DK Travel : Los Angeles : Around Downtown

It has been said that la is not really a city, but a collection of 88 independent towns that overlap. Nowhere is this truer than within the 5-mile (8-km) radius of the center of downtown. West of here, Koreatown is home to the largest Korean population in the US, while east LA has the largest group of Latinos living outside Latin America. In the Latino-Byzantine quarter, surrounding the Greek Orthodox St. Sophia Cathedral on Normandie Avenue, Latinos and Greeks predominate and complement each other. Northeast of downtown is Dodger Stadium, a world-famous landmark, while south of the center lies Exposition Park with its museums and sports venues. This area constitutes a melting pot for people belonging to different races and geographical regions. America needs no better mirror than the city of Los Angeles to see what it will one day surely become.

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Angelino Heights

In the 1880s, this was one of LA’s first suburbs and an elegant neighborhood with stately Victorian mansions along streets such as Carroll Avenue and Kellam Avenue. Many surviving buildings have been lovingly restored by their current owners. The 1300 block of Carroll Avenue has the finest, including the Haskin House at No. 1344 and the Foy House at No. 1325. They are open to the public only during tours run by the LA Conservancy (see LA Conservancy Tours).
Angelus Temple

Founded by a popular preacher with a flair for theatrics, this 1923 domed building was once the headquarters of the Foursquare Gospel Church.
Barbara’s at the Brewery

This self-service bistro in the Brewery Arts Complex doubles as an art gallery, with changing displays of work.
Brewery Arts Complex

This massive artist colony organizes art walks twice yearly.
Bullocks Wilshire Building

One of the earliest Art Deco structures in the country, this beautiful building now houses the Southwestern University School of Law.
California African American Museum

This recently renovated museum celebrates the art, history, and culture of African Americans, especially in relation to California and the western US. The main exhibit traces the journey from Africa to slavery in the American South to final freedom on the West Coast. It includes memorabilia donated by singer Ella Fitzgerald and former LA mayor Tom Bradley. Temporary shows highlight particular artists, including emerging ones.
California Science Center

Filled with clever and engaging interactive exhibits, this highly entertaining science and technology museum has three themed galleries. The World of Life exhibit explains the processes living organisms undergo, Creative World focuses on the ability of humans to adapt to their environment through technology, and the Air and Space Gallery explores the great beyond. But it’s a 50-ft (15-m) long animatronic doll stripped down to her organs that steals the show and attracts crowds.
Dodger Stadium

For many, spring wouldn’t be the same without baseball. The pilgrimage to Dodger Stadium to watch the “Boys in Blue” fight it out is an annual ritual for thousands of fans. Hunkered in the bleachers, munching on the famous Dodger Dogs, they watch their team (LA Dodgers) in action. The stadium opened in 1962 and is often called one of USA’s most beautiful ballparks. It has hosted eight World Series, many concerts, and even a papal mass.
El Cholo

This festive Mexican eatery has been full of diners hungry for fajitas and burritos since 1923. Their margaritas pack a wicked punch.
El Mercado

This indoor marketplace offers a peek into Mexican-American culture. Stop for an authentic meal or browse colorful stalls.

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Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
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