How to Spend One Day in The Los Angeles Arts District
I’m so excited to share Los Angeles’ beautiful Arts District with you. If you’re looking for the best things to see, eat, and explore in the Los Angeles Arts District in one day, you’re in the right place. Plus, this post has a bonus video! Watch this YouTube video from my channel while you read on:
The Los Angeles Arts District was originally a neighborhood built for manufacturing and retail in 1876. But in the 1970s, artists from Venice and Hollywood moved in for lower cost of living, and soon, the city implemented an Artist-In-Residence program, legalizing the use of industrial buildings for artists.
Finally, in the 1990s, the neighborhood was officially coined as the “Arts District,” by Joel Bloom. There’s actually a gigantic mural by Allison Hueman dedicated in honor of Bloom, depicting a bouquet of flowers held by the artist’s hands.
If you just have one day in the Los Angeles Arts District, I’ve created a full itinerary for you below. You’ll have a handful of recommendations for your next visit – straight from me, a local who’s lived in LA for 15 years. So, let’s get started!
8AM: COFFEE IN THE LOS ANGELES ARTS DISTRICT
First things first, head to Verve Coffe and get a little caffeine buzz. Verve is one of LA’s most popular, trendy coffee shops. You will love the inspired interior design, exciting energy of the space, and oh yeah, the amazing coffee, too!
At 7,000 square feet, this location is the brand’s flagship. It’s huge and the wifi is great — so feel free to bring your laptop and get some work done if you need to.
Verve uses a direct-trade sourcing model which involves paying premium for quality and investing in coffee communities at origin. I love that they’re a brand that sources responsibly.
10AM: 6TH STREET BRIDGE IN THE LOS ANGELES ARTS DISTRICT
After you get a little coffee buzz going, head over to the new 6th Street Bridge. An architectural wonder, this is the largest and most expensive bridge the city has ever built.
Designed by architect Michael Maltzan, the bridge is pedestrian-friendly although not quite bike friendly (according to a story I read in the LA Times).
Take in views of the skyscrapers, palm trees, and the mountains. This is an incredible place to take photos and videos if you’re looking for photoshoot locations in the Los Angeles Arts District.
And as a side note — in general, the Los Angeles Arts District is a great photoshoot location. It has a brownstone, industrial aesthetic which makes a stunning backdrop for portraits or architectural shots.
TIME FOR LUNCH: FOOD IN THE LOS ANGELES ARTS DISTRICT
Hungry yet? Let’s get some food! The Arts District is known all across Los Angeles for its hopping dining scene. There’s literally so many restaurants in this part of town!
For a more luxurious dining experience, head to Girl & The Goat, Manuela, LA Cha Cha Cha, or Bestia.
If you’re feeling a laid-back vibe, try Cafe Gratitude, De La Nonna, or my favorite place of all, Wurstkuche.
You can get a classic bratwurst here or try something more exotic, like a hot italian, mango jalapeno, or hungarian heat. They even have a rattlesnake & rabbit sausage!
Top it off with ketchup and gourmet mustard. Then, order a beer from an extensive selection of German and Belgian varieties on tap.
When you’re done eating, don’t forget dessert! The Pie Hole just across the street is one of locals’ favorite places to get a sweet treat and a coffee. Order a whole pie, or try a slice of Mom’s Apple Crumble Pie, the Earl Grey Tea Pie, the Mexican Chocolate Pie, and more.
And of course, you can also just get a small bite like we did — we ordered a delicious two-bite blueberry pie hole.
Another delicious dessert option and locals’ favorite: Salt & Straw for ice cream!
2PM: TAKE AN ART WALK IN THE LOS ANGELES ARTS DISTRICT
When you’ve had your fill of food, go on a walk through the streets of the Arts District and look at all the inspiring street art. I recommend taking a guided tour for a more in-depth experience where you can learn about the artists and the history of the ever-changing murals in the neighborhood.
I always like getting the full story behind artwork — there’s so many interesting facts and anecdotes tohear. Taking a tour makes it easy to explore and walk through unfamiliar streets with a guide, too. Here are a few tours I recommend from Get Your Guide:
In the Los Angeles Arts District, you’ll see plenty of provocative, larger-than-life paintings in the brightest colors imaginable, many by artists including David Puck, El Mac (Miles MacGregor), Colette Miller, and more incredible talents. For artists and art enthusiasts alike, this neighborhood in Los Angeles is perfect for you if you only have one afternoon.
5PM: WIND DOWN WITH RETRO PINBALL AT BAR 82
When your art tour wraps up, head to Bar 82, a local’s hidden gem. Grab a drink and play old-school pinball, Pac-Man, and other retro arcade games. They even have skeeball, too!
Bar 82 has quickly become one of my favorite spots in all of Los Angeles because it’s just so much fun! There’s a nice outdoor courtyard for those who prefer an open-air feel. Bar 82 is open late, so it’s also a great late-night spot if you prefer going out in the evening.
6PM: TRY LOCAL BEER AT A CRAFT BREWERY
Easily walk to your next spot — Angel City Brewery. The Los Angeles Arts District is known for its breweries, and Angel City is one of the best. They have a wide selection of beer on tap, plus food provided by a food truck on the premises.
The brewery is massive, so feel free to bring a group. Have some fun playing indoor cornhole, try a few beers, and stay awhile!
If you’re not ready to call it a day just yet, you could also head to Arts District Brewing Co., another great brewery in the neighborhood. I like this spot because it has more games like skeeball than Angel City, but it’s almost always jam-packed, so usually I end up at Angel City.
If you only have one day in the Los Angeles Arts District, here’s a suggested itinerary:
- 8am: Wake up with coffee at Verve
- 10am: Explore the 6th Street Bridge
- 12pm: Lunchtime at Wurstkuche. Dessert at Pie Hole.
- 2pm: Take an art walking tour led by a guide.
- 5pm: Check out Bar 82 for old-school pinball and Pac-Man.
- 6pm: Stop by Angel City Brewery for the best brews around town and enjoy food from a food truck — it doesn’t get more “LA” than that!
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Questions? Leave me a comment or send me a DM on Instagram. Thanks for taking an inside look at the Los Angeles Arts District with me!
For more on Los Angeles travel, check out my recent post: An Inside Look to Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
Planning a trip right now? Here are a few of my top resources I use to book every trip.
Booking.com for great deals on hotels.
Get Your Guide for incredible tours around the world.
World Nomads for travel insurance that has your back.
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