Downtown Los Angeles

Description:

Walker and Eisen designed this building in 1928 for businessman James Oviatt and his men's store, Oviatt and Alexander. He had fallen in love with the new Art Deco style on his buying trips to Paris. Most of the fixtures, draperies, stairways, glass fixtures and carpets were made in Paris and then shipped to California. In recent years, architect Brenda Levin has beautifully restored the building. The men's shop is now the restaurant Cicada.

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This is one of L.A.'s early architectural achievements and the third-largest library in the United States. The city rallied to save the library when arson nearly destroyed it in 1986; the triumphant restoration has returned much of its original splendor. Working in the early 1920s, architect Bertram G. Goodhue employed the Egyptian motifs and materials popularized by the discovery of King Tut's tomb, and combined them with a more modern use of concrete block to great effect. Walking tours are the best way to explore this old beauty; they're led Monday through Friday at 12:30pm, Saturday at 11am and 2pm, and Sunday at 2pm. Warning: Parking in this area can involve a heroic effort. Try visiting on the weekend and using the Flower Street parking entrance; the library will validate your ticket, and you can escape for only $2.

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Japan's top architect, Arata Isozaki, built this museum in 1986. The series of bright galleries with exposed vaults display some of this century's finest artwork. Works by Mark Rothco, Franz Kline, Claes Oldenburg and more are displayed year-round. In addition to the curators, artists and critics frequently give guided tours. Inside the museum is a great restaurant called Patinette serving great Mediterranean cuisine. For further information check the website.

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This theater district (also known as the Broadway district) stretches from Third Street to Olympic Boulevard. It was the first district of its kind to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are a dozen major theaters covering a six-block area. Theaters on this strip include the Million Dollar Theater, the Los Angeles Theater and the United Artists Theater. Recently, the L.A. Conservancy has been working to revitalize this district and make it a center of downtown life. They give tours of the area; call the number listed for more information.
 
Also note this guide of historic theaters through-out the Los Angeles area.

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This National Historic Landmark, built in 1893 and designed by George Wyman, is Los Angeles's oldest commercial building and one of the city's most revered architectural achievements. Legend has it that an inexperienced draftsman named George Wyman accepted the $125,000 commission after communicating with his dead brother through a Ouija board. Capped by a magical five-story skylight, Bradbury's courtyard combines glazed brick, ornate Mexican tile floors, rich Belgian marble, Art Nouveau grillwork, handsome oak paneling, and lacelike wrought-iron railings -- it's one of the great interior spaces of the 19th century. The glass-topped atrium is often used as a movie and TV set; you've probably seen it before in Chinatown and Blade Runner.

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Reminiscent of the New York garment district, but not quite as frenetic, L.A.'s 90-block Fashion District, bordered by 7th, Spring, and San Pedro streets and the Santa Monica Freeway, has dozens of small shops selling designer and name-brand apparel at heavily discounted prices. A concentration of retail women's wear bargains -- many by name-brand designers -- can be found at the Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St. (at 9th St.). Men should have some luck along the upper blocks of Los Angeles Street, where mostly business attire is displayed, with deep discounts on Hugo Boss, Armani, and other current suits (mainly Italian), plus similar savings on sport coats and shirts. Ties and vests are usually less stylish.

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This museum run by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is an important landmark in Little Tokyo. It is one of the three MOCA museums in the city. The spacious establishment has a gallery where art exhibitions of renowned artists are hosted and a reading room stocking books.

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Like nearby Chinatown, this redeveloped ethnic neighborhood isn't home to the majority of Angelenos of Japanese ancestry; suburban Gardena has that distinction. But Little Tokyo functions as the community's cultural focal point and is home to several malls filled with bakeries, bookshops, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as the occasional Buddhist temple. The Japanese American National Museum is here, as is the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St. (tel. 213/628-2725; www.jaccc.org), which regularly offers traditional Kabuki dramas and modern music concerts.

Unfortunately Little Tokyo is shabbier than almost any district in the Japanese capital, and it has difficulty holding a visitor's attention for much longer than the time it takes to eat lunch. Exceptions to this rule come twice yearly, during the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring and Nisei Week in late summer. Both heritage festivals celebrate Japanese culture with parades, traditional Ondo street dancing, a carnival, and an arts fair. The Japanese American Network provides a community calendar, a map of Little Tokyo points of interest, and useful Web links online at www.janet.org/janet_little_tokyo/ja_little_tokyo.html.

