WHAT'S NEW IN LOS ANGELES - SUMMER 2022

Image of Gusto Green Interior

LOS ANGELES (July 2022) – Summer is in full swing here in sunny Los Angeles! A centerpiece of the latest summer openings is the Conrad Los Angeles, the first West Coast location for the luxurious Hilton brand debuting in Downtown L.A.’s The Grand, a new development bringing dynamic shops, restaurants and energy to the DTLA neighborhood. We are also seeing an abundance of family-friendly spots opening across the region, including fresh takes on the pizza parlor with Pijja Palace and Olivia, a new exhibit at the Getty Museum exploring Medieval knights, creatures and castles, experiences that immerse guests in the worlds of Harry Potter and Despicable Me at Universal Studios Hollywood and even a new program that allows passengers to bring their furry friends on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train. With all these exciting new activities and experiences, it’s the perfect time for a summer getaway to the City of Angels.

HOTELS

Trends: Hilton’s luxury Conrad brand selects Los Angeles as its first West Coast location, opening in the new The Grand development beginning July 6. In addition, many hotels across the city are ready to welcome visitors with special packages designed for a summer getaway.

 

RECENTLY OPENED

 

Conrad Los Angeles (Downtown L.A.)

July

Surrounded by iconic art, theatre and music institutions, Conrad Los Angeles is a luxurious contemporary property and the first West Coast location from Hilton’s Conrad brand. The property channels the bold originality, creative innovation and dynamic energy that fuels Downtown L.A.’s newest dining and entertainment hot spot, The Grand L.A. Heralded by the vision of legendary architect Frank Gehry, the hotel is an elegant oasis with 305 modern guest rooms, a rooftop terrace complete with a private pool deck, spa and locally inspired culinary experiences. They are accepting reservations for July 6 and beyond. 
hilton.com/en/hotels/laxavci-conrad-los-angeles/  

 

PACKAGES AND OFFERS


Game Day Package at Hotel Indigo (Downtown L.A.)
A new offering tailored to Major League Soccer fans, Hotel Indigo’s Game Day package includes overnight accommodations and parking, breakfast for two at Metropole Bar + Kitchen, $25 Uber credit to use on game day and two Sunset Deck tickets at Banc of California Stadium with included food & beverage. Hotel Indigo’s eccentric, stylish property is just steps away from Downtown L.A. sports, entertainment and dining, only a few miles from the Banc of California Stadium. The Game Day package is available now through October 2022 with prices starting at $999. downtownlosangeleshotel.com/la-hotel-deals

 

Summer Savings at J.W. Marriott L.A. Live (Downtown L.A.)

Placed in the heart of Downtown L.A. steps away from L.A. Live, the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, J.W. Marriott L.A. Live welcomes visitors to enjoy special summertime offers on their luxury, contemporary accommodations and amenities:

  • Extended Escapes – Save on 5+ Nights: Soak up summer longer with special rates on stays for 5 nights or more with the code “LTS”. This package is valid for booking here until July 31 on stays until September 5.
  • Suite Savings: This summer, enjoy a complimentary room upgrade or discounted suite experience with promotional code “HDK”. This offer is valid for booking here until July 31 on stays until September 5.

Tropic Like It's Hot at the Hollywood Roosevelt (Hollywood)

The iconic 1927 Hollywood Roosevelt reflects the glamour of classic Hollywood and legendary guests such as Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable. This summer, the property invites guests to enjoy summer in paradise in a cabana room with a view of their iconic Tropicana pool, flip flops, lip balm, a Roosevelt ball cap and two complementary drinks. This package is available here on stays until September 5 with promo code “TROPIC”. 
hyatt.com/hotel/california/thompson-hollywood/laxth/offers


Proper Summer at Downtown L.A. Proper (Downtown L.A.)

