The Designer's LA Favorites (With and Without Her Adorable Kids)

We discovered Sara Naghedi through Naghedi, her collection of sustainable, chic, and handwoven handbags. (Read more about why we love them.) We asked her to tell us about a favorite destination — Los Angeles, her hometown — and how she shares it with her kids.

I grew up in Los Angeles and moved to New York City in my mid-twenties. After fifteen years, l now consider myself a New Yorker, but LA still has a piece of my heart. When I'm back, I gravitate to the places I visited the most in my youth — especially when I'm sharing the city with my young children.

The NYC food scene is amazing, so I rarely go for fine dining. Los Angeles has a rich and diverse ethnic community, and this is what I miss the most about not living in LA: authentic Mexican, Iranian, Korean. These are the cuisines I crave when I’m in town, and I love introducing them to my kids. LA also has wonderful family activities — we love hiking, beach walks, and taking in gorgeous sunsets with a scoop of ice cream. (Being outside here never gets old.) Add amazing museums and boutiques that are exclusive to LA, and, well, you can see why it keeps drawing me back.

Family-Friendly Favorites

Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd.; +1-323-930-2277
My kids and my husband love going to the Petersen museum and checking out the amazing car collection. From the coolest innovations to vintage classics, it's a hit every time.

California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive; +1-323-724-3623
Another wonderful place I love taking the kids. It's never too crowded and is good for hours of entertainment and learning. The biggest highlight for my children is always seeing the Endeavor Space Shuttle.

Attari Sandwich Shop
1388 Westwood Blvd.; +1-310-441-5488
I am Iranian, and I desperately miss all the amazing Iranian food this city has to offer. Attari hits the spot every time with delicious, home-style sandwiches and kebab.

Playita Mariscos
3143 Sunset Blvd.; +1-323-928-2028
I am a sucker for fish tacos and ceviche, and this place — a super-chill taco stand in Silver Lake with outdoor benches — does them better than anyone. It's an especially great place to go with the kids on a sunny day.

Sushi By Scratch
16101 Ventura Blvd.; +1-818-646-6506
I can't miss a sushi date, and this is one of my favorites. I first discovered Sushi by Scratch at their Santa Barbara location and visit the Ventura outpost when I'm in town. So unique and creative and drool-worthy!

Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave.; +1-323-850-2000
No question: Hollywood Bowl is one of the greatest places to see a concert. Pack a picnic and bottle of wine for a beautiful night under the stars listening to your favorite music. If you don't bring your own, you'll find lots of food options there.

When It's Me Time

Erewhon
7660 Beverly Blvd.; +1-323-937-0777
This is always my first stop in LA. I stock up on all my favorite groceries and discover all kinds of new health food brands and supplements. The smoothies and prepared foods are also amazing if you just want to grab something quickly.

The Way We Wore
334 S. La Brea Ave.; +1-323-937-0878
An INCREDIBLE selection of vintage dresses and other items that I could spend the whole day perusing. (I can't believe the things I have found here.)

Ron Herman
11677 San Vicente Blvd.; +1-310-207-0927
Love coming here to discover new designers. It's a beautifully curated store filled with the chicest, It brands of the moment.

Goop Kitchen
11419 Santa Monica Blvd.; +1-310-954-1286
Another dreamy, healthy food spot that I think about daily when I'm not in LA. Their salads are bar none, and their chicken is delicious.

Ambassade Biologique Recherche
8461 Melrose Place; +1-310-424-5542
The first US flagship of the cult beauty brand opened on Melrose, and, let me tell you, it's an absolute dream: a skin consultation with the most high-tech devices followed by a facial that leaves me speechless. If you are a BR lover like I am, it's a must.

Elyse Walker
15306 Antioch St.; +1-310-230-8882
Another shopping must — a beautifully curated store with the best of the best in Palisades Village, a great walking area.

Calabra Rooftop at Santa Monica Proper Hotel
700 Wilshire Blvd.; +1-310-620-9990
Sunset cocktails are one of my favorite activities in LA, and there is no place better than Santa Monica Proper for gorgeous views and the tastiest cocktails and bites in town.