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Union Station, completed in 1939, is one of the finest examples of California mission-style architecture and one of the last of America's great rail stations. It was built with the opulence and attention to detail that characterize 1930s WPA projects, such as its cathedral-like size and richly paneled ticket lobby and waiting area. When you're strolling through these grand historic halls, it's easy to imagine the glamorous movie stars who once boarded The City of Los Angeles and The Super Chief to journey back East during the glory days of rail travel; it's also easy to picture the many heartfelt reunions between returning soldiers and loved ones following the victorious end to World War II, in the station's heyday. Movies shot here include Bugsy, The Way We Were, and Blade Runner. There's always been a restaurant in the station; the latest to occupy this unusually beautiful setting is Traxx.

Our Local Expert Says:

The birthplace of Los Angeles

Description:

Olvera Street is, like most of Los Angeles, a combination of authentic history, reconstructed fantasy and pure fun. Situated in the middle of Downtown, Olvera Street has been turned into a lively market place reminiscent of Old Mexico. It was here that Los Angeles was founded in the late 1700s as El Pueblo de Nuesta Señora Reina de los Ángeles. In the 1930s, it was turned into a Mexican oasis in the middle of a burgeoning and thriving Downtown. Olvera Street continues to attract locals and visitors alike with an assortment of Mexican restaurants, small curios shops and historical markers.

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Many Chinese settled in this once-rural area during the second half of the 19th century. Today, most Angelenos of Chinese descent are well integrated into the city's suburbs; few can be found living in this rough pocket of Downtown. But though the neighborhood hardly compares in quality or size to the Chinese quarters of London, San Francisco, or New York, Chinatown's bustling little mom-and-pop shops and profusion of ethnic restaurants provide an interesting Downtown diversion.

Chinatown centers on a mall, Mandarin Plaza, 970 N. Broadway, reconstructed in 1938 a few blocks from its original site just south of Dodger Stadium. Go on a Sunday morning for dim sum at Empress Pavilion, 988 N. Hill St. (tel. 213/617-9898), and then browse through the collection of shops jammed with Chinese slippers, cheap jewelry, and china. You'll also find some upscale stores specializing in inlaid furniture, Asian art, fine silks, and other imports.

Chinatown is especially worth going out of your way for during Chinese New Year, a month-long celebration that usually begins in late January. The neighborhood explodes into a colorful fantasy of sights and sounds with the Golden Dragon Parade, a beauty pageant, and a 5K/10K run. There are plenty of firecrackers and all the Lin Go New Year's cakes you can eat. For more information about Chinatown, log on to www.chinatownla.com.

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This bastion of blue-collar cooking has been serving huge portions of comfort food 'round-the-clock since 1924. The cash-only Pantry is popular with politicos, who come here for weekday lunches, and with conferencegoers en route to the nearby L.A. Convention Center. The well-worn restaurant is also a welcoming beacon to clubbers after-hours, when Downtown becomes a virtual ghost town. A bowl of celery stalks, carrot sticks, and whole radishes greets you at your Formica table, and creamy coleslaw and sourdough bread come free with every meal. The menu? It's a chalkboard hanging on the wall. Famous for quantity rather than quality, the Pantry serves huge T-bone steaks, densely packed hamburger loaf, macaroni and cheese, and other American favorites to an already overfed crowd. A typical breakfast -- served all day -- consists of a huge stack of hotcakes, a big slab of sweet cured ham, home fries, and coffee.

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This is one of the last remaining old L.A. eateries in downtown. In years gone by, Angeleno families would make a trip here for dinner as a special Sunday outing. If you are looking for a square meal while making the rounds of downtown points of interest, it will not disappoint you. Located right in the heart of Broadway, the clientele is mostly Latino. During the week it is primarily shoppers and workers from the nearby stores, but there are more families on weekends. The decor is cornball tropical island complete with faux streams and brooks. If you were taken here as a child, there were memorable choices, such as the Jell-O with whipped cream topping or the pineapple upside down cake. Heavier fare includes the standard mashed potatoes and gravy, roast beef, fish, or chicken. Of course this is just a sampling of the many dishes offered, past and present, at this venerable dining spot.

