A Miracle Mile in Los Angeles? In the early 1920s, Wilshire Blvd. in LA became the first linear downtown concept in the country, the vision of developer A.W. Ross, it was the first commercial area to be designed with cars rather than people in mind. It was wildly successful. So successful that it was heralded as “America’s Champs-Élysées” and christened The Miracle Mile District.
The Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is home to L.A.’s Museum Row, including the now-famous “Urban Lights” public art installation, the La Brea Tarpits, the Broad Museum, and much more. We chose to highlight just a few spots to explore along Wilshire Blvd, but there are many more in this busy little stretch of Wilshire Boulevard.
**Disclaimer**
The businesses and events highlighted are in no way a “Best Of…” list. They are simply places and activities our Savvy Cali Girl contributors have deemed worthy of a shout out. If you want us to tell our readers about your favorite place, tag us with #scgplacestogo and we’ll catch you next time we come through town!
A Little Morning Mojo Along the Miracle Mile District
C+M (Coffee + Milk) at LACMA
C+M (Coffee + Milk) at the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts (LACMA) is the perfect little stop for a bite and a caffeine charge. Before spending the day exploring the exhibitions in and around the museum complex, this little gem features tasty pastries that regularly appear on LA must-try lists. Its menu of drinks is also beyond cute with unique offerings like the Lavender Sparkler or the Call Me Crazy Milkshake.
The Miracle Mile District Has Sweet Treats
Milk Jar Cookies
www.milkjarcookies.com Instagram @milkjarcookies
Another tasty spot on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles, only opened in 2013. Milk Jar established its presence right away as a premier cookie maker in California by going beyond just the cute, corner cookie shop.
With the addition of online retail, it is a powerhouse specialty cookie supplier. In the store, they bake small-batch homemade cookies day and night. They pair them with locally-sourced milk, ice cream, and coffee.
They keep it simple and delicious.
More Than Just Fun in the Sun
Miracle Mile District Museums
Los Angeles County Museum of Arts (LACMA)
LACMA is actually a complex encompassing a number of buildings and installations. It occupies a vast swath of the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles, including The Broad Contemporary Art Museum.
The Broad is the anchor building featuring primarily modern works of art. The collections house a majority of American artists with mainstream names anyone will recognize like Andy Warhol. The Ahmanson Building showcases Picasso, Greek and Roman works, and a dedicated second floor of American and Latin works. A third area, the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion, has temporary exhibitions.
Feel free to bring the kiddos. If they’re under twelve, they are free so even if they lose interest, outside areas will be an adventure. A word of caution, before hopping in the car to see your favorite collections, the entire complex is under renovation so first check the website listed above.
Urban Lights Installation at LACMA, An Iconic Instagram-Worthy Location
www.lacma.org Instagram @lacma
One of our favorite things is sharing exactly where you can shoot that epic photo. Granted, we are partial to coastal sunsets, but the Urban Lights public art installation (a collection from the LACMA) is worth a stop by day or night. It has been the backdrop in countless film & television productions and photo shoots. It’s a collection of 202 restored, working gas lamps collected from all over Los Angeles.
La Brea Tar Pits
So if you have wide-eyed kids who think mammoths are awesome, the La Brea Tar Pits is the perfect day trip! The museum is great for those hands-on experiences. Also, everyone can also check out life-size replicas and fossils of mammoths, giant sloths, and saber-toothed cats. There is, of course, a real tar pit! Additionally, there are actual working scientists working onsite as well. This is the place to get up close to ancient giants.
Short on funds? Check out the various groups that qualify for free entry: toddlers up to two, free first Tuesdays (except in July and August), CA EBT cardholders with ID, CA teachers with ID, active or retired military with ID, or LA County residents Monday – Friday from 3 – 5 pm. Pretty cool, right?
The SLS Hotel, Rest & Recharge
While it may be a challenge to find a place to lay your head right near the attractions along the Miracle Mile. There are multitudes of economical choices and a few funky choices for the hipster crowd. We figured if it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, a thumping club at the pool isn’t really going to cut it and it may well be worth it to spend a little more.
We stepped outside the immediate museum area to SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills for a respite from the LA hustle and bustle. The SLS Hotel is a luxury hotel with a variety of room types, a rooftop pool, a gym, a spa, and exceptional dining. Notably, you can explore Spanish cuisine at The Bazaar by José Andrés.
