My last visit to Los Angeles was the first trip I took after getting my Covid vaccine. I’d been to Venice Beach before that, but 2021 was my first time really being downtown. I stayed with a friend in the Arts District. After working the days remotely, I would log off at 3 pm and hit the street. Likely due to the combination of solo lady exploring, the novelty of being in a new places after months of being cooped up, or the absolutely perfect Southern California weather, but I loved LA way more than I expected to.
So, when Jason had a work conference there this past May, I decided to fly out for the latter half to recreate the LA magic. We stayed a couple nights downtown in the weirdly disorienting but wonderfully photogenic Westin Bonaventure hotel. Then, we were graciously hosted by my friend in Long Beach, where he had just bought a house.
Even though it was a short trip, we packed in a lot. Highlights included:
The Broad: A free contemporary art museum downtown. Architecturally stunning, and Jason and I were both blown away by the exhibits.
Grand Central Market: Food hall in downtown. We could have eaten here for a month straight. So many great options. I settled for tacos and donuts.
Manuela at Hauser & Wirth: Not only is this one of the most gorgeous restaurants I’ve been to (it’s hidden in the courtyard of the lovely Hauser & Wirth art museum in the Arts District), it served us one of the best meals we’ve had in a while. You are likely to spot a low-key celebrity here.
Little Tokyo: Until we can get to Japan, Little Tokyo is fairly effective at scratching the travel itch.
Howlin’ Rays + Endorffeine Coffee Bar in Chinatown: People will make a pilgrimage for both of these foodie hotspots. Howlin’ Ray’s hot chicken sandwiches did not disappoint. Right across from Howlin’ Ray’s is Endorffeine, basically a purist’s coffee lab; we were sent here by the Kumquat coffee guys, as Jack the owner is the coffee god of LA. We also checked out Now Serving, a well-curated cookbook shop right next door.
ROW DTLA: Very posh enclave of shops, cafes, and offices, housed in the former American Apparel factories. I went here a couple of times before, but I wanted to take J. We got incredible coffee from Go Get ’Em Tiger and visited Hightide Store DTLA, a delightful Japanese design shop.
The Getty: Everyone tried to dissuade us from spending so much car time getting out to the Getty, but it’s been on my list for a while, so we went for it, picking up J’s friend Vince on the way. The art was good, but the real reason to make this trip is for the architecture and views. I really loved the Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems photography exhibit.
Yes, the car culture is gross. But, if you plant yourself in one area, there is so much to explore. We did take public transit a few times, and it was fine. Next time, I think we should use the scooters more. I’m already looking forward to our next trip.
Welcome mural to ROW DTLA
Hightide Store at ROW DTLA
Westin Bonaventure hotel in downtown LA
The Broad’s ceiling fabric
