Get Spooked! LA’s Best Halloween Celebrations!

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 the tradition of carving jack-o-lanterns to America. But the original jack-o-lantern was not a pumpkin at all, because pumpkins did not exist in Ireland! Ancient Celtic cultures carved turnips and placed an ember in them to ward off evil spirits. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of fun activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes, and eating treats.

So let’s get spooked with LA’s best Halloween celebrations!

Psycho

LA Opera Psycho Live Ace Hotel 929 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Experience Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Psycho, featuring the LA Opera Orchestra, on the big screen with live violins taking the shower scene to a whole new level of creep! You know the story: a secretary on the run, an isolated motel, and an awkward guy with some serious mother issues. Shown in the cavernous Spanish-Gothic Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown LA, LA Opera’s got the spooky vibes fit for your perfect Halloween. Norman invites you to a killer after-party on October 25th and October 31st, included with your ticket. Are you brave enough to enter our costume contest on October 31st? The top three winners will receive a prize (if you make it out alive).

Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Organist Clark Wilson sets a haunting scene as he accompanies the 1923 silent film The Hunchback of Notre Dame, featuring a legendary performance from Lon Chaney. Get a guided tour of the evening’s music before your concert at Upbeat Live! Key thinkers and guest musicians – including members of the LA Phil – share their expertise and offer historical and cultural context for your program’s pieces, giving you a deeper understanding of the music. This free event is held in BP Hall, accessible after your ticket is scanned.

History of Horror

The Natural History of Horror Natural History Museum 900 W Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Just in time for Halloween, the Natural History Museum is presenting a spooky, homegrown Hollywood exhibition that reveals the science of the scary. Walk into the museum’s Grand Foyer, past a pair of dueling dinosaurs, toward the building’s northeast corner, and you’ll soon find yourself in a dark room flickering with hidden surprises. Your senses will tingle as you hear about the scientific experiments and discoveries that inspired filmmakers to create four of the world‘s most iconic movie monsters: the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and Dracula. Whether these classics spotlighted sinister figures lurking in the shadows or creatures waiting unseen beneath the water, one thing is true: Each larger-than-life character had a surprisingly rich real-world backstory.

Hallows Masquerade

Hallows Masquerade Redbird 114 East Second St. Los Angeles, CA

Redbird is presenting a Halloween Masquerade featuring food & drink, dancing & reverie, and music & theatrics for an unforgettable Halloween night!  Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana. Set in the upper chambers of Redbird, the Hallows Masquerade promises to be elegant evening of mystery and delight. Each ticket includes hors d’oeuvres by Redbird/Vibiana chef/owner Neal Fraser and cocktails by bar director Tobin Shea (cash bar). Music by Adam Freeland (The Acid), Jessica Tonder, Jonny Cota, Little Dinosaur, Metal Mother, Sorne and more. Costumes and masks are highly encouraged!

House of Spirits

House of Spirits 2218 S Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

Step inside the House of Spirits — a haunted cocktail soiree that is unlike any other party in town! Freely roam a mysterious mansion and experience a night of themed cocktails, macabre magic, sinister séances, tarot readings, strange roaming specters, live music, hidden secret games, giant Ouija boards and so much more! Within the walls of a decrepit and decaying house, a mad man nearing the end of his life painted six disturbing portraits depicting peculiar figures. Those paintings have become known as the Spirit Paintings, and that mad man was famed artist Francisco Vega. According to fragmented notes scribbled in his journals, Vega believed these paintings were the key to opening a doorway to another world. Perhaps he was right, for when he completed the sixth Spirit Painting, Vega disappeared somewhere inside the house and his remains have never been discovered.

Olvera Street

Dia de los Muertos Olvera Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

For over 30 years, the merchants on Olvera Street have celebrated Dia de los Muertos. The celebration has evolved to incorporate the pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan and Catholic rituals surrounding death. Dia de los Muertos at Olvera Street is the only celebration of its kind in Los Angeles – a nine day festival with altars on display, food, face painting, and entertainment throughout. Each night, a vibrant and colorful procession sets the stage for the ceremony. Dia de los Muertos is, in fact, a celebration of life – it is not a time to mourn our loved ones, rather it is a time to remember the lives they lead and the many things they enjoyed during that life.

