One Day in Downtown Los Angeles

During the summer of 2019, I took the opportunity to live in Huntington Beach with some family. The weekends were my time to explore the city I was born in. I planned a one-day trip to Downtown Los Angeles.

This itinerary is great for anyone who wants to see some of the best sites right in downtown! It is easy to follow and has plenty of time to add on an extra activity if you are really interested in something.

LA traffic is NO joke! I didn’t leave the house until about ten, so I wouldn’t hit much traffic.

Since I was by myself, I remained extra aware of my surroundings. I chose to pay a little more for parking and park in the parking garage beneath the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It was an excellent location for my route, and I felt it was a safer option than parking in a lot.

My first and farthest stop was the Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck. Enter through the entrance on Main St. and tell the security officers you are heading to the observation deck. They will show you how to get there, and then you are on your own to the top. Take your time looking at all the views and don’t forget to take pictures! I would absolutely recommend adding this stop because it’s free and not crowded at all!

Next, I walked over to the Bradbury Building. It is Los Angeles’ oldest commercial building and stunning on the inside! Although you can only access the first floor, the building is a must-see (plus it’s free!)

For lunch, I walked across the street to Grand Central Market. There, you will find just about anything you are craving! Some of the popular options are Eggslut, Wexler’s, Sarita’s Pupuseria, and much more. I settled on a place called Kismet Falafel where I ordered, you guessed it, a falafel! So delicious! Next time I’m dying to checkout PBJ LA!

I took Angles Flight, a small railway cable car, up to my last stop, The Broad, one of LA’s contemporary art museums. While the entrance is free, I recommend reserving your entrance time online, so you don’t have to wait long. Once you’re in, walk around and enjoy endless exhibits.

The Broad is next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, so we are back where we started!

By this time, it was about 2 pm, and that means traffic is starting to build. I began my drive back home, satisfied with my downtown adventure!

Here is a map of my total journey:

If you follow my itinerary, the trip is only about 1.5 miles and can be done in a few hours.

Before my trip, plenty of people told me that I should not go to LA by myself because it was too dangerous. I can say from my experience that if you stick to your plan and remain aware of your surroundings, there is no reason you should avoid the city. Exploring by myself was a wonderful opportunity and experience that I would not trade for anything!

Enjoy this wonderful city!

Lily