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24 THINGS TO TRY IN 2024

Ring in 2024 with this list of 24 must-try experiences in DTLA. Venture beyond the ordinary and treat yourself to authentic flavors, uncover hidden cultural gems, try new wellness practices, and even find your perfect design at a distinctive tattoo studio. Share your adventures on Instagram and tag @downtown_la

1
Going Underground at Downtown LA Pho
Downtown LA Pho
505 Flower St, Suite Basement 300A
Los Angeles, CA, 90071

This hidden gem is located in the old-school 505 Flower mall and just getting there makes you feel like you're on a mission for all things delicious. Their authentic and high-quality Vietnamese food is some of our favorite in DTLA. Be sure to make a few return trips so you can try their entire menu because while the pho is pho-nomenal, you'd be missing out if you didn't also try the banh mi or the bun bo hue.

2
Taste the Sea at La Tostaderia
La Tostaderia
317 S Broadway, Grand Central Market
Los Angeles, CA, 90013

Tucked away in Grand Central Market is this little cevicheria that feels like it was just dropped into LA straight from Baja. Their ceviches and tostadas are rave-worthy but don't miss out on their fish tacos or cocteles.

3
Get Gyro-matic at George’s Greek Grill
George's Greek Grill
735 S Figueroa St, Suite 131
Los Angeles, CA, 90017

We think you should eat more Greek food in 2024. It's fresh, it's delicious, and it's the perfect lunch when you're looking for something substantial but still healthy. And George's Greek Grill is one of our favorite spots. Tucked into FIGat7th on the ground floor, this restaurant is a safe bet for something quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

4
Skewer Something Good at Hatch
Hatch
700 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA, 90017

This modern Japanese grill is hidden away at The Bloc and specializes in yakitori, creative plates, and craft cocktails. Traditional Japanese cooking is fused with bold Californian flavors to deliver new takes on classic dishes. We suggest inviting your biggest foodie friends so you can order the whole menu and share a bottle of sake.

5
Sound the Alarm at Engine Co. No. 28
Engine Co. No. 28
644 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA, 90017

This cozy and casual American eatery is housed in a former Los Angeles Fire Department fire station on Figueroa Street that was originally built in 1912. It served as an operating fire station until it was closed in 1967 before being renovated into its current form as a restaurant serving up food based on recipes from American fire houses.

6
Spice Things up at Shekarchi
Shekarchi Restaurant
920 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA, 90015

This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving up Persian food to DTLA since 1985, and one meal here will explain why they've been around for so long. The ambiance is warm and cozy and their food tastes like it was prepared with the love and care of someone's Mediterranean home kitchen.  

7
Get Creative on the DTLA Art Trail

DTLA
Los Angeles, CA

Discover the vibrant public art scene of Downtown Los Angeles on the DTLA Art Trail! Don't wait - grab a friend, enjoy the sun, and learn all there is to know about public art in the art capital of LA. Plus - the next time you're walking around with your coworkers or a date, you get to show off.

8
Dance and Shout at The Smell
The Smell
247 Main St
Los Angeles, CA, 90012

This absolutely iconic venue has been the center of the LA art and music community since 1998. It's open to all ages and is just a breeding ground of creativity, artistic innovation, inclusion, and freedom. Catch a show and meet some like-minded people.

9
Discover All Things Art at DTLA Art Night
DTLA Art Night
125 W 4th St
Los Angeles, CA, 90013

DTLA ArtNight is an OG Downtown LA experience. It is a cultural gathering and art walk organized monthly on first Thursdays where over 25 Galleries debut new exhibitions from their arts collections. Make it a night and grab dinner nearby before checking out some art.

10
See Best in Show Views at Blue Ribbon Garden
Blue Ribbon Garden
111 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA, 90012

Sitting 34 feet above Hope Street, the park is a true hidden gem, even to veteran Downtowners. It offers some of the best views of LA landmarks like the Los Angeles Central Library, the Hollywood Sign. and even the San Gabriel Mountains. Enjoy a stroll among colorful flowering trees, wonder at the wide variety of plants skirting their trunks, and take a moment to toss a coin into the pools of the Lillian Disney Memorial Fountain.

11
Relax and Read at Maguire Gardens
Maguire Gardens
630 W 5th St, 630
Los Angeles, CA, 90071

Adjacent to the Richard J. Riordan Central Library, Maguire Gardens is a 2.3-acre park that offers the perfect little DTLA getaway. Check out their iconic fountains while you eat your lunch and read for a bit among the trees.

