Time in Los Angeles is a precious thing so Los Angeles Tourism is offering this run down of what is new and noteworthy in the city for those planning to visit LA. The following is a showcase of the city’s diverse offerings for every type of traveler in the year ahead. With the global travel landscape shifting, travelers are eagerly planning their future vacations, and Los Angeles is ready to meet their expectations.
One of the highlights showcased for ways to spend time in Los Angeles and explore the city for its arts and cultural offerings is the upcoming Destination Crenshaw, set to open this year. This $100 million outdoor art and culture experience will transform a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard into a vibrant commercial corridor that celebrates the Black legacy of Los Angeles. The outdoor museum will feature over 100 commissioned works by renowned artists, including Melvin Edwards, Maren Hassinger, Charles Dickson, and Artis Lane, offering a dynamic expression of Black American culture.
Cultural View
Another addition to the city’s cultural landscape is the NHM Commons at The Natural History Museum. This major $75 million transformation will introduce a 60,000 sq. ft. indoor-outdoor wing, enhancing the museum’s connections to the community. Designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners and Mia Lehrer’s Studio-MLA, the NHM Commons is set to open in the fall of 2024, offering visitors an enriched museum experience.
Art enthusiasts spending time in Los Angeles will also want to check out the unveiling of Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy. This unique art amusement park, originally created 36 years ago and lost to the world, is now rescued and on view for the first time in Downtown LA. Grammy-winning artist Drake and his entertainment firm, DreamCrew, are behind this project, which features rides and attractions by artists such as Keith Haring, David Hockney, Salvador Dalí, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
For those interested in the intersection of art and science, the upcoming PST Art: Art & Science Collide event will be a must-visit. This landmark arts event, set to take place in September 2024, will feature over 818 artists and 50 exhibitions, making it the largest art event in the United States. The theme of this year’s event will explore the fascinating connections between art and science, covering a wide range of topics from biotechnology to sustainable agriculture.
Gallery Scene
Los Angeles’ gallery scene is also experiencing a boom, with several blue-chip and emerging galleries expanding to the West Coast. Notable additions include Jeffrey Deitch, Hauser & Wirth, and David Zwirner, as well as Residency Art Gallery, Band of Vices, and Charlie James Gallery. Art enthusiasts and collectors are flocking to Los Angeles to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving art world and those wanting to take a deep dive into the evolving scene will want to spend time in Los Angeles wandering the many concentrations of galleries throughout city neighborhoods.
Cool Attractions
Beyond the arts and culture scene, Los Angeles is commemorating various legacies in 2024. Universal Studios Hollywood, first opened as a film studio in 1914, will celebrate its 60th anniversary. The park offers visitors a range of attractions, including live studio tours, immersive games, and themed areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will also mark a significant milestone in 2024. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the concert hall will celebrate its 20th anniversary season with a lineup of performances featuring acclaimed conductors and artists.
Another iconic destination, The Original Farmer’s Market, will commemorate its 90th anniversary. A favorite among locals and tourists since 1934, it is offering a wide range of gourmet grocers, restaurants, and retailers. With nearly a century of history, the market continues to evolve and provide something for every taste.
Time in Los Angeles: All About the Food
Foodies will also have a reason to enjoy DineLA Restaurant Week. This bi-annual 15-day dining event, taking place from July 12-26, showcases the city’s dynamic culinary scene, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. With over 400 restaurant partners expected to participate, food lovers can indulge in a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences in affordable packaged experiences.
Los Angeles’ dining scene continues to gain recognition, with numerous restaurants earning prestigious awards. The city boasts over 25 restaurants with MICHELIN stars and received the highest number of awards in the 2023 James Beard Awards. From upscale dining establishments to hole-in-the-wall taco joints, Los Angeles offers a culinary experience for every palate. Foodies can explore the city’s diverse offerings, including the Hollywood Farmers’ Market and other neighborhood farmers’ markets that showcase fresh produce and goods.
Neighborhood gems are waiting to be uncovered throughout the city, each offering a distinct experience. Larchmont Village, known for its beauty and bakeries, provides the perfect setting for a morning coffee at Go Get Em Tiger and delicious baked goods from Clark Street Bakery. Little Tokyo in Downtown LA offers a rich cultural experience, with a visit to Fugesto-Do, a family-owned mochi and manju sweet shop that has been a neighborhood staple for over 120 years.
Time in Los Angeles: Getting Around
Los Angeles is revolutionizing its tourism infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience. The Automated People Mover (APM) is set to debut at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this year, providing an efficient and convenient way for passengers to travel between terminals.
Los Angeles Metro is also expanding, with new light rail and subway lines opening throughout the city. The regional connector link, which debuted in June 2023, allows riders to travel from East Los Angeles to Santa Monica without transferring. The Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project, set to open in the future, will further increase connectivity between downtown and the Westside.
Time in Los Angeles: Next Place to Stay
Boutique hotels are on the rise
in Los Angeles, offering unique and design-oriented accommodations. Burton House Beverly Hills opens in May as one of the most anticipated hospitality projects in LA. The all-suite property is an homage to the city’s rich history and iconic landscapes with 193 bright and contemporary rooms containing separate sleeping and living areas and kitchenettes with fashionable Beverly Hills touches. A swank lobby features stylish aesthetics mirrored by an indoor-outdoor restaurant serving California-inspired Mediterranean fare.
Other new boutique properties to check out include the Aster in Hollywood, Vitorrja in Venice, and The Hoxton, Hotel Per La, The Proper, and The Winfield in DTLA are just a few examples of the bespoke properties that cater to travelers seeking curated experiences.
Time in Los Angeles: Sports Fans
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to cheer about in Los Angeles, as the city gears up to host major sporting events in the coming years. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will be the venue for the FIFA World Cup (2026), Super Bowl LXI (2027), and the Olympic & Paralympic Games (2028), making it the first venue to host all three global events.
The Los Angeles Clippers will also unveil their cutting-edge arena, Intuit Dome, in 2024. This state-of-the-art sports arena, costing $1.2 billion, will offer basketball fans a dream experience with unique amenities such as private courtside cabanas and backstage bungalows.
With 11 professional sports teams calling Los Angeles home, the city has become a hotspot for sports tourism. Whether it’s baseball, basketball, football, soccer, or rugby, there’s a good chance visitors can catch a game featuring their favorite team in Los Angeles.
As Los Angeles looks ahead to the coming year, it seeks to showcase a vibrant arts and culture scene, innovative transportation infrastructure, world-class sporting events, and a culinary landscape that continues to push boundaries. Armed with what’s upcoming in the City of Angeles, those looking to spend time in Los Angeles this year will consider it time well spent.
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