A Grand Day
LA may be known for long drives between activities and attractions, but not on Grand Avenue, where the cultural bounty is highly accessible and fully walkable. This section of Downtown LA offers an overflowing itinerary of arts, performance, and world-class dining all within a beautiful four-block stretch of Bunker Hill.
Starting October 22, 2022, Grand Avenue will come alive with Grand Ave Augmented, an innovative and interactive Augmented Reality (AR) experience from the Downtown Center Business Improvement District in partnership with the area’s major cultural institutions, properties and businesses. The experience is launching as part of Grand Ave Arts: All Access (GAAAA) – a free, family-friendly open house cultural event – and will feature more than 30 AR experiences including original art installations, virtual performances, interactive holograms, and immersive 360º environments that push the boundaries of art, imagination, and technology. To participate, users simply download the Hoverlay app, open the DTLAugmented channel, and check out the map to see the closest AR activations. GAAAA is just a one-day event, but Grand Ave Augmented will be live throughout the year and is accessible and free to anyone, at any time. It’s easy to spend the day exploring with so much happening on one street, so if you need some insider intel for your trip to Grand Ave, check out all of our tips and tricks below!
Dining
Grand Ave is home to some of LA’s best restaurants from Michelin-worthy fine dining to delicious fast-casual spots to bring the whole family. For an upscale meal, check out former Broken Spanish Chef Ray Garcia’s Asterid in the bottom floor of the Walt Disney Concert Hall or The Broad-adjacent Otium, helmed by Chef Tim Hollingsworth, formally of three-Michelin star The French Laundry. Another fantastic option is one of the newly-opened José Andrés restaurants at The Grand LA including Spanish-inspired San Laurel or poolside oasis Agua Viva.
For something a little more casual but just as delicious, Pez Cantina offers a wide range of authentic Mexican cuisine with a roomy outdoor patio. At Halo DTLA there’s something for everyone including Danny Boy’s Famous Original, a New York-style pizzeria and burger mainstay Shake Shack.
Coffee
If you’re looking for a little pick me up while exploring, there’s no shortage of great coffee shops along the way. We love the “Rabbit Hole” at Lucky’s Coffee Roasters described as “an amazing cup of chocolate-caffeinated milk” with a quad shot of espresso, mocha, and oat milk. Another local LA coffee spot is Go Get Em Tiger, a modern, open-air bungalow outside of The Music Center serving up delicious drinks. For more coffee suggestions, and the chance to win prizes, check out our Coffee Trail here!
Drinks
Night cap or pre-show drink? We’ve got you covered! The Mullin Wine Bar near Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is a convenient option serving beer on tap and a selection of wines up to two hours before nearby shows start. If you don’t mind a little walk, Kippered on Broadway is great for those looking to try something new and exciting with a unique wine list focused on natural wines. To end your evening, check out nearby dance club La Cita Bar or the quirky pirate-themed Redwood Bar & Grill.
Culture
With so many cultural institutions in one place it can be daunting to know where to start, here are just a few to investigate. The Broad modern art museum is stunning inside and out and directly across the street from Pritzker award winning architect Arata Isozaki’s MOCA Grand Avenue. Both have free general admission but it might be a good idea to make a reservation. At The Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall, you can catch jaw-dropping performances from the LA Phil, LA Opera, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Nearby Ahmanson Theatre showcases award-winning musicals and theatre productions by the Center Theatre Group.
Transportation
Parking doesn’t have to be a hassle either! Many of the institutions have parking lots of their own, like The Broad and The Music Center, but there are also plenty of nearby public garages. For a full list of parking options, check out our parking guide here.
For those taking the Metro, simply take the Red or Purple lines to Civic Center/Grand Park station and exit towards temple street, check here for more info.