Downtown LA

Nearby Echo Park and Silverlake continue to beguile the it-crowd. Eagle Rock secures its hold on the arts and music scene. And the upmarket clout of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills never wains. But for an LA neighbourhood with stories to tell and an intriguingly bright future, nowhere outshines Downtown. The streets and boulevards at the foot of this distinctive cluster of skyscrapers reveal history, dining and entertainment the measure of anywhere else on the California coast.

Luxury Holidays to Downtown LA

LA’s financial district is undergoing a miraculous period of regeneration after decades in the doldrums since its golden age burned out in the 50s. But this gentrification meets with less cynicism than that of most major cities. Whether this is down to the fact that it’s been such a long time coming, or because it’s done with such entrepreneurial aplomb, is open to debate. Either way, this sassy city neighbourhood makes an excellent holiday destination, reflected by ‘an increasingly hip and well-heeled residential population’. Luxury comes in the form of world-beating accommodation from the Pacific Coast’s most sought-after hoteliers, Insta-famous spa and wellness centres, and Michelin-rated fine-dining restaurants.

Great reasons to holiday in Downtown LA

The culture – Within just a couple of city blocks along South Grande Avenue you could stroll from a Basquiat exhibition at the MOCA to an evening of opera at the Frank Gerhry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. Art is part of Downtown LA’s DNA, so much so they named an entire area in its honour. Head to the urban lofts and warehouses between East 2nd & 6th streets to see Downtown LA’s buzzing Arts District in all its gallery-going glory.

The history – Time was this city district rivalled mid-century Manhattan for A-list pulling power, and was even known as the Wall Street of the West. Downtown LA’s time in the spotlight may have faded, but plenty of its former glitz remains if you know where to look. Broadway’s previous incarnation as the go-to venue for star-studded movie premieres and galas necessitated hotels and nightclubs to suit such occasions. They’re still here, but expect speakeasy-style bars in the old lobbies and street food stalls occupying ornate deco lounges.

The hotels – You could say Downtown LA’s transition from golden era throwback to trendy travel destination began in 2002 when Standard Hotels chose the former Superior Oil Company Building on Flower Street as the site of its new flagship property. The modernist, marble structure was subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places, and the hotel’s two-storey lobby, rooftop pool and design-forward rooms sealed its reputation among the jet set. The Ace Hotel and others soon followed.

The setting – Given Los Angeles is effectively a series of satellite towns orbiting the Downtown area, this is the place-to-be to have the city’s wider attractions at your fingertips. The neighbourhood is circled by the 10, 101 and 110 freeways, so getting around by car or Uber is easy. Or jump on the train at Pico Station all the way to Santa Monica beach.

Things to see and do in Downtown LA

Eat like a local, with literary connections – For classic LA eats, nothing beats a French Dip sandwich. This ingenious sarnie uses bread dipped in the au jus from the joint roasts that form its filling, and is so-called after its folkloric inventor – a policeman named Officer French. Downtown LA has two authentic French Dip restaurants: Phillippe’s (East Alameda Street), former lunch haunt of cult writer Charles Bukowski, still serves coffee for 9c – the price of the beverage when the restaurant opened over 100 years ago. Equally historic but with a lounge bar feel as opposed to Phillippe’s sawdust canteen, Cole’s (6th Street & Main) has fed Downtown Los Angelinos since 1908, and features in Robin Robertson’s 2018 Booker Prize nominated novel The Long Take.

Shop the Fashion District – As well as being a magnet for foodies and artists, Downtown LA attracts fashionistas too. From the Garment District (South Los Angeles Street) to the Fashion District itself, Downtown LA’s vibrant hub of clothes emporiums and outlet stores has everything from the bright and gaudy to haute couture. Looking for bling? Jewelry District is between South Olive and Hill Streets, near colourful Pershing Square.

Catch a game – Staples Centre arena (South Figueroa) hosts basketball teams the LA Clippers and LA Lakers, hockey stars the Los Angeles Kings, and Arena Football outfit the Los Angeles Avengers. Go for the action, stay for the front-row celeb spotting. For baseball fans, Dodgers Stadium in Elysian Park makes a great day out. Be sure to grab a hotdog and souvenir jersey.

Ride the funicular – The Angels Flight Railway transports Downtown LA sightseers from South Hill Street up the scenic incline to Angels Flights and the historic Bunker Hill district. Pair it with a look around the bustling Grand Central Market where the full spectrum of LA’s cosmopolitan diversity can be celebrated one snack at a time. Greek, Chinese, Korean and Mexican cuisines are all here, to name but a few. Our favourite? Fresh ceviche; delicious.

Interesting Facts about Downtown Los Angeles

Area – 5.84 square miles
Population – 67,300
Founded – 1781

The weather in Downtown Los Angeles

It’s LA, it’s the South Californian Coast; it’s beautiful year-round. Winter months may see a little rain on intermittent days. But in the main, a warm, balmy climate pervades. Better still, Pacific Coast breezes keep humidity low, so the heat is dry and pleasant. Expect summer highs of around 29 degrees.

Downtown LA holidays 2024/2025

Log your quote requests for 2024/2025 holidays to Downtown Los Angeles today, and get the dates you want locked in now at a great price. Advance bookings to this popular, up-and-coming destination are the best way to guarantee the most affordable deals including LA family holidays and couples’ retreats. Our expert team of California experts are on hand seven days a week to take your call on 020 7749 9282.