With the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, NBA All-Star Weekend, Super Bowl, Olympics, and more around the corner, we’ve teamed up with Los Angeles Tourism for this special edition to guarantee an unforgettable trip between matches.
When you hear stories of why people move to Los Angeles, it’s usually chasing a dream of becoming an actor and making it big in Hollywood. For Billy Meakes, his move to LA five years ago wasn’t for auditions or fancy parties; it was to bring some Aussie flair to the great game of Rugby Union over in the US, playing for California Legion (formerly Rugby FC Los Angeles).
“I just love the endless opportunity that LA offers,” he tells me.
With the 2026 World Cup set to kick off in June, it’s a great time to chat with the Sydney-born athlete about the best things to do while you’re visiting the City of Angels. While the options are endless when you’re not enjoying one of the eight matches to be played in LA, Meakes has a few specific suggestions about where to eat, hang out, and work out to make the most of your days while you’re there.
What makes him even more qualified to be your guide to Los Angeles – specifically, how to spend your days – are his antics off the field, including opening Boulevard Coffee in Venice and raising a young family by the beach. With his finger on the pulse of the hospitality scene, as well as first-hand experience of how to keep the kids entertained from dawn to dusk, his recommendations are top-notch.
Workout
There’s no better way to start the day than by working up a sweat. As a professional athlete, Meakes spends more than his fair share of time in the gym each week and knows the great gyms from the good ones. If you’re keen to get a few solid workouts done when you’re in LA, there are a couple of options that stand out.
DMN8 – Santa Monica
If you’ve not heard of DMN8, it self-describes as “the most beautiful gym on earth”, and we can see why its owners might think that.
“They call it the Soho House of gyms because it’s really beautiful, there’s a really cool crowd that goes there, and they offer a full range of classes, including pilates, yoga, HIIT workouts, and the rest,” he tells me.
“They’ve also got a full recovery studio with saunas and ice baths, so it’s a one-stop shop that’s definitely worth checking out.”
Gold’s Gym – Venice
“The other gym I go to is Gold’s, which is basically the Mecca of bodybuilding.”
Meakes is right – it even says so on the wall. During the 1960s and 70s, it really was the home of bodybuilding as we know it, with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Draper, and Lou Ferrigno all calling it home.
“You can get a day pass for $30, and even if you’re not training, it’s worth taking a walk around because they’ve got some amazing memorabilia from the Arnold Schwarzenegger era.”
Eat
“LA is a really funny spot because you can be having a beer at a local pub watching the football, and then five minutes later you could be in a Michelin star restaurant on a rooftop overlooking the city,” Billy says. “There’s just such a wide range of food options – I mean, there are over 30,000 restaurants here.”
Breakfast
Boulevard – Venice
Finding quality coffee in the US isn’t always easy, especially when you’re used to world-class brews in Australia. Fortunately, Billy’s brought a taste of home to LA.
“I’m obviously biased, but I own a cafe called Boulevard in Venice that has really high-quality Australian coffee. It’s community-driven and has a great neighbourhood cafe vibe that makes it a great place to hang out.”
Lunch
With breakfast out of the way, locking in a lunch spot needs to be your next decision of the day. From world-class fine dining to food trucks on the side of the road, the options are endless.
RVR – Venice
“They probably opened about a year ago, but RVR is almost always booked out well in advance, so you’ll need to book it in early. It’s some of the best food I’ve had in LA, and it’s been getting a lot of great reviews.”
“It’s right in the middle of Venice, and they serve Japanese fusion food that’s a bit on the pricier side, but it’s always great if you want to go somewhere nice.”
Ggiata – Venice
For something quicker and more casual, one of Billy’s favourite sandwich places in the city is Ggiata.
“If you want to pop in and grab a sandwich when you’re on the move, Ggiata is the best grab-and-go spot. They do really fresh sandwiches and baguettes, which are always tasty.”
Dinner
Laurel Hardware – West Hollywood
For a relaxed dining experience, Laurel Hardware is a must-visit, says Meakes.
“It’s a really nice casual place that does really high-quality pizzas and pastas. The music’s often pumping, there are good beers, wines, and cocktails, and you can sort of just rock up and grab a table.”
“It’s got a really cool vibe, and it’s surrounded by a bunch of bars and nightclubs, so it’s a great place for an earlier dinner before you go out.”
Kogi Food Truck – Various
Meakes acknowledges that in some parts of the world, food trucks don’t always have the best reputation, but in LA, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
“The food trucks in LA can offer some of the best food in the city, he tells me. “There’s one truck called Kogi that has a bit of a social following, and as soon as they post their location for the day, people will follow them there looking for it.”
If you’re hunting for a quick, simple meal, always make sure to see if the Kogi food truck is nearby.
Play
What should you get up to in LA when you’re not working out or eating? Cruise around some of the city’s most famous landmarks, of course.
Venice Beach Boardwalk – Venice
“Everyone’s seen the boardwalk in movies, but it’s got basketball courts, shops, and there’s Muscle Beach Gym, which is super casual and only $10 for a day pass.”
“There’s also a skate park there, which is famous for the photography that happens there, especially around sunset, which is a must-see when you’re in LA.”
Runyon Canyon – Hollywood Hills
Technically, this is a bit of a workout, but you’re also able to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds LA. The trails are typically quite busy as it’s one of the most famous places to walk in the area, but just like Chateau Marmont, Runyon Canyon is a must-visit destination because of how spectacular it is.
“There’s a famous hike called Runyon Canyon, which is my number one recommendation for what to do during the day. It’s a medium to hard hike that takes around an hour for a round trip, but it’s really scenic, you’re walking through the mountains, and where you end up has a great view of the iconic “Hollywood” sign.”
There are a few different trails you can hike through Runyon Canyon, so check out the most popular ones below.
Stay
Hotel Erwin – Venice
So that’s your day done – but where are you going to go when the day’s done? Get the most out of Billy’s itinerary by staying close to the action. Hotel Erwin sits right on the waterfront, and with views over the beach and a rooftop bar, it’s an unparalleled way to catch an LA sunset.
Venice V – Venice
A block away sits the other prime beachfront spot, Venice V. Expect boho interiors with stunning ocean views, with all the amenities you’ll need to kickstart your day. Once you’re ready to head out, it’s a 15-minute walk along the boardwalk to Gold’s Gym and DMN8 Venice, or 15 minutes to Boulevard Coffee.
This article is presented in partnership with Los Angeles Tourism. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
