Little Tokyo
I love Little Tokyo so much! It is also very accessible through the Metrolink, as it is only a ten-minute walk from Union Station. From there, you can visit:
- Japanese American National Museum
- The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA聽
- James Irvine Japanese Garden at JACCC
- Sanrio Store Japanese Village
Along with an array of incredible choices for food and boba! My personal favorite restaurant in the area is Rice and Nori.
The Broad
The Broad, a contemporary art museum in LA, is also flanked by several must-sees that are within walking distance of one another:聽
- The Broad
- Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
- Angel鈥檚 Flight Railway
- Grand Central Market
- Bradbury Building
From Union Station, take a seven-minute subway to Civic Center/Grand Park Metro Station to find these spots! Grand Central Market is full of vendors that sell any type of food and drink you can think of- grab a meal before enjoying some art.聽
Pasadena
I consider Pasadena to be kind of underrated when it comes to the well-known touristy LA spots. I find the town- only a 40-minute drive from Claremont- charming and enjoyable to explore. It is also home to my favorite bookstore, among other things:
- Vroman’s Bookstore
- Arlington Garden in Pasadena
- Old Pasadena
- Neon Retro Arcade
- Memorial Arcade
If you’re really hungry, definitely check out Aikan Sushi and Ramen for an all-you-can-eat extravaganza! Also, ten minutes south of the heart of Pasadena is The Huntington Library and Gardens- this is a must-see for everyone. I am so serious. It is a gorgeous haven.
Pershing Square
Pershing Square, a small park in the heart of LA, is only a seven-minute subway ride once you’re at Union Station. Some of my favorite places in this area (aside from the park itself) are as follows:
- The Last Bookstore
- Yuko Kitchen DTLA
- Kazunori
- St. Vincent Court
- Historic Downtown Farmer’s Market (every Sunday)
Fun fact: the annual Los Angeles Women’s March starts in Pershing Square!
Echo Park
A northern LA spot known for hosting the fan favorite (and 2020 World Series Champion) Los Angeles Dodgers, there are a variety of things to check out here even if you’re not a baseball fan:
- Swan Boat Rental
- Clinton Street Stairway
- Angel鈥檚 Point
- Elysian Park Trail
- Echo Park Time Travel Mart
- Silverlake Flea Market (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Stories (Bookstore and Cafe)
I have personally never done the swan boat rental, but I have always wanted to…