There are many reasons why a solo traveler or a small group of friends might find themselves in a position where there’s only one night to enjoy all the delights downtown Los Angeles has to offer. While a single evening isn’t a lot of time, not nearly enough to see and do everything, it is possible to make the most of this short stay in the beating heart of LA.
With a little clever planning and some knowledge of where to find the best clubs in downtown LA, one single perfect night can be done. Here are a few tips that anyone can follow to ensure their whirlwind tour of the area is nothing short of spectacular.
Start the night with a full stomach
If a late night is on the cards, a visitor will need fuel to line the stomach and keep themselves going. Fortunately, there is a buffet of choices and options that cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular options include the many exceptional food trucks dotted around the area’s many streets.
If a visitor is looking for something special that they won’t find anywhere else, the Grand Central Market is a must-visit. The market offers everything from steaming dim sum to mouthwatering tacos and more. No matter where a person stops to eat, they should use this down-time to get a lay of the land and figure out where their next stop will be.
Into the night
With a full belly, the night can truly begin in earnest. It’s a well-known fact that as dusk settles in, downtown LA’s thrill-seeking locals often come out of the woodwork to drink, socialize and dance until dawn. While there is no shortage of things to do, not every activity will match the tastes of every visitor.
If toasting to a great night out is first priority, consider heading to any of the best clubs in downtown LA for a carefully crafted cocktail or a sparkling glass of champagne. Some of the most iconic spots include the Golden Gopher, Spire 73 and Redline. Depending on where a person chooses to go, they can mingle with the city’s many trendsetters and sip drinks while enjoying panoramic views of LA at night.
If the night is still young and it’s too early to start toasting and dancing, it might be nice to do some last-minute sightseeing or maybe even catch a movie screening at Pershing Square. Screenings are often free. Remember to stay in areas that are busy with people, not every street corner is safe after the sun goes down.
Tips to help the night go smoothly
Beyond staying hydrated and having a plan for how you’ll get home after all the fun is over, here are a few handy tips to make enjoying a single night in the area easy and comfortable:
Moving about the area
The main part of Downtown LA is walkable and pretty ideal for strolling between clubs while soaking up the uniquely-captivating atmosphere. However, this doesn’t mean it’ll be easy to get everywhere without some help from a rideshare service or the LA metro. Be sure to look up public transport options beforehand and download all the apps that will make moving from bar to club as convenient as possible.
Dress like a local and pack light
It can get pretty chilly in the evenings because the city is so close to the ocean. To stay cozy while exploring, consider dressing in layers, bring a light coat and pack a pair of sensible shoes. Comfortable shoes will be vital for getting around.
Because the temperature can change inside a club and outside on the street, it might be a good idea to bring a small backpack along for the experience. With a light bag, visitors can ensure they can keep all the essential items they need safe and close at hand. Many venues offer coat checks so don’t be afraid to wear a warm coat to combat the evening chill.
End on a high note
If a respectable amount of drinks have been consumed and walking straight isn’t too difficult as the sun starts to rise once again, try to catch a breathtaking city panorama to top off the experience. For an unparalleled view of the city lights, consider ending the evening at any of the downtown area’s many stunning rooftop bars to watch the sun peek over the horizon with a nightcap.
Don’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected
Of course, planning the evening beforehand is a great idea. With only one night to explore, it makes sense to try to visit all the hottest spots. However, the area also has many hidden gems just waiting for visitors to stumble upon. For this reason, it might be worthwhile to veer off the established path if a cute club or bar catches one’s eye. These unexpected discoveries can become the highlights of the night, adding a touch of spontaneity and added excitement to an overnight downtown LA adventure.