Grand Park

Día de los Muertos Altars + Art Installations Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Grand Park celebrates the traditions of Día de los Muertos with an immersive display of compelling installations and artwork.! Guests can experience, discuss and learn about the traditions of Día de los Muertos and stroll through 40+ altars, curated by Self Help Graphics located throughout Grand Park, as well as the newly renovated Music Center Plaza. At the Music Center Plaza, view colorful swags of papel picado designed by artist Maricela Sosa as they adorn the Grand Avenue stairs and welcome visitors to the Plaza. The newly-renovated Plaza fountain will be lit in orange and yellow for the week as a nod to marigold flowers, ubiquitous on altars and throughout Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

A New Dia

A New Día Wisdome.LA 1147 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Estrella Jalisco presents A New Día. Día de Muertos reimagined at Wisdome.LA, the world’s first immersive art park. As you make your way from dome to dome and travel through this immersive art experience, you’ll be surrounded by stunningly vivid, colorful recreations of Día de Muertos. Learn about this respected holiday and share an experience with those around you, and put a new spin on Día de Muertos. When you’re done exploring, head around the corner to Zinc Cafe & Market, and show your A New Día ticket for access to exclusive cocktails and discounted appetizers!

Creep LA

Creep LA ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Creep LA is back! Presented by Just Fix It Productions, you are invited into the dark-heart of downtown with their fifth installment: HAUS OF CREEP. The roughly 60-minute multi-sensory exhibit brings you  into the world of Creep L.A., a darkly satirical and terrifying send-up of social media-driven culture. With the growing popularity of “grammable museums,” businesses and consumers are devouring art as a commodity. HAUS OF CREEP sets out to remind us that art is alive, and it can’t be restricted to a little square photo without dangerous consequences. HAUS guests will spend the hour roaming an avant-garde and nightmarish playground of over a dozen installations, witnessing grand shocking scenes as well as intimate scares. HAUS OF CREEP tells its story with a cast of 20 provocative characters and features a sultry lounge, small dark spaces, shadow plays, deranged puppet shows, and innovative analog installations by MEDIA POLLUTION.

Essential Guide to Downtown’s Grand Central Market

Located at 317 S Broadway in the heart of DTLA, Grand Central Market has been a downtown landmark since 1917. Bringing together the wealth of cuisines and cultures of Los Angeles, the Market provides a national-caliber eating experience that showcases California’s best ingredients, chefs, and entrepreneurs. The 30,000 square-foot arcade in the historic Homer Laughlin Building encompasses a food emporium and retail marketplace that continues to grow, by offering downtown a shared gathering place and a dynamic hub for public programming and events. With some 38 vendors, you’ll find everything from grocery essentials to prepared foods, sweets & treats, beverages, and even jewelry!

Here are a few of our favorites!

Eggslut

Eggslut Stall D-1

Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast at Eggslut. Founded in 2011, Eggslut is a chef driven, gourmet food concept inspired by a true love for eggs. The menu is a balance of comfort and innovation, celebrating food that appeals to both novice and extreme foodies through classic comfort fare with a twist, all encompassing the key ingredient  eggs. No longer just a breakfast staple, Eggslut make eggs appetizing all day, everyday.

La Fruiteria

La Frutería

What’s more refreshing than a bowl of delicious watermelon, jicama, mango or cucumber! La Frutería brings the Mexican street-snack tradition of spicy and healthy fruit cups that beat the plain,old fruit routine. This authentic Mexican frutería from the team behind Villa Moreliana and La Tostadería offers a wide assortment of exotic fruit salads, licuados (fruit shakes) and more. A highlight of the La Frutería menu are Biónicos, tasty bowls of seasonal fruits, drizzled with a combination of yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and Mexican crema. La Frutería is also the place for the best aguas frescas in town!

Lucky Bird

Lucky Bird

The market’s first-ever stall dedicated solely to fried chicken and its accoutrements, Lucky Bird features their famous citrus-brined chicken recipe developed by Chef/ Owner Chris Dane. Everything is made from scratch, from the buttermilk biscuits to the house made hot sauce. Ingredients are locally sourced to ensure the freshest and highest quality product, from Mary’s Organic Free Range Chickens to their organic produce and spices. Beverages include local craft beers. Happy Hour takes place Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to close!

McConnell's

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream Stall D-4

For 70 years, McConnell’s has been making dense and pure-flavored ice creams, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel – all made from scratch with a few, simple ingredients. McConnell’s mission is to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In the process, they aim to enrich and enliven the communities in which they operate, and leave the world just a little bit “sweeter” than they found it.

