Explore the real-world places that appear in One & Only by Maurene Goo. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include One & Only Matchmaking Office, Koreatown Plaza, Griffith Observatory, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Venice Beach Boardwalk and 6 more.
Beverly Hills — Park family business headquarters
The headquarters of the Park family's centuries-old matchmaking business, where Cassia Park uses her family's mystical gift to see into clients' past lives and find their perfect matches. This is where Cass maintains the family's legendary 100 percent success rate, consulting with wealthy clients seeking their soulmates. The office serves as both workplace and the center of family tradition, where Cass struggles with the pressure of continuing the Park women's legacy.
Beverly Hills has been home to luxury service businesses catering to Hollywood elite since the 1920s. The area became synonymous with high-end personal services, from talent agencies to exclusive matchmaking firms serving the entertainment industry.
Beverly Hills remains the epicenter of luxury personal services in Los Angeles, housing numerous upscale matchmaking services, life coaches, and consultants who cater to wealthy clientele seeking everything from perfect partners to spiritual guidance.
3250 W Olympic Blvd — Korean cultural heart of LA
Cassia frequents this bustling Korean shopping center to connect with her cultural roots and escape the pressure of her mystical matchmaking duties. Here she shops for Korean groceries, visits the spa, and reflects on her Korean-American identity while navigating her family's supernatural legacy. The plaza represents her connection to Korean tradition, contrasting with the Americanized aspects of her matchmaking business.
Koreatown Plaza opened in 1982 as one of the first major Korean shopping centers in the United States. It became the commercial heart of LA's Koreatown, which grew dramatically after the 1965 Immigration Act allowed increased Korean immigration to America.
The plaza remains a vibrant center of Korean-American life, featuring over 100 shops, restaurants, a spa, karaoke rooms, and a movie theater. It's considered one of the most authentic Korean shopping experiences outside of Korea.
Visit: Koreatown Plaza (landmark)
2800 E Observatory Rd — Stargazing and cosmic contemplation
Cassia comes here to contemplate fate, destiny, and the cosmic forces that govern her family's mystical abilities. Under the stars, she reflects on whether her predetermined path with Daniel Nam is truly written in the cosmos, or if her growing feelings for Ellis Yang-Cohen represent a different kind of destiny. The observatory becomes a place where she questions the nature of predestination versus free will.
Opened in 1935, Griffith Observatory was built as a public facility to make astronomy accessible to everyone. It has served as both a scientific institution and a place of wonder, inspiring countless visitors to contemplate their place in the universe.
The observatory remains one of LA's most beloved attractions, offering free public telescopes, planetarium shows, and stunning city views. It continues to be a pilgrimage site for those seeking to understand their connection to the cosmos.
Visit: Griffith Observatory (museum)
9641 Sunset Blvd — Elite networking and romantic encounters
This legendary pink palace serves as the backdrop for several key romantic scenes in Cassia's story. She meets potential matches here through her family's high-end clientele, and later has pivotal encounters with both Ellis Yang-Cohen and Daniel Nam. The hotel's glamorous setting reflects the elevated world of LA's elite that her matchmaking business serves.
The Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912 and became known as the 'Pink Palace' for its distinctive salmon-pink exterior. It has hosted Hollywood royalty, world leaders, and business titans for over a century, earning its reputation as one of the world's most exclusive hotels.
The hotel remains a symbol of old Hollywood glamour and continues to attract celebrities, business leaders, and those seeking the ultimate in luxury hospitality. The famous Polo Lounge is still a premier power-lunch destination.
Visit: The Beverly Hills Hotel (landmark)
1800 Ocean Front Walk — Spiritual seekers and free spirits
Cassia visits Venice Beach to observe the eclectic mix of psychics, fortune tellers, and spiritual advisors who line the boardwalk, comparing their methods to her family's authentic mystical abilities. The bohemian atmosphere provides a stark contrast to Beverly Hills' refined matchmaking scene. Here she questions whether her gift makes her similar to the boardwalk's colorful characters or something entirely different.
Venice was founded in 1905 as 'Venice of America' by developer Abbot Kinney, who envisioned a cultural renaissance by the sea. The boardwalk became famous for its carnival atmosphere, street performers, and counterculture movement in the 1960s.
Venice Beach Boardwalk remains one of LA's most iconic destinations, featuring street performers, artists, bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, and yes, numerous psychics and fortune tellers offering their services to curious tourists and locals.
Visit: Venice Beach Boardwalk (landmark)
317 S Broadway — Downtown food hall and cultural melting pot
Cassia and Ellis share intimate conversations over Korean-Mexican fusion tacos and other international foods at this historic food hall. The market's diverse culinary offerings mirror the multicultural complexity of their relationship, as Ellis's mixed heritage (Yang-Cohen) reflects the blended nature of modern LA romance. Their food dates here become crucial bonding moments that challenge Cassia's predetermined destiny.
