Los Angeles Tourism

We're proud to share the Kind Traveler x Los Angeles Tourism/LATMD Every Stay Gives Back program to support The Change Reaction’s Wildfire Direct Giving Fund.

Your stay helps rebuild the lives of those impacted by wildfires. This community-powered initiative provides immediate and direct financial assistance to Los Angeles residents recovering from devastating wildfires. Funds are distributed through a trusted network of local nonprofits, social workers, faith-based organizations, and city agencies, ensuring that 100% of funds go directly into the hands of those who need it most. From replacing lost essential items to supporting temporary housing and emergency expenses, your travel dollars help restore dignity and stability for wildfire survivors in L.A. County. 

 

Lodging Partners 

 

    

Kind Factors

What Makes L.A. Kind

Dubbed “The #1 Solar City in America” travelers will appreciate thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails creating carbon-free amusement, 75 miles of sunny coastline, vibrant multi-cultural neighborhoods, 50+ farmers’ markets, farm-to-table & plant-based dining galore, a large diversity of wildlife and conservation initiatives throughout the city, and many Earth-friendly attractions such as Griffith Observatory and more. Los Angeles has a vast amount of natural open space, more than 214,000 acres, including the nation’s largest municipal park – the 4,014-acre Griffith Park – plus 22 miles of beaches in addition to countless parks and recreation areas. From Venice’s lively bohemian beach vibes to Koreatown’s authentic dining, the Downtown Arts District’s pulsing culture, and the city's upscale Westside communities, Los Angeles is a drink best sipped slowly and cherished. 

Los Angeles is home to an abundance of top nature reserves, national parks, forest, and gardens including Fern Dell Nature Preserve with its natural springs, the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserves, Descanso Gardens and the 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest. 

Situated in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States.
Conscious Culture 

Los Angeles has more museums and theaters than any other U.S. city, in addition to its thriving music and gallery scene. A few of LA's must see museums include The Broad in Downtown L.A., Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA), The Getty Center in Brentwood, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on Museum Row. LACMA is the largest museum in the western United States and houses a collection that includes nearly 130,000 objects dating from antiquity to the present, not to mention the world-famous “Urban Lights” exhibition (enjoy free admission on the 2nd Tuesday of every month). The glitz and glamour continue with the addition of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.  The nation’s first and largest museum is devoted entirely to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking opened to the public in September 2021 and has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for Building Design and Construction. Set the soundtrack for your visit and choose an LA Philharmonic performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall or an outdoor concert (with a picnic) at the Hollywood Bowl.

Join a monthly art walk or enjoy a spontaneous stroll through the Arts District to discover the latest street art. Books, film, live painting, performance, opera, whatever you call art, L.A. does it with style. 

Another standout conscious culture experience in L.A. includes a visit to the Natural History Museum, a place where nature, people, and science connect. Find community science programs engaging citizens to be active participants with nature conservation, nature gardens with 600+ plant species, and many rotating special exhibitions. Don’t miss its sister property – La Brea Tar Pits and Museum – dubbed "the gateway back to the Ice Age, right in the heart of L.A."
Dine & Shop with the Planet in Mind

Farm-to-Closet

 

You can shop ‘til you drop for eco-friendly products in L.A. from designer shoes made from tree sap to contemporary furniture crafted from recycled materials, green is the new black all over town. Christy Dawn, a leader and innovator of regenerative & ethical cotton, has its flagship boutique on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach. Explore its Farm-to-Closet collection that utilizes healthy, regenerative cotton harvested from indigenous practices and regenerative agriculture. Directly addressing climate change, they’ve drawn down more than 1 million tons of carbon from the atmosphere.

Zero-Waste Stores

L.A. is home to some of the best reviewed zero waste and bulk food stories reflecting the city’s vested interest in banning single-use plastics and reimaging food systems. Check out Sustain LA in Highland Park, a female-run, plastic free hub that’s been dubbed one of the best zero waste stores in L.A. In Pasadena, find more inspiration at My Zero Waste Store (with a popular online store, too) founded by anti-plastic activist, Cheryl Auger.

