Our most popular Los Angeles Tour is the Arts District. In planning the Pretty Gritty Arts District Bike Tour we had a hard time cutting it down to size, there’s so much to see! If you’ve only got a few days in LA, or are a local looking to explore here’s our top 5 recommendations for things to do in the Los Angeles Arts District.
#1 Murals and Street Art: While there are hidden alleys, and miles of concrete canvas, here are 2 destinations close enough to walk in between each other where you can see murals and street art. The American Hotel at 303 S. Hewitt St, is full of history and with ever changing walls. The Container Yard at 800 E. 4th St. is currently under construction to transform into unique retail and restaurant space, but you can still see multiple murals by the international artists who’ve stopped in over the years to leave their mark. Walking the blocks surrounding and in between you’ll encounter multiple murals and selfie opportunities, but if you want to know the back stories, and see even more street art- take an Arts District bike tour with us!
#2 Galleries: Move beyond the streets as many street artists eventually do and into the galleries. There are too many to list, but here are a variety to choose from. The big one: Hauser and Wirth located in an old flour mill, check the gallery schedule for current exhibitions. The one you should support: Art Share LA a non-profit that works to house artists in the Arts District, their gallery might be staffed by the artists themselves. Off the beaten path literally: Corey Helford features up and comers jsut across the iconic 6th Street Bridge.
#3 Food and Drink: Another category with too many to list, but here goes: Bike Shed Moto– all things motorcycle with good food, barbers, tattoos, this place has it all. Resident- my favorite day drink hang with a garden that serves drinks out of an old Airstream and a nightclub with dancing. Ditroit- hidden alley tacos, margs and churros. Guerrillas Tacos– art, gourmet tacos and craft cocktails. Boomtown Brewery- one of many breweries with great beer and pop-up food stalls. I haven’t even touched the high end spots like Girls and the Goat, Bestia and Brera.
So much to do in the Arts District this post could literally be a book. But trust me the best way to see the Los Angeles Arts District is on a bike with us, the only company doing bike tours in the Arts District.