The Sherman HotelStaff Picks

For surfers, Malibu’s many beaches create some of the most sought-after waves on the Pacific. Families will find plenty of sun and shopping to fill their time at Zuma Beach and Malibu Lumber Yard. And local eateries, like Malibu Farms on the pier, offer fresh, organic meals to satisfy the hunger from all that hard work laying on the beach! At the end of the day, stick around for the bright orange, red, and purple hues that light up the sky to create the most stunning sunsets on the West Coast. Malibu’s magic can be felt the moment your feet touch the sand and will remain long after you’ve left.

In 1769, Spanish conquistador Gaspar de Portolà arrived, and he and his men decimated the local population through disease and warfare. By 1821, Sherman Oaks had become part of independent Mexico, and would remain so for the next quarter century.

In 1846, a small group of illegal immigrants from the United States raised the California Bear Flag in this Mexican territory, and declared their own independence. Over time, Americans continued to invade the area until it was successfully ceded to the United States.

Wheat fields were cultivated in the flat areas of Sherman Oaks. It wasn’t until 1910 that development began in earnest, in anticipation of a real estate boom thanks to the Los Angeles Aqueduct.

Mulholland Drive opened in 1924. It was envisioned as a scenic road that would provide panoramas along the Santa Monica Mountains, further drawing folks to our beloved Sherman Oaks.

Head to Deervale-Stone Canyon Park for a hike or to Sherman Oaks Recreation Center for running trails and playgrounds. For wilder nature, head to Dixie Canyon Park: a 20-acre woodland preserve with a hiking trail that winds through oak and walnut trees.

Discover wellness indoors as well. On March 28, head to the Spring Into Wellness Health Expo at Westfield Fashion Square right here in Sherman Oaks. This expo promotes health and wellness, offering free health and safety services, diagnostic tests, demonstrations, and even stage performances. Best of all, the expo is completely free to attend and open to the public.

Mistral offers impeccable service and warmth in combination with an upscale environment and extraordinary French food. Top off an anniversary with a chocolate souffle.

One casual option takes our town’s name: The Sherman. Known for The Sherman Martini and a special old-fashioned with honeycomb inside, this spot also stands out for the mac n’ cheese. Enjoy indulgent food and cocktails on lively Ventura Boulevard.

Firefly is another spot certain to light a spark. Between an indoor library lounge and an outdoor patio, truffle pasta and craft cocktails combine for a transcendent evening.

Head to Sherman Oaks Galleria on Ventura Boulevard to shop your heart out in a refreshing outdoor setting. There’s no shortage of good restaurants to stop at for a little pick-me-up.

Best of all, you can end the day with a cocktail and a movie at ArcLight Cinemas, which offers bar service from 3 to 7 pm, Monday through Thursday. Order something from the cafe and enjoy the silver screen. This is the season to catch up on Golden Globe winners and Oscar nominees, and there’s no better place to do so than in the Valley.

If you're in town for the Academy Awards, head to a local haunt like Robin Hood British Pub, on Burbank Boulevard, for a viewing party complete with a red carpet.

Head to Sherman Oaks Galleria, at the corner of Ventura and Sepulveda Boulevards, on Friday, December 6 for the holiday tree lighting. Enjoy free photos with Santa, ornament decorating, cookie making, an elf magic show, and hot cocoa for all. If you miss this special reception, you can still check out the tree during your holiday gift shopping.

On Sunday, December 8, experience the Luminaria Festival in Studio City. From 3 to 7 pm at the Campo de Cahuenga, enjoy choir and bell performances, a big band, refreshments, tours of the Campo, and even children’s activities—all surrounded by the soothing glow of the paper lanterns.

Later in the month, the Festival of Lights will take place on the first night of Hanukkah (December 22) with a special candle lighting at Westfield Fashion Square.

Beyond these special rituals, the Valley’s many suburbs will be full of brilliant displays of holiday nights that are sure to bring cheer to your trip.

Some blockbuster hits were filmed right here, including Steven Spielberg's masterpiece E.T. At 9 am on Saturday, November 9, head to Porter Ranch for a one-of-a-kind valley experience: The Original E.T. Hike. This guided group foray will lead you along hiking trails through the neighborhoods that were featured in the movie—including tree-shaded Aliso Canyon, Limekiln Canyon, and “The Palisades”.

If you were more of a bookworm as a kid, on that same day you can opt to hit the Sherman Oaks Friends of the Library book sale, taking place on the second Saturday of every month from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at our local branch of the LA Public Library. Most books are $1 or less and you’re sure to find some treasured classics as well as quirky discoveries.

