Downtown L.A. viewed from the Arts District

A Visual Walking Tour of the Arts District in Downtown L.A.

11/04/2015

Esther Tseng

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.

Mariachi Plaza

Taking In the Culture of East Los Angeles

09/18/2015

Javier Guillen

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.

Olvera Street vendors

Discover Olvera Street and Historic El Pueblo de Los Angeles

09/17/2015

Discover Los Angeles

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is located near the site of the early Los Angeles pueblo, where 44 settlers of Native American, African and European heritage journeyed more than a thousand miles across the desert from present-day northern Mexico and established a farming community in September 1781. Today, as a department of the City of Los Angeles, El Pueblo is a living museum that attracts more than 2 million visitors to the oldest district in L.A. Read on and discover the cultural attractions of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.

@sincerelyjules visits Venice Beach

@SincerelyJules Visits Venice Beach

08/17/2015

Julie Sarinana

I recently teamed up with Discover Los Angeles for a little staycation in Venice Beach. I love everything about L.A. and feel so lucky anytime I get the chance to have adventures in my own city. Every time I take a staycation I fall more and more in love with Los Angeles.

Bradbury Building in Downtown L.A.

The Guide to the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles

08/09/2015

Tanja Laden

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.

Wild Style on Melrose Avenue

The Guide to Melrose Avenue East

06/26/2015

Elina Shatkin

Designer boutiques and high-end housewares stores dominate the western end of Melrose Avenue. As you continue exploring Melrose from Fairfax Avenue, the glossy boutiques give way to a funkier vibe.

Melrose Avenue

The Guide to Melrose Avenue West

06/25/2015

Elina Shatkin

Along its western end, Melrose Avenue is all about strolling and shopping, so bring dough and plenty of it. The street begins where the cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood meet, otherwise known as the intersection of posh and funky.

Blue Plate on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica

The Guide to Montana Avenue in Santa Monica

06/15/2015

Stephanie Wenger

Just up the road from the scenic Santa Monica coastline, Montana Avenue provides a relaxed atmosphere for a fun day of shopping and dining. The area that stretches from 7th to 17th Street is home to more than 150 stores and restaurants. From unique home boutiques to high-end cosmetic stores, there is bound to be something that you will love on Montana Avenue. This is a one-stop destination for everyone in the family from babies on up. Before leaving, don’t forget to stop at one of the delicious restaurants in the area, serving everything from tasty burgers to unforgettable treats.

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