Top 15 Activities in East Los Angeles You Can’t Miss

Located merely a few kilometers east of downtown LA, East Los Angeles is among the city’s most historic neighborhoods.

Although it may seem somewhat gritty to certain mainstream visitors, it is rich in artistic, cultural, and historical attractions that reflect its Hispanic heritage.

This locale offers an unrivaled opportunity to savor genuine Mexican cuisine, experience traditional music, and admire vibrant street art. Moreover, East LA’s numerous parks and live entertainment venues host performances year-round, attracting sizable crowds.

Here are 15 exceptional things to do in and around East Los Angeles that are worth experiencing when in the area.

1. El Tepeyac Café

While restaurants typically do not top lists like this, El Tepeyac Café stands out when considering Mexican cuisine in East Los Angeles.

Established in the mid-1950s, El Tepeyac Café has garnered iconic status within the city’s culinary scene, a remarkable achievement given the extensive competition in the vicinity.

El Tepeyac is particularly renowned for its authentic Mexican dishes, encompassing freshly prepared burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and menudo. The portion sizes are substantial, often requiring diners to take leftovers home.

The café is situated in a modest location within the Boyle Heights area of East Los Angeles on North Evergreen Avenue.

2. The Chicano Resource Center (CRC)

With Mexican-Americans constituting over 90% of the population in East Los Angeles, this is reflected in nearly every element of the community.

The Chicano Resource Center was inaugurated in 1976 to safeguard and promote the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The CRC functions as a library, museum, and historic landmark. For individuals of Mexican descent, it serves as a vital community resource.

In addition to displaying vibrant local art and historical memorabilia, the center boasts printed materials, audio-visual resources, personal advocates, and outreach initiatives addressing key issues pertinent to Chicanos.

The center is located on East 3rd Street in East Los Angeles.

3. El Mercado

East LA is adorned with vibrant indoor-outdoor mercados that serve as not only commercial spaces but also social hubs.

Contrary to typical American supermarket chains, El Mercado often showcases live mariachi bands and other entertainers, including singers and street performers.

For individuals unfamiliar with the experience, it offers a unique cultural encounter that is certainly worth exploring.

In addition to fresh meat and produce, El Mercado vendors offer a diverse array of traditional food items, clothing, sweets, toys, and household goods.

It is advisable to visit during lunch or dinner for exceptional street food.

El Mercado is situated on East 1st Street in East Los Angeles.

4. Whittier Boulevard

Particularly on weekend evenings, East LA’s Whittier Boulevard attracts a significant number of classic car enthusiasts showcasing their custom vehicles.

The atmosphere resembles a lively carnival, embodying the essence of East LA remarkably.

The showcased cars are often older model low-riders, restored to original condition, enhanced with remarkable custom paint jobs, powerful stereo systems, and luxurious interiors, accompanied by unique suspensions that can be controlled by the driver.

Expect an exhilarating ambiance filled with loud music, large crowds, and an abundance of deliciously affordable street food along Whittier Boulevard.

5. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has established itself as one of Southern California’s foremost art destinations since opening in the mid-1960s.

Located along the iconic Wilshire Boulevard just a few kilometers west of East LA, it boasts an extensive collection of global art.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts numerous temporary exhibits throughout the year, encompassing 20 scenic acres near other notable attractions like the La Brea Tar Pits.

Additionally, it features interactive exhibits, outdoor leisure areas, and various dining establishments.

6. Citadel Outlets

Situated in the City of Commerce, a few kilometers southeast of East LA, Citadel Outlets serves as one of the region’s premier shopping venues for travelers seeking retail therapy.

The outlets are easily recognizable due to their striking architecture designed to mimic a Mediterranean castle.

Originally constructed as a tire manufacturing facility in the 1920s, it was not until the 1990s that it was transformed into a sophisticated retail hub.

Covering nearly 160,000 square feet, Citadel features a multitude of stores and dining options.

7. Mariachi Plaza

Despite the sweltering heat during summer months, a substantial portion of the year, the weather in LA is ideal for outdoor activities.

Many of the city’s mercados and plazas include both indoor and outdoor areas, and Boyle Heights’ Mariachi Plaza is no exception.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it comes alive with vendors, live music, and an overall festive atmosphere reminiscent of a fair or carnival.

Whether you’re in search of affordable children’s apparel, homemade ice cream, or authentic Mexican street food, you will discover it here.

Mariachi Plaza is located between East 1st Street and Boyle Avenue within the boundaries of East Los Angeles.

