Want to add some comfort and joy to your home this holiday season? Tis' the season for hygge, a Danish term that evokes coziness, comfortable conviviality, and a feeling of contentment or well-being. Pronounced hoo-guh, the word derives from a sixteenth-cen

Thanksgiving is upon us. Still making plans? If cooking is not on your radar, your favorite DTLA restaurants near Circa are dishing up some fabulous fare to share, from elegant outdoor dining to Thanksgiving Feasts To Go. You'll find a corn

Ready to up your cocktail game? The holidays are fast approaching, and it's never too early to start planning ahead for festive celebrations and seasonal gift giving. Near Circa are some of DTLA's premier spirits shops, catering to collecto

Get out of the house and saddle up. Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy nature while getting a good workout for your core and legs – and the positive connection with the horse creates good energy for both people and their steeds. Los Angeles has a fascinating history

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to start stocking up on sweet treats. Some of your fave downtown LA bakeries and dessert shops near Circa are already rolling out their festive fare, and taking orders for their most cove

Halloween is always a thrilling time of year, with spooky events and creepy outdoor activities unfolding under the night sky. But this year’s celebration will be even more special, because a blue moon will illuminate the sky on the evening of October 31. Start your spirite

Fall is in the air, the grape harvest is underway, and top chefs from Santa Barbara to Sedona are creating seasonal culinary masterpieces. With Palm Springs Modernism Week going virtual this year, getting reservations at your favorite restaurant should be a breeze. Or dine a

Just in time for Oktoberfest, LA County is allowing breweries to reopen, albeit with some new rules. Your favorite DTLA establishments are celebrating Oktoberfest with some outdoor Gemütlichkeit (German for a comfortable, friendly feeling). Check websites for openi

Working from home at Circa has its perks. No more morning commutes. You can play your own music whenever you want, and sneak off for Netflix breaks in between Zoom calls. Professional wardrobe is optional and snacks are de rigueur. But we h

Fall is in the air and the holidays are around the corner. Time to get crafty with fun DIY projects and festive seasonal decor to animate your home and energize your routine. Try your hand at ceramics. Go crazy for quilting. Experiment with paper mache, learn origami, or eve

dineL.A. Restaurant Week is back. From now until September 18, DTLA eateries are offering scrumptious specials for patio dining, takeout and delivery. Whether you're a die-hard carnivore or prefer your meal vegetarian, vegan or gluten free, you'll find flavorful choices to p

In the past several months, we've all missed visiting the animals, and there's some evidence that they miss us too! And while we've been away, the babies have been booming! Did you know that our zoos and wildlife parks are sanctuaries for endangered species? Many have breedi

Los Angeles is renowned as one of the most exciting places in the world for street art. Incredible murals and art walls appear all around the city, and many have become permanent, treasured fixtures. Artists have found their canvas on buildings, walls, freeway barriers, and

Looking for a refreshing respite from the summer heat? The Los Angeles area is home to some of the world's most beautiful botanical gardens, many just a short distance from Circa apartments. These foliage-filled natural retreats present a v

Summer weather beckons with sunny days and starry nights! Your favorite Downtown Los Angeles restaurants near Circa are answering the call, expanding their patio seating, adding street side tables, and even commandeering alleys and parking

Looking for some culinary inspiration? Let's get fresh with produce. Stone fruits are in full swing, along with luscious greens, tasty veggies, colorful berries, and more! Toss yourself a fruit salad dressed with locally-produced honey. Try your hand at making a soul-satisfy

It just wouldn't be summer without the tantalizing aroma of barbecue wafting in the breeze! Whether you like your chow Texas-style, hot and spicy, or classic American, we've smoked out some of DTLA's best BBQ joints, guaranteed to tempt your tastebuds with fresh grilled good

What could be more exhilarating on a hot summer day than driving up Pacific Coast Highway to enjoy cocktails and dinner at sunset. Or lingering over a Mimosa-fueled brunch while watching seagulls play above the waves! Great news - your favorite beachfront restaurants are ope

Summer is here and temperatures are rising. Time to pamper your pet. Your fur baby deserves the best, so we've come up with some great local resources - from healthy food and fun toys to doggie day care, grooming, and puppy training. No pet, no problem! LA Animal Services wi

Now you can support your favorite LA bars while getting your buzz on, all from the comfort of home. Some of the best boîtes in town are offering specially-crafted, pre-batched cocktails for pickup and delivery. Pair your libations with delicious dishes, from burgers to tast

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and temperatures are rising. Hot summer days just scream for ice cream and other cool refreshments. DTLA offers some tasty ways to get your chill thrill - from classic ice cream to European-style gelato, cold brewed coffee, iced

Nothing says summer quite like a drive-in movie. This iconic American pastime started in 1933, when the first patented drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey. By the 1950s and 60s, there were over 4,000 drive-ins throughout the U.S. Today, Southern California is host to

Foodies rejoice. Your favorite DTLA restaurants are flinging open their doors and welcoming hungry patrons back to the table. From fine dining to burgers & beer, scrumptious brunches, and fantastic flavors from around the globe, LA's culinary culture is at your service!

