Visit Downtown Los Angeles for food, art and architecture. If you walk this city, you’ll come across modern murals to urban street art. As a result, there is a free-spirited vibe reflected in the downtown culture. You may even spot more than a few angel wings. Perhaps it’s in the name…City of Angels?
Above Photo ‘You are a goddess living in a city of angels’ Courtesy of Karla Velazquez
**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!
First, as California daytrippers, we always love an opportunity to taste our way through a location. Grand Central Market in LA tips the scales for us in terms of the variety of cuisine in a single location. Any visit to Downtown Los Angeles has to include this foodie mecca. It was nearly impossible to narrow down places to showcase, so we will definitely have to head back for another go in the future!
Beyond indulging our taste buds, there are also ample opportunities to explore locales that are visually stunning and camera-worthy. A visit to Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is well worth a box on your itinerary for this reason alone.
Downtown Los Angeles Rocks the Food Scene
Get Your Morning Mojo at G&B Coffee
www.grandcentralmarket.com Instagram @gandbcoffee
First up, if you want to get your morning going with amazing caffeine treats, G&B Coffee is the spot. Business and Pleasure will knock your socks off with that espresso kick (the business) made into a chilled macadamia cappuccino dusted with espresso (the pleasure).
In addition, they also feature a few items perfect for the morning rush – like a yeasted waffle with ricotta and jam or Overnight Oats, laden with various seeds, granola, and coconut milk.
Eggslut at Grand Central Market
www.grandcentralmarket.com Instagram @eggslut
Next, as an alternative for the morning cravings, the guys at Eggslut are knocking it out of the park. They have a handful of locations around LA and in Las Vegas. Even a few abroad in Japan, South Korea, and Kuwait.
Their menu is simple but you can customize anything in your order. Add fixins like avocado or remove the bread (carbs) to convert to a salad, no problem. Just beware of lines, like at any breakfast hot spot worth a visit.
Explore Downtown Los Angeles Instagram Worthy Locations
The Last Bookstore LA Photos via Unsplash
The Last Bookstore
www.lastbookstorela.com Instagram @thelastbookstorela
Once you’ve had your fill at Grand Central Market, consider exploring the Spring Arts Tower at 5th and Spring, The Last Bookstore is a must-see destination for book lovers in Los Angeles, but also for those with an interest in vinyl records and graphic novels.
It’s actually California’s largest new and used book and record store but rates as two floors of Instagram-worthy spots. Check out their social media as they regularly feature indie book stores and recommended reads. A recent story from CBS News featured this unique destination.
Interestingly, The Bradbury in Downtown Los Angeles
Next, if you still want to fill that lens, check out the Bradbury Building. It was built in 1893 and is an architectural landmark. The inside courtyard is open and a marvel of iron work, marble stairs and even old-time cage elevators (although they are not functional). It’s open for tourists to enjoy but only with access to the first landing.
There have been many businesses and offices over its long history. It earned the nickname “the ovens” by LAPD officers as officer discipline hearings were held there by the Internal Affairs Division. Now, if you love sci-fi you may recognize the building since it was featured in Bladerunner.
The Bradbury Photos via Unsplash
Commune with Nature in Downtown Los Angeles
Grand Park LA
www.grandparkla.org Instagram @grandpark_la
Finally, if you want to get outside, slow down, throw out a blanket, and enjoy some rays then Grand Park LA might suit you. It’s three long blocks of greenery in Downtown Los Angeles with a variety of activities for the kids including playgrounds and a fountain and splash pad.
Sunday Sessions features free house music by local artists all summer long (June – September). Wednesdays are free yoga, and you can find food trucks parked regularly. Just be sure to follow your favorite food truck on social media or check the Grand Park LA website to get the most up to date info on the trucks making a stop that week.
Rest and Recharge in Downtown Los Angeles
Hotel Figueroa
www.hotelfigueroa.com Instagram @hotelfigueroa
Lastly, Hotel Figueroa has its roots in the history of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA for short). In 1926, it was founded, built, and operated entirely by women, for women. Believe it or not, there was a time when women were unable to check into ‘proper’ hotels without a male chaperone.
It’s always beautiful but it was recently restored to its original Spanish Colonial Revival style. It has all the amenities: pool, restaurant and bar, fitness center, and even a Tesla house car. The art gallery features original work from local female artists. It’s also certainly a plus that LA Live, the Staples Center, the Microsoft Theater, and the Grammy Museum are all just steps away.
Los Angeles Series: Griffith Park, Miracle Mile & Downtown LA
