National Geographic Traveler is constantly in search of qualities that make for an unforgettable travel experience and this year, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) was named in Traveler’s data-backed index of the 28 friendliest neighbourhoods in the United States** in its June/July 2019 issue.
DTLA is experiencing a renaissance that slowly simmered for the better part of a decade before recently kicking to a rolling boil. Established as a leisure destination 11 years ago when L.A. LIVE turned on the lights at its expansive entertainment complex, the home of STAPLES Center is now visited by more than 20 million people a year. In the past 6 years alone, 14 hotels have opened or broken ground in DTLA, including InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, NoMad Los Angeles and forthcoming Hoxton Hotel.
Our rallying cry for the better part of three years has been ‘Everyone is Welcome’ in Los Angeles, and this accolade shows the power of that inclusive message. Our residents hailing from more than 140 countries who speak more than 224 languages are proud to show visitors what the L.A. lifestyle means,” stated Ernest Wooden Jr., chief executive officer for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “Downtown Los Angeles is bustling with new development, brimming with under-the-radar experiences and bursting with culture.”
“We’re excited to share this list of the 28 most welcoming neighbourhoods in the U.S. These are vibrant, unique enclaves that are friendly, surprising and rewarding for locals and visitors alike,” says George Stone, National Geographic Traveler editor-in-chief. “These destinations are amazing starting points for experiencing local city culture through food, people, art, history and outdoor spaces.”
New data* from the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board shows that nearly 30% of all visitors to Los Angeles – and more than 3/4 of all international visitors – include DTLA on their itinerary, cementing the neighbourhood as a “not-to-miss” L.A. experience. They also give it five stars: 93% of visitors surveyed said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their DTLA venture, and virtually all would recommend visiting the neighborhood to family and friends.
Nearly 22% of all visitor spending in L.A. from 2018 occurred in Downtown Los Angeles, illustrating the depth of culinary, shopping, hotel, entertainment and cultural experiences the neighbourhood offers. In fact, visitors to DTLA follow a “See, Shop & Sip” itinerary with 31% visiting a museum or art gallery; 57% shopping; and 32% checking out the neighbourhood’s bars or clubs. Dining is the primary reason people visit DTLA (55.8% of respondents) and the area is home to four newly minted MICHELIN Guide Stars and 12 new Bib Gourmand selections. Los Angeles has more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, and Downtown L.A. alone has nearly 100.
Downtown Los Angeles is made up of distinct micro-neighbourhoods, so distinctive from one another they may seem like different cities. From the breweries, eclectic boutiques and galleries in the Arts District and the hubbub of the apparel industry along with the country’s largest flower market in the Fashion District to the cultural centre of Bunker Hill, DTLA has something for everyone. To learn more about Downtown’s neighbourhoods, visit downtownla.com.
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