3 Days of Arts and Culture in LA

Now Playing LACMA Urban Light
 © 2022 Chris Burden / licensed by The Chris Burden Estate and Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Overview

From Downtown LA to the Westside, Los Angeles offers incomparable arts and culture experiences. This three-day itinerary will take you to world-class museums, immersive art, classical music, and even back in time. Whether it's modern art or a Roman villa, the Space Shuttle or dinosaurs, there's something for everyone on this cultural tour of LA.


Day 1: DTLA

Your first day starts in Downtown LA and its famed cultural attractions, from immersive experiences at The Broad and La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, to the museums at Exposition Park, and an evening at the Music Center - the LA Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA Opera at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and theatre at the Ahmanson and Mark Taper Forum.


Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market

Fuel up at morning favorites like Donut Man, Eggslut or G&B.

The Broad
The Broad

A selfie in Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room is a must.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

"Calle Principal" takes you to Main Street in 1920s DTLA.

Yellowtail & uni ceviche at Holbox in South LA
holbox

Yucatan-style seafood at Mercado La Paloma in South LA.

California African American Museum
California African American Museum

The collection spans 5,000+ objects from the 1800s to today.

California Science Center
California Science Center

Explore the West Coast’s largest hands-on science center.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Some of the 35 million+ objects are 4.5 billion years old!

asterid
asterid by Ray Garcia

Chef Ray Garcia's fine dining ode to Los Angeles.

Walt Disney Concert Hall at The Music Center
The Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall

Classical performances in a world-class music hall.

LA Opera
LA Opera

Lina González-Granados is the new Resident Conductor.

Ahmanson Theatre
The Music Center's Ahmanson Theatre

Home of the Center Theatre Group and Broadway shows.

Mark Taper Forum
The Music Center's Mark Taper Forum

Dramas and theatre with an experimental edge.

Bonus: South LA

This bonus itinerary takes you to South Los Angeles, home to some of LA's most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods. Start with a guided tour of the world-famous Watts Towers. Nearby is the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC), a seven-acre "cultural theme park" with the Civil Rights Tour and the monumental "Mother of Humanity" bronze sculpture. You'll also visit historic Leimert Park (aka the "Black Greenwich Village"), explore an aviation museum in Compton, and end the day with a trip to the Big Easy, no ticket needed.


Watts Coffee House
Watts Coffee House

South LA institution serving up soul food since 1997.

Watts Towers
Watts Towers

Guided tours of the monument on Thursdays and Fridays.

Watts Labor Community Action Committee
Watts Labor Community Action Committee

Take the three-part, experiential Civil Rights Tour.

Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum helicopter
Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum

Dreams take flight at this "living classroom" in Compton.

Hot dogs at Earle's on Crenshaw
Earles on Crenshaw

Vegan options include hot dogs, burgers and chili fries.

Art + Practice
Art + Practice

Exhibition space dedicated to celebrating artists of color.

Harold & Belle's
Harold & Belle's

Classy restaurant serving New Orleans cuisine since 1969.

The World Stage
The World Stage

Community hub with live jazz and music workshops.

Day 2

Museum Row is the star of your second day: the spectacular Academy Museum of Motion Pictures; Chris Burden's iconic Urban Light at LACMA; classic cars at the Petersen; and unique handmade art at the Craft Contemporary.


Buttermilk hotcakes at Du-par's in The Original Farmers Market
Du-par's - The Original Farmers Market

Serving their famous buttermilk hotcakes since 1938.

Night view of Chris Burden's "Urban Light" at LACMA
Los Angeles County Museum Of Art (LACMA)

Chris Burden's "Urban Light" installation is a true LA icon.

Dining room at Fanny's Restaurant & Cafe
Fanny's

Lunch at the restaurant named for comedienne Fanny Brice.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Get up-close to some of cinema's most iconic artifacts.

Petersen Automotive Museum
Petersen Automotive Museum

The Vault is a mecca for fans of classic cars.

Craft Contemporary
Craft Contemporary

Contemporary art made from craft media and processes.

Dining room at Republique
République

French fare in the 1928 building built for Charlie Chaplin.

Day 3

The Westside is the best side on your final day. View masterpieces in the hills above Brentwood; explore one of the world's most renowned Jewish cultural institutions; and visit a Roman villa in the Pacific Palisades. Your cultural tour of LA ends with contemporary art, dinner alfresco, and a play in the heart of Westwood Village.


Quiche of the Day at Clementine in Century City
Clementine - Century City

A family-owned neighborhood favorite since 2000.

Getty Center
Getty Center

Van Gogh's "Irises" is just one of the masterpieces on view.

Skirball Cultural Center
Skirball Cultural Center

World-renowned as a dynamic Jewish cultural institution.

KazuNori | Santa Monica
KazuNori | Santa Monica

Sushi hand rolls made to order in a minimalist setting.

Getty Villa
Getty Villa

Antiquities exhibited in a re-created Roman country home.

Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA
UCLA

Visit the Fowler Museum and stroll the Sculpture Garden.

Hammer Museum
Hammer Museum

One of the world’s leading museums for emerging artists.

Lulu at the Hammer Museum
Lulu

Restaurant at the Hammer from legendary chef Alice Waters.

Geffen Playhouse
Geffen Playhouse

Classic and contemporary plays in Westwood Village.