12
Make Your Mark at Mantle Tattoo
Mantle Tattoo
705 S Olive St, A
Los Angeles, CA, 90014

Whether you're new to tattoos or you've already got an impressive collection going, Mantle Tattoo is a one-stop-shop in DTLA for ink. Their artists run the gamut from delicate, fine line to full Japanese-style sleeves and their clean and professional studio makes this an easy choice for those who are looking to get tatted. 

13
Shop Around at MOCA Museum Store
MOCA Museum Store
250 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA, 90012

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for a friend, or something artsy for yourself, the store at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) offers a curated selection of products from artists and designers with proceeds from sales supporting the museum’s exhibitions, programs, and collection.

14
Taste Something Sweet at La Huerta Candy & Snacks
La Huerta Candy & Snacks
317 S Broadway, Grand Central Market
Los Angeles, CA, 90013

This vendor at Grand Central Market has been around since 1999 and offers a wide variety of classic American candies, novelty Mexican nuts, dried fruit, and other delicious snacks. The stall itself is iconic and eye-catching as it's bedecked by colorful bins of sweet and savory snacks in variable textures, tints, and tastes. Don't miss their famous gummi's covered with chamoy and chili lime!

15
Speak French at Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette
404 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA, 90015

For the lovers of all things baked! Try their delicious pastries, warm breads, stunning cakes, and expertly brewed drinks in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Originally from South Korea, this bakery is sure to have something new for you to try.

16
Pop into It’s Boba Time
It’s Boba Time
508 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA, 90014

It’s Boba Time sits right off of Pershing Square and offers over 140 menu items with some of our favorite teas, milk teas, coffee drinks, and more in DTLA. Their staff is super friendly and always available to answer any questions or even just to choose your drink!

17
Spend the Night In at The Winfield
The Winfield
406 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA, 90014

Built in 1929, this building was formerly the flagship store for Foreman & Clark, a men’s clothing store and now it's one of Downtown's chicest hotels. Guests can expect apartment-adjacent accommodations with full-size kitchenette, in-suite laundry, and Roku for streaming. Book a night for visiting friends or family or have a staycation just for you, it's that good.

18
Take Time for Yourself at O Hotel
O Hotel
819 Flower St
Los Angeles, CA, 90017

Nestled in the bustling financial district, the O Hotel offers a sophisticated stay for those looking for a quiet and refined hotel. It's walking distance from the arena, LA Live, and tons of other Downtown attractions making it the perfect option for visiting friends and family.

19
Take in the Views from Westin Bonaventure
Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites
404 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA, 90071

One of DTLAs most iconic buildings, if you've never been inside IRL - you've definitely seen it in countless movies or shows. Take a ride to the top for views and a dinner at LA Prime, wander around the distinct architecture inside, or book a night to relax for yourself.

20
Visit REDCAT
REDCAT
631 W 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA, 90012

REDCAT is a multidisciplinary center for the visual and performing arts that offers some of the most cutting-edge and innovative performances, exhibitions, screenings, and events in LA. Keep an eye on their schedule and head down early for pre-show drinks and a post-show dinner.

21
Sashay Away at the ASU FIDM Museum
ASU FIDM Museum
919 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA, 90015

Psst - save this trip for later! One of DTLA's best kept secrets, ASU FIDM, has a museum and library that will re-open to the public on March 5th. This vast collection preserves and interprets fashion objects and support materials with outstanding design merit as well as putting on some stellar exhibits.

22
Get Blissed at Blis
Blis
752 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA, 90014

Blis is a specialty store offering up a variety of organic hemp-based CBD products, ranging from consumables, smokables, skin-care products, pet products, and accessories. Discover the healing properties of CBD from some of the best in the business.

23
Release Some Tension at Massage Envy
Massage Envy
315 W 9th St, #101
Los Angeles, CA, 90015

The new year can be super taxing on your body so start the year off right with a little help from Massage Envy. Treat yourself to an indulgent massage so you can run that half marathon or that full day of meetings.

24
Try a New Look at Logunova Beauty Salon
Logunova Beauty Salon
607 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA, 90014

It is love that brought award-winning hair stylist, Polina Logunova and LA businessman George Rice, together as a couple and industry partners. However, it is the love of all things beauty that opened the doors of this elegant salon. Inside the sparkling interior brimming with full-amenities that include a champagne and beverage bar and a roster of talented stylists who will make you feel right at home.