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Resurrecting a bygone institution's tough: get it right, and you've breathed new life into the Star Trek franchise, but get it wrong, and you'll find you've just remade Star Trek III. For a resurrection that's right, check out Cole's. Originally established in 1908, the restaurant that claimed invention of the French Dip had fallen into shameful disrepair before closing last year; now, with $1.6 million from the Seven Grand/Broadway Bar guy, it'll once again meet patrons' need to publicly dip their meat in juice. What's new: The Decor: They've traded in the nuevo-skid-row look of recent years for the original old-school saloon look, with restored original glass light fixtures, stools, penny-tile floors, transom windows, and a mahogany bar abetted by a brand new meat carving station, so the flavor of 1908 isn't actually the flavor of 1908. The Food: Sandwiches come from the Iron Chef-winning Foundry guy, with sub-$10 meat options including pork, turkey, lamb, and beef, all fix-uppable with the restaurant's "custom mustard" -- so it's got flames on the sides, and plays "La Cucaracha" when you honk? The Drinks: The front "historic bar" will serve up rotating craft beers (Spaten, Franz Monk), while an opening-soon separate backspace called Varnish will serve specialty cocktails from the guys behind New York's Milk & Honey, a bar renowned for its exclusivity (reservations are made via unpublished number) and non-exclusivity (unpublished number published on Internet).

Description:

This well-received restaurant/diner has provided downtown with a reasonably-priced food destination. This is the kind of gentrification that I can deal with: an unpretentious, independently owned and operated business. The food is solid all-American fair, comfort food in a diner mode. You really can not go wrong with their mac and cheese; the breakfasts and sandwiches I've eaten here have all been good. They also have a good selection of deserts.

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Opened in 1917, this is market has rolled with times and remains an attractive and fun destination. The space is enclosed but has an open air feel to it, complete with sawdust on the floor. Inside are many prepared food vendors (Mexican, Middle-Eastern, Hawaiian, Japanese. . . .) as well as stalls selling groceries.  There is also coffee and frozen yogurt available. . . and everything is priced affordablely. With a $10 purchase here you can get validation for 1 hour parking at the DOT lot located at 308 South Hill Street. The Grand Central Market is located downtown right between the (now re-opened) Angels Flight funicular and the Bradbury Building. Overall this is a great spot to get lunch while you are exploring downtown.

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Everyone talks about this place. Good food, good crowd and good service is what completes Daikokuya. This authentic Japanese food joint's specialty is the Daikoku Raumen soup, pork and egg combination dish. You might just get confused as to what to order from the extensive variety of Ramens on offer. They kind of have an open-air kitchen where you can actually watch the chefs make your meal. There is a long waiting list at most times out here. But the wait is worth!

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This eatery is located inside the Pelanconi House, which is purportedly the oldest brick house in Los Angeles. The house has been open since 1855 and was named after its second owner, Antonio Pelanconi. It is a private residence but the restaurant serves delicious Mexican fare accompanied by Mariachi music and live dancers. It is a very popular spot for authentic Mexican fare in a unique, historical setting.

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Aurora Guerrero came up with the recipe for  Cielito Lindo's famous taquitos with green avocado sauce when this venerable stand opened in the 1930's.  The dish she created features a dab of guacamole inside a meat taquito and a green sauce that is like salsa verde plus avocado. It is definitely an affordable and tasty treat! This food stand is a great meal stop if you are in the Olvera Street area and want some authentic Los Angeles street food.

Description:

Good old-fashioned value is what this legendary landmark cafeteria is all about. Popular with both South Central project residents and Beverly Hills elite, Philippe's unspectacular dining room with sawdust floors is one of the few places in L.A. where everyone can get along. Philippe's claims to have invented the French dip sandwich at this location in 1908; it remains the most popular menu item. Patrons push trays along the counter and watch while their choice of beef, pork, ham, turkey, or lamb is sliced and layered onto crusty French bread that's been dipped in meat juices. A hearty breakfast, served daily from 6 to 10:30am, is worthwhile if only for Philippe's uncommonly good cinnamon-dipped French toast. Beer and wine are available. For added entertainment, request a booth in the Train Room, which houses the nifty Model Train Museum. Tip: A regular coffee at Philippe The Original is the same price it was when the diner opened in 1924: 9¢.

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Frequented by everyone from local businessmen to politicians to policemen to hipsters, this is purported to be the oldest bar in downtown Los Angeles. It has been around since before World War II and remains a highly respected spot on the Los Angeles map. The bartenders mix a mean martini and just about anything else you might desire. There is a reason this place has stayed popular for so many years, because of its combination of atmosphere and great drinks.

