So You're at USC... Now What? The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Best of LA
Hey everyone! So you're a Trojan, or maybe you're just visiting the University of Southern California campus & wondering what's good in the area. Let me tell you, you’ve landed in a pretty amazing spot. LA is a city that’s literally overflowing with things to do, & the area around USC is no exception. It’s this awesome mix of history, culture, food, & straight-up fun.
Honestly, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to even start. But don't you worry, I've got you covered. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood guide to all the cool stuff you can get into, both right next to campus & a short trip away. We’re going to dive deep into everything from world-class museums to hidden gem food spots & epic outdoor adventures.
And a quick pro-tip before we jump in: getting around LA can be a headache, especially with parking. It's notoriously tricky & can get expensive. If you're driving to any of these spots, you might want to check out an app called Prked. It's a lifesaver. People rent out their private driveways & garages for parking, so you can often find a convenient & much more affordable spot than a traditional lot. It’s a pretty clever solution to a classic LA problem.
Alright, let's get into the good stuff.
Immerse Yourself in Culture: Museums & Art Right at Your Doorstep
One of the absolute BEST things about being at USC is your proximity to Exposition Park. It's literally across the street & it’s a cultural goldmine. You could spend days exploring this area alone.
Exposition Park: A Universe of Discovery
California Science Center: This place is a must-see, & the best part? General admission is FREE. It's an incredible interactive museum where you can get lost for hours. They have everything from exhibits on space exploration & ecosystems to the science of the human body. The crown jewel, without a doubt, is the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seeing a real-life space shuttle up close is just one of those awe-inspiring moments. They also have an IMAX theater that shows some mind-blowing documentaries.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Right next door to the Science Center is the Natural History Museum. If you're into dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, or just cool artifacts, this place is for you. They have an amazing Dinosaur Hall with towering skeletons that will make you feel tiny. They also have a beautiful Gem & Mineral Hall, & a super cool Nature Lab where you can get up close with local wildlife. In the spring & summer, they have a butterfly pavilion that is absolutely magical, & in the fall, it turns into a spider pavilion, which is... well, it's something! USC students can get discounted admission, so make sure to bring your student ID.
California African American Museum (CAAM): Also in Exposition Park, CAAM is a fantastic museum dedicated to the art, history, & culture of African Americans, with a special focus on California & the western United States. Their exhibitions are always thought-provoking & powerful, showcasing everything from contemporary art to historical archives. They also host a ton of great events, like workshops, lectures, & even concerts. It’s a really vibrant & important cultural institution.
USC Fisher Museum of Art: You don't even have to leave campus for this one! The Fisher Museum is USC's very own art museum, & it's actually the first art museum that was established in Los Angeles. It has a diverse collection that spans from Old Master paintings to contemporary works. You can see art from the 16th century right up to today. Admission is free, & it's a great way to get a dose of culture in between classes. They have rotating exhibitions, so there's always something new to see.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: Keep your eyes peeled for this one. George Lucas (yes, the Star Wars guy) & his wife Mellody Hobson are building a brand new museum right in Exposition Park. It's going to be dedicated to the art of storytelling, with everything from paintings & illustrations to comic art &, of course, cinematic arts. It's not open yet, but it's going to be a HUGE addition to the neighborhood.
Beyond the Park: More Artistic Adventures
DTLA Art Walk: On the second Thursday of every month, Downtown LA comes alive with the DTLA Art Walk. It’s a self-guided tour of art galleries, studios, & cultural institutions. It's a really fun & vibrant atmosphere, with street art, food trucks, & a great community vibe. It's a fantastic way to experience the local art scene & discover new artists.
The Getty Center: Okay, this one is a bit of a trek, but it is SO worth it. The Getty Center is perched on a hill in Brentwood, & the views of the city are absolutely breathtaking. The museum itself is an architectural masterpiece, & the art collection is world-class, with everything from European paintings to photography. The gardens are also stunning & a perfect place for a peaceful stroll. Admission is free, but you do have to pay for parking.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): LACMA is another iconic LA museum, famous for its "Urban Light" installation of vintage street lamps that you've probably seen on Instagram. It's the largest art museum in the western United States, so you can imagine the variety of art they have. They have collections from all over the world & spanning all of history. They sometimes have free admission days for students, so keep an eye out for those.
Getting Some Fresh Air: Parks, Gardens, & Outdoor Escapes
Sometimes you just need a break from the hustle & bustle of city life. Luckily, there are plenty of green spaces & outdoor activities to enjoy near USC.
Right in the Neighborhood
Exposition Park Rose Garden: This is another gem right across from campus. It's a beautiful & historic rose garden with over 15,000 rose bushes of about 200 different varieties. It's a peaceful & fragrant oasis, perfect for a quiet walk, a picnic, or just sitting on a bench with a good book. It's one of those simple pleasures that can really make your day better. A million people visit it each year, & for good reason!
Griffith Park: This is one of the largest urban parks in the country, & it's a fantastic place to spend a day. You can go for a hike on one of the many trails, have a picnic, or visit the iconic Griffith Observatory. The observatory offers stunning views of the city & the Hollywood Sign, & admission to the building & grounds is free. You can even look through their powerful telescopes on clear nights.
Echo Park Lake: A short drive from campus, Echo Park Lake is a lovely spot with a great view of the downtown skyline. You can rent a swan pedal boat & cruise around the lake, or just take a leisurely walk around the perimeter. It's a popular spot for locals & a great place to people-watch.