Don your sturdy shoes, grab your water bottle, and go take a hike. You don't have to travel far to experience the great outdoors – LA is home to a wealth of spectacular parks and gardens that are easily accessible from DTLA. You'll discover everything from rugged woodlands

Here's a great opportunity to get a head start on your summer reading. DTLA bookstores are offering curbside pick up and online shopping. Check their websites for details, including in-store openings. Our city is a bibliophile's paradise - from local treasures like The Last

Now that the weather is getting warmer, there's nothing quite as satisfying as an ice cold beer! Thanks to the passion and dedication of local brewers and suds lovers with a mission, our city is awash in topflight craft breweries. From great lagers to awesome ales, sumptuous

Take a break for breakfast! Your favorite DTLA cafes and coffee spots are now open for pick up and delivery! Celebrate the weekend with scrumptious Belgian waffles smothered in fresh fruit, order up some wholesome baked goods to accompany your morning coffee, or indulge in a

Enjoy a taste of tiki, go hog wild at Hogwarts, or experience a magical candlelight concert - all from the comfort of home. Virtual experiences are bigger than ever, and the choices are almost limitless! Everything from online cocktail classes and craft fairs, to amusement p

What do Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal, Château de Versailles, and Machu Picchu all have in common? These breathtaking monuments have all been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, selects World Heri

What do MIT, MoMA and Martin Scorsese all have in common? Top universities, cultural institutions, and world-renowned experts in their field are offering online classes that you can access from the comfort of home. Digital platforms like MasterClass, Coursera and edX offer a

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans made their voices heard for a healthy, sustainable world and the modern environmental movement was born. Celebrate by communing with nature online. Some of the most beautiful gardens and parks are offering virtual tours and live stream

The Culture Beat goes on! Major arts organizations, including LA Phil, LA Opera, The Met, Hammer Museum, and The Broad, are offering free live streaming and access to their digital archives! Ordinarily, you might have to pay a hefty fee for some of these services, but in the

Spending more time at home is a great opportunity to up your workout game. All those hours you would have spent commuting or just racing around town can be transformed into a fresh new fitness routine that you can practice anytime, in the comfort of your own abode. Whatever

Step up to the plate! Your favorite DTLA restaurants and bars are now offering home delivery and curbside pick-up. From your breakfast coffee to a luscious lunch, delicious dinner, and even wine, beer and cocktails - they've got you covered! Many LA restaurants and bars are

Staying in doesn't mean you can't get your culture fix! Thanks to Google Street View and the Google Arts & Culture site, you can virtually visit some of t

According to ancient tradition, the expression March Madness referred to the erratic, tempestuous weather of the season, and the phenomenon of hares getting frisky in the spring. Lewis Carroll nods to this bunny cliché with his characters the Mad Hatter and the March Hare!

Spring is in the air! Time to spruce up your space with a fresh new look! One of the top 2020 Home Decor Trends is eye-popping color– such as Pantone's Color of the Year -

From its humble 19th century beginnings as Jean-Louis Vigne’s vineyard and later, an industrial center for railroads and manufacturing, the Arts District has evolved to become one of DTLA's hottest neighborhoods. In the 1970s, artists in search of cheap studio space began

We all love hearts & flowers. And we'll never turn down a decadent box of chocolates or romantic dinner à deux. But since 2020 is leap year, why not take the plunge and try something different this Valentine's Day! How about a wine tasting event with a breathtaking view

Let's face it, sometimes you just want to sink your teeth into a big ole juicy burger! Living in downtown LA, you don't have to travel far to wrap your chompers around some of the best hamburgers in town. From venerable icons like the Original Tommy's and George's Burger Sta

LA's Chinatown explodes in a fantasy of sights, sounds and colors during Chinese New Year – also known as Lunar New Year. This festive occasion is celebrated by more than 20% of the world, making it the most important holiday in China and for Chinese people all over the wo

