Downtown
Description:
Los Angeles is not New York or Chicago. It developed primarily in the 1920s and again in the 1950s. It became the epicenter of a national experiment; people were tired of the congestion of Eastern US cities. Fifty years later, Los Angeles is a city unlike any other in scope or design.
Downtown Los Angeles, long neglected and overlooked, has awakened in the past ten years. It is now a vibrant community, replete with some of the tallest skyscrapers in the country, cultural neighborhoods unique to the area and a rich historical past. It is still a transitional neighborhood, but it now offers any visitor an experience rich in culture and history.
This is a two day trip designed to give the visitor a glance into the silent heart of this massive metropolis. This isn't Disneyland or Universal Studios; this is a chance to experience the violent and exciting jolt of a city moving forward.
Author: dhainline
Day 1 - Los Angeles
This is the Downtown of Los Angeles's Past. Visit the historical districts that flourished in the period before the invasion of the Entertainment Industry with tours of Mexican-infused Olvera Street and Zen-inspired Little Tokyo. Afterwards, visit the iconic landmarks of the Historic Theater District to experience the opulence of the 20s deco style theaters and their subsequent fall into disrepair. Also climb the Bunker Hill Stairs and catch a glimpse of City Hall, made famous in Dragnet. Make sure to visit the Central Library, arguably one of the most beautiful public libraries in the world.
1
Traxx
Location:
view in google maps800 N. Alameda St.
(Inside Union Station)
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
1 213 625 19992
Little Tokyo
Location:
view in google mapsE 1st Street & S San Pedro Street
Downtown, southeast of the Civic Center; bounded by 1st, 2nd, San Pedro, and Los Angeles Sts
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
+1 213 620 05703
Historic Theater District
Location:
view in google mapsAlong Broadway between 3rd and 9th streets
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone:
+1 213 623 2489 (Los Angeles Conservancy)4
Bunker Hill Steps
Location:
view in google maps550 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone:
+1 213 624 7300(Tourist Information)5
Olvera Street
Location:
view in google maps845 North Alameda Street
El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historic Park
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
+1 213 628 25256
L.A. Central Library
Location:
view in google maps630 W. 5th St
Between Flower St. and Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone:
213/228-71687
City Hall
Location:
view in google maps200 N. Spring St
Between 1st and Temple Sts
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
213/485-21218
Engine Company No. 28
Location:
view in google maps644 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone:
1 213 624 6996Day 2 - Los Angeles
This is the Downtown of Los Angeles's Present and Future. Experience the First Interstate World Center - the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Feel the pulse of the city's energy at Pershing Square. Visit the Geffen Contemporary and the Museum of Contemporary Art for a quick download of everything ultra modern in the Art world. Afterwards, wind down for some spiritual exploration at the new Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral and nearby Disney Concert Hall. Afterwards, unwind with a glass of merlot at San Antonio Winery.
1
Water Grill
Location:
view in google maps544 South Grand Avenue
Between 5th and 6th Sts
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone:
1 213 891 09002
First Interstate World Center
Location:
view in google maps633 West 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone:
+1 213 689 8822 (Downtown L.A. Visitor Information Center)3
Pershing Square
Location:
view in google maps532 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone:
+1 213 485 16454
Patina
Location:
view in google maps141 South Grand Ave.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone:
1 213 972 3331 / 1 866 972 8462 (Toll Free)5
The Geffen Contemporary (MOCA)
Location:
view in google maps152 North Central Avenue
Little Tokyo
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone:
+1 213 621 1745 (Special tours) / +1 213 621 1741(Visitor Services)7
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Location:
view in google maps250 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
+1 213 633 5330 (Group Admissions)8
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Location:
view in google maps555 W. Temple St
At Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
213/680-5200