8. Union Station

Having stood for over eight decades, downtown LA’s Union Station has recently emerged as a symbol of the city’s revitalization.

This historic station serves as the primary public transport hub for the region and is the largest station of its kind on the entire West Coast.

Union Station showcases stunning mission-style architecture that ranks it among the city’s most beautiful landmarks. The interior features soaring ceilings and intricate tile flooring, evoking a sense of grandeur more closely associated with a palace than a transportation terminal.

The station is conveniently located on North Alameda Street, just a few blocks west of East LA.

9. San Antonio Winery

While the area’s climate is not particularly conducive to grape cultivation compared to its northern Californian counterparts, East LA is home to one of the most historic wineries in the region.

Founded over a century ago, the San Antonio Winery remains family-operated.

The winery maintains vineyards in both Monterey and Napa Valley, producing a diverse range of wines from refreshing sparkling whites to robust reds with rich flavors.

In addition, San Antonio features a well-regarded on-site restaurant that specializes in both traditional American and Italian cuisine. Various special events take place throughout the year at the winery.

Located on Lamar Street in LA, it is just a ten-minute drive west of East LA.

10. Walt Disney Concert Hall

Situated in an area of downtown previously criticized for its uninspiring architecture and limited recreational options, the Walt Disney Concert Hall has significantly altered that narrative.

It stands as one of the most remarkable and architecturally distinctive structures in the vicinity. Music and live performance enthusiasts will find it to be a historic landmark worthy of attention.

The hall hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including events featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

For those preferring not to attend a lengthy performance, a docent-led tour would be a compelling alternative.

It is located on South Grand Avenue, approximately five kilometers northwest of East LA.

11. The Getty Center

Situated just north of Santa Monica in Los Angeles proper, the Getty Center is frequently acknowledged as one of the state’s most celebrated man-made structures.

Moreover, it houses a world-class collection of invaluable art, making it a compelling destination for art enthusiasts and those who appreciate West Coast culture.

The center’s collection spans a wide range of historical and contemporary art created by esteemed artists from various regions worldwide. On clear days in Southern California, visitors can enjoy views of the Santa Monica Mountains and LA’s distinctive skyline.

Depending on traffic conditions, the drive from East LA takes around 40 minutes, or public transportation can be utilized starting from Union Station.

12. TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame

Although the two locales could hardly be more dissimilar, the distance between East LA and Hollywood is merely about 20 kilometers.

The TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame represent two of the city’s iconic entertainment landmarks. Both attractions are essential for anyone interested in exploring the cinematic history of the area.

Opened over 90 years ago, the theater continues to showcase a variety of performances and films throughout the year, in addition to offering regularly scheduled guided tours.

The Walk of Fame is a public venue that is accessible 24/7, and both sites are conveniently located just a 20-minute drive northwest of East LA.

13. Eaton Canyon Nature Center

Heading north from Los Angeles quickly leads to relatively untouched expanses of high desert landscapes and impressive mountains.

The Eaton Canyon Nature Center, located on North Altadena Drive in Pasadena, encompasses nearly 200 acres of diverse ecosystems and features a large interpretive center.

The San Gabriel Mountains encompass the nature center, offering numerous opportunities for exploration in its streams and canyons, along with several multi-use trails favored by cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders.

The drive from East Los Angeles should take no more than 30 minutes, provided there is no rush hour traffic.

14. Santa Monica

Southern California boasts some of the most captivating beach communities in the United States, with Santa Monica being one of the most iconic.

Santa Monica is approximately 35 kilometers west of East LA. Its pier and beach attract visitors nationwide, drawn to its stunning scenery and the eclectic assortment of individuals found in the area.

It is not uncommon to spot celebrities dining in local establishments; however, the pier also features a diverse array of characters from shredded muscle men to homeless individuals, as well as a rich tapestry of society in between.

Street performances and amusement-style games abound, alongside eateries and bars that vary from inexpensive and shabby to extravagant and prohibitively expensive.

15. Sunset Boulevard

Few locations capture the essence of Los Angeles as completely as Sunset Boulevard.

For those pressed for time, this is a quintessential attraction that should not be overlooked, conveniently situated only a few kilometers west of East Los Angeles.

Sunset Boulevard stretches between LA, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood, having appeared in numerous films over the years.

If traveling with family, visiting during daylight hours is advisable, as it is a popular nightlife destination with a somewhat questionable reputation.

Visibility can be limited due to tourist congestion during peak times; thus, a morning visit is recommended for those wishing to avoid crowds.