Did you know that a trip to the theater, museum or art gallery could help you live longer? And the more often you get that culture fix the better, according to a new study from University C

This January, Los Angeles is an epicurean paradise, with tempting food festivals, enticing expos, and scrumptious special events to satisfy every craving! Check out restaurants you've been dying to try – at an affordable price – during dineLA Restaurant Week. Feeling adv

Celebrate the New Year communing with nature and discovering some of the city's best kept secrets! You don't have to travel far to start your adventure – LA contains a wealth of urban parks, hidden hiking trails, meditative environments, and obscure places. Did you know th

Making plans for New Year's Eve? Downtown LA is bubbling with great ways to party - from sophisticated entertainment and swanky soirées, to epic dance parties and decadent dinners. You can even take a ride on the SkySlide atop LA's tallest building – if you dare! So pop the cork, gr

Holiday shopping got you stumped? If you're looking for unique and eclectic gifts, DTLA is brimming with options to play Santa – and please everyone on your nice list. From family to fashionistas, bookworms, culture vultures, pet lovers, tiny tots, and even your geekiest frien

It's your time to sparkle and shine - and DTLA is all aglow with fabulous festivities to make your spirits bright! Join in song with hundreds of fellow revelers – plus a jazz combo, a choir, and the mighty pipe organ at the LA Phil Sing-Along. Thrill to the music of Mozart in LA Oper

We’re excited to officially announce that Mastro’s Ocean Club will be opening a new 14,000 square foot restaurant on the ground level of our Circa retail space in 2020, bringing a world class dining experience to ou

Thanksgiving is upon us! Still making plans? If cooking is not on your radar, your favorite DTLA restaurants are dishing up some fabulous fare to share with family and friends. Want to work it off before you gobble it up? Join thousands of runners and walkers at

Joie de vivre, French for joy of living, takes on a whole new meaning as the City of Light meets the City of Angels! For a bit of historical context, before Chinatown was Chinatown, it was Frenchtown. During the second half of the 19th century and into the 20th, the Frenc

The holidays are coming, and you know what that means – scrumptious calorie-laden feasts, endless carbs, and heaps of tempting sweets! But before you dive off the deep-end of the dining table, take some preemptive steps with a walking tour!

There's something about November that makes us want to celebrate! The weather is changing, and the air is crackling with anticipation for the busy season ahead. But before you dive down the holiday rabbit hole, take some time out for yourself. From wine and food events, to great music

Have you ever wondered why we carve pumpkins and get dressed up for Halloween? Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. The Irish brought th

Located at 317 S Broadway in the heart of DTLA, Grand Central Market has been a

Take a break for breakfast! A delicious, nutritious morning meal sets the tone and provides an energizing prelude to your busy day Whether you eating on the go, meeting with colleagues before work, or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch with friends, DTLA is a breakfast-lover's banquet

We're all hopped up for Oktoberfest! But did you know that Oktoberfest in Munich actually starts in September and ends in early October? Here's a bit of history: The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich on October 12, 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Theres

Circa residents are living at the epicenter of one of most exciting cities in the world! The fall season is firing up wth world-class live performances, rare exhibitions, and immersive experiences! So fire up your inner culture vulture and discover LA

Now that we're settling into autumn, with the busy holiday season looming ahead, the change of pace can wreak havoc on your equilibrium! It's time to rev up your energy, calm your senses, and renew your ch'i. A day of pampering at the spa is the perfect prescription for wellbeing, whet

Founded in the late 1800s, Little Tokyo has grown into a bustling hub of delectable food options, great nightlife, world-class museums, and eclectic shopping. A major attraction is the restaurant and bar scene, but Little Tokyo offers so much more than just great sushi, saki and Japane

We all know that Circa residents love to have fun! And downtown LA is bursting at the seams with amazing things to discover, taste and explore. From pop ups and immersive experiences to exotic food markets, a retro arcade extravaganza, and even a wack

Have you tried our personal concierge service, Hello Alfred? Circa has partnered with Hello Alfred to give you the help you need to get things done and reclaim your time — like grocery shopping (then putting it away in your home), dropping off and picking up your dry cleaning, sendin

We love Labor Day weekend! This three-day respite from the daily grind is your annual rite of passage from the waning days of summer to the fun fall days ahead. Created by the labor movement in the late 19th century, Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 to pay tribute to the cont

