From the vibrant expression of Black American culture to a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants and transformative enhancements to LAX, Los Angeles Tourism Unveils 24 Reasons to Embark on a Journey to the City of Angels in 2024
Amidst a tapestry of exciting openings and hidden gems, cultural landmarks and international acclaim, the allure of Los Angeles in 2024 knows no bounds. Drawing in travellers with promises of enchantment and the realization of dreams, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is shining a spotlight on the most remarkable milestones and must-see destinations stretching from the Eastside to the Westside in the forthcoming year.
“The city of Los Angeles is undergoing a profound metamorphosis that both visitors and locals will tangibly feel throughout 2024. This evolution extends across diverse realms, from globally-renowned dining to substantial advancements in sports, entertainment, arts, and beyond,” remarked Adam Burke, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “As emerging talent infuses every nook and cranny of Los Angeles, shaping what we affectionately call LA 2.0, we eagerly anticipate welcoming visitors to discover the myriad wonders awaiting them in our city next year.”
As travel trends evolve on a global scale, travellers find themselves envisioning their escapades – jotting down restaurant names, comparing destinations, and marking calendars. To aid in these aspirations, Los Angeles Tourism looks ahead to spotlight an array of experiences tailored to every type of traveller venturing to LA in 2024.
Elevating Communities Through Arts & Culture:
With a greater concentration of museums and art galleries per capita than any other city in the U.S., Los Angeles stands as a haven for thriving cultural institutions alongside a vibrant public and street art scene.
Destination Crenshaw Celebrates Black Legacy (Crenshaw, South LA)
Scheduled to unveil to the public in 2024, the $100 million outdoor art and culture venture nestled in the heart of Black Los Angeles will metamorphose a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard into a bustling commercial hub. This open-air museum will showcase community spaces and pocket parks adorned with over 100 commissioned works by esteemed artists such as Melvin Edwards, Maren Hassinger, Charles Dickson, and Artis Lane, serving as a dynamic tribute to Black American culture in the United States.
NHM Commons Opens at The Natural History Museum (Exposition Park)
Debuting a substantial $75 million overhaul in 2024, The Natural History Museum will introduce a 60,000 sq. ft. indoor-outdoor wing, fortifying the museum’s ties to the community. Designed by Los Angeles-based Frederick Fisher & Partners and Mia Lehrer’s Studio-MLA, this addition is set to welcome visitors in the fall of 2024.
Forgotten Fantasies are Unlocked at Luna Luna (DTLA)
Grammy-winning artist, entrepreneur, and prominent art collector Drake, along with his entertainment firm, DreamCrew, spearhead this thrilling venture marking the world’s first art amusement park – resurrected and on display for the first time in DTLA. Thirty-six years ago, “Luna Luna” briefly introduced the world to a whimsical amusement park boasting rides and attractions crafted by some of the most illustrious figures in arts & culture, including a carousel by Keith Haring, a forest pavilion by David Hockney, a mirrored funhouse by Salvador Dalí, and a Ferris wheel by Jean-Michel Basquiat. This unparalleled creation was lost to the world – until now. Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy has now been unveiled as of December 2023.
PST Art: Art & Science Collide marks USA’s Largest Art Event (City-wide)
Southern California’s hallmark arts event (formerly known as Pacific Standard Time) will make its return in September 2024 with over 818 artists and 50 exhibitions, marking the largest art event in the United States. This year’s theme will delve into the captivating intersections of art and science, spanning from biotechnology to sustainable agriculture and ancient cosmologies to Indigenous science-fiction. Exhibitions across Los Angeles will include We Live in Painting: The Nature of Color in Mesoamerican Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and Drawing with Light at the Getty Center.
Sprawling Gallery Scene Across The City (City-wide)
In the past year alone, a plethora of esteemed and burgeoning galleries including Jeffrey Deitch, Hauser & Wirth, and David Zwirner, alongside Residency Art Gallery, Band of Vices, and Charlie James Gallery, have expanded to the West Coast and launched new spaces across various Los Angeles neighbourhoods. Artists and collectors alike are turning to the City of Angels for insight into the next big thing in the art world.
Celebrating Los Angeles Legacies:
Fresh off the heels of the centennial anniversary of The Hollywood Sign in December 2023, these iconic attractions furnish further cause for celebration in 2024.
60 Years of Theme Park Adventures at Universal Studios Hollywood (The Valley)
An absolute delight for the entire family, Universal Studios Hollywood offers an array of experiences ranging from live studio tours and immersive games to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the newly unveiled Super Nintendo World. While Universal Studios Hollywood initially emerged as a film studio in 1914, the theme park will commemorate its 60th anniversary in 2024. For cinephiles, The World-Famous Studio Tour grants an insider’s glimpse into where beloved films and television shows were (and still are) filmed. Now, visitors can marvel at the original Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s latest horror epic, NOPE.
