Registration is open for the YSC Summit in Los Angeles, CA, March 6-8, 2020! Turn your Summit into an LA Vacation with these fun tips.
Who needs more reasons to join us at the YSC Summit in L.A., March 6-8, 2020? Well, we’ve got them! We’re planning a stacked weekend on-site, but we want you to take advantage of everything this amazing city has to offer. So we crowdsourced a list of some of our favorite things to do, see, shop and eat in LA during your free time.
To Do
Exposition Park near USC (4 miles from the Summit)
This 160-acre expanse of urban parks and museums is a testament to the rich and diverse culture of Los Angeles. It features a past Olympic venue, the California Science Center, the California African American Museum and so much more.
LA Museums
Los Angeles has a variety of museums and art galleries suited for anyone’s taste! The Broad and MOCA are both contemporary museums located just a 10-minute walk from the Summit. If you are looking to venture farther from the hotel, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western US and is dedicated to showing art throughout the ages. Plus, the outdoor exhibits are a great place for a photoshoot with your breasties!
Bikes and Hikes LA starting in Hollywood (9 miles from the Summit)
If structured tours are your speed, Bikes and Hikes LA offers the best in ecotourism. Start in Hollywood for a chance to see some celebrities while you learn about the culture of LA.
LA Beaches
The beaches in Los Angeles are unlike any other. Each one has a different atmosphere to offer, but no matter where you go, it’s a great place to lay on the sand, soak up the sun, or just sit back and people watch. Some of our favorites are the pier in Santa Monica, Muscle Beach in Venice, or the relaxed vibes of Manhattan Beach.
To See
Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park (7.5 miles from the Summit)
Griffith Observatory has some world-class sights! Whether you’re looking through telescopes, at exhibits or at the sprawling landscape of Los Angeles, you can’t get sights like this anywhere else. Griffith Observatory also boasts to have one of the best views of The Hollywood Sign, so drive or hike your way up to enjoy!
OUE Skyspace in Downtown LA (Around the block from the Summit)
This LA immersive experience sits about 1,000 feet above the city itself, atop the US Bank Tower (also known as the Library Tower). Up there you will get 360-degree outdoor views of the city, dive deeper into LA’s film, television and music scenes, and even be able to ride a glass slide.
Olvera Street in Downtown LA (1.5 miles from the Summit)
Olvera Street is one of the oldest parts of Downtown Los Angeles. Today it is a hub of Mexican culture. With many of the current merchants being descendants of the original vendors from the 1930s, the street maintains its periodic atmosphere of romantic old LA. Walk down the street and you’ll find mariachi music, Folk dancing, pieces of art and, of course, some of the best food in town.
To Shop
Melrose Ave in West Hollywood (7 miles from the Summit)
The Melrose Avenue shopping district has basically anything you can imagine. Covering a total of 14 blocks, this shopping and restaurant district is the epitome of LA glamour and living.
The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA (0.7 miles from the Summit)
This is a book lover’s dream! The largest bookstore across the state of California, The Last Bookstore has over a quarter of a million new and used books. Beyond that, though, they also have thousands of vinyl records, a yarn shop, the Spring Arts Collective and even a labyrinth.
The Grove in Fairfax (6.5 miles from the Summit)
This Outdoor mall is a great spot to pick up essentials, look for gifts, or just walk around enjoying the sunshine. With trolleys circling the plaza and a dancing water fountain, The Grove sets a picturesque scene perfect for a relaxing outing.
To Eat
Grand Central Market in Downtown LA (0.5 miles from the Summit)
This commercial and entertainment area has been an LA staple for more than a century! Bringing together the various cuisines and cultures of the city, Grand Central Market is a great place to go with a group or to get a taste of LA’s vibes in one convenient location.
The Original Farmer’s Market in Fairfax (6.5 miles from the Summit)
With origins in the 1880s by a couple of dairy farmers, being the first of its kind is this farmer’s market’s claim to fame. Located next to The Grove, it’s a great spot for fresh produce and meats as well as some of the best artisan restaurants and specialty foods.
Smorgasburg in Downtown LA (2 miles from the Summit)
Starting in NYC, this open-air market became so successful that it jumped coasts. Smorgasburg is the largest open-air market and is home to stands that sell anything from vegan mac and cheese to bone broth dumplings to artisan-crafted s’mores. Basically, if you can dream it, you can find it at Smorgasburg LA.
Did we miss anything? Let us know what you’re most excited for. Can’t wait to see you in LA!
