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Chinatown: The Story of an L.A. Icon
One of L.A.'s most popular tourist destinations, historic Chinatown is experiencing a renaissance of dining, art and nightlife.
Go Metro and Discover Koreatown On the Purple Line
Two of L.A.'s top hotels are conveniently located across the street from the Wilshire/Normandie station. The 388-room Line Hotel opened in January 2014 at the site of the former Wilshire Hotel. The Line combines its Mid-Century Modern heritage with an industrial-chic twist. Following a $5-million restoration, the Hotel Normandie's 91 rooms have been restored to their original Roaring 20s flair, with new, vintage-inspired furnishings, fixtures and tile work of the era.
The Guide to the Metro Red Line: Part Two
Served by both the Red and Purple Lines, the Wilshire/Vermont station is accessible to educational institutions such as Southwestern University and Robert F Kennedy Community Schools. Above the station is a mixed-use transit village development, with apartments and retail space in a building designed by architecture firm Arquitectonica. Dedicated platforms for eastbound trains are located on the upper level and westbound trains stop on the lower level.
Korean BBQ favorites like Soowon Galbi and Soot Bull Jeep are located a half-mile from the station. The Prince is as famous for its Korean-style fried chicken as it is for its classic decor and appearance on Mad Men.
Howard Johnson Los Angeles is conveniently located a block from the Wilshire/Vermont station.
Metro Purple Line: At Wilshire/Vermont, you can transfer to the Purple Line and explore Koreatown. Read More →
The Guide to the Metro Red Line: Part One
Currently the northern-most station on the Red Line, the North Hollywood station also acts as a connector to the Orange Line, which was opened in 2005 and acts as transport into the San Fernando Valley.
The NoHo Arts District, which has many theatres and art galleries, North Hollywood Park, and many shops and restaurants are all accessible from the North Hollywood Station. The Federal Bar, Laemmle's NoHo 7 (which shows many indie, foreign and art house films), Idle Hour, Little Toni's, and the historic El Portal Theatre are a short walk away from the station.
Where to Dine Near Dodger Stadium
It's time for Dodger baseball, which also means it's time for the iconic Dodger Dog and other Dodger Stadium fare. Outside the landmark ballpark, there are perennial go-tos like the classic French Dip at Philippe The Original or drink specials at the Short Stop. Read on for more dining options near Dodger Stadium in Chinatown, Echo Park and Silver Lake. Note: outside food is allowed at Dodger Stadium, so the guide includes take out options as well.
A Visual Walking Tour of the Arts District in Downtown L.A.
Not sure what to do in downtown Los Angeles? Stop by The Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, one of the hottest neighborhoods in the DTLA area. From the area’s beginnings as Jean-Louis Vigne’s vineyard to an orchard growing mostly oranges and grapefruit, by the late 1800s it became an industrial center for railroads and manufacturing. Eventually, the railroads gave way to the trucking industry and industry moved to other L.A. County areas like Commerce in order to build larger buildings to accommodate their growing businesses.
In the 1970s, artists braved dangerous conditions and began to occupy the area’s dilapidated buildings, having been priced out of areas such as Venice and Hollywood. Eventually, they opened art galleries and began to develop these buildings themselves, thereby preserving a big part of L.A.’s industrial history.
The area again underwent another downturn in the 1990s before being saved by Joel Bloom and his supporters, who officially renamed the area the “Arts District.” Today, it is home to many creatives, including those in green technology, architecture and entertainment. Read on for a visual walking tour of this burgeoning urban oasis.
Taking In the Culture of East Los Angeles
One of L.A.’s oldest neighborhoods, East Los Angeles has a lineage of culture that can be found in its shops, businesses, and community. No stranger to change, East L.A. has been the subject of recent transition. While community members have pushed to improve quality of life, they also stand on the front line protecting the neighborhood’s vibrant history and traditions. Quietly sporting some of the best restaurants (by far the best tacos), unique stores, budding businesses, and landmark locations, East L.A. is fundamental to the heritage of Los Angeles.
Great Places to Eat Near USC & Exposition Park
Whether you’re a starving student or have some more resources to spare on your meals, the South L.A. neighborhoods surrounding the University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Banc of California Stadium offer some interesting dining options. Learn about some of our favorite area restaurants, most of which are within walking distance of the USC campus and Exposition Park.
The Best Places for Coffee in the Downtown L.A. Arts District
Since Urth Caffe opened in 2008, the Arts District in Downtown L.A. has become affectionately known as the “Coffee District,” home to some of the top third wave coffee purveyors in the city. Read on for the best places in the Arts District to get your caffeine fix and more.
The Guide to the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles
There's a reason why one of Downtown L.A.'s most vibrant districts is called the Historic Core. Located between Hill and Main Streets and 1st and 9th Streets, this eclectic neighborhood showcases many of the things that originally put Los Angeles on the world stage, including lovely parks, ornate movie palaces and other architectural marvels. It's also where visitors can experience places that have helped contribute to L.A.'s more contemporary reputation as a food and arts destination. With no shortage of beautiful buildings, cutting-edge art galleries, trendy bars and gourmet restaurants, the Historic Core is where L.A.'s golden era meets modern times.