Reimagining a historic Broadway Corridor building, the Downtown L.A. Proper blends past and present with compelling design, vintage influence, local art and two destination restaurants. The hotel invites guests to enjoy a Proper Summer in DTLA with a $50 dining credit and valet parking on stays for two nights or more.
properhotel.com/downtown-la/offers/proper-summer/#/

 

Summer Savings at W Hollywood (Hollywood)

A modern hotel situated on lively Hollywood Blvd., W Hollywood places guests in the center of the action near the Pantages Theatre, Walk of Fame, Capitol Records and more with a rooftop pool and views of the city lights. Enjoy special rates on summer stays at the W Hollywood with these seasonal packages:

  • Extended Escapes – Save on 5+ Nights: Soak up summer longer with special rates on stays for 5 nights or more with the code “LTS”. This package is valid for booking here until July 31 on stays until September 5.
  • Suite Savings: This summer, enjoy a complimentary room upgrade or discounted suite experience with promotional code “HDK”. This offer is valid for booking here until July 31 on stays until September 5.

DINING

Trends: Pizza is taking the L.A. area by storm with unique iterations of the casual dish popping up across the region. From Pijja Palace’s pies with an Indiani twist and Olivia’s Asian-inspired pizzas to New York style slices at Pizzeria Bianco, there’s no shortage of ways to experience fresh takes on pizza in Los Angeles this summer.

 

RECENTLY OPENED


Causita (Silver Lake)
April

Named after Peruvian slang for “best friends,” Causita brings the storied tradition of Japanese and Peruvian (“Nikkei Peruvian”) cuisine to Silver Lake. Helmed by celebrated chef Ricardo Zarate, the dynamic menu marries the bright vibrant flavors of Peru with the umami and refined culinary styles of Japan. The beverage program has a selection of layered and playful craft cocktails, with a wine list featuring beautifully cultivated bio-dynamic wines from Europe, and a spotlight on special selections from Latin America.
causita-la.com/

 

Pijja Palace (Downtown L.A.)
May

Named after the casual Hindi translation of pizza, Pijja Palace from Avish Naran serves up pizzas, pastas and wings with a bold Desi/Indian twist. The sports bar spot features 13 TV screens, welcoming guests to enjoy the game while experiencing flavors of makhini, peri peri vindaloo, Kashmiri red chillies, green chutney pizza, South Asian sodas and more.
pijjapalace.com/

 

Olivia (Koreatown)
May

Led by former Gracias Madre head chef Mario Alberto, Olivia’s Asian-inspired vegetarian menu features wood-fired pizzas, delicious appetizers and unique non-alcoholic drink options. Situated in a charming interior, Olivia expertly combines plant-based ingredients with Asian cuisine for a creative dining experience.
oliviarestaurantla.com/


Kuya Lord (Koreatown)
May

Named for the Tagolog word for “older brother,” Kuya Lord is an elevated fast casual restaurant concept by Chef Lord Maynard Llera featuring regional Filipino dishes that he grew up eating in the Philippines. Maynard applies his classical culinary technique to reinvent traditional Filipino dishes. Kuya Lord began as a pre-pandemic pop-up before serving friends and family out of his La Cañada Flintridge home. Now, Maynard gives Kuya Lord a permanent home at the 21-seater space in Koreatown.
kuyalord.com/


Bagel + Slice (Northeast L.A.)
May

Led by New York Chef Brad Kent, Bagel+Slice is the culmination of over 30-years of hands-on experience making the best-ever bagels and pizza with the highest quality, good-for-you ingredients.  Heritage seasonal regenerative wheat is in every bagel and slice. Kent also cofounded Blaze Pizza and owns Olio in Downtown L.A. 
bagelandslice.com/


Pizzeria Blanco (Downtown L.A.)
June

Located in the ROW DTLA, Pizzeria Bianco’s new Los Angeles location serves a selection of sandwiches on house-baked focaccia and salads, as well as New York style pizza by the slice. The space features a wood-burning oven and large window offering diners a view of the pizza being made, with a menu highlighting six signature pies, small plates, food-friendly wines and more. The restaurant is open for lunch to start and offers counter service.
pizzeriabianco.com/los-angeles