Ramen Hood

Ramen Hood

This ramen and pho shop by Chef Ilan Hall of The Gorbals is 100% vegan. The broth is made by simmering kelp and shiitake mushrooms to extract their maximum umami. Roasted sunflower seeds with white miso are combined with the kelp/mushroom stock, then the mixture is pressure cooked to release the natural oils and starches from the seeds. What’s left is a rich, creamy, broth that rivals it’s non-vegan counterparts flavor and texture. The “egg” is completely vegan, made in two parts using a little magic, so that the yolk pops just like the real thing!

DTLA Cheese

DTLA Cheese and Kitchen Stall A-7

DTLA Cheese is Downtown’s first full-service cheesemonger, specializing in domestic and imported cheese plates, griddle sandwiches and seasonal salads. DTLA Cheese is the passion of Lydia & Marnie Clarke and Chef Reed Herrick, who opened their first store in 2010 in the historic downtown Claremont Village with the mission to bring something exciting to the culinary forefront.

Torres Produce

Torres Produce Stall D-7

This is the perfect time of year to dust off your recipes for homemade soups, salads, snacks, and sides!  Stock up on healthy ingredients at Torres Produce, a produce stand offering a bountiful selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Wexlers

Wexler’s Deli Stall D-5

Wexler’s Deli stands for three things: tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Born of a desire to serve classic Jewish deli food made by people who care, Wexler’s uses old-school methods to handcraft their pastrami and smoked salmon. After curing in a special blend of salt and spices, the meats and fish are slowly smoked in-house over apple wood and sliced by hand in front of your eyes. Wexler’s also serves breakfast sandwiches, and a selection of sides including coleslaw, potato salad, egg salad and tuna salad. Wash it all down with a good old fashioned Chocolate Phosphate or Chocolate Egg Cream.

Belcampo Meat Co., butcher shop and restaurant at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, CA.

Belcampo Meat Stall F-9

Part country cafe and part full-service butcher shop, Belcampo Meat presents organic, grass-fed meats that have been raised on their own 10,000 acre ranch near Mount Shasta, and custom-butchered in house. Grab a seat at their modern-meets-retro counter service diner for breakfast or lunch. Indulge in the signature organic grass-fed burgers while people watching and enjoying a glass of beer or wine. Or stop by after work to pick up their ever-changing rotation of Grab & Go foods and convenient reheat & eat options to bring home for dinner.

Oyster Gourmet

The Oyster Gourmet Hill Street Platform

The Oyster Gourmet Kiosk is the realization of Christophe Happillon’s dream of creating a forum to share his passion for the oyster and the ocean. Designed by The Los Angeles Design Group, The Oyster Gourmet Kiosk was created to be a a hybrid restaurant and performance piece with Happillon on stage in the center, akin to the pearl within the oyster. The menu of the new Oyster Bar displays oysters, of course, but also clams, shrimp, sea urchin, and some raw fish. Most of the seafood is sourced from the West Coast, with each selection certified ecologically sustainable. 

G & B Coffee

G&B Coffee Stall C-19

From champion baristas Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski, G&B Coffee serves up coffees, espresso drinks, and teas selected from the world’s top roasters and farms. If you’re craving a special treat, G&B’s coffee milkshake and hop-infused carbonated ice tea are instant Market classics. Stop by for weekly cuppings every Tuesdays at 2pm to taste the range of G&B coffees from around the world. Parking Tip: Miraculous free 5 minute parking in the drop-off lane in front of the G&B stall.

 

DTLA’s Best Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots

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 of cool coffee shops, sumptuous brunch spots, and even some hidden gems!

Best Girl

Best Girl 927 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Named after the first film screened at the United Artists Theatre in 1927, Best Girl is DTLA’s local haunt featuring rotating seasonal fare and classic favorites. In partnership with James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Cimarusti, Best Girl’s menu is keenly inspired by Los Angeles’ history, culture and cuisines – an eclectic mix of globally influenced eats, featuring fresh, market-driven veggies, fruit, seafood and meats. The extensive breakfast menu presents market fruit salads, yogurt & granola, buckwheat pancakes, bagels, pastries, and a selection of hearty egg dishes. Sunday brunch offers even more opulent options including oysters, crab cakes, potato latke, steak & eggs, pozole verde, and Tonkatsu chicken sandwich.