Description:

Trendy albeit crowded, Golden Gopher realizes your dream of not-so-expensive drinks, beautiful girls, and a great time. Corporate moguls mingle with the street crowd, downing the likes of Blue Angel and Pabst beer. Other lures include video games, jukebox, happy hour, liquor store, and patio seating. To venture in, a valid ID usually does the trick.

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This cocktail lounge sprawls over an area of 8000 square feet. It is an upscale place that is usually crowded, especially on the weekends. The decor is elegant and complements the building's historical design.

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Seven Grand is a local favorite Irish Whiskey Bar, set in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. It is the perfect place for some after work social interaction. The bar's familiar atmosphere is created by pool tables and dim lights. Enjoy sampling one of the many available whiskey brands while listening to live music with friends. For pub timings, please check the website.

Description:

From the Burgundy Room guy and housed in the basement of a residential building, Association's meant to evoke classic London cocktail lounges with leather banquettes, a claustrophobic-chic low ceiling, and a dark, floral carpet actually lifted from a "top secret" Vegas casino. Food's kept simple with five small plates (Stilton w/almonds & honey, chorizo, etc), while traditional-leaning specialty drinks include the Derby (bourbon, benedictine, bitters, flamed orange peel), the Sazerac (served in an absinthe-washed glass), and a Hemingway lifted from the author's original recipe ("mix ingredients in shaker, machine-gun a shark").

Description:

Bar 107 is to Downtown LA what Tiny's is to Hollywood: the token punk bar of the area. Not goth, industrial or cosplay, but just your good old, stripped of niceties and pretenses punk bar. The décor is cheerfully artless, with a full-length mirror wall pasted with local fliers on one side and a mile-long bar on the other. The demographic is certainly weighted towards early-to-mid-twenties. The vibe is rowdy and restless, and some nights do get sardine can-packed. Old TVs suspended up top tend to flicker out some adorable, god-awful 80s classic. Drinks are cheap and substantial, and prices are refreshingly low. If you need a change of pace from more chic and sophisticated downtown haunts, stop by here any night. - Kate Sobol

Our Local Expert Says:

Mellow downtown hang-out with a different vibe (and cover charge) depending on the night. They have a super nice patio.

Description:

La Cita embodies downtown's hipper than thou-art gentrification at its best. While La Cita has been recently remodeled to include flashing red lights, kitschy tiki- lanters, and walls covered in artwork, La Cita still prides itself as a Mexican-themed hangout. You could call it a "dive-bar" or a "local-hot spot", you could even consider it as a "dance club" because DJs spin the tune Monday through Friday/ on Saturday and Sunday check out live music. But regardless of what label you attach to La Cita, it is the perfect place to get your fiesta on.

Description:

Redwood is riding the coattails of downtown L.A.'s recent renaissance. And there is no better way to reap the benefits of this cultural transformation than hitting up Redwood's cocktail menu. Specialty drinks like Lava Lamp, Schooner Float and Cloud 9 make patrons forget about how irksome it is to find a decent parking spot in the vicinity of Redwood. And for all of those nautical lovers out there, Redwood's has a pirate theme. Unlike traditional bar cuisine, Redwood provides food that is actually edible -- try the delicious fish and chips or the vegetarian Rueben sandwich.

Description:

This upscale lounge is more than just another hip downtown bar. As once home to the first power plant in Los Angeles, the historic Edison houses a number of artifacts from the bygone era. The Edison provides its customers with the opportunity not just to have a drink with some friends, but also to share a cocktail with history itself. Luxurious without feeling stuffy, The Edison is home to one of the most popular dance floors in downtown L.A. The Edison's industrial architectural style is an attraction in and of itself; check out the grandiose staircase that connects up to the Higgins Building.

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This hotel, just blocks from the Staples Center, is a splash of color and nouveau-Moroccan chic coupled with Southern California accents in downtown Los Angeles. The hotel exemplifies funky style with its hand-painted ceilings, doors and elevators. Antique furniture, moody lighting, and truly exotic plants complete the exotic scene. Every room is unique in both style and design, and the European-trained staff caters to guests every need. Choose to lounge in the exquisite Club Fes or sip a cocktail in The Veranda Bar while overlooking the beautiful swimming pool. Either way, it is bound to be a truly memorable experience.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Standard can get crowded during the weekends as crowds line up to enjoy the lounge with its million dollar views. Fortunately, staying there allows you to bypass the crowds and $20 cover charge.

