10 Things To Do in DTLA

I was raised in the San Fernando Valley, where everyone knows everyone and nowhere is safe from running into someone in public. Therefore, our neighbors down south in the city are a regular escape from the Pleasantville vibes in the valley. Much of my childhood was spent in Hollywood but I love the nightlife in DTLA. Thus, here are 10 things I love to do when I'm in DTLA. Downtown is huge, from the arts district to the fashion district, and Korea town to Olvera street. There are lots of places to explore from day to night. Now, you can run the tourist route and see the skyspace slide for 40 bucks a person. Or you can check out some of my favorite spots in the city.

DTLA has recently undergone a resurgence of businesses. Some see it as gentrification, others see it as bringing life to an otherwise dead area. As it continues to grow, more shops open up and more people visit the city. These are just a handful of the places I love to go to but there is always something new to do in L.A. and events are always happening. Usually, I check on Eventbrite or facebook to see if there are any new galleries or museum pop ups.

1. Elysian Park Swing: Before you hit the crazy city streets, make a quick stop at Elysian Park to see the swing hanging off the edge of the freeway. Located near the turn away looking above the houses and a short climb to a tree you can see from the streets. It's a nice start to your adventure into downtown.

2. Ramen in Koreatown: If you head to Koreatown stick out the wait at Daikokuya for some of the best ramen in L.A.

3. Olvera Street Taquitos: This is self-explanatory. Eat the taquitos cause they're the bomb. And don't forget to buy your Mexican candy at the stands between the kiosks. If it's your first time, check out the different museums Olvera street has for some interesting history.

4. Alameda Skyline: Digest your ramen at one of my favorite views of the city. The Alameda train track view is popular for video and photo shoots because of its perfect background. A great opportunity to plan your next move and take a quick smoke break.

5. The Last Bookstore: The only reason to go into the last bookstore is for the pictures to be honest. Exploring the stacked up books and sticking your head through hole makes for a free shot in the most beloved bookstore in downtown.

6. Grand Central Market: I always get the pupusas here. Sarita's Pupuseria has been featured on Food Network's 'Best Thing I Ever Ate' and my Salvadoran ass approves. With authentic pupusas and tamales, I get my fix here every so often.

7. Angel City Brewery: Ahh every Angeleno's favorite brewery. Angel City Brewery is cool because it's super laid back and perfect if you want to watch a game. I'm not much of a beer drinker but I like the blondes here. There are also a bunch of breweries in the area so you can go beer hopping to check out the different vibes.

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8. Pizzanista: After hitting the breweries, check out a local favorite, Pizzanista. A chill pizza shop with stoner vibes and awesome garlic knots. Great for the vegans a GF diets.

9. Pour Haus: I've recently become obsessed with Pour Haus. A little wine bar on Industrial that serves this cheese and meat platter that is to die for. They have an outside patio where you can play board games and chill.

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10. La Reyna: Last but certainly not least is the queen of tacos in L.A., La Reyna. Featured on Anthony Bourdain's CNN series Parts Unknown. I typically get two tacos with the works. But if you’re up for it, the mulitas are amazing. Really anything is good because it’s a legendary truck. Before the street was gentrified her restaurant was on the end of the block and she would cook outside on her flattop. But now she’s posted up on Imperial St. so check her out.

If you go to any of these spots let me know what you think. I'd also love to hear where your favorite L.A. spots are in the comments below.