Cafe Gratitude

Café Gratitude 300 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Café Gratitude is an expression of a world of plenty. and the food and people are a celebration of our aliveness. Café Gratitude selects the finest ingredients to honor the earth and ourselves, as we are one and the same. The restaurant supports local farmers, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and environmentally friendly products. The breakfast menu includes a healthy selection of gluten-free muffins, donuts, rolls, cookies and cakes, along with chia seed pudding, avocado toast, buckwheat flax pancakes, and taco plate. If you really want to rev up your morning, try the açai superfood bowl, with crispy quinoa cashew granola, coconut, forest berries, banana, ginger syrup, and your choice of 2 additions, such as hemp seeds, almond butter, coconut yogurt, inca berries, cacao nibs, or raw honey.

Dekkadance

Dekkadance 900 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Located on the 69th floor of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, Dekkadance presents a unique farm-to-fork international dining experience. True to its name, Dekkadence offers a truly decadent à la carte breakfast menu featuring Venice Toast (turmeric black sesame toast, California avocado mash, sun-dried tomato, sliced egg, radish), Tiramisu French Toast (french toast served with Grand Marnier & Kahlua maple syrup, espresso infused cream cheese & berry compote), and Classic Two Eggs Any Style (with choice of bacon, pork sausage, black forest ham, or chicken apple sausage). Sparkling Sunday Brunch includes endless sparkling wine, Mimosas, Peach Bellinis, and Kir Royales.

Buddy's

Buddy’s 363 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Ready for some classic affordable diner-inspired grub? Buddy’s, from the team that brought you Bernadette’s (right next door) is located at the corner of Broadway and 4th in the heart of downtown LA’s Historic Core, just steps away from Grand Central Market, Angel’s Flight, and the Metro red line. Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm, where you can feast on stick-to-your-ribs meals like French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, Tots Benedict (poached egg, breakfast sausage, spicy hollandaise, served on a bed of crispy tater tots), Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Breakfast Burrito, and Potato Hash. Lighter options include Bruschetta (tomato, avocado with white balsamic on a pair of small toasts), Overnight Oats, and a selection of seasonal fruit.

Nimbus Coffee

Nimbus Coffee 1115 S Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

The self-proclaimed place for wizards, witches and muggles alike, Nimbus Coffee is a fantasy-inspired cafe with a heavy dose of Harry Potter vibes. Nimbus Coffee expresses the vision of its owners as a unique establishment where coffee meets culture, offering the urban community delectable food and beverage in a photogenic setting that interweaves wizardry and Afro-centric artistry. The whimsical decor features books and travel trunks, some quirky portraits of real-life celebrities reimagined as wizards and witches, and in the back, you’ll find a wall filled with magic wands displayed below a cryptic neon sign.

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette 902 S Los Angeles St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Paris Baguette is an international, premium bakery-café specializing in yummy assortments of breads, pastries and cakes baked daily. Their mission is to bring happiness to everyone by adapting to people’s ever-expanding palates with decadent, unique and sophisticated baked goods. They serve a variety of treats ranging from coffee, tea, smoothies, and frappes, to appetizing snacks, delicious cakes for all occasions, and chef-inspired sandwiches and salads.

Nossa Familia

Nossa Familia Coffee 601 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Nestled in the historic lobby of the The CalEdison building, according to Eater LA, Nossa Familia might be the most gorgeous place to drink coffee in LA. Nossa Familia Coffee is a Portland, Oregon-based roaster founded in 2004 by Brazilian native Augusto Carneiro, whose family has been growing coffee in the highlands Brazil since the 1890s. Early on, all of Nossa Familia’s coffee was imported directly from his family’s farms, and today these Brazilian fazendas remain at the core of their direct coffee trade model. Over time, Nossa Familia has developed deeply-rooted relationships with coffee growers around the world, with excellent specialty coffees from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Kenya, and beyond.

Bon Temps

Bon Temps 712 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Set within the former Heinz testing kitchen in the DTLA Arts District, Bon Temps is an all-day restaurant from veteran pastry chef Lincoln Carson. Reimagining a modern French brasserie with industrial roots, Bon Temps’ menu is refined with an attention to detail that nods to Carson’s lineage working in internationally-acclaimed restaurants. Breakfast goodies include tantalizing pastries, croissants filled with cream cheese, kouign-amanns (Breton cakes) topped with caramel, and scones dotted with currants, or with cheddar spiked with flecks of jalapeño.

 

Get Your Gemütlich Game On! Oktoberfest is Here!

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 Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. After such a spectacular party, the happy couple decided that the same type of festival should be continued annually. Eventually the date was moved forward into September, primarily because of the chilly Bavarian weather. So don your dirndls, lace your lederhosen, and get ready to oom pah pah! Oktoberfest is here!