If you’re in town the following weekend, honor another blockbuster classic with the Jurassic World 10K, 5K & Raptor Run at Universal Studios Hollywood. The 5K and kids’ race take place on Saturday, November 16, and the 10K takes place on Sunday, November 17. All participants can look forward to a collectible finisher’s medal and a lively celebration involving photo ops with Jurassic Park film props.

It may be no coincidence that the name "Calabasas" is derived from the Spanish calabaza meaning "pumpkin", "squash", or "gourd". 

Nights of the Jack welcomes visitors onto the vast grounds of the ranch to peep hand-carved and illuminated jack-o'-lantern on a half-mile trail. The whole event comprises a Halloween wonderland, with a live pumpkin carver, a gift shop, LA food trucks, and a “Spookeasy Bar” serving hand-crafted Halloween cocktails.

The event is friendly for the kids as well, thanks to a partnership with Nickelodeon that has produced a special Spongebob Squarepants installation and an “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” pre-show tent.

If you decide to head into the mountains before dark, enjoy the spook-free daylight in Topanga Canyon. Go shopping for vintage items in the hippie chic town of Topanga, or opt to stretch your legs on one of the state park’s many trails.

Head less than 5 miles south on the 405 to Canyonback Trail, which cuts through the area of the Santa Monica Mountains known as the “Big Wild”. This trail is on a ridge connecting the peaks of hills, so the views are great, but expect direct sunlight. It’s perfect before a dip in the pool back at the hotel.

If you seek a more mellow day immersed in nature, head 7 miles east on the 101 to sprawling Franklin Canyon Park, where you’ll find over 5 miles of trails, plentiful picnic areas, a duck pond, and a nature center.

In any direction you look from Sherman Oaks, nature reserves, parks, and trailheads abound. Just take your pick! 

One option is to head 15 minutes away to the beautiful Lou Bredlow Pavilion at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills. Here you can catch family-friendly favorites at a ready-made outdoor theater that includes a full concession stand to satisfy all appetites. August flicks include Aquaman, Incredibles 2, and Mary Poppins Returns. Bring your own blanket or a low-backed chair if you prefer.

To quench your nostalgia for another era, experience something as all-American as apple pie: a summer drive-in movie. These take place at the Lake Balboa Complex in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, just 3 miles from the Sherman Hotel. This month you can still watch Born in East LA, The Goonies, and Grease.

Hosted by Record Producer Nile Rodgers and CHIC, this beloved LA spot will come alive with Fourth of July festivities over the course of three totally exciting nights. The main act? The incredible LA Philharmonic will captivate audiences each night with a star-spangled performance. But the fun doesn’t stop with their awe-inspiring concert. Before the show begins each night, hang in the plaza with DJs, vendors, and even activities like disco dance lessons. Just after 6 pm, DRUMLine Live will be there to pump up the crowd and get the energy going for summer’s popular holiday. Come decked out in flashback looks—bonus points for red, white, and blue incorporated—and ready for a celebration only LA can throw!

The big parade, happening Sunday, June 9, is an experience you won’t want to miss out on. Join locals and visitors alike as you cheer and march along with the performers, floats, and marchers. The event always attracts celebrities and speakers, taking advantage of the festival’s various main stages. This year’s lineup includes Meghan Trainor and Years & Years! In addition to the awesome performances, you’ll also find awesome food truck vendors and local businesses coming out to show their support. Dedicated to celebrating acceptance and self-expression of the community, LA’s Pride Festival also encourages allies to join the ongoing fight for equality in LA, the country and all over the world.

Each Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. in the parking lot of the Fashion Square mall you can make the rounds and sample amazing food from the region’s top farmers. Check out local produce, eggs, sweet treats, jams, and much more—the Farmers Market is home to a wide variety of diverse vendors who offer delicious goods round every corner. Plus, you’ll have a chance to speak with the farmers or vendors themselves, to learn more about their products and their business. Grab some snacks to refuel during your city exploring, or stock up on fresh items for a homemade meal while you’re away, you’ll find it all here. We hope you’re hungry, it’s impossible not to fill up on amazingly delicious farm-fresh food.