A Little Farther Afield: Day Trips to the Coast
If you're craving some sun, sand, & surf, you're in luck. LA's famous beaches are just a drive away.
Santa Monica Beach & Pier: This is a classic LA experience. You can relax on the sand, take a dip in the ocean, or walk down the iconic pier with its amusement park, aquarium, & street performers. It's a lively & fun atmosphere, perfect for a weekend adventure.
Venice Beach: Just south of Santa Monica, Venice is a whole different vibe. It's known for its eclectic boardwalk, with its street performers, artists, & quirky shops. You can also check out the famous Muscle Beach, the skate park, & the beautiful Venice Canals.
Malibu: If you're looking for a more scenic & rugged coastline, head to Malibu. There are some beautiful beaches like El Matador State Beach, with its dramatic sea stacks & caves. It's a great place for a hike, a picnic, or just enjoying the natural beauty of the California coast.
Fueling Your Adventures: The Best Food & Nightlife Near Campus
Let's be real, a big part of the college experience is the food & the nightlife. And you are in for a treat near USC. The area is a melting pot of cultures, & that's reflected in the amazing variety of food you can find.
Casual Eats & Student Favorites
Figueroa Street: "Fig" is a hub of fast-food & casual eateries right next to campus. You'll find all the go-to spots for a quick & affordable bite.
El Huero's: This 24/7 Mexican spot is a USC institution. It's the perfect place for a late-night burrito after a study session or a night out. Their green sauce is legendary.
Chano's: Another classic drive-thru Mexican spot that's been serving Trojans for decades. It's a rite of passage to have a late-night meal here.
The 901 Bar & Grill (The "9-0"): This is THE USC bar. It's right across from the fraternity & sorority row, & it's pretty much always packed with students. It's a dive bar in the best way possible, & it's a quintessential part of the USC social scene.
A Step Up: Great Restaurants for a Nicer Meal
Bacari West Adams: This is a fantastic spot for a date night or a dinner with friends. It's a lively restaurant with a great patio & a menu of Mediterranean-inspired small plates. They also have a great wine & cocktail list.
The Palm Los Angeles: Located in a former toy factory, The Palm is a classic steakhouse with a fun, youthful vibe. It's known for its caricatures of famous patrons on the walls, a tradition that started in their original New York location. It's a bit of a splurge, but the steaks & lobster are top-notch.
Fixins Soul Kitchen: If you're craving some delicious, authentic soul food, this is your spot. They have all the classics, like fried chicken, mac & cheese, & collard greens. It's comfort food at its finest.
Cara Cara: For a truly special experience, head to this rooftop bar & restaurant in Downtown LA. The views of the city are incredible, & the food is just as impressive. It's a great place to go for a special occasion.
Exploring LA's Food Scene
Grand Central Market: A short drive downtown, this historic food hall is a paradise for foodies. You can find everything from tacos & pupusas to gourmet burgers & ramen. It's a bustling & exciting place to explore & sample a ton of different cuisines.
Leimert Park Village: Take a trip to this vibrant, Afrocentric neighborhood to support Black-owned businesses & experience some amazing culture. You can find delicious food, unique shops, & a thriving arts scene.
Entertainment & Live Events: Never a Dull Moment
From sold-out concerts to free campus events, there's always something happening around USC.
On-Campus & Right Next Door
Galen Center: This is USC's on-campus arena & home to the Trojan basketball & volleyball teams. It also hosts concerts, comedy shows, & other big events throughout the year.
Tommy's Place: Located in the basement of the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, Tommy's Place is USC's very own underground concert venue. They have free shows, open mic nights, comedy, & more. It's a great place to discover new student & local bands.
Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall: This historic venue is right next to campus & hosts a wide range of events, from major concerts & award shows (like the SAG Awards) to electronic music festivals.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: Home to USC Trojans football, the Coliseum is a legendary stadium with a rich history. Going to a football game here is an experience you'll never forget. It also hosts major concerts & other sporting events.
The Best of LA's Live Music Scene
The Hollywood Bowl: This iconic outdoor amphitheater is one of the most magical places to see a concert in LA. It's the summer home of the LA Philharmonic, but they have a huge variety of acts throughout the season, from rock & pop to jazz & film screenings with a live orchestra.
The Greek Theatre: Nestled in Griffith Park, the Greek is another beautiful outdoor venue. It's a more intimate setting than the Bowl, & it's a fantastic place to see a show on a warm summer night.
The Wiltern: This stunning Art Deco theater in Koreatown hosts a great mix of indie rock, pop, & comedy. It's a beautiful venue with a classic Hollywood feel.
The Fonda Theatre: Another historic Hollywood theater with a great lineup of indie & alternative bands. They have a rooftop patio where you can get some fresh air during the show.
Beyond the Campus: Storing Your Extra Stuff
One last thing to think about, especially if you're a student living in a dorm or a small apartment, is space. It can be tough to find a place for all your stuff, especially during summer break or if you're studying abroad.
This is another area where a little creative thinking can go a long way. Instead of a traditional, expensive storage unit, you could use a service like Prked. Just like with parking, people rent out their unused space for storage. You could find a spot in someone's garage, attic, or even a spare closet. It's a more affordable & often more convenient option, especially for short-term storage needs. Pretty cool, right?
So there you have it! A pretty epic list of things to see, do, eat, & experience near USC. I hope this was helpful & gets you excited to explore this amazing city. Go out there & make some memories! Let me know what you think, & if you find any other cool spots, be sure to share.
