I disagree just because when people here mention what they want to do, it usually shows that they haven't done enough research on what there IS to do. If they knew about the beach areas and what to do there, I'm sure it would be on their list as well. In 3 days, you can't see much without a car and it would be a shame to think that Hollywood is all LA has to offer, which is very far from the truth.

I hate it when people say downtown LA has nothing to see when they obviously haven't been there in ages.

Agree with mlgb -- I grew up in suburban LA and my Dad used to work downtown around 7th and Flower. On a recent trip back to SoCal, I spent a fun day walking and visiting old and new sites such as the Central Library, the Music Center, the Bradbury Building, the old Angel's Flight area, the Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, and even riding the Bonaventure's fun scary elevators! I do agree with others, though, that not much is going on downtown (except at the Music Center) after dark.

I think some are missing the point. Sure there are some sights in downtown, as azzure has just listed -- but compared to a day at Universal, seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Bowl, etc.? We're talking about someone's first trip to LA and wanting to see the FAMOUS sites. The newish Disney Concert Hall might make the cut, but not much else.

And yes, each trip I end up downtown at least once -- usually for a play, but I'd agree that if you leave the immediate area around Disney Concert Hall and the Ahmanson, etc. it's really "deadsville", particularly at night.

I will agree with Patrick. That's why I went to great lengths in my previous post to talk about everything that is close to the Renaissance Hotel. These are the things that Denise was interested in seeing.

I should also mention that many friends have expressed astonishment that we return to LA so often. Many of them despise LA and think it is the worst city in the US, and are totally unable to imagine what we see in it. Invariably, that is because these are people who have only been to LA on business or more likely for a convention. They have spent all their time downtown (and oddly enough often staying at the Bonaventure -- a major convention hotel). They think downtown LA is what LA is -- no wonder they don't "get it".

I do see your point, NeoPatrick...downtown LA is sort of a nostalgia trip for me, but for most people, it wouldn't be. It lacks the exciting urban "vibe" of San Francisco, NYC, even my new home town of Seattle. Don't know why downtown LA has never become a "happening" place.

"Don't know why downtown LA has never become a "happening" place."


Because there are so many "happening" places all around it? Plus it has never been "the" place to live in LA -- unlike midtown Manhattan or Nob Hill in San Francisco. Urban planners today will tell you that it takes residents to make a "happening" downtown core.

Not that I really expect conventioneers or occasional tourists to have much knowledge of downtown nightlife, but actually, there is quite a bit. Check out Little Tokyo, Chinatown galleries, Staples Center, Thursday Artwalk, Music Center, Standard Hotel rooftop bar, Pete's Cafe, Golden Gopher, Ciudad, Casey's, Weiland Brewery.

Don't miss the inside of the new Cathedral, (much more impressive than the exterior).

denise:

I'm deeply prejudiced in favor of the much maligned world class city that is Lo Angeles (L.A. to us folks).

Why doesn't anyone mention the famous old Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, across he street from Grauman's, the Highland Complex and walk of start everywhere. It has been completrely renovated and redecorated. Full of old Hollywood history...mezzanine floor has some good memorabilia. Stay at the Roosevelt....subway station across the boulevard....and you can get to Universal studios easily....walk up Highland to the Hollywood Bowland the unique Hollywood Heritage Museum across Highland...go on in, I take Elderhostel folks on tours here several times a year....

Stu T. (I LOVE L.A..been here 50 years!)

mlgb, you take things out of context. as Patrick said, we are giving advice to someone who has never been to LA. downtown is not the main destination of LA as other cities are and that's the first thing new visitors have to realize, because their original assumption based on experiences in other cities is wrong. downtown in LA has things to do during the day and night, but it's not something that a first-time visitor needs to see if they are limited on time and have to cut things from their itinerary.

paula, i completely agree. the reasons people don't like LA when they visit is usually because 1. they don't have anyone to show them around and don't do enough research in advance assuming that everything is conveniently in one spot as it is in other cities 2. they don't rent a car and are confined to either downtown or hollywood

I am native to Los Angeles and share the nostalgia for downtown. I think the biggest trick for this poster will be seeing things in LA without benefit of a car.

I'm reminded that this post is sort of the direct opposite of many New York City posts. On those the tourist is usually looking for midtown/Times Square/bright lights of Broadway. There the locals often post to say that there is much to do outside that area and it should be avoided. In LA it seems to be the exact opposite. Most tourists want the famous stuff which is NOT in the center of the city, yet some locals try to entice them with things that are there. There is a reason some areas of some cities are "touristy" -- usually it's because the things that tourists want to do and will enjoy the most are in those areas. In New York that area happens to be midtown Manhattan. In LA it happens to be almost everywhere except downtown!