If you’ve ever said, “I’ve been to LA, but I only saw the inside of my hotel and event space,” this post is for you.

The thing about downtown work trips is they can blur together. You land, check in, eat whatever’s nearby, and leave without actually experiencing the city. But at some point, I started approaching work travel differently—carving out small rituals and tiny detours that shift the energy. Even something as simple as a great coffee or a quick art museum reset can make the trip feel more like yours.

I needed to balance out that workaholic grind energy — and start inserting more personality and character into my trips.

So, let’s get back to it. You probably didn’t choose to stay in Downtown LA. Maybe a client flew you out. Maybe your conference is at the hotel. Or maybe you just found a good Priceline deal and didn’t know better. Don’t worry 😊 I’ve been there.

I’ve had quite a few visits to LA over the course of my life—but more recently, my trips were all work-related: quick in-and-outs, meetings downtown, and the kind of travel that feels more functional than fun. Still, I’m all about making the most of it. Between calls and calendar blocks, I always try to find the one or two things that help me feel grounded, inspired, or just… human.

At the time, I was also scoping out the West Coast more broadly—curious about what it might look like to relocate to LA or San Francisco. And I swear, every Uber driver I talked to had an opinion—usually defending their city and playfully roasting the other. 😂

After a few trips—and some earlier explorations of LA—I started to get the rhythm of it. Downtown LA is its own personality. It’s not where the locals hang, and it’s definitely not the place you go to romanticize your life (unless maybe you’re doing it at the museum). It reminds me of other downtowns, like Atlanta—busy during the day, then oddly quiet (and sometimes sketchy) at night. You go for a purpose, not as a regular.

But if you do find yourself staying there? Here’s how I’d do it after a few work trips.

🏨 Where to Stay

I’m a fan of the Marriott Autograph Collection, and Hotel Per La (formerly the Nomad) is my top pick downtown. I’ve stayed there under both names—still a great vibe. If you’re looking for something boutique-y and aesthetic, Hotel Figueroa is another solid option. I haven’t stayed overnight, but I’ve had lunch at Café Fig, and the energy was on point as well.

If you’re a loyalty traveler and book based on points, the Intercontinental DTLA is solid—towering views, amenities, but it feels a bit cookie cutter to me room-wise. The views are amazing—but be warned: the elevator setup is a bit of a loop (lobby on one floor, rooms on another), and the rideshare pickup process can feel a little chaotic. I’d recommend budgeting a few extra minutes into your comings and goings.

PS. If I were visiting LA for fun, I’d stay in an entirely different neighborhood like Silver Lake.

🍳Breakfast & The Morning Beverage

If you’re not eating at the hotel, start your day at Kumquat Coffee—a small, intentional spot that’s both creative & precise. Their drinks are dialed in with the kind of mastery I always appreciate.

Let this be your moment to ritualize what might have been a forgettable, rushed Starbucks run (no hate – I love a good Starbucks, but… time & place)… You’re there for work, but how you begin the day is still yours – this is your moment to intentionally decide how you want to feel… & a good morning beverage can support that all day, everyday. It can also carry you through hours of calls, meetings, and airport traffic delays. Don’t underestimate it.

For something classic, head to Grand Central Market and try Eggslut—yes, that’s the name, but the sandwich is worth the line at least once.

If you’re staying at Hotel Per La, the on-site Ristorante Per L’ora is a solid and convenient option—especially if you need to eat before (or during) your first call of the day (on mute 😉).

And honestly? Getting Erewhon delivery to your hotel is a real move if you’re feeling jet-lagged and want to feel like that girl without even leaving the room. Alfred Coffee delivered to the room? Also acceptable behavior. 😗

Lunch Breaks That Don’t Suck & Afternoon Activities

For lunch, we’re being practical. I quickly became a fan of Mendocino Farms—especially for a solo salad situation or team lunch catering. It always slapped. Reliable, fast, fresh—sometimes that’s what’s needed. BUT also this guide is fantastic & something i’d go off of on my next trip.

⏳ Midday Resets & Creative Detours

If you have a little downtime—or want to break up the “eat at desk, repeat” routine—there are some worthwhile midday resets that don’t require a full afternoon off.

The Grammy Museum is still top of my list (and yes, I’m slightly bummed I haven’t made it yet). It’s a low-effort option that still feels inspiring—great for solo wandering or even a light-touch team outing. Just double-check their operating hours—they’re closed Tuesdays.

If you’re feeling playful, yes—we once took a party bus to Top Golf. No notes.

Depending on your schedule, you could always Uber out of downtown and hit a museum in another part of the city—or even sneak away to the beach. Sometimes the best use of your midday break is exploring a neighborhood you might want to stay in next time.

Bottom line: You don’t need to plan an epic excursion. Just give yourself a moment—even if it’s a longer lunch, an offsite meeting, or a creative reset between back-to-back Zooms. The energy will shift how you (and your team) experience each other. Mood? Instantly elevated.

🍽 Dinner: Choose Your Adventure

If you’re heading out, San Laurel by José Andrés is at the top of my list for next time. I have loved living near his restaurants in the D.C. area and feel lucky to have experienced the amazing food—perfect for a client dinner or a treat-yourself solo night. If that’s not your vibe, I would recommend checking Eater LA for current recs; their downtown list stays up to date and covers a wide range of vibes.

Not leaving the hotel? Been there. That’s when I go into full room service mode—with intention. Order Goop Kitchen delivery and knock out some work in the room (or don’t). Robe on – put on your downloaded show & turn on DND.

Still have energy and want a shift? Use dinner as an excuse to Uber into another neighborhood. A dinner in Silver Lake or Venice could change the entire tone of your trip—and give you a glimpse into what life might feel like in another corner of LA, where you might just wanna stay awhile.

⚠️ A quick word on safety:

This is very real—especially if you’re traveling solo as a female. I don’t walk around Downtown LA at night, period. I usually take Uber Comfort or Black after dark, and I stick to pubic places, well-lit routes, and well known restaurants if I’m not meeting someone. Daytime feels totally manageable, but be smart about movement after sunset.

Until Next Time….

DTLA may not be the dreamiest LA neighborhood, but if you find yourself here for work, an event, or just by happenstance, it doesn’t have to be a drag.. It can still be a reset, a vibe, or a soft place to land between the week of events. With the right hotel, a solid coffee order, and a few intentional outings, it’s totally possible to turn a functional trip into a memorable one.

Treat DTLA like your basecamp, not your whole trip. Rest where it’s practical, but give yourself permission to explore beyond the high-rises. Whether it’s a rooftop dinner, a creative reset in Silver Lake, or a quick Uber to the coast, LA still has plenty to offer—even if your hotel’s in the thick of downtown.

If you’re someone who usually sees nothing but the inside of a hotel and the back of an Uber, I get it. But this is your reminder that even the most functional trip can hold little moments of wonder—if you’re willing to claim them.
You deserve more than autopilot. So take the detour. Walk to coffee. Order the fancy dinner. Let the city leave a mark.

Remember: just because you didn’t choose DTLA doesn’t mean you can’t choose how you move through it.

And if you’re in a season where you’re craving more than detours—maybe a deeper shift in rhythm, direction, or creative alignment—I offer Pathfinding Sessions: 1:1 sessions to help you reconnect to what matters and move forward with clarity. Whether you’re considering a location change, a career pivot, or just feel like something’s… off, this is a space to sort it out with intention.