Okie Dokie, my friends, let me get this out of my chest, there are a lot of things to do in Downtown Los Angeles.
I’ll give you the low down below. It is up to you what you choose to do. You can see a lot in one day if you start early. Keep in mind time will be consumed on activities such as tours or museum visits.
CLIMB TO THE TOP OF CITY HALL
Even though it was completed in 1928, Los Angeles City Hall is one of the most prominent buildings in the Downtown area. This art deco gem can be seen from different spots, including when driving south on freeway 110.
The public is welcome to visit the building’s Observation Deck, located on the 27th floor, for free. Now, you have to enter the building through the back or the Main Street entrance. You are not allowed to use the front or Spring Street entrance.
After clearing the metal detectors, you are given instructions on how to reach the top. The views from the deck are awesome. You can see different landmarks, the San Gabriel Mountains, the airport, ocean, and Catalina Island.
RELAX AT GRAND PARK
The Grand Park is a 12-acre green oasis extending from City Hall to the Music Center (Spring Spring Street to Grand Avenue.
The park counts with sitting areas, open spaces, memorials, flora displays, interpretative signs, a cafeteria, and the regal Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain. A “splash” pool formed below the fountain is a favorite of kids (and some adults) on hot days.
Do not miss the views from the upper part of the park. You will be able to take great photos of City Hall.
JOIN THE LOS ANGELES TIMES TOUR
Los Angeles Times is one of the largest circulating newspaper in the United States and it has been in printing for over 135 years.
The newspaper building in Downtown Los Angeles was finished in 1935 and won a gold medal in 1937 Paris Exhibition due to its impressive late art deco style.
Free guided tours, of the building and printing facilities, are offered once a month. This is a great opportunity to explore an activity that is disappearing in this digital age. Details on how to book a tour can be found here.
ADMIRE OR TOUR THE WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
No other building has contributed more to the rise of Downtown Los Angeles then the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. It opening in 2003 brought worldwide attention to the area. Since then, the building has been featured in numerous movies, commercials and TV shows.
I am not sure how to describe the shape of the building. I see it as a mashup of shining silver panels reminiscent of Gehry’s masterpiece, the Guggenheim Bilbao.
The concert home is home to Los Angeles Philarmonic orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. For concerts and events.
Even if you are not attending a performance, you are still welcome to walk around the building, visit the Blue Ribbon Garden on the 3rd level and enter the LA Phil Store. Self-guided, one hour long, audio tours are offered most days. Check details in here. Tours are complimentary but a photo ID is needed to use the audio device.
VISIT THE MOST POPULAR MUSEUM: THE BROAD
Since 2015, we have had a new architectural icon in Downtown. I am referring to The Broad, a contemporary art museum designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Some say it resembles a honeycomb. Architects describe the design using the “veil and vault” concept. You have a porous skin covering the core building.
The best thing about The Broad is that admission to the permanent galleries is free. Now, remember I said this place is popular? Well, you have to make a reservation way in advance to get in. Take this into consideration when planning your visit to Los Angeles.
Permanent exhibits feature the works of Basquiat, Lichtenstein, and Warhol. A different reservation (other than the one for general admission) may be needed to access special exhibitions.
MORE ART: MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA)
If you haven’t had enough of art, you can keep exploring by visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) located on Grand Avenue, across The Broad.
This museum specializes in art created after 1940 and has works of artists such as Rothko, Mondrian, and Pollock. Note this is the main branch of the museum. Admission will get you entrance to this location and to the Geffen Contemporary (located in Little Tokyo). A third branch is located in West Hollywood (Pacific Design Center).
SEE THE MURALS INSIDE THE LOS ANGELES CENTRAL LIBRARY
You may have noticed Downtown Los Angeles is full of grand buildings. Well, the central branch of the Los Angeles public library systems is not the exception. After all, it represents the largest public library system in the United States.
The Central Libray building has Egyptian and Meditteranean influences. My favorite part is the pyramidal cupola with shining suns on the sides. Inside, you will find murals allusive to the different stages of the History of California and works of arts such as sculptures, chandeliers, and paintings. Also, do not miss the Atrium of the Tom Bradley Wing. The library host special exhibitions and events.
RIDE THE SKYSLIDE AT OUE SKYSPACE
One of the newish attractions in town, the OUE Skyspace offers visitors the opportunity to experience California’s tallest open air observation deck. This is accomplished by going to the 7th floor of the famous US Bank Tower (1000 feet above ground).
Now, the views are beyond all description but a lot of people go because they want to ride the glass slide available on site. I am not sure if I will have the courage to ride the slide. I am terrible with heights.
Tickets start at $25. You have to pay an additional fee if you want to ride the slide. I have heard it sunset is the best time to visit. You will see the sun going down and then the city lights.
OBSERVE BUNKER HILL FROM PERSHING SQUARE
Colorful Pershing Square is one of the best places to photograph the tall buildings of Bunker Hill. I am sure you will find a lovely angle.
This park hosts event, concerts and an ice skating rink in winter.
GET LOST INSIDE THE LAST BOOKSTORE
Independent bookstores are starting to be a thing of the past. That is a sad fact for book lovers like me.
That is why it is so delightful to find a place like The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles. Hundreds of new and used books are scattered around two stories. What is more, the bookstore occupies a former bank. You can even enter the vault!
Wait! There is more! They are known for their creative displays, art pieces, and mounted elephant head. I love spending time in here. Stop by and see what I am talking about.
EAT AT THE SPRING ARCADE BUILDING
The Spring Arcade Building can be seen as a food hall. Even though it is smaller than the Grand Central Market, it is still has a decent selection of options. It is a great place for those who do not want to battle with crowds.
In here, I would not miss the following:
Blue Jam Cafe – This place serves some of the best breakfasts in Downtown. Go for their crunchy French toast, Maui French toast, steak hash, and shakshuka
Guisados – Do not miss this Los Angeles institution. After operating many years from Boyle Heights, they have expanded throughout the city. Get their taco samples (consists of 6 small tacos) and try as many flavors as possible. The horchata here is the bomb!
Don Francisco’s Coffee – Yes, you need this coffee in your life and yes, you need some guava & cheese pastries in your life.
Scholb Premium Ales is a small craft brewery and tasting room that features a large variety of craft beer with clean, clear, direct flavors.