Kind Eats & Drinks

Be sure to bring your appetite because Los Angeles has one the most diverse dining scenes in the country, if not the world. You can have street tacos for lunch followed by a Michelin star dinner any day of the week. For those choosing to dine on the kinder side, L.A. has vegan hot spots in nearly every neighborhood. LA’s chefs are leading the charge for sustainable food and environmentally sustainable restaurant practices. Crossroads Kitchen in West Hollywood is where you’re sure to be dazzled by the sights (celebs flock to this joint) and the tastes. Plant Food + Wine on fashionable Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice serves locally sourced fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes as the centerpieces of seasonally crafted dishes. On that same stretch of beachside real estate is the Butcher’s Daughter Venice and its sister resto which takes on Mexican plant-based, Da Buena Planta (both spots have opened second locations in West Hollywood and Silver Lake, respectively).

Don’t miss Gracias Madre as a West Hollywood staple (be sure to make a resy for the stunning patio). Nic’s on Beverly should be on every vegan and vegetarians "must-see” list. On the casual dining side, Café Gratitude is an O.G of the plant-based scene serving locally sourced, organic vegan food and fresh pressed juices in its multiple Southern California locations including Venice Beach, Larchmont Village, LA’s trendy Arts District and Newport Beach. You can’t beat the healthy home-style cooking at little Silver Lake favorite Flore (vegan biscuits and gravy, anyone?). Los Angeles is a town that takes burgers seriously, and so does Monty’s Good Burger, plant-based burgers that live up to the name.

For kind cuisine on the go, be sure to stock up on fresh juices and whole food plant-based meals from Larayia's Bodega in the Westlake District (near Downtown). Larayia’s heart extends beyond its walls to her non-profit Lunch On Me, which feeds thousands of vegan meals to homeless people in Venice, Watts and Compton at her once-a-month block parties.
Ways to Do Good in L.A.

There are a multitude of organized activities, tours, and things to do in Los Angeles that are not only fun, but also benefit the greater good. Take a peek into ways to do good for a day in L.A.:

An unusual take on LA’s popular hiking pastime is a 2-hour Runyon hike with rescue dogs, hosted by the co-founder of non-profit animal welfare organization Free Animal Doctor. These morning hikes with like-minded fellow participants include stunning city views and, more importantly, exercise and socialization for the adoptable dogs while letting locals know that they are ready for their furever homes. Great for groups and teams, too, and includes oodles of cute canine photo ops.

Located on the edge of Santa Clarita, where pristine housing developments make way to sprawling horse properties and scrubby hillsides, the Gentle Barn is a six-acre non-profit animal sanctuary. On Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., guests are welcome to visit and hug cows, tummy-rub pigs, cuddle turkeys, and experience all-around rejuvenation in rustic surrounds in Santa Clarita. Founded by Ellie Laks in 1999, the Gentle Barn moved to its current property in 2003 and now also has Missouri and Tennessee locations. And it’s not just about cooing over cute critters: the psychological benefits of a Gentle Barn visit are evidenced by its animal-assisted therapy programs for disabled and special-needs children, and for at-risk youth.

Farm LA is not your typical urban farm. Rather, this non-profit organization is dedicated to “rescuing” underutilized Los Angeles lots by repurposing them as solar or agricultural farms. It acquires vacant properties and transforms them into farms that nurture food (often easy-to-grow lima beans) for community distribution, or into solar farms that help the city generate its water and energy from renewable sources. You can help by signing-up to be notified of either scheduled group volunteer events, or of available days where you, solo or as a small group, can come to a given farm and help as needed (likely with de-weeding). Your small effort will further cultural awareness of community gardening, while also promoting healthy eating and sustainable energy.