Animal (Mid-Wilshire)
May

Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s career-launching restaurant Animal relaunched in May after two years of pandemic closure. Known for bold flavor and an inventive menu, Animal serves unique dishes including chicken liver toast, chicken oyster yakitori, yellowtail collar and melted p’tit basque at the location’s dinner service.
animalrestaurant.com/home

 

NEW OFFERINGS


Hello, Gorgeous at Fanny's (Mid-Wilshire)
June

The restaurant and café at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Fanny’s debuted its new monthly live music series and supper club Hello, Gorgeous on June 18. Curated by Jason Bentley, Hello, Gorgeous will echo with the sounds of a rollicking Hollywood supper club in full swing featuring live music, DJs, a prix fixe menu from Chef Raphael Francois and a swooning bar scene. Hello, Gorgeous is a highly designed experience presenting exciting talent to a bustling supper club atmosphere that hearkens back to the shimmering nightlife and enduring charm of classical Hollywood. Seatings will take place by reservation only at 6pm and 8:30pm monthly. exploretock.com/fannys

 

LULU Launches Dinner Service (Westwood)
June

The newly opened restaurant from Alice Waters and David Tanis in the Hammer Museum launched dinner service for the first time in June. Staying true to LULU’s commitment to sourcing from local regenerative farms, the dinner menu changes every day based on what’s available from purveyor partners and at the farmers market. Dishes reflect Tanis’s signature style of showcasing the best of the season’s ingredients with a simple, refined preparation. The a la carte dinner menu features dishes lie Pasta Chiocciole, Grilled Baja Striped Bass, Yellow Carrot Soup and Cherry Clafoutis with a cocktail menu also driven by fresh market produce. Dinner is served in the expansive outdoor patio, with reservations available from Thursday-Saturday to start.
lulu.restaurant/


Gusto Green's Edible Whole Hemp Leaf Returns (Downtown L.A.)
May
LA Cha Cha Chá debuted its new dessert menu by pastry chef Ellen Ramos in March, featuring Arroz con Leche, Flan de Zanahoria and Mazapan. The menu will be served alongside their dinner service Tuesdays – Sundays from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. chachacha.la/


Grandmaster Recorder's Expanded Rooftop Menu (Hollywood)
May

The newly opened Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood’s Vinyl District welcomes an expanded rooftop menu just in time for summer. Culinary Director Monty Koludrovic and Chef Blake Shailes will bring Shiacciata style Italian pizzas, Baja Tuna Crudo, House Made Gelato del Giorno and refreshing Rooftop Spritzes to the expansive space situated in the heart of Hollywood.
grandmasterrecorders.com/rooftop

 

Taco Tuesdays and Sunday Pool Parties at the Godfrey Hotel (Hollywood)
June

The Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District has launched weekly Taco Tuesdays on their rooftop heading into summer. The largest rooftop venue in Hollywood, I|O Rooftop welcomes guests to enjoy rotating taco choices for a build-your-own taco experience including salsas, radishes, Pico de Gallo, sushi nachos and more. Guests can also join I|O on Sundays from 2-8pm for a weekly pool party offering a taco cart, frozen margaritas and more for a refreshing summer evening with 360-degree views of the iconic Hollywood Sign, Downtown L.A., Griffith Observatory, Capital Records and beyond.
godfreyhotelhollywood.com/rooftop-pool-lounge.html

 

3rd Base L.A.'s Weekly Lunch Service (Hollywood)
May

3rd Base L.A., an elevated sports bar in the heart of Hollywood, recently launched weekday lunch service including shareable items like Shishito Peppers and Crispy wings amd main courses including BBQ Chicken Flatbread, Signature Wagyu Burger and Fried Chicken Sando. The menu will be available Monday-Friday starting at 11am, perfect for a weekday lunch destination with friends or colleagues. 3rdbasela.com/

 

