Downtown LA Edition
- Jenna Flexner
- Feb 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 17
FOOD & FUN in DTLA!
(Downtown Los Angeles)
Architectural Tour of DTLA
Historic Core Walking Tour (so many cool things to see!)
Sometimes I love to pretend like I'm a tourist in LA and dig into what makes this city so special, and this month, downtown was calling my name. My Downtown Tour is broken into 3 parts.
If you go, each tour should take about 2 - 3 hours, with leisurely stops along the way. For a professionally guided tour, I highly recommend taking the LA Conservancy Walking Tour: https://www.laconservancy.org/tours-e...
Personally, I like to explore on my own and duck into secret spots for a bite. I downloaded, printed and followed this Self-Guided LA Conservancy Walking Tour: https://www.laconservancy.org/wp-cont...
And we're off! Here are the places I visited:
1. MY DOWNTOWN LA WALKING TOUR (First 6 minutes 36 seconds). My tour will take you to the most interesting OLD LA spots!
A. Aquarela Coffee Shop. "The most beautiful coffee shop in LA".
B. Grand Central Market. "Best food court in LA" A fabulous historic food court with actual, authentic food vendors from LA's diverse food scene.
C. The Bradbury Building. "One of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in LA".
D. The Last Bookstore. "The most unique and beautiful bookstore in LA".
E. Broadway/Spring St. Arcade. "My best kept secret historic place in LA".
F. St. Vincent Court. "My secret alley food haven."
G. The Eastern Columbia Building. "My most beautiful Art Deco building in LA."
2. THE BROADWAY THEATER DISTRICT (Minute 6:37) The FABULOUS Golden Age Theater Houses on Broadway built 1907 to 1931. An architectural treasure, it is the largest remaining concentration of historic movie theaters in the United States! The District contains 12 historic movie palaces built along a seven-block stretch.
3. THE OLD BANK DISTRICT (Minute 8:33) This is a group of early 20th century commercial buildings, many along Spring St., many of which have been converted into residential (loft) use. See our article below of the Last Bookstore in the Crocker Citizens National Bank constructed in 1914.
We would love to hear your thoughts! Enjoy! -Erik and Jenna
FLEXNER'S FAMILY FUN GUIDE
THE LAST BOOKSTORE
(A magical literary wonderland, and great for families too!)
Located inside the historic Spring Arts Tower in downtown Los Angeles, The Last Bookstore is much more than a place to buy books — it’s a true cultural landmark. It was originally the Crocker Citizens National Bank constructed in 1914. Designed by architects Parkinson & Bergstrom, it is a registered Historic-Cultural Monument featuring early 20th-century architecture and an ornate, marble-clad lobby. The bookstore grew from a small downtown loft into California’s largest independent new and used bookstore, now filling a stunning former bank building with soaring columns and timeless architectural details.
Stepping inside almost feels like entering a storybook. The massive space is thoughtfully designed with cozy reading nooks, creative displays, and hidden corners that peak your interest. One of its most famous features is the iconic book tunnel, an archway made entirely of books that attracts visitors of all ages and has become a favorite photo spot.
Upstairs, the mezzanine offers a maze-like layout filled with bargain books, art installations, and unique finds. From children’s books and graphic novels to vinyl records and rare editions, there’s something to spark curiosity for every member of the family. I even found some books by my ancestors! (Brag moment, and this one's for you Peter: James Thomas Flexner wrote one of the great works on George Washington, earning him special Pulitzer Prize citation).
What makes The Last Bookstore especially great for a family outing is how it blends learning, creativity, and fun — all in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Admission is free, browsing is encouraged, and kids can explore while adults soak in the history and atmosphere. Pair your visit with nearby galleries or a meal downtown, and you have an easy, memorable day out that celebrates imagination and discovery. Brick and mortar bookstores are few and far between these days, and this one is not to be missed!
📍 Address: 453 S Spring St – Ground Floor Los Angeles, CA 90013 — right near the corner of Spring and 5th Street in the historic Spring Arts Tower.
📞 Phone: (213) 488-0599
🕰 Store Hours: Sunday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily)
ERIK AND JENNA'S
ENTERTAINMENT PICKS
LA Confidential
Set in Downtown Los Angeles, and an oldie but a goodie!
(by Jenna)
In keeping with this month's DTLA theme, we recently rewatched LA Confidential (1997), and were struck by how it manages to feel both nostalgic and timely at the same time. We love the classic noir style—1950s fashion, old Hollywood glamour, and vintage Downtown Los Angeles locations—a feast of pure nostalgia. At the same time, the film’s themes of corruption, media manipulation, and institutional power feels uncomfortably relevant, making it clear these issues aren’t confined to the past.
Set largely in Downtown Los Angeles, the movie uses historical landmarks like Los Angeles City Hall and the Bradbury Building, as well as surrounding downtown streets to as it's backdrop. The story is set in 1950's Los Angeles, and as corruption grows, the story follows three detectives, one straight-laced, one brutal, and one sleazy, as they investigate a series of murders with their own brand of justice. Starring Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, and Kim Basinger, the film was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won two: Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is stylish, tense, and smartly written, and the tension between old-school style and modern concerns is part of what makes the movie still resonate today. It is definitely worth a watch, or a re-watch! :)
We love hearing from past clients, and meeting new ones! We are happy to be a resource for any real estate needs, so don't hesitate to reach out.
Until the next adventure,
- Erik & Jenna
ERIK AND JENNA'S CONTRACTOR LIST
-Would you like a copy of our newly updated recommended contractor list of service providers? (75+ good people) Just CONTACT US for a copy! (snippet below)
-Let us know if you need anything else!
Erik Flexner
DRE# 01352476
Broker Assoc.
M: 310.254.2285
Jenna Flexner
DRE# 01779858
M: 310.367.8280
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