Downtown LA (DTLA) has gone through a steady revitalization over the last 10+ years. Great food, cultural and historical sites can all be found within a small radius! Here are a few suggestions...
Grand Central Market
317 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, (213) 359-6007
Arts District Murals Self Guided Walking Tour
828 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013, (213) 519-5887
Use this as a starting point to take a self guided tour of the many murals around the Arts District buildings.
The Broad
221 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 232-6250
Small, private contemporary art museum
The Museum of Contemporary Art
250 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 626-6222