One Night in LA

I just got back from a one-night stay in LA, and it was so fabulous that I’m cranking out this blog post within a day of getting home. 

One thing I wish more people knew is that you do not need unlimited resources and weeks off work to create an adventurous life. With only one night in Los Angeles, I made memories that will last a lifetime, and I’m heading into work this week recharged and motivated for the weeks ahead. 

Here is how I spent one night in LA to help you plan your next California adventure.

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One Night in LA Timeline

My beau and I took just one day off work and hopped on a flight from DFW to LAX first thing Friday morning—and it reminded me that you don’t need a long vacation to create an epic adventure. With only a single night’s stay, we managed to pack in so many memorable moments that it truly felt like a complete getaway.

Sometimes it’s not about how many days you have, but how you choose to use them. If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” window of time to travel, let this be your sign that a quick weekend escape can be just as refreshing, exciting, and meaningful as a more extended trip.

Plus, shorter trips mean taking fewer PTO days and saving resources for fewer nights of accommodations—a win-win!

Conrad Los Angeles

Once we landed, we checked into our hotel, the Conrad LA, so that we could drop off our bags before adventuring out. The hotel is situated right in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and is part of The Grand LA complex, designed by Frank Gehry, which already makes it feel quite special.

Once you arrive, you’ll take the elevators from the valet level to the 10th floor to check in. As soon as you step into the lobby, you are greeted by sleek and modern interiors that still feel cozy and inviting. My favorite feature is the rooftop terrace, which features a pool with lounge chairs and offers an incredible view of the city. Perfect for soaking in all the California sunshine!

The Conrad Los Angeles also has a handful of great dining options, including restaurants from José Andrés, so you don’t even need to leave the property for a memorable meal. It struck the perfect balance of luxury and comfort, and honestly, it was hard to decide whether to stay and enjoy all the amenities or get out and explore the city.

Great White

I’m not exaggerating when I say the breakfast burrito at Great White is one of the best I’ve ever had. Seriously, ask my coworkers – I talk about the burrito at Great White all the time.

It’s the perfect size, cheesy, crispy in all the right places, and packed with enough eggs, bacon, and tater tots to keep you full well into the afternoon—the perfect meal before you adventure out into the city.

The chipotle aioli gives it a little kick, and with the salsa on the side, every bite is perfection. Add in the laid-back West Hollywood vibe (our favorite of their locations) and some of the best people-watching, and it’s no wonder why people love this place. Great White is honestly the kind of spot you’ll want to linger at long after breakfast is over!

Dodger Game

After fueling up with the kind of breakfast I’ll be dreaming about forever (plus a coffee stop for Todd, obviously), we headed back to our hotel to freshen up for the Dodgers game at the iconic Dodger Stadium—the whole reason for our trip to LA. Todd and I have a goal of visiting all 30 MLB ballparks, and the timing for this one couldn’t have been more perfect. Not only did we get to check another stadium off our list, but it also happened to be Kobe Bryant bobblehead night, which made the game feel even more meaningful.

Before the game, Kobe’s family came out onto the field, and it turned into one of those goosebump moments I’ll never forget. His daughter threw out the first pitch—with the cutest little pitcher’s windup—and the youngest announced, “It’s time for Dodgers baseball.”

The whole pregame felt like a family celebration, and being there to witness his legacy honored in that way was moving and unforgettable.

As if that wasn’t enough, the game itself was a pitcher’s dream matchup: Clayton Kershaw, a Dallas native and Dodgers legend, facing off against Max Scherzer of the Toronto Blue Jays. Both are members of the incredibly rare 3,000 strikeout club—a stat that all but guarantees them spots in the Hall of Fame. Seeing Scherzer again felt extra special since he helped bring my home team, the Texas Rangers, their 2023 World Series win. Getting to watch him and Kershaw—two future Hall of Famers—go head-to-head under the lights at Dodger Stadium was pure bucket-list baseball.

And here’s a tip if you go: make your way up to the top deck, even if you don’t have seats there. The team store at the top was my favorite in the whole ballpark, and the views from up there are unreal. You get this sweeping perspective of the stadium and the city of LA beyond—it’s worth the elevator ride just for that view alone.

Erewhon Market

Afterwards, we made our usual stop at Erewhon, the fancy LA grocery store that makes even fruit taste next-level. Everything there is spotless, beautifully organized, and so fresh—it honestly feels like grocery shopping on another level.

Every time we’re in Los Angeles, we stock up on water for the hotel room and grab fresh snacks for the weekend, even if we are only in town for one night. Having a snack stash in the room is such a game-changer—it saves you from those late-night “I’m starving” moments.

Courage Bagels

The next day, we woke up and made a beeline for Courage Bagels, which I swear serve the best bagels in LA. Be prepared to go early—or wait in line—because this place is always buzzing, and for good reason.

You can order bagels by the half, which is perfect if you want to try a few flavors without overdoing it. We grabbed a mix of everything, including the hand-sliced smoked salmon, cream cheese tomato, and run it thru the garden with fresh cucumber and dill—it was like eating the freshest produce and the most delicious bagel in perfect harmony.

Everything is simple, fresh, and ridiculously flavorful. Courage Bagels is worth the hype, and it isn’t just breakfast—it’s an experience you’ll want to repeat every time you’re in LA. Believe me, it was not my first time there, as I visit every single time I’m in LA. It’s just that good!

Even though we only spent one night in LA, we managed to check off all of this—and then some—while returning to work feeling energized and inspired.

I know it’s easy to think that life is too busy to travel, or that excelling at your career means putting adventures on hold. But I’m here to tell you: not only is it possible, it makes you appreciate both your trips and your work even more.

Honestly, nothing motivates me to tackle my day job harder than coming back from a weekend getaway, already dreaming about the next epic adventure. I hope this recap helps inspire you to plan your own escape. You’ll be amazed at what’s possible in just a short trip!