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Dog Days of summer are traditionally the 40 days beginning in July and ending in August which coincide with the dawn rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. The ancient Egyptians thought that the combined heat of Sirius and the Sun caused midsummerâ

Summer heat getting your down? Time to freshen up with a luscious fruit salad, colorful veggie platter, or thirst-quenching agua fresca – a chilled drink made of fresh fruit blended with water, lime juice, and a bit of sweetener. Try your hand at making a soul-satisfying ratatouille,

Hot summer days just scream for ice cream...or gelato, sorbet, and other chilled treats. Since ancient times, overheated humans have been preparing cold desserts and beverages by harvesting ice and storing it in caves and underground caches. Ice cream, which is typically made with milk

Time for a staycation! This summer, kick back, relax, and be a tourist in your own town! A vacation can be fabulous, but between all the crazy planning, logistics, and untethering from work, a staycation can be just as much fun, minus the stress - and certainly more affordable. Did you

In 1969, NASA launched its most daring mission - sending astronauts to land on the moon and returning them safely home. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the lunar surface, and cultural attractions across LA are celebrating one of humanity's greate

Lazy summer days are perfect for cracking into a good book! There's nothing like a juicy beach read, addictive mystery novel, or the latest bestseller to while away a sunny afternoon. DTLA is a bookworm's paradise - from the venerable Los Angeles Central Library to major specialty stor

Fourth of July weekend is around the corner– time to light up the night! The sky's the limit this Independence Day – from sensational skyscraper galas to rooftop pool parties, outdoor festivals, music under the stars, and fireworks galore. You can even take in a Dodgers game or two

There’s always something new to discover in the burgeoning Los Angeles food scene! Beyond the passing parade of restaurant openings, foodies can feast on an eclectic menu of tempting tasting festivals, piquant pop-ups, daring themed experiences, all-you-can-eat extravaganzas, and mor

Cocktails are going beyond the blender!  Mixology – the refined and in-depth study of the art and craft of mixing drinks – is diving deeper into the chemistry behind our favorite adult beverages. Top bartenders are creating innovative lib

Summer in the city has arrived! With balmy nights, idyllic afternoons, and lazy weekends ahead, LA has got you covered! From free concerts to food festivals, night markets, and cultural events, get ready for the best summer yet!

Mezcal is rising in popularity in American bars and tequila lovers are taking note. While the two Mexican spirits are both made from agave, there are key differences between these two beverages. Essentially, all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequilas. Tequila is a type

Memorial Day Weekend is the official kick off to summer! Shut down your computer, unplug your mind, and get ready for a three day party! From concerts to outdoor movies, dancing, cultural festivals, and tributes to our fallen heroes, you'll find the best Memorial Day Celebrations happe

Let's face it, sometimes you just want to sink your teeth into a juicy burger or succulent steak! Go ahead and indulge your carnivorous cravings. Meat has all the nine essential amino acids you need in order to build

Los Angeles is full of surprises...and this May is no exception! It's time to branch out and discover some new neighborhoods, venues and experiences. Fun and frolics abound if you just know where to look! From molecular cocktail making classes to money-themed pop ups, wacky immersive i

First settled in the late 1800s, Little Tokyo has grown into a bustling hub of delectable food options, exciting nightlife, world-class museums, and eclectic shopping. A major attraction is the restaurant and bar scene, offering an authentic Japanese experience in the heart of the city

Celebrate Earth Day by communing with nature! You don't have to travel far to get your green fix – our city is a variable Eden of urban parks, hidden hiking trails, mountain retreats, and gorgeous gardens, many within sight of the LA skyline! The Los Angeles River,  the original sou

Every city has its secrets and Downtown LA is no exception. If you dare to veer off the beaten path, you'll discover a hidden world lurking beneath historic buildings, down mysterious staircases, behind old wooden walls, and in the dark recesses of derelict parking lots. Once you figur

April is Earth Month! The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Twenty years later, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 m

The craft beer craze has taken LA by storm! Thanks to the passion and dedication of brewers and suds lovers with a mission, our city is awash in well-tended microbreweries, art-bedecked beer palaces, and industrial-cool taprooms. From great lagers to awesome ales, sumptuous stouts, an

This spring, LA is blooming with more than just wildflowers – new galleries, interactive exhibitions, and immersive experiences are popping up like poppies all across the Southland. Discover dazzling VR  and interactive installations at the

We've all sprung forward with Daylight Saving Time, and March 20 – the first day of Spring – is right around the corner. It's time to get out and celebrate the season with a Spring Fling! Take a hike and commune with the wildflowers – after all the heavy rains,

