The 3-Day Weekend Getaway Guide to Los Angeles: Day 1

Discover Downtown LA


The 3 Day Weekend Getaway Guide to Los Angeles begins in Downtown LA, which has experienced an incredible renaissance that includes world-class cultural attractions and venues, acclaimed restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

La Lo La Rooftop at the AC Hotel in Downtown LA
La Lo La Rooftop | Photo: AC Hotel
Pool and rooftop deck at Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
Pool and rooftop deck | Photo: Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel

Stay & Play

GQ Magazine has called Downtown Los Angeles "America's Next Great City" and "the coolest new downtown in America." Stay and play at red-hot hotels like the Moxy/AC, the Proper and the Hoxton; the towering InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, and landmarks like The Biltmore, Westin Bonaventure and Hotel Figueroa.

 

Peacock Place at L.A. LIVE in Downtown LA
Peacock Place | Photo: L.A. LIVE
LeBron James dunks on Paul George at Crypto.com Arena
LeBron James dunks on Paul George at Crypto.com Arena | Photo: ESPN

L.A. LIVE

At the heart of Downtown L.A.’s renaissance is L.A. LIVE, the massive entertainment district that includes Crypto.com Arena, The Novo, Regal L.A. LIVE and a number of restaurants and bars. Music fans can't miss a visit to the GRAMMY Museum.

A memorable Saturday night at L.A. LIVE could start with dinner at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse or Katsuya; then a game or concert at Crypto.com Arena; and finally wind down with a pitcher of craft beer at the Yard House or bowling a few frames at Lucky Strike.

Union Station entrance
Union Station entrance | Photo: Travis Conklin
Primary image for Bradbury Building
Bradbury Building

History & Culture

Los Angeles is known as a trend-setting metropolis, but its architectural heritage includes historic landmarks as well as modern structures. Many of LA’s classic buildings can be viewed on a walking tour of Downtown LA, from Union Station and City Hall to the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel and the famed Bradbury Building.

Walt Disney Concert Hall at sunset
Walt Disney Concert Hall at sunset | Photo: The Music Center
The Broad
The Broad

For those with a taste for the modern aesthetic, Downtown LA's cutting edge architecture includes the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad contemporary art museum.

LA Memorial Coliseum Official Photo 2023
Photo courtesy of LA Memorial Coliseum
LAFC MLS Cup 2022
LAFC won their first MLS Cup in 2022 | Photo: LAFC

Exposition Park

Several of LA’s top cultural attractions and venues are located at Exposition Park, including the landmark Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, BMO Stadium, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the California African American Museum. The California Science Center is the permanent home of Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is currently being prepped for its vertical “ready for launch” position as part of the world’s only complete Space Shuttle System.

French Dip with pickled eggs at Philippe the Original in Downtown LA
French Dip with pickled eggs at Philippe the Original  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Group dining at Baar Baar in Downtown LA
Group dining at Baar Baar | Instagram: @baarbaarlosangeles

Downtown LA Dining

Downtown LA dining options include popular cultural destinations like Olvera Street, Chinatown and Little Tokyo. Whether it’s a landmark like Philippe the Original or The Original Pantry; bustling favorites like the historic Grand Central Market and weekly Smorgasburg; or new hotspots like Baar Baar and Level 8, there are DTLA restaurants that will appeal to every palate and budget.

Spire 73 at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
Spire 73 | Photo: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
Photo: Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles

Drinks with a View

Some of Downtown LA's top bars also boast unforgettable city views, from 71Above in the U.S. Bank Tower to Spire 73 at the InterContinental - the highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. LA's "Endless Summer" weather is perfect for rooftop drinks at La Lo La at Moxy/AC; Broken Shaker at the Freehand; Cara Cara at the Proper and LA Cha Cha Cha in the Arts District.

Click below to discover the Weekend Getaway Guide for Day 2 and Day 3

Day 1 | Day 2 Day 3