Walt Disney Concert Hall’s 20th Anniversary Season (DTLA)
Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Walt Disney Concert Hall showcases the finest in classical and contemporary music, international melodies, and jazz, conceived by architect Frank Gehry. The 2023-24 season, “20 Years and Beyond,” draws inspiration from Gehry’s revolutionary, avant-garde design of the iconic orchestral home, and will present an array of artists and performances. The 20th anniversary season boasts a lineup of acclaimed conductors and artists, including Thomas Adès, Herbert Blomstedt, and Karina Canellaki.
The Original Farmer’s Market Celebrates 90 Years (Mid City)
A beloved haunt among locals and tourists alike, LA’s renowned Original Farmers Market houses nearly 100 gourmet purveyors, eateries, and retailers. Situated at the corner of Fairfax and Third Street since 1934, the Market originated at what was then dubbed the Gilmore Ranch, where a dozen farmers and vendors parked their trucks on the corner to peddle produce and sundries from their tailgates. Over the past nine decades, the Market has progressively expanded its offerings to cater to every palate – American, Brazilian, Cajun, Chinese, French, Italian, Middle Eastern, and beyond. Many of these establishments have remained family-owned and operated for generations.
DineLA Restaurant Week Turns Sweet 16 (City-wide)
Los Angeles boasts one of the most dynamic culinary landscapes in the nation, presenting an array of offerings ranging from street fare to Michelin-starred establishments. The bi-annual 15-day gastronomic extravaganza will return from July 12-26 this summer, featuring an anticipated roster of 400 or more restaurant partners. As a community-centric initiative, DineLA invites epicureans to savour restaurants and cuisines across all price points.
Revolutionizing Tourism:
Los Angeles is spearheading advancements in transportation and travel infrastructure throughout the city, ensuring seamless inter-city transit for visitors. The city continues to cultivate fresh experiences and forge pathways for tourists to explore ever-evolving neighborhoods across LA.
The Automated People Mover Simplifies Travel at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (Westside) Launching at LAX this year, the Automated People Mover (APM) introduces a 2.25-mile electric train to ferry passengers between six stations, offering convenient access to LAX’s terminals. This innovation enhances efficiency and elevates the overall guest experience at one of the nation’s busiest airports. IPW: The World’s Largest Travel Conference Comes to LA (City-wide) Los Angeles will play host to the U.S. Travel Association’s international inbound travel exposition (IPW) from May 3 – 7, spotlighting why LA is the quintessential destination for leisure, business, and everything in between. Previous iterations of IPW have generated upwards of $5.5 billion in future travel by connecting U.S. travel exhibitors with travel buyers and media, solidifying Los Angeles’ status as a premier global travel destination and showcasing the finest offerings the city has to offer.
The Blossoming Boutique Hotel Scene Provides Unique, Design-Oriented Accommodations (City-wide)
Los Angeles is witnessing a renaissance in boutique accommodations as design-centric hospitality groups entice travellers to neighbourhoods throughout LA. Bespoke properties such as The Aster in Hollywood and Vitorrja (by the Gjelina Group) in Venice have recently opened their doors, alongside DTLA’s The Hoxton, Hotel Per La, The Proper, The Winfield, and more. Spearheading the ongoing revitalization of DTLA, these boutique hotels offer curated guest experiences imbued with a residential sensibility, panoramic rooftops, and exceptional culinary offerings for travellers and Angelenos alike.
LA Metro’s Expansion Increases Connectivity (City-wide)
Los Angeles Metro continues its expansion efforts, inaugurating light rail and subway lines across the city. Following its debut in June 2023, the regional connector link allows commuters to journey from East Los Angeles to Santa Monica sans transfers. The next phase of LA’s metro expansion ventures to the Westside with the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project. This pivotal addition to Metro’s network will encompass seven new stations and furnish a reliable, high-speed connection between downtown and the Westside.
Leading Sports Entertainment:
Los Angeles emerges as the premier destination for top-tier sporting entertainment as the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup (2026), Super Bowl LXI (2027), and The Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2028 – all at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, making it the first venue to ever host all three global events.
The Clippers’ New Cutting-Edge Arena (Inglewood) 2024 heralds the unveiling of Intuit Dome, a groundbreaking 18,000-seat, $1.2 billion sports arena for the Los Angeles Clippers. Pioneering a new era in sports entertainment, the arena is a basketball aficionado’s haven, boasting plans for private courtside cabanas, backstage bungalows, loft suites, a public plaza, concert stage, retail outlets, and more. With 11 Pro Teams,
LA is a Sports Tourism Hotspot (City-wide)
As home to an impressive 11 professional sports teams, Los Angeles emerges as a mecca for sports enthusiasts worldwide. Even if travellers aren’t avid LA sports fans, there’s a substantial chance their favourite team will be playing in Los Angeles in 2024, whether it’s against the Dodgers, Lakers, Sparks, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, Angel City FC, or the new Rugby FC Los Angeles. With the surge in sports tourism, LA stands as an electrifying destination to turn a game into a vacation. Witness Shohei Ohtani In Action at Dodger Stadium (Elysian Park) It’s Sho-time in LA following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ acquisition of Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani. The MLB 2024 season promises to be one for the ages in Los Angeles as Ohtani takes to the field. Revered as one of the most gifted players to grace the sport, Ohtani is set to draw fervent fans from across the globe to Dodger Stadium this year.
