Things To Do
Los Angeles Public Library - Central Library
The impressive and architecturally significant Central Library (located next door to the Hilton Checkers) has a fascinating history, and you can hear about it on one of their free one-hour tours. Click the link to see the tour schedule.
Angels Flight Railway
We love Angel's Flight! It's a fun(icular) blast from the past, when Angelenos actually used this "world's shortest railway" to transport them up and down Bunker Hill.
Pershing Square
"They paved paradise and put up a parking lot" Pershing Square has had many faces over the years. Near the historic Biltmore Hotel (birthplace of the Academy Awards and site of many early ceremonies - walk through and check it out if you can), Pershing Square attracts every type of Angeleno. You may want to park in the lot underneath. In November, Pershing Square will have ice skating! Here is a link for the skating rink: https://holidayicerinkdowntownla.com/ice-skating-downtown-la/ Or you can always just watch. It might be safer. =)
Bradbury Building
If you have seen Bladerunner, you may be familiar with this building, but it has made appearances in many of your favorite movies and TV shows. It's an architectural icon, yes, but don't miss the Biddy Mason Memorial Park outside the rear/side exit (you can also enter from the street, by going down a few buildings and into the courtyard). It's remarkable.
Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk
It's been YEARS since I was anywhere near here, but this could be a cool activity for the artistic among us. The website is not the greatest, but it can lead you to what you need in order to enjoy this experience.
Grand Central Market
This 129 year old marketplace is great for grabbing brunch or lunch. We quite enjoy it. Try the pupusas, the oysters...or anything you like. With a variety of vendors, they have a bit of everything!
71 Above
This is a beautiful, fun, high-end dining experience, high above DTLA. It has great service and cuisine, and it's a VERY short walk from the Hilton Checkers.
Perch LA
This is a beautiful rooftop spot with a French-inspired menu and city views.
Settecento DTLA
This is a new Italian restaurant that we are keen to try, and it sits just at the NW side of the Central Library. Buon Appetito!
BonaVista Lounge
This is one of our favorite places to grab a cocktail and bites. Atop the Westin Bonaventure Hotel (an LA landmark), the lounge revolves for 360 degree views of Los Angeles. Fun!
Clifton's Republic
I haven't been to Clifton's since it closed down as a cafeteria (historic, one of the Green Book spaces in LA), but it seems the Republic is trying to keep the spirit alive. I look forward to checking it out. Open for drinks and bites 6pm-2am Fridays and Saturdays only.
The Broad
Free Contemporary Art Museum!
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
Contemporary Art Museum--Not free! =)