With a population of four million people over a 1,300 square kilometer area, Los Angeles, California, comes firmly second place in the top largest cities of the United States.
For first time visitors, or even third or fourth time visitors, we appreciate the immense scale and structure of the city can be overwhelming, and there’s so much to see and do even lifelong residents don’t get to experience it all. Do you head straight for Hollywood and go celebrity-spotting? Or hang with the surfers and skateboarders at Venice Beach? How do you know which neighborhoods to visit and which ones to avoid?
In this article, we’ve narrowed the scope to Downtown LA, choosing the best experiences in the best neighborhoods, away from the tourist madness of Hollywood but still packed with energy and entertainment. From Instagram hot spots in the Arts District to California wine tasting in the middle of Chinatown, there’s something for every budget and personality in Downtown LA.
| Skid Row
The Skid Row neighborhood in Downtown LA is one of the largest, and although it’s most famous for the homeless population, that shouldn’t deter you from visiting and exploring the breweries, restaurants, shops, cafes, and art galleries that line the streets.
Awarded one of the “Top 25 Most Instagrammable Arts Spaces” by Vice Magazine, one of our favorite galleries in Skid Row is the Think Tank Gallery & Showroom on E 4th Street, a collective art space showcasing weird and wonderful collaborative exhibitions that encompass a range of themes. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check the installation calendar to see what’s on!
| Fashion District
Here at Experience Gifts we sure love a food market, and Smorgasburg in LA’s Fashion District might be our favorite one yet.
Amongst the thousands of wholesale retailers, fabric stores, independent boutiques and fashion brands is the largest weekly open-air food market in the US, hosting over 100 food vendors peddling everything from oysters to vegan doughnuts to Texan BBQ.
Over 50,000 visitors attend the market each week so even without the amazing food, the set-up itself is a sight to behold. Grab some coffee, chow down on epic street eats, browse the homeware and jewellery, and basically have the best day ever at Smorgasburg. You won’t regret it!
| Arts District
Have you even been to LA if you don’t have a picture in front of graffiti angel wings? The Global Wings Angel Project was founded by artist Collette Miller to “remind humanity that we are the angels of the earth”, and soon became one of the most ubiquitous social media images posted by Los Angeles tourists.
There are hundreds of murals around the world, but you’ll find a high density in the Downtown Arts District (unsurprisingly) where the project started. Download the interactive map and wander the streets snapping iconic selfies as you go, and be the envy of all your Instagram followers!
| Little Tokyo
One of only three Japantowns in the United States, Little Tokyo in Downtown LA is the largest and most historically significant, home to North America’s highest population of Japanese-American residents. The Japanese American National Museum is well worth the visit for art and history buffs, and the Japanese Villlage Plaza is great for authentic cuisine surrounded by traditional architecture.
If you want to explore Japanese food with a professional chef, you can book cookery classes with Chef Maezaki and learn how to make proper sushi with your friends – the ultimate Little Tokyo cultural experience!
| South Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Downtown LA, chances are the Crypto.com Arena will come top of most search results.
Located in the South Park neighborhood, the 21,000 seat arena is home to the Lakers and Clippers basketball teams, making it the only arena shared by two teams in the NBA! As well as hosting the Grammy Awards, the League of Legends World Championships, and being awarded the most "vegetarian-friendly" NBA arena by PETA, the Crypto.com Arena regularly holds music concerts, sporting events, and political conventions, so be sure to see what’s on when planning your trip to South Park.
| Pershing Square
In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ most happening neighborhoods is Pershing Square, a historic communal park surrounded by trendy restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment options. Once a 19th century settlement camp, the Square is now popular with young families and is frequently used for art exhibitions and summer concerts.
Explore the Pershing Square culinary scene on a Downtown food tour and discover history, iconic landmarks, neighborhood commentary and much more, all punctuated by carefully selected food stops to showcase the best of the region. Think French Dip sandwiches, salted caramel eclairs, braised tacos, and plenty of inspiration for the rest of your stay!
| Pico Gardens
On the east side of the Los Angeles River across from the Arts District is Pico Gardens, a small industrial neighborhood known for its art studios, bakeries, Hollenbeck Park, and the iconic saloon bar, Tony's.
Passionate about happy hour, burgers and games, this saloon bar invites punters from across the city to enjoy a rotating board of beverages and parlor games in a friendly setting, with regular live music, trivia nights, and tasting sessions for all to enjoy. If you’re a supporter of independent bars and are looking to spend some time in Downtown LA, Tony's Saloon is a sure winner!
| Westlake
On the other side of route 110 is the sprawling Westlake region of Los Angeles, known for its historic mansions and 20th century theaters.
At the center of the neighborhood is MacArthur Park, a designated City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument named after General Douglas MacArthur, the US Army Chief of Staff in the 1930s.
MacArthur Park attracts tourists and locals alike who come to enjoy the greenery and feed the geese, and during the summer months the Levitt Pavilion hosts free concerts of up and coming artists. Ideal for young families looking for kid-friendly activities or anyone who just wants to escape the city for a while, head to Westlake and catch some free entertainment!
| Chinatown
An experience that’s not quite so child-friendly but great fun for the adults; wine tasting in Los Angeles’ Chinatown neighborhood. You may not generally associate wineries with Chinatown, but bear with us, this is a Downtown LA outing you won’t want to miss.
The neighborhood has everything you’d expect from a Chinatown; authentic eateries, colorful pagodas, cultural temples, and stores selling traditional Asian goods – a fantastic day out for exploring Los Angeles history. Across the river is the San Antonio Winery where guests can book wine tastings, winery tours, and dine at the Maddalena Restaurant, experiencing a slice of the world-renowned California wine industry in the heart of Chinatown!
| Angelino Heights
Last but not least we head north to Angelino Heights, a neighborhood boasting great bars, restaurants, and coffee shops on Sunset Boulevard, paddle boating on the scenic Echo Park Lake, and the Victorian-era house used in the Charmed series!
Discover more about the iconic architecture of the neighborhood on an Angelino Heights walking tour, joining a knowledgeable guide for an entertaining journey through Angelino history, community, and pop culture. Visit famous TV filming locations, see where Michael Jackson’s “Thriller!” music video was shot, and if you’re lucky, enter some of the properties for exclusive sneak-peaks!
The Angelino Heights walking tour is a great experience for first-time LA visitors, and would make a thoughtful gift idea for architecture fans.
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles - New for 2022!
Check out our top 5 latest activities in Los Angeles, new and improved for 2022.
Los Angeles is the place for celeb spotting as so many flock to the vibrant city. So, if you've got stars in your eyes and want to catch a glimpse of your idol, why not take the LA Celebrity Homes Bus Tour?
If you're more of an adrenaline junkie, then the Six Flags Magic Mountain Day Trip in Anaheim is a must. You couldn't possibly visit LA and not swing by the legendary theme park!
For some nautical fun and the chance to spot some cool critters, why not try the Orange County Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour? This family friendly adventure ensures that you get the most of LA's famous beaches.
An Introduction to Kite Surfing in Long Beach is just the ticket for those who want to get their feet wet and try something new! Learning from instructors at the longest running kite school in Southern California, you will certainly be taught by the best.
Get an out-of-this-world perspective of the iconic OC on the Orange County Robinson R66 Helicopter Tour Experience. This breath taking trip will ensure that you experience unforgettable views!
| Thanks for reading!
Downtown LA has endless opportunities for exciting days out, evening entertainment, and cultural experiences, so hopefully we’ve convinced you to step outside of Hollywood on your next trip to the City of Angels! For more unique LA activities and experience gift ideas, check out our Los Angeles location category and find the perfect day out for any personality.