With two facilities located in Southern California (Los Angeles & South Bay), The Midnight Mission is dedicated to helping those most in need in our community. They are more than just a homeless shelter; they offer a net of resources and support services that help guests and program participants get back on their feet and into productive lives. Their multi-faceted approach to homeless services helps community members make the changes that last. From volunteering in The Midnight Mission Kitchen's meal service to making food boxes and hygiene kits, sign up to volunteer solo or with a small group. 
Mindful Adventures

The Aquarium of the Pacific has not only a stunning display of sea life and fun for the family promoting stewardship and conservation, it was the first museum in the nation to register its greenhouse gasses and is a leader in green practices, including two LEED® Platinum exhibits: the Watersheds exhibit and the Molina Animal Care Center. The Aquarium of the Pacific has successfully certified its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory with the California Climate Action Registry (now The Climate Registry) to become the first museum in the United States to earn the status of a Climate Action Leader™. The Aquarium also received the SuperNova award from the Alliance to Save Energy for its investment in energy and climate conservation practices. 

You can explore the universe from the heart of Los Angeles at Griffith Observatory. This icon nestled on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, is not only a movie star itself, but offers countless exhibits, daily programs, and recurring events for those hoping to stargaze at the actual stars.

Hiking is woven into the fabric of the Los Angeles lifestyle. Any day of the week you will find Angelinos trekking on the countless moderate trails, taking in the city views, and taking advantage of L.A.’s abundant sunshine. The Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop starts at the Fern Dell picnic area near Los Feliz Blvd, and from there, head uphill toward the Griffith Observatory. You’ll be able to stop and enjoy views of the city along the way. As the path flattens out, you’ll see a trail to the right leading up to the observatory for spectacular views of Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific. The Runyon Canyon trail is a 3-mile loop that pairs people watching and cardio as you wind your way with views of the Hollywood sign. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy equestrian trails with a staging area, picnic areas, a seasonal stream, and native flora and fauna in their natural habitats. Take the 6-mile loop at Will Rogers State Historic Park for some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the L.A. Basin and the Santa Monica Mountains. The Los Liones Trail to Mesa Overlook in Topanga State Park has an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet and you can find your reward as you gaze out from a vantage point atop the bluff. Enjoy a picnic lunch or relax on a bench while taking in the overlook.

Founded in 1919, The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is world-renowned as a cultural, research and educational center. The Huntington features more than a dozen specialized gardens spanning 120 acres, including the iconic Japanese Garden and the acclaimed Garden of Flowing Fragrance (Liu Fang Yuan), one of the largest Chinese-style gardens outside of China.

After all that adventure, you might want to wind down with a peaceful meditation and appreciate your present. The mecca for getting into a good frame of mind is the Lake Shrine Temple & Retreat in Pacific Palisades, part of the Self Realization Fellowship.
Kind Transport 

To see the city up close, Metro Bike Share is available 24/7, 365 days a year in Downtown LA, Central LA, Hollywood, North Hollywood and the Westside. LA Dept of Transportation (LADOT) is making bicycling safer and more comfortable for all by building better bike lanes, increasing safe bike parking and repair stations, and creating the world’s largest scooter and bike share program.

The FlyAway nonstop bus service provides transportation between LAX and Union Station and Van Nuys with Hollywood and Long Beach routes returning shortly. FlyAway buses drop off passengers on the Upper/Departures Level of each terminal. At LAX, passengers board these buses on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal at the blue FlyAway sign. Each bus is marked with its service location. One-way fares are $9.75 each. For more information about the FlyAway bus service, go to the website here.

Several public transit providers serve LAX, including L.A. Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, and Beach Cities Transit. Passengers can pick up many bus lines from the LAX City Bus Center. The Metro C Line at Aviation Station (Green Line). Passengers going to the Aviation Station to connect to the C Line should wait at the PINK LAX Shuttle sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal and board the “Metro C Line (Green Line)” Shuttle. Find more info on Metro C line and LA Metro for navigating the bus and rails around Los Angeles here. For more Kind Travel tips for planning your next Los Angeles stay visit www.discoverLosAngeles.com.