Unveiling Neighborhood Treasures:
Los Angeles epitomizes a city of distinct enclaves, with each region and neighbourhood boasting its unique charm for residents and visitors alike. From fitness aficionados and thrill-seekers to music aficionados and epicureans, travellers will find endless reasons to explore.
Beauty and Bakeries in Larchmont Village (Mid City)
Uncover the finest beauty and bakery establishments in the historic confines of Larchmont Village, a picturesque nexus for denizens of one of Los Angeles’ most esteemed neighbourhoods. This walkable village is tailor-made for immersing oneself in the rhythm of Angeleno life, indulging in a morning brew at Go Get Em Tiger, savouring baked delights from Clark Street Bakery, procuring fresh produce and home goods from CookBook Market, and perusing the best beauty and wellness offerings from Thirteen Lune, a venture reshaping perceptions of Black and Brown beauty brands. Swing by Skin Laundry for state-of-the-art laser facials.
Ramen and Mochi in Little Tokyo (DTLA)
Tracing its roots back to the 1880s, Little Tokyo in DTLA stands as a pivotal cultural and civic nexus for Japanese Americans in Southern California. As one of only three official Japantowns in the United States, Little Tokyo hosts the annual Nisei Week festival and was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1995. Don’t miss Fugesto-Do, a family-operated purveyor of mochi and manju sweets that has graced the neighbourhood for over 120 years.
Vinyl and Vintage in Highland Park (Highland Park)
Los Angeles’ inaugural suburb boasts a storied legacy of art, architecture, and culture. A haven for musicians, creatives, and artisans alike, this pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood is home to Arroyo Records, Lodge Room for live music & performances, and the recently unveiled Carla’s Fresh Market.
Soak up 300+ Days of Sunshine on the Beach in Venice (Venice) Boasting 75 miles of county coastline and a plethora of world-renowned surf spots, Los Angeles epitomizes the quintessential city of the Endless Summer. Venice Beach stands as one of many magnificent Los Angeles beaches, replete with a bustling boardwalk. From swimming and surfing to yoga, al fresco fitness classes, and premier running paths, Venice beckons those seeking to embrace the outdoors and inclusive wellness.
Critically Acclaimed Destination Dining:
Los Angeles’ culinary landscape continues to soar, with over 25 restaurants boasting one or more MICHELIN stars, and the highest number of accolades in the 2023 James Beard Awards of any city. Esteemed chefs, both emerging and established, flock to the city to carve out their culinary legacies.
A Flourishing Culinary Epicenter (City-wide)
Los Angeles’ diverse culinary tableau burgeons as restaurants garner top industry honors, including the most awards in the 2023 James Beard Awards of any city. Among this year’s victors are OTOTO, an Echo Park Sake Bar, and pastry chef Margarita Manzke of République, a Mid-City gem.
MICHELIN® Status Experiences (City-wide)
The MICHELIN® Guide California shines a spotlight on 220 restaurants from Los Angeles, including 25 boasting one or more MICHELIN Stars and 4 Bib Gourmand recognitions, underscoring the city’s status as a preeminent global dining destination. In December 2023, MICHELIN introduced three new Korean-influenced establishments: Baroo, Hibi, and Olivia.
Best in Class Tacos (City-wide)
There exists no greater city in the United States to savor tacos than Los Angeles – situated a mere two and a half hours north of the border, and boasting the second-largest population of Mexicans after Mexico City. With an array of styles showcased across the city, and over 4,000 trucks and vendors, delectable options abound, ranging from beloved hole-in-the-wall joints to MICHELIN-starred establishments. Notable must-try spots include Sonoratown in DTLA, Leo’s Taco Truck in Venice and LaBrea, and Tacos El Chino in Huntington Park.
Farmer’s Markets Galore (City-wide)
From the famed Hollywood Farmer’s Market every Sunday to Culver City Farmers Market, Crenshaw Farmers Market, Historic Downtown Farmers Market, and Larchmont Farmers Market, each neighbourhood hosts vibrant markets offering fresh produce and wares from local artisans and vendors, fostering a sense of community. Los Angeles takes pride in presenting best-in-class farmer’s markets every day of the week.
There truly is something for everyone in Los Angeles, and 2024 serves as the ideal time to plan your excursion.
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