Craig's Chamberlain Coffee Sundae (West Hollywood)
June

Founded by L.A.-based mega-influencer Emma Chamberlain, Chamberlain Coffee announced its collaboration with Craig’s for a vegan coffee ice cream served up at Coachella. The flavor will now be launching nationwide and in Craig’s West Hollywood restaurant for visitors to taste. craigsvegan.com/products/cold-brew-coffee


UPCOMING


Reunion (Venice)
Summer 2022

Perched on the second floor rooftop of social club NeueHouse, Reunion is a new restaurant and bar offering a special destination for guests and NeueHouse members alike to gather with exceptional food, creative recharges and cocktails. The space will feature indoor and outdoor seating, a crescent bar and spectacular views of Venice as the backdrop.
neuehouse.com/venice-beach/


ARTS & CULTURE


Trends: Many museums are launching summer exhibits centered around art pieces that shed light on historical cultures and events. These include the Getty Center’s Lost Murals of Renaissance Rome, LACMA’s The Portable Universe presenting ancient Colombian art and culture and LACMA’s Archive of the World sharing centuries-old pieces demonstrating the creative power of Spanish America.


RECENTLY OPENED


Dress Codes at the Autry Museum of the American West 
May 22- January 8, 2023

The Autry welcomes the new exhibition Dress Codes, a fun and subversive look at what our clothes have to say about Western identities. The exhibit examines six enduring icons of Western style including blue jeans, the plaid shirt, the fringed leather jacket, the aloha shirt, the China Poblana dress and the cowboy boot with more than 150 objects and pieces of apparel drawn primarily from the Autry’s extensive clothing and textile collection as well as art, photography and historical artifacts. Dress Codes explores the history embedded in these key garments and their connections to ideas of Western identity, tradition, individual freedom, hybridity and reinvention.


New Exhibits at LACMA (Mid-Wilshire)

  • The Portable Universe/El Universo En Tus Manos: Thought and Splendor of Indigienous Colombia (May – October 7): Comprising approximately 400 works, including an unprecedented number of loans from the Museo del Oro in Bogota, this groundbreaking exhibition presents the diversity and materiality of ancient Colombian cultures and reframes how we approach ancient Colombian art. Developed in close collaboration with the Arhuaco of the Sierra Nevade de Marta, The Portable Universe is designed to recapture the knowledge of Indigenous cultures lost with the European conquest, inviting visitors into a cultural dialogue and evoking a worldview in which ancient artworks have relevance for today and the future. lacma.org/art/exhibition/portable-universe
  • Archive of the World: Art and Imagination in Spanish America, 1500-1800 (June – October 30): Archive of the World is the first exhibition of LACMA’s notable holdings of Spanish American art. Following the arrival of the Spaniards in the Americas in the 15th century, the region developed complex artistic traditions that drew on Indigenous, European, Asian, and African art. Featuring approximately 90 works, including several recent acquisitions, the exhibition emphasizes the creative power of Spanish America. lacma.org/art/exhibition/archive-of-the-world

New Exhibits at The Getty Center (Brentwood)

  • The Lost Murals of Renaissance Rome and Judy Baca: Hitting the Wall (May – September 4): In Renaissance Rome, the facades of many prominent buildings were painted with elaborate narrative frescoes. Once part of the fabric of the city, only a few now remain. Using works from the Getty’s collection in which murals play a central role, the exhibition explores this popular Renaissance phenomenon. This exhibit complements Judy Baca: Hitting the Wall, one of L.A.’s most iconic works of art gracing a freeway underpass in downtown Los Angeles. To underline the ongoing vulnerability of mural art, this focused display highlights the design, painting, destruction and renewal of Baca’s 1984 artwork. The presentation will include preliminary sketches, colorations and an actual-size reproduction of a part of the mural. getty.edu/art/exhibitions/lost_murals/index.html getty.edu/art/exhibitions/baca/
  • The Fantasy of the Middle Ages (June – September 11): The castles, knights, battles and imaginary creatures of the Middle Ages perpetually inspire art, literature, photography, film and reenactment. These later fantasy works blend historical source material with legendary or magical elements to create memorable characters, creatures and cultures. This exhibition explores the ways in which the Middle Ages have been mythologized, dramatized and re-envisioned time and again, proving an irresistible period for creative reinterpretations ranging from the Brothers Grimm to Game o Thrones. getty.edu/art/exhibitions/fantasy/  
  • In Focus: Sound (June – October 2): Though photographs are silent, photographers have long conjured sound in their images. Whether depicting crowded urban spaces, musicians performing, people engaged in conversations or even more abstract depictions of sound, the pictures in this exhibition show photography’s power to communicate beyond the visual. The images date from the 19th century to the recent past, and in each, the audible plays as much of a role as the visual. As you look at these photographs, you are invited to imagine what you might “hear” as well. getty.edu/art/exhibitions/focus_sound/