Grand Central Market opened in 1917 as LA's first major public market. For over a century, it has served the city's diverse immigrant communities, evolving from a traditional produce market to today's gourmet food destination while maintaining its multicultural character.
The market has been revitalized as a trendy food hall featuring everything from traditional Mexican fare to modern fusion cuisine, Korean barbecue to artisanal coffee, reflecting LA's position as America's most diverse food city.
Visit: Grand Central Market (restaurant)
5905 Wilshire Blvd — Art, culture, and sophisticated dates
Daniel Nam, as a successful professional, takes Cassia on a cultured date to LACMA, fulfilling her long-imagined vision of their destined romance. They stroll past the famous Urban Light installation, and Cassia tries to feel the cosmic connection she's always expected with her supposed soulmate. However, the formal, predictable nature of this date contrasts sharply with her spontaneous chemistry with Ellis.
LACMA was founded in 1961 when it split from the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science and Art. It has grown to become the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection spanning from ancient times to the present.
LACMA remains LA's premier art destination, famous for installations like Chris Burden's Urban Light (200 restored street lamps) and a vast collection ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. It continues to be a sophisticated date destination.
Visit: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (museum)
3663 Wilshire Blvd — Spiritual reflection and family heritage
Though not of Jewish faith, Cassia visits this beautiful temple to contemplate the nature of faith, tradition, and family legacy when her own mystical heritage comes under scrutiny. The temple's Byzantine-inspired dome and sacred atmosphere provide a place for her to reflect on how different families pass down their spiritual traditions, comparing it to the Park women's supernatural matchmaking gift.
Wilshire Boulevard Temple was built in 1929 and is the oldest Jewish congregation in Los Angeles. The temple's distinctive Byzantine Revival architecture with its massive dome made it a landmark of LA's Jewish community and a symbol of religious heritage in the city.
The temple continues to serve as an active Reform Jewish congregation and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its stunning architecture and historical significance make it one of LA's most beautiful religious buildings.
Visit: Wilshire Boulevard Temple (historic site)
2301 N Highland Ave — Romantic concerts under the stars
Ellis surprises Cassia with an evening concert at the Hollywood Bowl, where they share wine and intimate conversation under the stars. This spontaneous, romantic gesture contrasts with the calculated perfection of her predetermined path with Daniel. The natural amphitheater's magical atmosphere makes Cassia question whether some kinds of magic are more powerful than others - including the magic of unexpected love.
The Hollywood Bowl opened in 1922 as a natural amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills. It became an iconic venue for classical music, jazz, and popular performances, with its distinctive white arched shell becoming a symbol of LA's cultural scene.
The Hollywood Bowl remains one of the world's most famous outdoor concert venues, hosting the LA Philharmonic and major musical acts. Summer concerts under the stars continue to be quintessential LA romantic experiences.
Visit: Hollywood Bowl (theater)
200 Santa Monica Pier — Carnival romance and life decisions
The climactic scene where Cassia must choose between destiny and chance takes place on the iconic Ferris wheel. As the wheel turns and she sees all of Los Angeles spread below her, she realizes that some things can't be predetermined - including the most important choice of her life. The carnival atmosphere and childhood wonder of the pier represent the joy and spontaneity that Ellis brings to her carefully planned existence.
Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909 and is one of the most famous piers in the world. The Pacific Ferris wheel and carnival rides have entertained millions of visitors, making it an enduring symbol of California's carefree beach culture.
The pier remains a beloved tourist destination and local hangout, featuring the Pacific Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carnival games, restaurants, and street performers. It continues to be a popular spot for romantic dates and marriage proposals.
Visit: Santa Monica Pier (landmark)
1200 Getty Center Dr — Elevated perspectives and family revelations
High above the city at the Getty Center, Cassia experiences a major revelation about her family's mystical abilities and the true cost of their matchmaking success. The museum's elevated position and pristine white architecture mirror her need to rise above her circumstances and see the bigger picture. Here, family secrets are revealed that threaten everything she believed about her destiny and her gift.
The Getty Center opened in 1997 as the main campus of the J. Paul Getty Museum. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the complex was built on a hilltop in Brentwood with a $1.3 billion budget, becoming one of the world's most visited museums.
The Getty Center houses an impressive collection of art, architecture, and gardens, all accessible via a unique tram system. The museum offers free admission and stunning views of Los Angeles, making it a popular destination for both art lovers and tourists.
Visit: The Getty Center (museum)
More by Maurene Goo: All Maurene Goo books
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