Discover Downtown: Best Things Near the GRAMMY Museum

Step out of the GRAMMY Museum and into the heart of LA fun with these local favorites!

Published: May 22, 2026
The GRAMMY Museum

The GRAMMY Museum already puts you in the heart of Downtown LA’s energy, culture, and creativity. But there’s so much more to this neighborhood than just musical milestones. Wander just a few steps and you’ll bump into world-class theaters, incredible eats, quirky museums, and leafy parks—all perfect for rounding out your LA adventure. Whether you’re a pop culture buff, movie lover, foodie, or someone who just wants to soak up the sun, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s hit all the high notes together and plan your perfect playlist of local experiences! 

Our go-to things to do near the GRAMMY Museum: 

  • The GRAMMY Museum 
  • Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour 
  • The Broad 
  • California Science Center IMAX Movie 
  • LA Live 
  • Natural History Museum 
  • Grand Central Market 
  • Broken Spanish 

The GRAMMY Museum: Musical Inspiration in Every Room  

Start with the reason you’re here! The GRAMMY Museum celebrates the world’s biggest musical legends, but also spotlights the creative process and culture that shapes music today. Interactive exhibits let you remix classic tracks, belt it out in voice booths, or explore rare memorabilia from every genre. It’s hands-on, modern, and pretty inspiring, whether you're a pop fanatic or a music history newbie. 

Don’t miss the rotating special exhibits—past highlights have included everything from Taylor Swift’s glittering costumes to the storied guitars of the blues greats. The sleek, sun-filled space feels fresh and inviting, with plenty of spots to stop, listen, and soak up the sounds of LA. If you visit during an in-house event or live interview, you're in for a treat; you never know which star might show up! 

The Broad: Dazzling Contemporary Art  

You don’t need to be an art scholar to be wowed by The Broad’s incredible collection, just a 15-minute stroll from the GRAMMY Museum. Inside its striking honeycomb-like exterior, you’ll find everything from bold, oversized pop art to fascinating installations you can walk right into. It’s home to work by legends like Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

The ambience is fresh, fun, and energetic—perfect for everyone from selfie-seekers to culture lovers. The Infinity Mirror Rooms are a must, offering one of the city’s most unforgettable photo ops and immersive art experiences. Just make sure to reserve your (free!) admission in advance—the crowds can line up here, and with good reason. You’ll leave buzzing with creativity. 

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour: LA Your Way

Big Bus Tour Bus

Want to see the very best of LA without breaking a sweat? The Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour lets you create your own day around Downtown (and beyond). Hop on right near the GRAMMY Museum, throw on your headphones for the onboard commentary, and get ready to cruise past legends like the Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip, and more. 

This flexible sightseeing bus is a great way to scope out LA’s sprawling neighborhoods without getting lost in the traffic. Explore Chinatown, marvel at the theaters of Hollywood, and discover hidden gems—all at your own pace. With frequent departures and stops all over the city, you can jump off for tacos, art, shopping, or sunshine whenever you like. It’s perfect for first-timers and seasoned visitors looking to cover a lot of ground with zero hassle. 

California Science Center IMAX Movie: Science Meets Spectacle  

Craving a dose of imagination and discovery? Head to the California Science Center and settle into their jaw-dropping IMAX theater. It’s not just a movie—those floor-to-ceiling screens and powerful sound systems drop you straight into the world of deep-sea exploration, space travel, or wild nature documentaries. 

The energy in the theater is contagious, with excited kids, awestruck adults, and the occasional “whoa!” at the dazzling visuals. And when you’re done, why not wander through the rest of the Science Center’s hands-on exhibits (think space shuttles, robots, and interactive experiments)? It’s the perfect family-friendly brain boost just a quick drive from downtown. 

LA Live: Downtown’s Entertainment Playground  

You can’t miss LA Live, the entertainment hub just steps from the GRAMMY Museum. This sprawling complex pulses with energy—giant LED screens, splashy event spaces, and crowds bustling between concerts, movie premieres, and esports tournaments. The atmosphere is always buzzy, whether you’re in town for a blockbuster or just stopping for lunch with a side of people-watching. 

Discover restaurants aplenty (we love the tacos al pastor at El Cholo), a bowling alley, and even a Regal Cinemas complex for catching the latest releases. LA Live is the spot to soak up contemporary LA life; it’s perfect for a pre-show drink, celeb-spotting, or simply basking in the city’s electric vibe. 

Natural History Museum: Dinos, Gems, and LA’s Story

Dinosaur Skeletons at the Natural History Museum

Step back in time at the Natural History Museum, just a short Metro ride away in Exposition Park. Inside, you’ll come face-to-face with towering dinosaur skeletons, sparkling gemstones, and billions of years of Earth’s crazy history. The dinosaur hall is a jaw-dropper, with a T. rex trio that always grabs the spotlight.  

But the Natural History Museum isn’t just about ancient wonders—the hall dedicated to Los Angeles’ own nature and wildlife is a fantastic way to see how city and environment connect. The bright, airy gardens outside make for a relaxing stroll, and regular special exhibits (sharks! butterflies! mummies!) keep things fresh and fun for all ages. 

Grand Central Market: Foodie Heaven  

Downtown’s legendary Grand Central Market is paradise for every foodie and snack-seeker. This buzzing marketplace blends old-school LA with next-gen culinary creativity. Walk through and you’ll catch the aroma of roasting coffee, grilled carne asada, fried chicken, and spices from every continent. There’s something for every craving, from breakfast sandwiches at Eggslut to filling Thai street food and vegan ramen. 

Pull up a stool at your favorite counter and soak in the vibrant scene: regulars jostle for tacos, families share pasta, and artists chat over iced cold brew. The market always feels alive, and the people-watching is excellent. We recommend picking up a few treats, then heading out to nearby Grand Park to enjoy your treasure in the LA sun. 

Broken Spanish: Modern Mexican Fare  

Broken Spanish brings bold flavors and vibrant energy to downtown LA with its modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine. The rustic-chic space is warm and lively, filled with colorful details, buzzing conversation, and the irresistible aroma of handmade tortillas, slow-cooked meats, and rich tamales coming from the kitchen. Every dish feels rooted in tradition while still carrying a fresh, distinctly Los Angeles twist. 

Standout menu favorites include the melt-in-your-mouth lamb neck tamal and the mezcal-forward Oaxaca Old Fashioned, alongside shareable bites like crispy chicharrón with creamy guacamole. Whether you’re meeting friends, planning a date night, or simply looking for a memorable meal in the city, Broken Spanish delivers a relaxed atmosphere and flavors that easily steal the spotlight. 

 

 

There’s no shortage of excitement around the GRAMMY Museum. Think dazzling art, landmark theaters, sensational eats, and all the energy of downtown LA wrapped up within easy reach. Mix and match a few (or all) of these picks, and you’ll have a trip that hits every note—from the high-energy songs of the city to the laid-back charm of its food and art. Downtown LA is your stage—make the most of it! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!   

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