The Guide to South Los Angeles
Watts Towers
| Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Photo: SoFi Stadium
Adé Neff of Ride On! Bike Shop/Co-Op | Photo: Metro
A historic region comprising two-dozen neighborhoods south of Downtown Los Angeles, the roots of what is known today as South Los Angeles stretch back to the beginning of the 20th century. Rich in culture and music – intrinsic to the evolution of hip-hop and jazz – the 50 square miles formerly known as South Central immerses visitors in a multicultural urban melting pot evidenced by diverse cuisine, world-class museums, and historic sites lingering from the many distinct chapters of an area that has exported its culture across the globe. Read on for things to do, places to see, and eats to enjoy while in South LA.
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From eateries near Exposition Park to some of the best soul food you'll find anywhere, there's something for every palate and budget in South LA.
Enjoy brunch from a menu of Indian, Mexican and American comfort foods; and cross-cultural fusion faves including chicken tikka and chana saag burritos.
Primarily a dinner spot, this Venetian-inspired USC student staple also serves boozy brunches on weekends, including potato bureka, tofu scramble, and egg, vegan, or margherita pizza.
Wood-fired rotisserie chicken meets fresh and flavorful, meat-heavy Latin-inspired dishes, with favorites including Pollo Al Mojo, Lomo Saltado and Bistec Criollo.
Discover inventive new ways to enjoy social dining at this Asian fusion standout serving daringly spicy dishes with sake, soju and home-brewed teas.
Culturally diverse meals reflect the surrounding community, including scratch-cooked dishes like Kalua Pork, Southern Shrimp & Grits, and Chicken Shawarma.
Located at Mercado La Paloma, the Michelin-starred Holbox features Gilberto Cetina's seafood from coastal Mexico that showcases SoCal and Baja California ingredients.
At least two South LA taquerias have set up in tire shop parking lots, offering visitors an authentic, affordable taste of local dining.
Plant-based coffee and retail shop proudly celebrates non-European coffee traditions, such as Ethiopia, Colombia and Guatemala.
Start your day with an epic spread of imaginative comfort food, vegan options and mimosas. Service is fast, so you can swiftly embark on your adventure!
Generous portions of classic, unpretentious Mexican fare, with friendly, attentive staff who make a hearty breakfast even more enjoyable. Breakfast plates are less than $12!
A rare restaurant where even familiar dishes deliver welcome surprises, plus off-piste options like Japanese breakfast bowls and its renowned fish finger-stuffed sandwich. Great coffee, too!
Flagship location of a burgeoning local chain that counts Issa Rae (Insecure) and Spencer Paysinger (All American) among its partners.
Get a healthy start to the day with organic juices and smoothies, plus locally grown organic produce and nutritious meals to-go.
Self-described as "the first and only wine bar in Inglewood," 1010 Wine was founded by siblings Leslie and Le Jones, who showcase Black-owned wines and host a lively Sunday brunch.
Singular soul food that melds traditional West African dishes, Southern flavors and California cuisine, served up in an inclusive setting in South LA’s historic West Adams neighborhood.
Linger in the Dunbar's history with a meal at Delicious, where Southern cuisine takes on an Angeleno-Mexican twist along with deep community roots.
Dulan’s has been dishing out delicious soul food in LA for nearly a quarter-century, serving up large portions and an overt community focus.
Founded by brothers Cary and Duane Earle in 1992, Earle's serves a variety of gourmet hot dogs, from New York classics to LA-inspired offerings and numerous vegan options.
Harold & Belle's serves vast portions of gourmet Creole cuisine, including elevated takes on spicy gumbo, fried chicken, po’boy sandwiches and jambalaya.
Enjoy a burger like no other at Hawkins, a former food stand that's evolved into a quintessential burger joint, where owner Cynthia Hawkins exudes warm hospitality.
Moist, super-flavorful chicken served with delicious hot sauce in simple, unpretentious surroundings. And don’t overlook the raved-about corn fritters, banana pudding or rice!
