Chinatown
Well, depends on what you mean.
No, we’re not talking about that.
The original Chinatown where Chinese Immigrants were restricted into living up until 1952? Well, that’s a tourist trap…and mostly populated by Southeast Asians (lovely people, different culture). The Chinese Immigrants finally got out of Chinatown after the 1952 law was lifted, and found cheap land east along the 10 Freeway, and that’s where the good stuff is now. Ironically, close to Olvera Street. (See, Olvera Street)
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El Cholo
A chain of Tex-Mex Restaurants…that may serve the best Margaritas in town.
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La Brea Tar Pits / Museum Complex
This covers a lot of ground. Yes, there are the famous Tar Pits were a lot of Dinosaurs died back in the day, but there is a fabulous Museum Complex around it, including the super-expanded Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which despite having the words “Los Angeles” and “Art” mixed in there, is actually worth the trip. There’s a Folk Art museum nearby, as well as a Tar Pit Museum, and the Petersen Auto Museum across the street. And Food Trucks, did I mention food trucks?
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Little Tokyo
Another area created because Asian Immigrants were restricted as to where they could go. (See, Chinatown). This area has the added tragic element as the embarkation point for many Japanese-Americans who were sent off to internment camps in World War II. Fortunately, the Japanese-American community stayed strong, survived the ordeal, came back and thrived. Now there is an ultra-modern Museum called the Japanese American National Museum on the spot, and a bunch of little souvenier shops and Restaurants all over the place.
Read MoreOlvera Street
A lovely Mexican Marketplace near Union Station. The hub of original Mexican Culture in Los Angeles. Ironically, very close to Chinatown.
Read MorePhilippe’s The Original
Legendary 100 year old Sandwich Shop where the French Dip was apparently invented.
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Walt Disney Concert Hall
One of the architectural gems here in the city. Designed by Frank Gehry, it is worth at least driving by.
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