Planning a trip to downtown Los Angeles? Don’t forget to explore each of our many districts for the ultimate sightseeing, dining, and overnight stay experiences, coupled with the fondest memories. From Olvera Street to the Warehouse District, Downtown LA has a wide range of attractions that are sure to pique your interest.
Creativity and Beer Suds in the Arts District
The Arts District, once an industrial powerhouse, has a fascinating history. From its origins as Vigne’s vineyard to a bustling industrial center in the late 1800s, it saw transitions from railroads to trucking 49 the cultural hub it’s become today. Artists once reclaimed its dilapidated buildings, establishing art galleries and preserving a slice of LA’s industrial past, leading to it’s now thriving community with a diverse creative scene, housing talents in green technology, architecture, and the largest selections of craft breweries in Los Angeles. Places for memorable visits include Wisdome, and Two Bit Circus (great for kids).
Recommended Hotel Stays: The Americana Hotel
Recommended Dining Destination: LA Cha Cha Cha
For coffee lovers: Boxx Coffee Roasters
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – Little Tokyo Station
Order in the Courts in the Civic District
Olvera Street is a historic marketplace that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Los Angeles. Located in the heart of downtown LA, Olvera Street features shops, restaurants, and galleries that showcase traditional Mexican arts and crafts. Visitors can also explore the historic buildings, museums, and galleries that line the street.
Angels Flight, a funicular railway, is another popular tourist attraction that offers a unique perspective on the city. Visitors can ride the railway and enjoy stunning views of downtown Los Angeles.
LA City Hall, with its stunning Art Deco architecture and observation deck, is an iconic symbol of the city and a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture or history.
Recommended Hotel Stays: Westin Bonaventure.
Recommended Dining Destination: Hill Street Bar & Restaurant.
For Coffee Lovers: Cherry Pick Cafe
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – Civic Ctr / Grand Park Station
The Grand Design of Bunker Hill
Bunker Hill, once a fashionable residential district, is now a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning views of downtown Los Angeles. Visitors can explore the many historic buildings, including Grand Performances and the California Plaza at the top of Angel’s Flight railway, and enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, is a stunning example of modern architecture and is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Visitors can attend a concert or take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and cultural significance.
Grand Performances is an outdoor concert series that takes place in DTLA throughout the summer and features a wide variety of musical performances, dance shows, and theater productions that are free to the public.
The Broad Museum, a contemporary art museum that is home to some of the most iconic works of art from the 20th century, offers visitors the chance to take a guided tour of the museum or explore the many exhibitions on their own.
Recommended Hotel Stays: Conrad Hotel
Recommended Dining Destination: Pez Cantina
For Coffee Lovers: Sip & Sonder
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – Civic Ctr / Grand Park Station
The Party Never Ends in the Historic Core
In the Historic Core, Exchange LA, the Last Bookstore, and the Hotel Cecil are popular tourist attractions that offer a unique blend of historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and modern amenities.
Recommended Hotel Stays: The Millennium Biltmore Hotel.
Recommended Dining Destination: White Elephant Thai.
For Coffee Lovers: Spring for Coffee
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – Pershing Square Station
Dress to Impress in the Fashion District
The Fashion District is a must-visit destination for tourists looking for the latest fashion trends or unique art pieces. Santee Alley and the Hive Gallery are great tourist attractions that offer visitors a unique and authentic experience of DTLA.
Recommended Hotel Stays: Freehand Hotel
Recommended Dining Destination: El Polanco
For Coffee Lovers: Verve Cafe
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – 7th / Metro Station
If you have to ask in the Finance District
The Finance District is home to many important financial institutions, government buildings, and cultural landmarks. The Fine Arts Building, Figat7th, and the LA Library are popular tourist attractions that offer visitors a chance to learn about the history and cultural significance of Los Angeles.
Recommended Hotel Stays: Per La Hotel
Recommended Dining Destination: Joyce Soul & Sea
For Coffee Lovers: Cog Coffee
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – 7th / Metro Station
Fun is Educational at EXPO/USC
Expo/UCs in DTLA is a diverse and dynamic area that is home to some of the city’s most important cultural and educational institutions. The Natural History Museum, the California Science Museum, and the Parkside Garden and USC Peace Garden Project are popular tourist attractions that offer visitors a chance to learn about the natural history of California, the latest scientific advances and discoveries, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Recommended Hotel Stays: USC Hotel.
Recommended Dining Destination: The Palm
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – Expo / USC Station
The New Japan in Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is an unique neighborhood is a melting pot of Japanese and American culture, Visitors can enjoy shopping at the variety of stores and markets selling traditional Japanese crafts and trendy fashion. The area boasts historic landmarks such as the Japanese American National Museum and the Go For Broke Monument, celebrating the contributions of Japanese Americans during World War II. Little Tokyo is also a foodie’s paradise thanks in part to authentic sushi restaurants.
Recommended Hotel Stays: Double Tree By Hilton
Recommended Dining Destination: Ootoro Japanese Sushi & Shop Shishimi
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – Little Tokyo Station
In the Spirit of Giving at Skid Row
Skid Row, despite its high poverty and homeless population, has a rich cultural history and is home to the The African American Fire Fighters Historical Society, which is dedicated to preserving the history of African American firefighters in Los Angeles.
For Coffee Lovers: Skid Row Coffee
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – Pershing Square Station
Clean, Healthy Fun in South Park
South Park, known for its entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions, offers visitors a chance to enjoy LA Live, Crypto Arena, and the LA Convention Center.
Recommended Hotel Stays: The Hoxton
Recommended Dining Destination: Cabra
For Coffee Lovers: Hygge Cafe
Transportation: Metro Regional Connector – Pico Station
Smorgasburg of Adventure in the Warehouse District
Finally, the Warehouse District is a historic neighborhood that is home to RowDTLA and the Bike Shed Moto two popular tourist attractions that offer visitors a chance to shop, dine, and connect with others.
Recommended Hotel Stays: SoHo Warehouse
Recommended Dining Destination: Bikeshed Moto Club
For Coffee Lovers: Guerrilla Coffee
With so much to see and do in Downtown LA, there’s never been a better time to plan a visit.
