Nestled between Echo Park and Downtown, Chinatown spans less than a square mile and is home to around 20,000 residents. Officially established in 1938, it served as a vital hub for Los Angeles’ Chinese community for many years.
Despite its small size, Chinatown is a walkable neighborhood, offering enough activities to fill an afternoon and also an evening where you can catch the Central Plaza’s iconic neon lights. Be sure to make the most of your visit by exploring the top things to do in this vibrant and iconic spot in L.A.!
1. Explore the Chinese American Museum
The Chinese American Museum (CAM), located in the oldest remaining building from L.A.’s original Chinatown, opened in 2003. The museum is committed to preserving the history of Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles and Chinese American heritage overall. Admission begins at just $3 for adults.
📍 Location: 425 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
2. Sip some drinks at Steep L.A.
Steep L.A. is a modern teahouse located in Chinatown’s Mandarin Plaza, making it one of the top places to go in Chinatown LA for tea lovers. Here, tea enthusiasts can explore a variety of cold-brewed and freshly brewed teas, including black, green, oolong and jasmine, sourced from China and Taiwan.
For those seeking a tea-infused adventure, Steep offers a secret menu after 4 p.m., featuring creative tea-infused alcoholic cocktails and small bar bites like scallop tartare and mapo tofu rice.
📍 Location: 970 N Broadway #112, Los Angeles, CA 90012
3. Visit the Chinatown Central Plaza
When L.A.’s original Chinatown residents were displaced in the 1930s, efforts to relocate the neighborhood focused on establishing the Central Plaza as its vibrant hub. Today, this neon-lit square remains one of the top things to do in Los Angeles Chinatown, attracting tourists and locals with its shops, restaurants, and events. While local legend credits the area’s backlot-like design to filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, it was actually crafted by the local Chinese community.
📍 Location: 943 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
4. Try Chinese pastry at Long’s Family Pastry
If you need to satisfy your dim sum cravings, visiting Long’s Family Pastry is one of the top things to do in Chinatown L.A. Whether you prefer zongzi (glutinous rice with savory fillings wrapped in bamboo leaves), egg tarts, cheung fun (rolled rice noodles), baked char siu buns, pork shumai, or shrimp har gow, Long’s has it all at affordable prices.
While it’s not a sit-down restaurant, the dim sum is served deli-style, making it easy to grab a few pork buns as you explore the rest of L.A.’s Chinatown.
📍 Location: 715 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
5. Visit the Los Angeles State Historic Park
Spanning 32 acres, L.A. State Historic Park offers stunning views of Downtown Los Angeles. Once the site of major events like FYF, Renegade Craft Fair, and Hard Summer, the park underwent a multi-year renovation starting in 2014.
When it reopened in spring 2017, the redesign introduced drought-tolerant landscaping, a scenic overlook bridge, and an orange grove. Over time, more large-scale events have returned, making the park one of the standout Chinatown Los Angeles attractions.
📍 Location: 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
6. Wonder at the Thien Hau Temple
Among the many surprising spots in L.A., this hidden gem is one of the most beautiful. The Thien Hau Temple, with its hip-and-gable roof and intricately designed columns, stands out against the surrounding boxy condos and apartment buildings. This Taoist temple becomes a focal point of activity, especially during Chinese New Year, when dance performances and firecracker displays take place nearby.
📍 Location: 756 Yale St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
7. Walk along Chung King Road
Just across from the neon-lit Chinatown Central Plaza, the weathered charm of Chung King Road hides a vibrant cultural scene. Behind its aged facades, some of L.A.’s top art galleries thrive, creating a lively atmosphere during Saturday night openings. However, don’t get too attached as the galleries often change as innovative artists come and go.
8. Go on a shopping spree at Chunky Gifts
Chunky Gifts is a must-visit spot in Chinatown for adorable and whimsical gifts created by Asian American artists. Situated inside the historic Golden Pagoda building, this shop offers a wide range of items, including mugs, T-shirts, teas, stickers, and prints of pineapple buns, boba, and noodles.
You’ll also find red envelopes inspired by pop culture hits like Super Nintendo Bros. and Everything Everywhere All At Once, making it one of the top things to do in Chinatown, Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 946 Mei Ling Wy, Los Angeles, CA 90012
9. Have a beer in Highland Park Brewery Chinatown
With plenty of natural light and an industrial-chic vibe, Highland Park Brewery’s Chinatown warehouse has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
The picnic-bench-style seating offers a perfect spot to enjoy HPB’s latest brews, along with the prime dog-friendly patio located right across from Los Angeles State Historic Park. It’s one of the best things to do in Chinatown, for beer lovers looking to relax in a laid-back setting.
📍 Location: 1220 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
10. Buy your next cook book at Now Serving
Just a few doors down from Howlin’ Rays, you’ll find Los Angeles’s only book store dedicated exclusively to cookbooks. Founded in 2017 by Michelle Mungcal and her husband Ken Concepcion, Now Serving offers over 1,500 different titles at any given time. In addition to cookbooks, the store also features chef’s tools and accessories, such as knives, unique ceramics, and tasting spoons.
📍 Location: 727 N Broadway #133, Los Angeles, CA 90012