-see sites” in LA likely includes Runyon Canyon. A popular spot for locals and tourists alike to walk their dog, go for a run, or spot a celebrity – I have many friends who are there often. But truth be told, I just don’t get it. What am I missing? I’m open to feedback here. All the rave for lackluster views, an uphill hike where you can barely catch your breath to have a chat, and nothing exciting at the end! 

If you read this and try it out, please report back with your thoughts.

Photo by Beatrice Murch, CC BY 2.0

6. A significant person for you who was born in the city or currently lives there

The 4 ½  hour drive from Las Vegas to LA was a frequent phenomenon for me growing up. It felt like home even before I moved there as an adult. In the 1940s, my Bubbie moved to LA, and it’s where my mom was born and raised. Nostalgia was everywhere during our trips. Driving through old neighborhoods off Pico Blvd, pit stops to Canter’s Deli on Fairfax with family, roaming the shops of the Original Farmer’s Market, which dates back to the 1930s…there was never a dull moment. As my mom would say, she just had to get the peanut butter from Magee’s! When I moved to LA, I felt more connected to my maternal history. Living my life in the same places they did many decades earlier is a unique connection I’ll always be thankful for.

LA is a city of past and present, rich in history – whether in film, music, or art, it has always been a place people go to fulfill their dreams. It’s unforgiving, challenging, and always busy, but a special place to live and visit.  

My mom, in front of her high school

Photo by ChildofMidnight, CC BY 3.0