The rise of downtown, with the Staples Center and L.A. Live neighboring the convention center, has made the vibrant neighborhood a much appreciated alternative to Hollywood. As the city’s burgeoning epicenter for sports and entertainment, the area offers plenty to keep all ages engaged within a few blocks radius of the show. And for visitors looking to explore before or after the scheduled events at the Longines Masters, topnotch downtown destinations are just a quick hop, skip and a jump away.

 

For the best shopping that even draws the local Angeleno to the neighborhood, the corridor near South Broadway and 9th feature stores that are difficult to find elsewhere in the States. Parisian label A.P.C. (125 W. 9th Street) recently opened its third, and largest, Los Angeles location that features both men’s and women’s collections in a sleek and minimalist setting. Around the corner is OAK (910 S. Broadway). Hailing from NYC, the fashion-forward brand only has four locations—two in its hometown and two in LA. Then rub elbows with top stylists, celebrities and fashion bloggers at Acne Studios (855 S. Broadway), the only West Coast flagship store for the Swedish brand. 

 

Look your best at the Longines Masters after treating yourself to some of the city’s best beauty treatments. The Well (1006 S. Olive St.) is a hair and nail salon that also features the best indie fashion brands for the ultimate one-stop beauty and shopping destination. If you’re in search of nail art worthy of a red carpet, step into The Nail Parlor (125 E. 6th St.) for any design ever seen in a magazine or on a starlet. And to look your best for dining ringside and for the gala, be sure to book an appointment at Neihule Blow-Dry Bar (512 W. 7th St.) and leave the styling tools at home.

 

Spectators have easy access to exercise classes that are sure to keep fitness levels up even with time away from the home gym or barn. Pop Physique (523 W. 6th St.) is a barre workout, created in Los Angeles, that tones and lifts in all the right places. For the spinning fanatic, YAS DTLA (831 S. Hope St.) is a yoga and spin hybrid class that gives a new twist to the usual routine. And just a short drive away from downtown is Runyon Canyon Park (2000 N. Fuller Ave.) where a hike offers panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood sign—and the many celebrities that also use the trail as their training grounds.

 

Sight seekers interested in finding the hidden gems of DTLA should head to MacArthur Park Lake to view the newest art installation, from Ed and Bernie Massey, of floating, painted spheres set against the backdrop of downtown’s skyline. Another local artwork worth searching out is the rose fountain, made from Delft fine china especially for Lillian Disney, on the public grounds of the Walt Disney Concert Hall (111 S. Grand Ave.). And perhaps the best kept secret in town is the Los Angeles Flower Market (754 Wall St.), the largest flower market in the United States. The giant warehouse boasts brilliant displays of every variety of flower in season from around the world.

 

© David Sucsy