Alpine Village

Alpine Village 833 W Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90502

A little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California, Alpine Village was established in 1968 as a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, and has been the home of the oldest and biggest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California for over 50 years. Traditional Bavarian fun is supplied by Oom Pah Pah party bands, your appetite will sated by traditional German fare, and your thirst quenched by frothy German beers brewed by Paulaner. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Alpine Village Imports Market, featuring a huge array of German foods and interesting alcoholic beverages like Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating inside.

Wurstküche DTLA

Wurstküche DTLA 800 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Enjoy the Oktoberfest zeitgeist all year around at Wurstküche! Known as a purveyor of rare and exotic grilled sausages – from rabbit to rattlesnake – this popular joint also offers more mainstream meats such as Bratwurst, Bockwurst, Hot Italian sausage, Polish Kielbasa, and Louisiana Hot Links. Other indulgences include Belgian Fries (topped with White Truffle Glaze, if you dare to go there), Double Dipped Fries with your choice of sauce, and a very naughty Toasted Apple Pie Ice Cream Sandwich on oatmeal raisin cookies. Expect an extensive selection of draft and bottle beers from Belgium Germany, US and UK, along with a nice wine list. For a special treat, try a palate-cleansing, digestion-promoting Eau de Vie, such as the German favorite Underberg, or some fruitier fixes such as Blume Marillen Apricot, Kirschwasser (dry cherry brandy) or Pear Williams Purkhart.

LA Oktoberfest

LA Oktoberfest Millennium Biltmore Hotel 506 South Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Hoist your steins and hightail it to LA Oktoberfest. This fun festival features traditional food, an assortment of craft beers served by dirndl-donning beer maidens. lively tunes, and sing-alongs of old time drinking songs. LA Oktoberfest offers a vareity of ticket choices, so you can participate however you want. You can choose a 2 or 4 hour pass that includes a Glass Stein and unlimited refills for the whole event. If you like to do it in style then grab either a 2 or 4 hour pass, get your souvenir glass stein and unlimited refills!  The location also offers Pretzels  for sale. Valet Parking is available and Overnight Accommodations are offered at a special rate. Overnight accommodations include 2 complimentary VIP tickets to the LA Oktoberfest.

Uberfest

Uberfest! Oktoberfest at Brouwerij West 110 East 22nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90731

The most entertaining Oktoberfest in America comes to San Pedro! Oompah meets rock n’ roll as you fill up on mouth-watering sausages, pretzels, desserts and of course, beer. Festmeister Hans & Die Sauerkrauts Oompah will take the stage with Heino & Gretel, along with amazing song and dance leaders. Brouwerij West is brewing up a special Überfest beer for this occasion – BOOM BRAU – which will only be available this one time. Brouwerij West will also be pouring a limited selection of some of their favorite beers during the fest!

Craftoberfest

CraftoberFest Rose Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103

CraftoberFest Los Angeles is the premier Oktoberfest celebration of the season! With over 20 carefully curated craft breweries from the Southern California area, this food and drink festival will provide each guest with a delicious experience influenced by the world’s largest “Volksfest” (beer festival) in Germany. First-class restaurants will serve traditional and fan favorite foods influenced by this internationally loved holiday. Don’t miss out on your chance to spend the day on The Greens at the Rose Bowl Stadium, while delighting in some of the best beer and food Los Angeles has to offer.

Octubrefest

Octubrefest Smorgasburg LA 777 South Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA, 90021

Move over Oktoberfest, Smorgasburg LA is bringing you Octubrefest on Sunday, October 14. Celebrate LA’s diverse craft beer scene, with a Mexican twist. Ditch the lederhosen and the brats because Octubrefest will feature a selection of Mexican inspired craft beer, Mexican food specials, a selection of different michelada flavors, live DJs, and popup shopping vendors. Popup food vendors will be serving chorizo, Oaxacan sausage and Mexican food specials from the weekly Smorgasburg LA vendors. DJs Metralleta De Oro and friends will be spinning cumbia, latin, funk, 90’s hip hop, r&b & more; a perfect pairing for the craft beer selection.

DTLA Breweries

DTLA Breweries United Fest 101 Cider House 1700 Naud St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Now here’s a great deal for a good cause! On October 13th, DTLA Breweries United Fest brings together some of DTLA’s fave breweries including Mumford, Arts District, Boomtown, Indie, Dry River, Angel City, Karl Strauss, 101 Cider House, and Imperial Western. Your $45 ticket includes unlimited tastings and a commemorative glass. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Food is provided by A’s BBQ. For their safety, no pets or children are allowed.

