From restaurants and bars to museums and theaters, Downtown LA has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of all the best Downtown LA attractions. So put on your walking shoes and let’s get started!
Union Station
If you’re visiting from out of town and looking for guidance on how to get around the city, Union Station is a great place to start. The station was built in 1939 and designed by noted architect John Parkinson. It is considered to be one of America’s best examples of Mission Revival architecture. A number of movie and television shows have been filmed at Union Station, including ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and ‘LA Confidential.’
Grand Central Market
One of the most popular things to do in Downtown LA is visiting Grand Central Market. This historic public market has been a staple of the city since it first opened in 1917. You’ll find a wide variety of food vendors selling everything from fresh produce to ethnic cuisine. There’s also a handful of unique shops and businesses that call Grand Central Market home.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall is another must-check thing to do in Downtown LA. This world-renowned concert hall is the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and features a stunning architectural design. Even if you’re not a classical music fan, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is worth a visit for its impressive architecture alone.
Olvera Street
No visit to Downtown LA would be complete without a trip to Olvera Street. This historic street is home to a number of shops and restaurants, as well as the iconic El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. Olvera Street is the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring all that Downtown LA has to offer.
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is another great thing to do in Downtown LA. This vibrant community is home to a number of Japanese restaurants and shops, as well as the popular Japanese American National Museum. Little Tokyo is the perfect place to experience some of the best of Japanese culture without leaving Los Angeles. If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable thing to do in Downtown Los Angeles, be sure to add Little Tokyo to your list of must-see attractions!
The Museum of Contemporary Art
It might be in the name, but it bears repeating that the MOCA is a real gem of an art museum. They’re dedicated to contemporary art, and they feature both travelling exhibitions, as well as locally curated ones. MOCA’s main building is on Grand Avenue, so if you plan to check them out, you should definitely include it in your plans for Downtown LA itinerary. They have more than 22,000 pieces in their collection, and that includes some really big names like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. The museum has two other locations: Little Tokyo and West Hollywood.
OUE Skyspace Observation Deck
The OUE Skyspace Observation Deck is open to the public, so you can look out upon the epic views of Los Angeles free of charge. The observation deck is located on the 70th floor of the US Bank Tower, which is currently the tallest building in Los Angeles. From this high vantage point, you will feel like you are on top of the world, being able to see all over Downtown LA and beyond. This would be a great place to relax and watch the sunset!
Perch Rooftop Pool
You can’t miss Perch. Just look for an old brick building covered in vines on Hill Street between 4th and 5th. It’ll be on your left, just before you reach Flower Street. At the top of this hotel, you’ll find a rooftop pool and lounge that gives you a 360-degree view of downtown.
Angels Flight
Angel’s Flight is a historic funicular railway in Los Angeles, California. It has been in operation since 1901 and is one of the oldest operating funicular railways in the United States. The railway runs between Bunker Hill and Olive Street, with stops at California Plaza and Grand Avenue. The Angel’s Flight Railway is a popular tourist destination, as it offers a unique view of downtown Los Angeles.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a historic neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles. It is located near the city’s Civic Center, and it is centered around North Broadway. Once a hub for immigrants from China to settle, Chinatown has since become a popular tourist destination with many attractions and things to do.
Pershing Square
Pershing Square’s history is a long and interesting one. In the late 1800s, the city needed a place to put all its dead residents, so they chose this spot. The land was eventually bought by an entrepreneur named Mark Lacer, who tore up the graves and turned it into a racetrack for horses. Other things went on here, but then it was sold again, becoming a park in 1866. Today, Pershing Square hosts free concerts, art fairs, holiday festivals and other events throughout the year.
LA City Hall
LA City Hall is another landmark of DTLA. It was constructed in 1928 and still serves as the city’s main government building. It was built by the architect John Parkinson and is an example of a classical revival building with Art Deco influences. The building is a National Historic Monument that has been featured in numerous movies, including “Rebel Without a Cause” and “Superman Returns.”
Santa Monica Pier
If you’re ready to head off a tiny bit further this is a must-see! Situated at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this pier has operated as an amusement park since 1916. It features historic rides and a carousel that was built in 1922 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restaurants, shops, street performers and a trapeze school also call it home. Admission: Free to enter; rides and attractions have separate fees. How to get there: The pier is accessible via most major bus lines. Paid parking is available on-site for $2 per hour for up to eight hours or $12 for all day.
Things to Do in Downtown LA
Ready to explore Downtown LA? With so many things to see and do, you’re sure to have a great time. Just remember to take your time and enjoy all that this incredible city area has to offer.
Similar Posts:
- Camden Market: A Guide to Visiting Camden Market in London
- Things to Do in Grand Rapids, Michigan That You Haven’t Been Told About. The Best Attractions in Grand Rapids, MI
- Central London, Main Tourist Attractions You Have to See
- London Paddington Station: A Railway Station in Central London
- London’s Railway Stations: All the Information You Need on King’s Cross Station
- Visiting Famous Food Markets in London: Borough Market
- Things to Do at Waterloo Station (London Waterloo)
- Piccadilly Circus: A Busy and Bright Place in London
