Inside LA: Discover What's New in Los Angeles for Spring 2026
Welcome to Los Angeles Tourism’s spring update, the essential resource to help your clients experience Los Angeles like locals.
In this edition, we’ll explore LA’s newest highlights, take a closer look at the Westside, reveal a reimagined luxury property, and uncover elevated experiences at the Hollywood Bowl.
Don’t miss LA’s Hidden Gems where Melissa Yunk, LA Tourism’s Director of Global Communications, shares her favorite noteworthy locations in Downtown LA.
Discover all this and more as we share what makes Los Angeles a top destination for your clients’ travels.
Sincerely,
Your Global Tourism Development Team
What’s Blooming in LA this Spring & Summer
Los Angeles enters Spring and Summer 2026 with new offerings and continued transportation upgrades. Universal Studios Hollywood will debut its first high-speed outdoor roller coaster, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,” adding a new attraction to the destination’s entertainment lineup. At LAX, the latest phase of improvements includes the recent opening of the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility, centralizing all 12 on-airport rental car companies to streamline pick-up and drop-off for travelers. On the event front, LA will host eight FIFA World Cup matches, supported by a 39-day calendar of official programming from June 11 through July 19, including fan festivals and viewing areas across the region.
Neighborhood Spotlight: Westside
The Westside of Los Angeles highlights the city’s easygoing lifestyle through well-connected neighborhoods where global influence meets local character. The dining scene ranges from ramen hotspots in Sawtelle Japantown to classic diners like The Apple Pan, offering options that suit a range of tastes. Cultural landmarks such as the Getty Center and the Hammer Museum combine notable collections with distinctive architecture and panoramic views. Retail centers including Westfield Century City and the historic Brentwood Country Mart are within easy reach of nearby parks and trails, allowing for convenient pairing of shopping, dining, and outdoor activities within a single day.
Pro-Tip: Use the Metro E Line for seamless Westside access. The line connects Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica with reliable, traffic-free travel, making it a strong option for structured itineraries and peak-hour movement.
Where the City Meets the Sea: West Harbor
West Harbor will begin welcoming visitors to the San Pedro waterfront this summer with a series of official openings over the coming year. The transformation will include local chef-driven dining, an amphitheater, a Ferris wheel, and a host of retail options. Plans also call for a Guest Services Center, luggage storage, and dedicated tour bus access and parking to support travel trade. Select experiences are already open, including Harbor Breeze Cruises, Battleship IOWA Museum, and the San Pedro Fish Market, showcasing the destination’s unique maritime culture.
Pro-tip: If you’re visiting Los Angeles during the FIFA World Cup 2026, head to West Harbor’s waterfront Fan Zone to experience the semi-finals, third-place match, and final in an open-air setting.
Port of Los Angeles: The Primary West Coast Cruise Gateway
The Port of Los Angeles has announced plans for a new Outer Harbor cruise terminal, alongside a redevelopment of the existing World Cruise Center, to support continued growth in cruise demand. The 4-year project, with its first phase opening in 2030, will accommodate larger, next-generation ships and increase overall capacity at the port, further reinforcing Los Angeles’ role as a primary West Coast gateway for cruise operations. Cruise lines are already expanding their packages, including five new West Coast routes from Virgin Voyages.
Pro tip: Pre- and post-cruise itineraries can be easily built into a Los Angeles stay, with convenient access to neighborhoods across the city for extended visits and multi-day programming. Explore a suggested itinerary here.
A Modern Oasis: Cameo Beverly Hills
The Cameo Beverly Hills recently completed a $30 million renovation, offering 138 rooms with private balconies and a residential-style luxury stay. Guests can enjoy a resort-style pool, an on-site spa, Peruvian restaurant, and curated art throughout the property. Located just a short drive from Beverly Hills’ shopping and key LA landmarks—including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Sunset Boulevard—this hidden gem balances privacy with easy access to the city’s attractions.
Elevated Experiences: Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor amphitheaters for live music, offers a concert experience that extends beyond the stage. “Supper in Your Seats” transforms an evening at the Bowl into a fully hosted dining affair, with chef-curated menus including multi-course options, à la carte selections, and wine pairings delivered directly to concertgoers. Available with premium Terrace and Garden tickets, the offering combines table seating and enhanced views with in-seat service for a more elevated night out.
Pro-tip: Download the mobile app—available in both English and Spanish—to easily scan tickets, order food, and access the event calendar.
A Golden State Honor for the City of Angels
LA Tourism earned the coveted Poppy Award for its “We Love LA” campaign at the Visit California Outlook Forum. Recognized as the Best Brand Advertising campaign, it highlights an authentic connection to Los Angeles while strengthening global awareness and supporting continued demand across key domestic and international markets.
Downtown Los Angeles has a heartbeat all its own, full of surprises waiting just off the main avenues. Melissa, LA Tourism’s Director of Global Communications, showcases how this area rewards a slower, more intentional approach, revealing layers of art, design, and local character at every turn.
Caffeinate in style. Downtown is full of great coffee, but two personal favorites are Il Caffè in the fashion district—a great place to sit at a sidewalk table and people watch or play chess if you’re into that—and Aquarela Coffee, set in the Art-Deco masterpiece that is The CalEdison building next to our office. My go-to order is the Saúde latte, and the baristas are the nicest in town. Say hi to Lee next time you stop by!
Shop the Fashion District. Downtown’s Fashion District is built for making things and hyper-specific shopping excursions. There are entire blocks dedicated to suits, dresses, trims, fabric, hardware, or tools. Annabel’s Vintage Beads & Findings is a personal favorite, with an abundance of antique glass beads, pendants, and jewelry components.
Explore DTLA’s Art Scene. The Broad and MOCA make it easy to dip into contemporary art for free and at your own pace. Whenever I have visitors, I try to fit in a morning at the museums and ride on Angels Flight down to Grand Central Market for lunch. It’s always a crowd pleaser. The murals and sculptural art throughout the neighborhood are always a treat to seek out. We have a great article on our website to help map out an art-walk.
Lounge in a hotel lobby. Downtown has a fabulous boutique hotel scene and I try to take advantage of the stunning lobbies when I can. Whether for a quick coffee meeting or post-work happy hour, the Biltmore delivers classic downtown glamour with its historic bar and ornate interiors, and Hotel Figueroa offers a meticulously designed setting with a female-forward art program.
Don’t forget to grab a bite. The options are plentiful! One of my favorite downtown eateries is Manuela for arguably the best biscuits in LA and set inside the beautiful Hauser & Wirth Gallery. Other great choices include Pine & Crane, which delivers reliably delicious Taiwanese comfort food, and Maccheroni Republic for its standout homemade pasta.