A hard-to-miss, wonderfully retro neon sign announcing “BURGERS PASTRAMI DOGS” telegraphs what to expect at this classic meeting of Americana and time-honored backyard BBQ.
There are big clues in the name: a diverse menu of Caribbean dishes infused with Belizean flair. Huge portions, well-balanced flavors, and specialties including divine jerk chicken and oxtails.
With West Florence and Inglewood locations, Woody’s is marking its 50th anniversary, which says much about the quality of its succulent ribs, beef, links, chicken, and perfectly paired sides.
Discover world-class museums in Exposition Park, and learn about South LA's extraordinary music legacy.
Founded in 1977 as the first African American museum of art, history and culture fully supported by a state, CAAM gathers over 3,500 objects of art, artifacts and memorabilia.
Learn about human invention and innovation, the processes of living things, and much more through family-friendly hands-on experiences. Admission to permanent exhibitions is free!
Opening in 2026, the museum was founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, to encompass all forms of visual storytelling in an architecturally stunning space.
Learn how LA blossomed from pueblo to megalopolis and experience dinosaurs, dioramas, huge gem and mineral collections, and Butterfly and Spider Pavilions.
One of the world’s most famous educational institutions, USC’s 226-acre main campus is mostly Romanesque Revival buildings, with the oldest, the Widney Alumni House, dating to 1880.
World famous as simply “the Avenue” from the 1920s to 50s, this hub of the West Coast jazz scene also produced music greats like Charles Mingus.
The center of South LA’s jazz scene and Black community, the 1928 Dunbar Hotel attracted Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald; and is now a communal space and affordable senior housing.
Nipsey Hussle was one of many legendary South LA rappers. Two murals in his memory grace an alley next to The Marathon Clothing, where he was fatally shot in 2019.
Comprising 17 structures on the site of artist Simon Rodia’s original residence, this Art Brut landmark is a centerpiece of historic Watts, a hip-hop hotbed from the genre’s earliest days.
Pioneering architect Paul R. Williams was one of many notable residents of the Jefferson Park neighborhood, including Oscar-winning actress Hattie McDaniel and civil rights activist Betty Hill.
Visitors are invited to "unwind the mind" by walking the stone labyrinth and meditate in the Asian-themed garden, which features 16 water fountains, a koi pond and intimate seating areas.
The state-of-the-art home of LAFC and Angel City FC soccer teams, this 22,000-seater also hosts boxing, concerts, and will be a 2028 Summer Olympics venue.
One of the world’s great stadiums, this stately landmark has hosted the USC Football team for 100+ years, two Olympiads (and a third in 2028), Super Bowls and superstar concerts.
The home of the NFL’s Rams and Chargers will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and co-host the Opening Ceremony of the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Immerse yourself in The Dome experience, cheer for your favorite teams in The Hall and unwind at The Deck.
The state-of-the-art home arena of the NBA’s Clippers also hosts A-list concerts and will be the venue for men's and women's basketball at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Next door to SoFi Stadium, the storied Kia Forum has hosted sports and music since 1967, including the "Showtime" Lakers and the Kings' famed “Miracle on Manchester."
Part of the SoFi Stadium complex, YouTube Theater is an intimate three-story venue combining state-of-the art technology with luxury guest amenities and premium sound.
Shop till you drop at South LA's eclectic retail destinations, including unique shops in historic Leimert Park.
America’s oldest regional shopping center features a swanky Cinemark theatre, diverse local businesses, a weekly farmers’ market, and community-based events.
A converted garment factory, Mercado La Paloma is a vibrant community gathering space that hosts restaurants, nonprofits and shops all contributing to the area’s revival.
With an elaborate frontage evoking a pueblo plaza and oodles of restaurants, shops, and entertainment, this expansive urban center in emerging Lynwood has something for everyone.
Opened in 1985, this South LA institution boasts 100+ vendors and is a must for streetwear and people-watching.
Black-owned organic wellness shop offering all-natural and safe hair products, herbs, teas and tonics.
One-stop shop for bicycle enthusiasts serves cyclists of all levels with purchasing a new bike, repairing your favorite bike, and sourcing gear and equipment.
