If you’ll be attending the 2019 Annual Association of Orthodontists in Los Angeles, make sure to carve out some time to explore a few of the many incredible spots that LA has to offer! With all the amazing places in LA, it can be hard to decide on the best places to see in the amount of time you have. Read on to see some of our top picks and plan your trip today!
Courtesy of grandcentralmarket.com
1. Grand Central Market
Will your office staff or group of colleagues all be craving something different for lunch? The Grand Central Market is the place for you! Located just 12 minutes from the L.A. Convention Center, the Market has been in operation since 1917. It’s been described as a foodie paradise, with anything you could think of to eat at reasonable prices. From craft beers to custom ramen, pressed juice to paella, tacos to chow mein, this place has it all in a warehouse type building with a lively atmosphere.
2. Imperial Western Beer Company
Looking for a fun place to visit with your colleagues following your afternoon meetings at the Convention Center? The Imperial Western Beer Company is where great food and interesting architecture collide, just 22 minutes away. The elaborate Art Deco space is perfect for larger groups and they have several shuffleboards and pool tables. Their “elevated” bar fare includes raw oysters, fried mushrooms, and French fries.
Courtesy of imperialwestern.com
Courtesy of thegrovela.com
3. The Original Farmer’s Market & The Grove
If you’ll be in LA a little bit longer or have a free day after the AAO, The Original Farmer’s Market is a perfect place to spend a few hours. Founded in 1934, it boasts gourmet foods and shops, so definitely come with a little extra cash in your pocket to indulge. In addition to meats and produce, they have a wonderful selection of prepared foods. If you start to feel overwhelmed by the crowd, head on over to The Grove, adjacent to the Farmer’s Market. The Grove is a great entertainment complex complete with a movie theater, shopping, restaurants, and is host to special events throughout the year.
- Visit Website: The Original Farmer’s Market
- Visit Website: The Grove
- Google Maps
4. Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade
The Santa Monica Pier is a great option if you have a few hours to explore the city beyond the LA Convention Center. Just a short 27 minute Uber ride away, you’ll see 3 miles of some of the best shoreline in the country and the Santa Monica Pier with its famous Ferris wheel. Stroll down the boardwalk and take in the amazing views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean at sunset. It’s hard to be bored at the Pier with numerous rides and activities including a roller coaster and arcade. Just a few steps away is The Promenade, a very popular shopping destination, with a mix of local businesses selling custom pieces and big-name retailers like Madewell and Urban Outfitters. There is also an excellent selection of restaurants along the Promenade should you get hungry after all the shopping.
- Visit Website: Santa Monica Pier
- Visit Website: Third Street Promenade
- Google Maps
Courtesy of santamonicapier.org
Courtesy of lacma.org
5. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Looking for a little culture in your life? Then head to one of LA’s most prominent museums just 26 minutes from the Convention Center. For $20-$25 a ticket, gain access to artwork from the likes of Matisse and Diego Rivera among others. Not looking to spend so much on a ticket? No worries, two of the most famous pieces the LACMA has are located just outside the building and are free to the public. “Urban Light” is a popular place for a photo op.
6. Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
Interested in doing something touristy during your stay in LA? Then look no further than the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Extending from Sycamore to LaBrea on Hollywood Boulevard, take a minute to check out your favorite celebrity’s star on the walk in one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country. Also located along Hollywood Blvd. is the famous TCL Chinese Theatre, which opened in 1927 and is a representation of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
- Visit Website: Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Visit Website:TCL Chinese Theatre
- Google Maps
Courtesy of walkoffame.com
Courtesy of thesunsetstrip.com
7. Sunset Boulevard
Running low on time but looking for something that encompasses a wide range of activities? Look no further than the infamous Sunset Boulevard. One of the most famous streets in the United States, it’s home not only to great shopping but classic music venues including The Roxy Theatre and Rainbow Bar & Grill. A section of the Boulevard boasts a vivacious nightlife with clubs like The Viper Room and Whiskey a Go-Go.
8. Beverly Hills Hotel
Rub elbows with the rich and famous – or at least see where they stay when they come to visit. The hotel was built in 1912 and has since been named a historical landmark. Once you’ve had your fill of touring the grounds, stop in at the Polo Lounge for a quick bite, a premier dining spot for the likes of the RatPack and Humphrey Bogart back in the day.
Courtesy of dorchestercollection.com
Courtesy of laparks.org
9. Griffith Park / Observatory [Observatory Temp. Closed – Opens May 7th)
Last but definitely not least – If you’re able to travel a little bit further away from the convention center and have some time to explore, Griffith Park is a must. The largest urban park in the country, Griffith Park has over 50 trails with waterfalls and lagoons that you can hike, and also contains the Hollywood sign and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden. Make sure to visit the Griffith Observatory and see a show at the planetarium, or simply take in the breathtaking views of Downtown LA sprawled beneath you.
If you decide to visit one of our top picks, let us know how your experience goes! We’ll also be at the AAO this year, and there’s a high chance you’ll meet your rep at our booth #1925. If you’re interested in seeing exclusive OT show specials before anyone else, click the link below to receive an email of 2019 AAO Unadvertised Specials! From all of us at Ortho Technology, safe travels and we hope to see you at the show in LA!