 

UPCOMING


Neon Art Classes with Roxy Rose at the Museum of Neon Art (Glendale)
July

The Museum of Neon Art will launch an in-person, immersive neon bending class taught by accomplished artist and glassblower Roxy Rose. Rose has honed the art of neon glassblowing over the last 42 years, recognized internationally for her craft and artistry. Rose’s demonstrations creating neon artwork at MONA sparked viral conversations about art, trans identity and the science of neon. Her day-long classes will kick off on July 10, July 24 and September 25 and are open to six students per workshop.
store.neonmona.org/collections/classes


SHOPPING

 

MEET @ BEV (Beverly Hills)
June-October

A premier shopping and dining destination, the Beverly Center launched an exciting set of summer activations for guests to enjoy:

  • Watch @ Bev: Watch your favorite films on screen in the Beverly Center’s Grand Court featuring signature cocktails and mocktails from mixologist Mama’s Medicine, plus special to-go menu options from participating restaurants to bring along to the screening. (July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6)
  • Dance @ Bev: Dance the night away at this Silent Disco event featuring signature hand=shaken cocktails and mocktails. (July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13)
  • Bites @ Bev: Enjoy delicious bites from a featured Beverly Center Restaurant and signature beverages from mixologist Mama’s Medicine. (July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20) beverlycenter.com/pages/meet-bev 

Wolf & Badger (West Hollywood)
June

A global platform for over 1,800+ independent designers providing an easier way to shop ethically and sustainably, Wolf & Badger opened its first L.A. store on June 3. Wolf & Badger occupies 1,600 square feet on Melrose Avenue, inviting L.A. customers to shop an array of sustainably and ethically-produced jewelry, fashion, accessories, homeware and beauty products in-person. The location’s design reflects the uplifting mood of L.A. with greenery and minimalistic design incorporating recycled post-industrial waste materials, cork and natural wood fibers. The space will also host a series of ongoing activations including workshops, product launches and events. wolfandbadger.com/us/stores/#los-angeles

 

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT


Trends: L.A.’s theme parks are ready for summer visitors with Warner Bros.’ new Studio Tour Plus experience and Universal Studios Hollywood’s summertime entertainment, all leading up to the wildly popular Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights event beginning in September. 

 

RECENTLY OPENED


Warner Bros. Studio Tour Plus (Universal City)
May

The new Studio Tour Plus experience brings guests closer than ever to the entertainment they love with more opportunities to hear stories from behind the camera with one of Warner Bros. Studio Tour’s knowledgeable guides. The tour begins in a Deluxe Lounge with snacks, refreshments and a welcome film in a deluxe screening room before spending 2 hours with an expert guide. This elevated tour experience includes lunch at the expanded Central Perk Café, a New York deli-inspired eatery featuring recreated sets from Friends and shopping for exclusive merch from the beloved show.
wbstudiotour.com/tour/studio-plus/


Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood (Downtown L.A.)
June - August

Celebrate summertime with the whole family at Universal Studios Hollywood’s exciting new seasonal events. From June 27 – July 17, guests can meet the Minions from the world of Despicable Me and enjoy a specially created Minion-themed game until August 14. The fun continues with “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” featuring dazzling light and special effects projections against the backdrop of Hogwarts, accompanied by a special musical arrangement based on original scores from the film series. Finally, the “Special Effects Show” returns with a fast-paced look behind the scenes of moviemaking magic starting in July.
universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/a