March is National Noodle Month! Time for a slurpy celebration of brothy ramen, brimming with palate-pleasing umami. While Little Tokyo is the obvious DTLA destination for authentic Japanese ramen, check out Chinatown, Grand Central Market, and other downtown LA neighborhoods, where you

Spring is in the air! Time to spruce up your space with a fresh new look! The top 2019 Interior Design Trends are hot off the presses at international design shows such as Paris' Maison et Objet,

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why scimp out! Jumpstart your busy schedule with classic American comfort food at a homey cafe. Or treat yourself to crispy Belgian Waffles topped with fresh fruit, along with a steaming cappuccino. Making weekend plans? Celebrate the

There's something about Valentine's Day that brings out the romance in all of us! February 14 first became associated with romantic love  in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th century England, Valentine's

Looking for something different to do in DTLA? Of course there's the expected slew of restaurant openings, hot new shops, and cool brewpubs––and who's complaining! But if you stray a bit off the beaten track, you'll find that our city is teeming with unusual diversions, fun frolics

Do you ever get the urge to dive into a big juicy sandwich, stacked a mile high and dripping with gastronomic goodness? How about whiling away a lazy Saturday morning over blueberry pancakes and a fresh brewed cup o' joe? Or do you prefer your meal with a side of noir?

Sure, we all love LACMA. And The Getty Center is always great, especially when you need to entertain out-of-town guests. But sometimes it's fun to branch out. LA is full of cool, unusual, and off-the-b

Once regarded as a "dad drink," whiskey has exploded in popularity in the last decade. Cool retro shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Crown and Mad Men have fueled an interest in all things mid century–how they lived, what they wore, and what they drank. The rediscovery of whis

With 2019 in full swing, it’s time to rev up your energy, calm your senses, and revitalize your ch’i for the exciting New Year ahead! Pampering yourself at the spa is the perfect prescription for wellbeing, whether it’s unwinding after a long stressful day at work, relieving post

Got plans for New Year's Eve? DTLA is bubbling with great ways to celebrate–from sophisticated enbtertainment and swanky soirèes, to epic dance parties and decadent dinners. You can even take a ride on the Skyslide atop LA's tallest building, if you dare! So get r

It's time to celebrate! You've decked the halls, your shopping is nearly finished, and everything is coming together at last! Now it's time to party! And no festivity would be complete without an effervescent bubbly, aromatic wine, or a well-chilled brew. Whether you're stocking up for

Art exhibitions don't have to be traditional, and the eclectic DTLA scene proves that point in spades, with festive holiday pop-ups, unique immersive experiences, and the popular Downtown Los Angeles Art

This holiday season, DTLA is truly a shopper's paradise! Big name brands are rubbing elbows with experiential stores, artsy concept shops, and an ever-passing parade of retail pop-ups. With so many options to choose from, it's a good thing December has just begun! He

Now that the weather is getting colder, we're battening down the hatches and spending more time inside, Hunker, a Santa Monica-based home design brand, has some fresh ideas on how to use houseplants to purify

With the holidays upon us, busy professionals like you may crave a sumptuous home-cooked meal or want to throw a fabulous soirée, but don't have the time (or motivation) to plan, prepare and execute. This season, consider hiring a private chef! Depending on your needs, private chef se

We love pets! Circa's breathtaking two-acre rooftop park and amenity collection includes large & small dog parks, and a pet lounge with grooming area. But sometimes you want to come down from your gleaming tower and mingle with the vibran

Bounded by Hill Street on the West, Los Angeles Street on the East, Third Street on the North, and Olympic Boulevard on the South, the Historic Core is one of LA's oldest and and most intriguing neighborhoods. A century ago, the intersection of Spring and Main was esse

Autumn weather is finally here! And there's nothing like a cozy wine bar to warm those chilly nights and keep your spirits bright! DTLA is flush with some of the city's best wine bars, serving unusual and hard to find bottles guaranteed to please the most discerning palates. Whether yo

Welcome to the Circa Blog! Every week we'll be sharing stories about everything you love about DTLA–from Arts & Culture to Culinary Hot Spots, Shopping, Architecture & Design, Hidden Gems, and so

Much anticipated Circa LA apartments is now ready for immediate move-ins into the premier high-rise downtown towers. Throughout much of August and September, the mixed-use towers pre-leased homes to prospective residents drawn to a DTLA lifestyle.