Location: Central L.A
Top Things to do in Central L.A
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Central L.A, California (CA)
Hollywood beckons to tourists who long for a brush with Tinseltown glamor. Tour movie studios, slip your hands into the famous prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or indulge in a celeb sighting at one of LA’s white-hot nightspots. Spot your favorite star while shopping at The Grove, or forget all about the famous eye candy as you take in the iconic artwork at The Getty Center. For a different type of star-gazing, peek through the telescopes at the Griffith Observatory.
Restaurants in Los Angeles
1. Union Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,826 reviews
Los Angeles Union Station is the main railroad station in Los Angeles, California, and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western US. Union Station is a major transportation hub for Southern California, serving almost 110,000 passengers a day. The station is the hub of the Amtrak's California regional routes, Amtrak's long distance trains, Metrolink commuter trains, several Metro Rail subway and light rail lines, buses and coach services. History: Established in 1939. Built in 1939, Union Station combines Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Mission Revival and Streamline Moderne styles. The architecture team included John and Donald Parkinson who also designed Los Angeles City Hall and other city landmarks. Originally intended as a transcontinental terminus station for the Union Pacific, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railways, the station was a major hub for troop movement during World War II. The station's historic 161,000 square foot terminal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and the station was restored in 1992. Beginning in the 1970s, growing use of Amtrak and expansion of local and regional rail revitalized the station as a major transportation hub of Southern California. Metro acquired the station in 2011, managing the property that currently serves as a transportation hub for Metro, Metrolink, Amtrak and other transportation services as well an urban mixed-use development site.
Reviewed By ShermanOaks2019 - Los Angeles, United States
Enjoy beautiful architecture - great dining in the station or less than a block away famous Philippes French Dip Sandwich - or great Mexican Food at Olvera Street. If you have time take a quick trip to Santa Monica or to Hollywood & Vine and dine at Musso & Franks, or Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel by the pool.
2. Bradbury Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 623 reviews
Famous 19th-century Italian Renaissance building in downtown Los Angeles.
Reviewed By overeasy
I did a very quick visit here years ago, but was thrilled to come back again. This is a truly special building, which is why it has appeared in many movies and TV shows. My fav was "Demon With A Glass Hand," an original Outer Limits episode with Robert Culp. I saw that show over 50 years ago and even then was enthralled by the location. You can only go on the ground floor and up the stairs to the first level, but that is enough to let you understand how beautiful this place is. Read the history, which is fascinating as well. It's open on the weekends and you'll have more of a chance to nab a parking spot on the street then, too.
3. City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
After an impressive seismic rehabilitation, completed in 2001, the beloved 28-story landmark can withstand an earthquake up to magnitude 8.
Reviewed By TPAT75 - Oulu, Finland
Beautiful building that offers great views over the city for free! So take some time to visit here if you're in downtown.
4. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
Located in the midst of downtown Los Angeles, only the second cathdral to be built in a US city in the past 50 year, the structure has been compared to Notre Dame in its magnificense.
Reviewed By ShermanOaks2019 - Los Angeles, United States
Easy parking- beautiful modern sanctuary. Great cafeteria where you can sit outside. Close to Disney Hall and the Los Angeles Music Center.
5. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,038 reviews
Home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this concert hall is designed to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated in the world.
Reviewed By dcm_boticelli - Orlando, United States
LA Phil under Gustavo Dudamel is one of the greatest orchestras of the world and Disney Hall is an ideal place for their magical performances.
6. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Final resting-place of some of Hollywood's celebrities and other luminaries.
Reviewed By johnbN4283YO
This is a very famous park with a lot of celebrities that are interred there. I find it very beautiful just to walk around the lake and see the wonderful wildlife that live there.
7. Los Feliz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By permia
We began our visit to this delightful neighbourhood at the grand Mulholland Memorial Fountain after taking Bus 96 from Downtown to Riverside / Los Feliz. The fountain commemorates William Mulholland who designed and oversaw the 233 mile long aqueduct that brought water to a dry city over a century ago. We continued our stroll along the lovely winding roads. We saw Walt Disney's First House in LA and then continued to the marvellous Lovell Health House, from where there are panoramic vistas over the city. Ennis House is an architectural marvel. Designed by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, it is well worth seeing. Along the way we gazed at Griffith Observatory, and taking a pathway we ended our morning there, enjoying the tremendous edifice and the attractions within.
8. Angeles Crest Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By CharG1965 - San Diego, United States
I have never been here and I have lived in Orange County for 33 years. It was a beautiful drive. My husband loves to drive and her really enjoyed all of the switchbacks. I was happy to just be a passenger as if I was the driver I would not have appreciated all of the spectacular scenery along the way. Due to time constraints, we didn't go all the way to Wrightwood (another day when we have more time!) Highly recommend as you feel you are so far detached form civilization, but in reality only a hop skip and a jump from the greater LA area. Bathrooms and picnic areas were open and there were quite a few people gathered at those areas. We wanted to isolate so did not stop there. Tons of hiking and a few overnight camp areas up in the Angeles National forest as well for those more adventurous.
9. Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By elizabethlascheid - Marina del Rey, United States
Abbott Kinney is a lovely Street in Venice that spans about 1.5 MI. Parking is not easy but you will find a spot, but mind the meters. On the weekends it can be especially crowded, especially during the summer. It is just as pretty in the winter and I suggest you go then. There's a lot to do and a lot of walking on Abbot Kinney. Now, if you are looking for discount shopping or Cheap Eats go somewhere else. The street is filled with boutiques, art galleries, fine dining restaurants and expensive coffee and tea. Despite the cost it is great fun and if you want something unique you might very well find it. The area is relatively safe and there are few bars which are quite nice. Back to parking: do not go behind the street and find places to park inside the residential area you may find your car stolen when you get back. Stay right on or near Abbot Kinney and you will be fine. The place has gentrified over the years. It used to have little bars, tiny shops and even a few houses, that is no longer the case. But, as locals we have made the best of it and we have learned to love it. You will too
10. Staples Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,452 reviews
Reviewed By MG02116 - Boston, United States
Had the distinct pleasure of taking in a Kings hockey game while in LA last weekend. As a first time visitor to the Staples Center, I was impressed. Seating was comfortable, admission was smooth and professionally handled. There were plenty of venues for food and drink. A great time was had by all!