Description:

The amenities here are anything but standard. With vibrating water beds, a rooftop pool and bar, a 24-hour fitness center and restaurant, and complimentary high speed Internet access, this hotel is modern luxury at its finest. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this accommodation is minutes away from local attractions. There is a 24-hour eatery, the Standard Downtown Los Angeles Restaurant (The), on the premises so you can have your meal here anytime without having to step out.

Description:

This cluster of downtown high-rise glass towers is designed for conventions and has been recently renovated. It is a spacious, self-contained mini-city of guestrooms, boutiques, dance clubs, bars, restaurants and meeting rooms. One of 20 restaurants, the L.A. Prime Restaurant offers a 360-degree view of the city from the 35th floor. A floor below, the Bonavista Bar (one of seven lounges onsite) revolves around the dramatic evening vistas of the city. An indoor lake is one hint at what an extensive and classy property this is.

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Previously known as the Wyndham Checkers, everything about this grand classic in downtown Los Angeles is top-of-the-line. The furnishings are elegant, the art is exquisite, the service is impeccable, and the amenities are first-rate. The hotel, built in 1927, is a Historic Cultural Monument. It is a four-star, and four-diamond property furnished with hand-carved headboards, marble bathrooms, artwork and antiques as well as all modern amenities. Part of the historic district, many rooms overlook the city's beautiful and historic Central Library.

Description:

The Italian-Spanish influence is evident everywhere at this hotel. The hand-painted frescos, the bas-relief décor, the fountains, the polished wood floors, the ornate ceilings and the abundant flowers all contribute to class and elegance that is practically beyond words. A favorite since 1923, and a member of Historic Hotels of America, this famed hotel, once called the Regal Biltmore, hosted the Academy Awards during the 1930s and 1940s. Guests have included dignitaries like Winston Churchill, Presidents Kennedy, Ford, Carter and Reagan, as well as British royalty. Smeraldi's offers excellent California cuisine. The Rendezvous Court hosts afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

Our Local Expert Says:

The garden on the roof is really special. They serve beer up there in the summer.

Description:

Location. The Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens in Los Angeles, Calif., is located in the eclectic Little Tokyo district, adjacent to Weller Court Shopping Center. The hotel is two blocks from the Japanese American National Museum, three blocks from Los Angeles Civic Center, and five blocks from Union Station. Staples Center and Dodger Stadium are less than one mile from the hotel.
Hotel Features. This property's unique, star-shaped lobby features sun-reflecting ribbons that drape from a skylight above the central bar. Potted plants embellish tiered walls and a staircase winds gracefully to the banquet mezzanine. The lush, half-acre terraced garden is a sanctuary of manicured flora, decorative rocks and waterfalls. The on-site Sanwa Spa specializes in traditional Japanese health treatments such as deep-oil and shiatsu fingertip massages. The hotel also includes a 24-hour fitness room, saunas and spa tubs. On-site meeting and event space accommodates up to 650 guests. High-speed wireless Internet access is available in public areas for a fee. The Kyoto Grand hotel & Gardens provides computer and cellular phone rentals upon request. Five on-site restaurants cater to discriminating tastes with menus that range from delectable American cuisine to distinctive Japanese entrées including sushi and tempura.

Guestrooms. Sage-colored fabrics and walnut-stained wooden furnishings accentuate the 21-story Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens' 434 guestrooms. The hotel's business-friendly guestrooms provide work desks, three multi-line phones, laptop-compatible safes, complimentary weekday newspapers, and high-speed Internet access. Additional guestroom amenities include minibars, refrigerators and coffeemakers.

Expert Tip. The hotel features a half-acre Japanese garden on the third floor mimicking a 400-year-old historic garden in Tokyo. The garden is the setting for Japanese cultural events held throughout the year including the Spring Tea Ceremony in April.

Our Local Expert Says:

Affordable hotel in Little Tokyo

Description:

Enjoy the flavor of Japanese hospitality and lodging accommodations in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, California. The Miyako Hotel offers excellent service and a host of amenities. Conveniently located near major business centers and entertainment attractions, this hotel is the right choice for business or pleasure. Accommodations and lodging features spacious guest rooms, a Japanese Restaurant, a Karaoke bar/lounge, a health Spa and banquet facilities.

Description:

Located in downtown Los Angeles, this Asian-themed hotel is within 4 miles of Staples Center and the convention center. The Royal Pagoda Motel offers data ports, cable/satellite TV with premium channels, and compact refrigerators. Guests of the hotel have access to a 24-hour front desk, complimentary coffee in the lobby, and free parking.

