If you come to Mid-Wilshire, chances are you are visiting one of these locations–The Grove, The Original Farmers Market, and Museum Row. This neighborhood has an interesting mix of art, tourist sites, and tons of 1920s apartment buildings and homes. This Mid-Wilshire Neighborhood Guide gives you my favorite things to do, see, and eat in this area set in the middle of Los Angeles.
Table of Contents
What is Museum Row?
There are several museum campuses across Los Angeles; the most famous is Museum Row. This is an excellent collection of museums ranging from movies to prehistoric creatures. You can visit the La Brea Tar Pits Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Craft Contemporary, The Petersen Automotive Museum, and The Academy Museum in a few blocks. You will find galleries that are free and open to the public. It is possible here to art until you can’t art anymore.
Why Tourists Come to Mid-Wilshire
Why Tourists come to Mid-Wilshire
- They go shopping at the Grove. This outdoor mall is designed by the same folks who designed Downtown Disney. Tourists also come for celebrity events. This is where Taylor Swift hosted her era tour movie release.
- The Original Farmer’s Market–This icon has fed Angelenos since 1934. In its first incarnation, it was a place for farmers to sell their goods and produce; Now, it is an eating wonderland with Brazilian, French, Korean, and American food. There is something for everyone.
- Museum Row–To take photos at Chris Burden’s Urban Light and Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass on LACMA’s campus. The Academy Museum is also a big draw for tourists.
[Photo by: The Grove 'Clotee Allochuku", sourced from Wikimedia Commons.]
Why Locals Come to Mid-Wilshire
- They visit museums and attend museum programming like free concerts, actor and director talks, and classic car meet-ups.
- Go to popular brunch spots like Met Her at a Bar and Republique.
- Dig for great finds at the Melrose Trading Post.
- They work here–This is the home to many television networks and museums that employ thousands of people in Los Angeles.
- They live here—I think everyone in Los Angeles does a stint of living in this neighborhood, including me. There are tons of apartment buildings with tons of character and art deco details.
[Photo: Petersen Museum, @thisuglybeautifulcity]
This Ugly Beautiful City Tip
Have you ever wondered how to pronounce Los Angeles street names, neighborhoods, and museums? I have a little post for you.
Top five things to do in Museum Row
Number one: Visit all the museums and galleries. Don’t forget to check out CMay and Sprüth Magers across the street from LACMA.
Number two: Go to the Oscar Party at the Academy Museum . Look for the event on Oscar Sunday in the linked calendar.
Number three: Go to free summer jazz concert at LACMA, Q&As and movies at the Academy Museum, or group craft at the Craft Contemporary.
Number four: See celebrities at the Grove.
Number five: See a concert at the El Rey.
My Mid-Wilshire Favorites
- Coffee: Fanny’s
- Place to eat: Republique
- Best Happy Hour: Mercado--I have dreams about their choriqueso—it’s vegan! Note: This is the Los Angeles location.
- Best cocktails: Fanny’s again. They have a very interesting cocktail program with drinks named after your favorite movies.
BIPOC and Women-Owned businesses in Mid-Wilshire
- Republique–There is a husband and wife team behind Republique and its sister restaurants. Margarita Manzke is the creator all of the delicious pastries at Republique.
- Met Her at A Bar/Met Him at A Bar/Her Thai–Another husband and wife team bringing you three restaurants within a block featuring classic brunch, Italian, and home-style Thai food.
- Yuko Kitchen–This casual restaurant serves Japanese diner food and Japanese takes on California classics.
Getting around Mid-Wilshire
Everyone I know has lived in this area at one time or another, including me. I could do all of my errands on foot–including grocery shopping, buying clothes, getting a haircut, and seeing live music.
Walkability score: 89
Public transit options
This area is well-connected by public transportation, with buses on Fairfax connecting to Hollywood and buses on Wilshire connecting downtown to the ocean with stops at UCLA.
What neighborhood(s) to explore next
Hollywood Guide
My recommendations for things to do and places to eat in the most famous neighborhood in the world. This guide starts with the touristy spots everyone knows and reveals the hidden gems in the neighborhood that will help you stick around, from an Edo-era Japanese castle to the best Texas BBQ in Los Angeles.
I hope this Mid-Wilshire Neighborhood guide helps you explore this neighborhood full of art. I will add posts that give you a deep dive into this neighborhood soon. Subscribe to my newsletter to find out when those are added.
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