Without really meaning to, Vic and I seem to end up in LA at least once a year, sometimes twice. I’m serious, we never really plan it, but it’s either on the way to Mexico or Hawaii, or close enough to Vancouver (Vic and I end up there often as well) that the quick trip south is too easy to pass up, especially when you consider how great the Los Angeles vegan scene really is.
To read more about some of our favourite spots, check out our 24 Hours in LA post.
The Los Angeles Vegan Scene
No complaints, of course. Los Angeles is a great city, but if you ask around, you’ll probably find that opinions are mixed. Some people hate it, some people hate it less. That was a joke. The thing about LA is that it’s huge. That can feel overwhelming. And what’s different than most cities, is that there really isn’t much going on downtown. Everything is sort of spread out, so if you don’t plan your day ahead of time, you’ll just spend a bunch of time in traffic. Anyway, no matter what you think of it, there’s no denying that the weather is usually perfect and being so close to the beach is win. Nothing but good vibes in California!
If you’re anything like me though, you’re wondering about the food. And let me tell you, in Los Angeles vegan options are plentiful. Like I said, LA is BIG and there’s vegan food in every part of it. The Los Angeles vegan scene is thriving. It might be unmatched if we’re talking food, events, community, etc. There is so much happening.
inspiring community
In 2016, it was in LA that we decided to take the extra step from vegetarian to vegan. A dinner table chat with Mary Mattern (of Nom Yourself) sparked the fire that was burning by the time we left town. It’s an inspiring place for someone exploring veganism for the first time. Access to some of the best vegan food in world. Surrounded by some of the organizations that fight the hardest for animals. There are animal sanctuaries and plenty of vegan-friendly activities to enjoy.
It’s easily one of the most vegan friendly cities in the world. Get a head start. Download the guide here:
NOT CONVINCED? HERE ARE SOME Highlights…
The Los Angeles Vegan City Guide is 18 pages of everything I know about LA from my trips there. Travel like a local
Where to eat
- Crossroads — Crossroads is the best upscale vegan food you’ll find anywhere. Created by Tal Ronnen, author of the amazing Crossroads cookbook. The menu is a delicious offering of…
- Fala Bar — You can stick to traditional, but when Fala Bar offers the falafel equivalent of a burger, you order that! Big buns, loads of toppings, and a generous…
- +54 other restaurants
What to Visit
- Griffith Park — At 5 times the size of New York’s Central Park, there’s no shortage of…
- Farmers Markets — California produces almost half of all the fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in the country, including more than 99% of all…
- +8 other hot spots
Festivals
- Circle V — Past speakers include Rich Roll, Nathan Runkle, Ingrid Newkirk, Kat Von D, Kip Andersen, Miyoko Schinner, and…
- Veg Fest LA — Past speakers include Steve-O, John Lewis (Badass Vegan), and…
- +2 other festivals
Animal Sanctuaries
- Farm Sanctuary — Sanctuary to cows, pigs, turkeys, and…
- Shambala Preserve — Sanctuary to big cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, and…
- +2 other sanctuaries
The Los Angeles Vegan Community
- Vegan Fat Kid — Food, Fitness, & Apparel, by Tim
- Carrots & Flowers — Vegan Recipes & Videos, by Megan
- +16 other locals to look to for inspo
Travel Tips
- Getting to LA — LAX is the hub, but LA is big. Keep that in mind when you’re booking. Check prices into…
- Getting around LA — Depending on the season, do some quick math on the rental prices. Prices were once so high that I actually saved money by…
- Where to stay — I don’t know of any vegan hotels in LA (unfortunately Stanford by the Sea is solid 9 hours north), but Marriott, Starwood, IHG, and Hilton will all set you up in a…
- Conscious Shopping — Vegan Scene is a 100% vegan retail boutique and event space in Venice Beach. They sell…
- Airport Eats — Departure level food court, through security. Accessible from Terminals…
Click the image below to download the Los Angeles Vegan CITY Guide:
Happy travels. Los Angeles awaits!
