The Los Angeles Convention Center is a tremendous business and entertainment facility that serves as the city’s go-to site for all things commerce and network related. That being said, it is still place of primarily business and industry, which means that after a long day of meetings, networking events, and chatting with colleagues, you probably need a release to relax and enjoy the many sights and sounds of the surrounding area. The good news is that there is so much to do right in the vicinity – from ballgames and outdoor parks to dining and world class shopping – that you just might forget that you’re there for business at all.
Sporting Events
Given its proximity to the Staples Center and to Dodgers Stadium, one of the best ways to spend a free afternoon or evening while visiting the Los Angeles Convention Center is to take in a game of baseball or basketball. Depending upon the time of year, there’s surely to be an opportunity to catch two of the nation’s premiere sporting teams put on a spectacle of athleticism and entertainment that few other teams can match. Both the Staples Center and Dodgers Stadium are just minutes away from the Los Angeles Convention Center, with many shuttles and buses running daily from nearby hotels to both arenas. Tickets can be tough to come by so it’s best to plan as far ahead as possible to make sure you get watch the magic of the Lakers and the Dodgers on full, live display.
Dining and Drinking
Being the center of the world when it comes to ‘being seen’, there’s no shortage of world class eateries and bars near the Los Angeles convention center that cater to all types of tastes. Some of the most popular hotspots in the area include Corkbar, a one-of-a-kind winery and bar that brings the best of California’s legendary vineyards straight to the heart of downtown. Known for going out of its way to be as fun and relaxed as possible (as opposed to stuffy wine tastings you’ve probably had to endure in other venues), Corkbar serves a striking array of fine wines, spirits, and cocktails, in addition to delectable starters, soups, sandwiches, and entrees, all made from locally grown and seasonal farmer’s market ingredients. When you’re in California, you might as well ‘eat’ California, right?
If you want something a bit fancier, there is always The Palm in downtown Los Angeles, which combines upscale food in a semi-casual atmosphere. Anyone looking to really splurge (or maybe put a dent in that company expense account) can surely find much to revel in at the L.A. Market Restaurant by Kerry Simon. The food is a mix of California staples sprinkled with a touch of Southern flair. Needless to say, there is no shortage of patrons who return to this award-winning restaurant time after time. Of special note is the restaurant’s dessert tray, officially known as the Junk Food Platter, which features everyone’s favorite childhood desserts such as hostess cupcakes and homemade cotton candy. Come hungry and dig in, they say!
Griffith Park
For those who don’t want to sit inside a stadium or a restaurant after being cooped up in the Los Angeles Convention Center all day, the best bet for outdoor fun is the city’s famed Griffith Park, often referred to as the ‘Central Park’ of Los Angeles. It is much larger and more diverse than Manhattan’s famous park, featuring an impressive selection of outdoor activities that include biking, hiking, horseback riding, basketball, golf, and more. If anything, there’s no reason not to break out into a sweat when visiting Griffith Park. If you leave in any other state, you haven’t taken advantage of the park, locals say.
There is also the famed Griffith Observatory where visitors from all around the world come to see some of the most stunning views of outer space and astronomical events from the Earth’s surface. It’s a slight trek to get to the park from the Los Angeles Convention Center, but once you’re there you’ll be glad you made it. There’s no better place and no better city for a full day of outdoor activities and fun that reconnect you to your spirit and the historic city in which you find yourself.