UPCOMING


Universal Studios Hollywood Horror Nights (Universal City)
September

Beginning September 8, Universal Studios Hollywood will kick off its widely popular, annual Halloween Horror Nights event with eight terrifying haunted houses on select nights through October 31. First in the lineup of announced haunted houses is the all-new “Universal Monsters: Legends Collide” experience featuring horror icons The Wolf Man, Dracula and The Mummy. This maze will transport guests to the 19th century and immerse them in a bloodthirsty battle for the Amulet of Ra, featuring original compositions by Grammy Award-winner SLASH for the experience’s soundtrack.
universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us


OUTDOORS & WELLNESS

RECENTLY OPENED


Conrad Spa (Downtown L.A.)
July

A luxury wellness experience at the new Conrad Los Angeles, Conrad Spa features an innovative selection of high-tech wellness therapies and performance tools including LED Light Therapy, Normatec Compression Therapy, Quantum Harmonic Therapy, Core Meditation and more. The center also offers therapeutic massages such as Ashiatsu and Thai to restore balance, and smart skincare services utilizing emerging technology to produce immediate, visible results.
hilton.com/en/hotels/laxavci-conrad-los-angeles/spa/


IndoGLOW at Hotel Indigo (Downtown L.A.)
June-September

Hotel Indigo launched a new summer yoga series IndiGLOW in collaboration CorePower Yoga. The series kicked off on International Yoga Day, offering complimentary hour-long yoga classes led by CorePower instructors. Following each class, attendees receive exclusive dining perks and discounts at the property’s restaurant, Metropole Bar + Kitchen, along with discounted offers from CorePower Yoga DTLA studio. Upcoming class dates include July 20, August 17 and September 21 open to guests of all skill levels.
eventbrite.com/e/indiglow-yoga-series-with-hotel-indigo-x-corepower-yoga-dtla-tickets-360640183497


TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE


Amtrak Pacific Surfliner's Carry-On Pet Program
May

Beginning May 20, Amtrak passengers can now bring their dogs and cats weighing up to 20 pounds aboard Pacific Surfliner trains for only $26. The Pacific Surfliner travels along a 351-mile route through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties with portions of the route hugging the Southern California coastline. Pets can now come along for the ride on this route perfect for summertime featuring reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bike and luggage racks, a generous baggage policy and an onboard Market Café offering fresh food and beverages including California wines, cocktails and local craft beer.
pacificsurfliner.com/onboard/pets/

 

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX) '

 

RECENTLY OPENED

 

New Pedestrian Bridge to Automated People Mover

April

Los Angeles World Airports has successfully placed a pedestrian bridge structure over World Way that will eventually connect Terminals 5 and 6 to the Center Central Terminal Area (CTA) Automated People Mover (APM) station. This is the fifth of six bridge structures placed over World Way since June 2021, with the last bridge connecting Tom Bradley International Terminal to the West CTA expected to complete later this year. Installation of glass panels on the bridges is now underway, and will be followed by moving sidewalks in late 2022.
lawa.org/transformingLAX

 

###

PHOTO GALERY https://latourismorg.box.com/s/45kybwwc64fl66t7fbsdeccfjca86d4c

MEDIA CONTACT
Emily Ohara / eohara@latourism.org


ABOUT LOS ANGELES & LOS ANGELES TOURISM
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is the non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for the Los Angeles tourism industry and the ultimate resource for where to stay and play in the L.A. area. Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Discover the true L.A. by exploring its more than 30 culturally rich neighborhoods, each one offering a distinct vibe. L.A. is home to more than 300 days of warm sunshine, 75 miles of idyllic shoreline, more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, and an innovative culinary scene led by influential tastemakers. A global creative capital and the epicenter of the sports universe, L.A. presents limitless possibilities for visitors from around the world. For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com follow at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.


Words by