Description:

The Staples Center is home to the Lakers, the Kings and the Clippers. It also hosts music concerts of every kind. The arena features a $1.5 million Bose sound system, an eight-sided, high-resolution video scoreboard and public concourses with 1,200 television monitors. There are 23 concession stands and 55 bathrooms. It is a great place to catch a game or a concert and the amenities are far superior to any other amphitheater in Los Angeles.

Description:

This building was designed by Claud Beelman and opened as a retail center for the Eastern Outfitting Company and Columbia Outfitting Company in 1930. The funding for this structure came from Adolph Sieroty, a polish immigrant who started a clock store which quickly grew into these large furniture and clothing businesses. The department stores here closed in 1957, after this the building was used for office space for half a century. In 2004 the Kor Group acquired the place; they renovated it into the current condominium space. This Art Deco masterpiece sheathed with turquoise terra cotta tile is one of the more lovely buildings in the downtown area.

Description:

Built in 1931, this Art Deco building was designed by James and David Allison. This building was once the home of the Southern California Edison company; now it provides office space for a variety of tenants. Notable features of the building include the two story lobby featuring over a dozen types of marble and a large mural by Hugo Ballin titled "The Apotheosis of Power." Other highlights include the stone friezes by Merrel Gage which are located above the octagonal entryway and depict light, energy, and hydroelectric power. The first three stories of this building are limestone, above that the edifice is clad with terra cotta tiles. The street-level shopping arcade was added in 1993.

Description:

The strikingly beautiful Walt Disney Concert Hall isn't just the new home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; it's a key element in an urban revitalization effort now underway Downtown. The Walt Disney family insisted on the best and, with an initial gift of $50 million to build a world-class performance venue, that's what they got: A masterpiece of design by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, and an acoustical quality that equals or surpasses those of the best concert halls in the world. Similar to Gehry's most famous architectural masterpiece, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the concert hall's dramatic stainless-steel exterior consists of a series of undulating curved surfaces that partially envelop the entire building, presenting multiple glimmering facades to the surrounding neighborhood. Within is a dazzling 2,273-seat auditorium replete with curved woods and a dazzling array of organ pipes (also designed by Gehry), as well as Joachim Splichal's Patina restaurant, the hip Concert Hall Cafe, a bookstore, and a gift shop.

The 3 1/2-acre Concert Hall is open to the public for viewing, but to witness it in its full glory, do whatever it takes to attend a concert by the world-class Los Angeles Philharmonic. Also highly recommended are the $12 audio tours, which lead visitors through the Concert Hall's history from conception to creation. The 45-minute self-guided tour is narrated by actor John Lithgow and includes interviews with Frank Gehry, Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Esa-Pekka Salonen, and acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, among others. One big caveat is that you see just about everything except the auditorium: There's almost always a rehearsal in progress and the acoustics are so good that there's no discreet way to sneak a peek. The audio tours are available on most non-matinee days from 10am to 2pm (be sure to check their website for the monthly tour schedule).

Description:

With a daily circulation of more than one million readers, the Los Angeles Times is by far the most popular newspaper in the Southland. Situated on the outskirts of downtown, the publication's headquarters is a massive building that was built in Modern style in 1935. The tour, which meets at the First Street entrance, is an educational trip through the entire publication process as well as a history of this storied American newspaper. Free tours of the original, historic plant are offered to the general public at 1:30p on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Groups of up to 20 can also schedule tours at 9:30a and 11a, as well as 1:30p Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The tours last about 45 minutes, and no children under the age of 10 are admitted. Tours must be reserved at least a week ahead of time. Tours of the actual printing plant are also available; call for details and tour times. Parking is always free at the Times garage, located at 213 South Spring Street.

Description:

This adobe structure, built by Don Francisco Avila, is considered the oldest existing house in Los Angeles. By modern standards the home is quite small, though at the time it was the largest in the area. Although it has been heavily restored, much of the original walls survive today. It now functions as a museum with the interior having been refurbished to include a four-post bed and other furniture from the era.

Description:

This traditional structure was built in 1976 for the Jodo Shinshu Sect under the Buddhist Churches of America. Higashi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple is associated with the Honpa Hongwangi-ha Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji) in Kyoto, Japan. A wide flight of stairs leads to the entrance, and the roof is made of pretty blue tiles and holds two dragons to protect it. The temple is open to anyone: regardless of color, creed or nationality who is interested in learning about the teachings of Amida Buddha. Call the temple before attending for more information.