5 FUN AND FREE Things To Do In Downtown Los Angeles!
Having attended school in the downtown Los Angeles area for a couple of years now, I’ve become quite familiar with a lot of the happenings. Here are some free activities that are always delightful!
1) The Broad Museum
Super Instagram/photo worthy, and totally immersive, just be sure to reserve your spot online before you visit! If you appreciate art, you most certainly could spend an entire day here.
2) Los Angeles Central Library
The Los Angeles Central Library was initially developed in the 1920s, and despite later renovations during the eighties and nineties its facade is still reminiscent of the jazz era. If you enjoy architecture, this docent lead tour is for you!
PRO TIP: If you have a Los Angeles County library card, you can reserve free tickets (only once per calendar year) for places like the Grammy Museum at LA Live, docent lead walking tours of Los Angeles, and a plethora of museums including LACMA! #HAVINGFUNISNTHARDWHENYOUHAVEALIBRARYCARD
3) Arts District
Technically not situated in the downtown core, but close nonetheless… Visiting the Arts District anytime of the week is fab! However, if you would like to vibe out on a Sunday, head over to Smorgasburg LA! It’s always free to attend, whether you wish to grub out or not.
PRO TIP: They have a TON of vendors that offer specialty food items for friends with dietary restrictions!
PRO TIP: While you’re in the area, stop by Dover Street Market! DSM is free to enter and is like an art gallery in its own right. Contemporary installations that are photographic in their own right, are around every corner of the establishment. DSM is home to Comme des Garcons, CDG PLAY, Raf Simons, Gucci, Stussy, Nike, and many many more. Think of this place as true designer heaven; the next generation of “department stores.”
4) Look Out Point at the Downtown Intercontinental Hotel
You don’t need to pay a dime to ride up the elevator to the top floor of the Intercontinental! The view of Los Angeles is always glorious, and the people-watching is fun (you know if you’re into that sort of thing)!
5) DTLA Fashion District
Mark your calendars for the last Friday of every month, as DTLA’s Fashion District Showrooms host the public for wildly discounted sample sales! I’ve met visitors from other cities in the surrounding areas who bring sacks with them, the items that they are able to source are of tremendous value. You’ve got to try it out!
Extra) Clifton’s Cafeteria
Clifton’s is right downtown, some people say that it’s haunted. Whatever the case may be, entrance is usually free during the day and you can walk through the maze of trap doors and booby traps, or at least attempt to!
PRO TIP: I love Clifton’s during the evening, it’s always a grand time! Their hidden tiki bar is such a gem, try it out sometime soon!
Have you visited downtown Los Angeles before? Why or why not? I promise you that it’s not as scary as it may seem, just ensure you keep away from Skid Row. The revitalization/gentrification of the downtown core has truly provided a renaissance feel to the entire area, but there is still much growth and development to be had in regards to Skid Row. As long as you stay clear of it you will be good to go!
Just another day in dtla…
Digging the sights, sounds, and green juice! #groovybaby