Spa Spree! Relax, Revitalize, and Rejuvenate in DTLA

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, whether it’s unwinding after a long stressful day at work, relieving post-workout aches and pains, or looking your best for a special occasion. So treat yourself to a spa spree – and discover the best places to relax, revitalize, and rejuvenate in DTLA.

Desuar

Desuar Spa 220 W 5th St Basement Los Angeles, CA 90013

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, there is an oasis of calm exclusivity to balance the body and mind. Desuar Spa’s expansive state-of-the-art facility has been designed to deliver a fully immersive holistic health experience and unique atmosphere of well-being and relaxation. Guests have full access to the relaxation room and locker facility, and the spa provides bath robes and slippers for use in between services. Desuar also offers their special blend of herbal teas, along with other refreshments including complimentary wine. Beyond the usual massage and skin care treatments, Desuar offers the only Himalayan Salt Bed in Downtown LA, and exotic treatments such as the Cleopatra Soak (milk bath soak), Cannabis Soak, and Wine Soak. All soaks are done in a copper tub–the copper metal is bacteria and mold resistant, making it easy to maintain a clean and sanitary environment. Book appointment here.

Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton Spa The Ritz-Carlton 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015\

At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles, wellness is infused with red-carpet style. From arrivals marked by a glass of champagne to spaces inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, this luxury spa captures the sophistication of LA. Encompassing 8,000 square feet, The Ritz-Carlton Spa is the largest in downtown Los Angeles and features a couple’s suite, a co-ed sanctuary, a hair salon, a boutique and separate lounges with eucalyptus steam rooms and cold-plunge showers. Other offerings, like poolside yoga, complement traditional experiences for a quintessentially Angeleno spa day.

Omni

Omni Spa at Omni Los Angeles at California Plaza 251 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Relax at the end of a long day with a massage or facial from the experienced professionals at the Omni Spa at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza. Couples massages, facials, corporate chair massage, spa packages and poolside spa parties are just a few of the offerings from the beautiful and cozy spa by Be Well Incorporated. Be Well is a full-service holistic wellness team that specializes in the creation of customized wellness experiences that empower clients to be well – to exist in a state of balance through awareness and integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Frais

Frais Spa at The O Hotel 819 S. Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Calling itself the first “connected spa,” Frais Spa’s mission is to educate its clients and help them progress to improve their quality of life. Mixing an authentic spa-care experience with therapeutic expertise, Frais aims to redefine the relationship between spa, health professionals, clients and patients to provide a complete health benefit. Services include an array of massages, such as Tech Neck and Couples; Hot Stone Service; Organic Salt Foot Soak; and a variety of Scrubs, Wraps, and Facials. Frais also offers a Chiropractic and Acupuncture treatments, performed by licensed professionals. Book with the Frais app.

Hotbox

Hotbox Infrared Sauna Studio 835 S. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

Some like it hot! Developed in the 1970’s by Japanese health practitioners, Infrared saunas offer the same health benefits as the traditional Finnish variety, but provide a cooler, more gentle and soothing experience. Unlike Finnish convection saunas, which heat the body from the outside-in, infrared saunas heat the body from the inside-out, leaving the air more breathable and allowing for a longer sweat. According to the Mayo Clinic, no adverse effects have been reported with infrared saunas, and the lower temperature can make them accessible to people who can’t tolerate the heat of a conventional sauna. Infrared heat can also kill bacteria, creating a more sterile environment. During any Hotbox session, you can add Chromotherapy, the healing power of color. Choose a color based on your mood, such as Calm, Balance, Clarity, Inspired, and Optimism, and your private sauna will be filled with the electromagnetic flow of colored light.

Massage Envy

Massage Envy 315 West 9th St. Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90015

Need to find the perfect place for customized, affordable and convenient Los Angeles facials and massages? It’s right in your own backyard at Los Angeles Massage Envy. Professional massage or skin care services are performed by licensed therapists and estheticians who care about helping you look and feel your best!  Massage therapy can relax your muscles to help relieve common stress, boost overall energy, refresh your mental and emotional outlook and positively impact all aspects of your life. Professional skin care helps expose the skin to beneficial nutrients and improve the cellular regeneration process, so you’ll look and feel healthy. Open 7 days a week with late weeknight and weekend hours.