Catch the show April 13-28 every night as your favorite villains and creatures from the Forbidden Forest make their way onto the castle. Plan your visit early to enjoy Hogsmeade and the normal excitement of Harry Potter magic. By night, you’ll want to stake out spots to watch the exciting display of lights, music, special effects, and popular scenes from the films as they’re projected onto the exterior of the castle. Everyone you love to hate from the series, including Dementors, Death Eaters, Aragog, and He Who Shall Not Be Named himself will make an appearance until the famous Patronus spell is cast. Who will save the day? Find out at this can’t-miss special event!

Jameson’s Irish Pub, Hollywood

Before you think this is just another tourist trap, let us tell you about the pub’s iconic happy hours. Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m., you and your crew can enjoy 2-for-1 drinks and an extensive collection of whiskeys to sample.

Sonny McLean’s, Santa Monica
A fun mix of New England and California bites, McLean’s real specialty lies in Irish dishes including corned beef, sausages, garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed cabbage. Need something to wash it down? This pub’s list of ciders and stouts are not to be missed.

The Irish Times, Culver City
Stop in ahead of the major holiday to immerse yourself in authentic LA-Irish culture with fun trivia nights and Celtic music in this dimly lit pub. In between rounds, you can munch on delicious bites, including a beef and Guinness pie and corned beef sandwiches.

Photo Credit: Timeout.com

Little Tokyo is in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and within walking distance of city hall and LA’s art district. It‘s made up of several plazas and shopping centers plus the Japanese American Museum. I love Little Tokyo for its abundance of restaurants and unique boutiques and have been coming here ever since I was a toddler. Basically, whenever I’m not at school or work, you can find me here.

Photo Credit: Marugame Monzo

When it comes to dining, I love Marugame Monzo for its extensive udon menu. Udon is a type of thick flour noodle that’s extremely popular in Japanese cuisine and Marugame Monzo stands out because they make their udon fresh daily. I like to joke that if I ever won the lottery, I’d hire my own personal chef from here. My favorite is their miso carbonara udon, an udon that brings together the best of Italian and Japanese cuisine.

Photo Credit: HobNob

My favorite place to shop in Little Tokyo is HobNob because they have the cutest variety of clothing from trendy faux fur coats to graphic tees, funky coats, and berets. HobNob is also unique because they do carry an assortment of high-end sunglasses and often have limited runs of character clothing like Gudetama backpacks and Hello Kitty accessories. It’s an eclectic mix of fun Harajuku style, cool LA girl basics, and trendy pieces. If you want something funkier, check out Popkiller, which has thrift pieces, Japanese artists designed clothing, and more.

Photo Credit: Sanrio Japanese Village

For everything super cute, Little Tokyo is your stop. There are several stores specializing in kawaii goods: Sanrio, JapanLA, and Tokyo Lifestyle. My favorite is Sanrio because I grew up with a ton of the characters, especially Hello Kitty. JapanLA and Tokyo Lifestyle are better if you want a variety of character goods. One cool thing about the Sanrio and JapanLA here is that they host tons of meet and greets with famous bloggers and new Japanese artists.

Photo Credit: Teamaster LA

For dessert, you’ve got to try Teamaster LA’s matcha soft serve. Teamaster is known as the must-stop shop for matcha fanatics in SoCal and all of their drinks have a deep matcha flavor to them and taste authentic to what you would find in Japan’s top matcha stores.

Photo Credit: Poketo

For fans of art and design, Poketo is a must! They sell a bunch of different things – jewelry, home goods, stationery, sunglasses, etc. What they all have in common though is that everything here is so aesthetically pleasing. If you’re in the area, be sure to check their calendar to see what workshops they’re hosting.

Photo Credit: Twinkle Brown Sugar

Last but not least, I know you’ve been waiting to hear what our favorite boba spot in Little Tokyo is. Although there are tons of options and the list is continuously expanding, Twinkle Brown Sugar is my favorite for its price, quality, and taste. I’ve found that other boba shops in the area have consistency issues and/or cost too much, so I recommend Twinkle Brown Sugar to newbies in the area. My favorites are their Twinkle Fruit Tea and brown sugar milk tea.

Spend an afternoon at this popular museum and watch as you’re transported to different parts of the world, immersing yourself in exciting artistic discoveries. Not only does the Getty provide an opportunity to learn about new artists through their rotating exhibits, but you also learn about the past with a housed collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art from the Neolithic-late Antiquity period, and more! Whether it’s through sculpture and paint or photography and installation, the Getty is a gateway for you to experience, celebrate, and discover art in all its mediums.

The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays, and has free admission. Parking is $15 per vehicle and $10 after 3 p.m.