Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) has been my go-to destination for stocking up on essentials for my small business. Previously, I had the impression that Downtown LA was solely a commercial center, characterized by a plethora of high-rise buildings and limited entertainment options. However, I have since discovered that there is more to DTLA than meets the eye.
If you find yourself in DTLA, I’ve curated a list of unique things to see and do that are all located within a short walking distance from each other, making it easy to explore the city’s hidden gems without having to travel far.
Gloria Molina Grand Park
Gloria Molina Grand Park is a 12 acre park in DTLA, situated between the Music Center and City Hall in DTLA. The park is a vibrant outdoor hub for the entire LA community, boasting ample green space for all events of all sizes. The park is open every day for casual activities such as picnics, lunch breaks, exercise and more. If you begin your journey from Gloria Molina Grand Park and stroll through the Walt Disney Concert Hall, it will take approximately 7 minutes.
Location: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Walt Disney Concert Hall
One of Los Angeles’ finest treasures, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is located in the heart of downtown LA. It is open to the public without requiring tickets to LA Philharmonic performance. This place gets pretty busy and I anticipated seeing a ton of people when I went on a weekday afternoon. However, to my surprised, I had the entire space to myself. I’ll be sure to catch one of their free self-guided audio tours the next time I’m back in DTLA.
Also, check out the Blue Ribbon Garden, a hidden gem amid the concrete jungle located on the rooftop of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. It is an acre-wide oasis with tropical plants, shady walkways, tables for lunch, coffee, and drawing, and a mosaic fountain designed by Gehry in honor of Lilly Disney. It is a quiet place in the usually busy Downtown Los Angeles. Worth visiting if you’re in the area!
Location: 111 S. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Broad Museum
One of the coolest museums I’ve ever visited in DTLA.
The Broad is a contemporary art museum built by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. It houses many amazing contemporary works of art. The Broad is showcasing a special exhibit by Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.
The entrance is free but a time-entry ticket is required for “Infinity Mirrored Room + General Admission. Go here to book online https://ticketing.thebroad.org/events
Location: 221 S Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown LA is a prominent museum in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. General admission to MOCA is free but you need to book your tickets online or at the museum’s ticket counter. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.
This museum is quite close to Walt Disney Concert Hall & Broad Museum – so consider strolling between these three cultural gems.
Location: 250 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
Angels Flight Railway
It is a landmark in the Bunker Hill district and is known for being the shortest railway in the world. A ride up the hill takes less than a minute. The railway features two funicular cars with the names Olivet and Sinai that go in opposite directions on a shared cable. It was not crowded when I went on a Satuday afternoon. The Angels Flight is open every day, including weekends and holidays, from 6:45 am to 10 pm. The fare is just $1.00 each way, or you can opt for a round-trip ticket for $2 to remember your journey and take a piece of history with you.
Location: 351 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Grand Central Market
Located in the heart of historic downtown LA, and right across from Angel’s Flight Railway Lower Station.
Grand Central Market is a vibrant culinary spot where you can find an array of food stands featuring produce, dried goods, spices, and meats from various vendors. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the lower level of the market, you can find various items from independent merchants, artisans and makers in LA.
Parking in downtown LA can be quite pricey, up to $20 an hour. You may ride the metro train to nearby Pershing Square Station, located approximately one block from Grand Central.
Location: 317 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
Bradbury Building
Built in 1893, the Bradbury is an architectural icon and the oldest commercial building located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. It’s known for its remarkable skylit atrium of access walkways, marble stairs, open cage elevators, and their ornate ironwork. Admission to the building is free. The building’s upper floors are off limits, but the first floor gives you a good glimpse of it.
Location: 304 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Last Bookstore
This magical store is housed in an old building and contains the largest collection of new and used books and other novelties such as vinyl records, graphic novels and comic books. Each area of the store is an adventure and the famous tunnel of books feels as though you are entering a world out of a fairy tale. This bookstore opens everyday from 11am=8pm
Location: 453 S Spring St Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Central Library
The Los Angeles Central Library is indeed a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The stunning Egyptian-inspired architecture houses an impressive collection of literary treasures and serves as the main library for the Los Angeles Public Library system. One of the most impressive features of this library is its rotunda, which is particularly striking with its intricate murals and artwork.
Location: 630 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Most of these attractions are free to visit with the exception of the Angels Flight Railway, which requires a $1 fare each way. Both the Broad Museum and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) require that you make an online reservation in advance.
You can visit these iconic spots in one day (just don’t forget to make reservations for the museums in advance).
Parking
There are various parking options around the area including metered and covered parking close to the venues. You may park at the Broad or Disney Concert Hall parking – prices are from $15 and up depending on day and time.
Unique restaurants nearby
Mrs. Fish
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Perch LA
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Takami Sushi & Robot Restaurant
811 Wilshire Blvd #2100, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Water Grill – Los Angeles
544 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Little Sister – Downtown
523 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
HATCH
700 W 7th St Suite G600, Los Angeles, CA 90017
71Above
633 W 5th St 71st floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
LA Prime at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel
404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Mama Por Dios – DTLA
800 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Grand Central Market
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013