Why Should You Go? Will You Like Downtown Los Angeles?
- Take a photo tour of Downtown Los Angeles.
- Downtown Los Angeles is overlooked by many Los Angeles visitors, but it offers the best in performing arts, great shopping, good places to eat and a glimpse into Los Angeles history.
Best Time to Go to Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles can be hot in mid-summer, but otherwise it's fun almost any time.Don't Miss
There are so many movies and other productions going on in downtown these days, it's hard to miss them, so keep your eyes open for closed sidewalks, police escorts and lines of white trucks parked at the curb.
5 More Great Things to Do in Downtown Los Angeles
- Take Our Self-Guided Walking Tour: You'll get a glimpse of all of the city's 200-plus-year history.
- Performing Arts: Get tickets for the symphony, Center Theater Group or other downtown performances. If you plan ahead, you may be able to get a discount.
- Take a Historic Walking Tour: The Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours are a good way to learn more about the city.
- Shop for Bargains: The Los Angeles Garment District is full of them. So's the Toy District, and the Jewelry District.
- Sports and Concerts: The Staples Center is home to basketball, ice hockey and indoor football teams, and when none of that is going on, it sometimes becomes a concert arena. Dodger Stadium is also very close to downtown.
Annual Events You Should Know About
The Los Angeles Marathon finishes in downtown, causing a number of street closures. It's held in early March.Tips for Visiting Downtown Los Angeles
- Downtown Los Angeles is still largely a business district, so hotels have more available rooms over the weekend (Friday and Saturday nights). Check for special offers at the hotel websites.
- Keep your car parked and use the DASH bus or MTA subway lines to get around.
Best Bites
A few long-time Los Angeles favorites downtown include Philippe the Original (French dipped sandwiches), Clifton's Cafeteria (for its funky, forest-themed decor) and the Grand Central Market.You'll find a batch of dining spots at L.A. Live. You'll find plenty of restaurant reviews at Yelp.com and during Restaurant Week you can sample some of the area's top spots for reduced prices.
Where to Stay
Downtown is oddly short on hotel choices, but we've done the homework for you, picking the best of the bunch.Getting to Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles is 120 miles from San Diego, 270 miles from Las Vegas, 220 miles from Fresno and 380 miles from San Francisco. Many of the LA metro area freeways will get you there, including US 101, I-110, I-10 and I-5.If you're flying, LAX is the most obvious choice, but Burbank (BUR) is closer and much less congested. Check airfares.
By train, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner Line stops at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles.
