The Best New Things to Do in Los Angeles in 2023
From restaurants to rides, there’s plenty of exciting new hot spots to add to your itinerary this year.
By Patricia Harrison
Los Angeles is an ever-changing haven for exploration, as evidenced by the bounty of new restaurants, hotels and attractions that enliven the buzzing city’s scene every year. And 2023 is no exception. Whether you’re a Disney fanatic, devoted foodie or lover of the arts, there’s always something fresh in LA that will strike your fancy no matter how many times you’ve visited. Check out these additions in the coming months and beyond.
Disney's California Adventure | AmeriCantaro - stock.adobe.com
Sweet Rides
To ring in the Walt Disney Company’s centennial, Disneyland Park will be dressed in platinum decor starting in late January. The celebration includes the debut of two dazzling nighttime shows—“Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland and “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure Park—and never-before-seen rides and characters. Board Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which began transporting riders to a colorful cartoon world in late January. And look for the Mandalorian and Baby Yoda, who joined Kylo Ren, R2-D2 and Chewbacca in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land in November, where they greet guests and offer out-of-this-world photo-ops.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Mario-themed land will welcome guests at Universal Studios Hollywood in late February. Inside Mushroom Kingdom, Super Nintendo buffs can enjoy a new restaurant, a retail shop loaded with plush characters, and an augmented-reality ride called Mario Kart: Bowser Challenge.
Delicious Eats
An impressive roster of culinary pros turned on their stoves in and around Los Angeles in the past 12 months, churning out everything from killer sandwiches to polished French cuisine. That includes: Café Basque, an ode to Basque Country cooking from chef Daniel Rose of New York City’s renowned Le Coucou; Bub and Grandma’s, the place to feast on East Coast–style sandwiches made with fresh-baked breads; and Heavy Handed, where the juicy burgers and soft serve have gained a loyal following in Santa Monica.
In early 2023, Arts District favorite LA Cha Cha Chá will bring its Mexico City bites to a second location in Frogtown, where patrons will be able to devour a seafood-forward menu in a space beside the Los Angeles River. Other spots to look forward to seeking out this year include Sushi Nakazawa, an omakase-style eatery from renowned Japanese chef Daisuke Nakazawa; Best Bet, which will serve wood-fired pies and other Italian fare; and Lustig, an Austrian-influenced all-day restaurant.
Eye-catching Exhibits
The arts scene in LA is always hot, and there are plenty of exhibitions to check out in the coming months. Venture to the Hammer Museum, where a 40,000-square-foot expansion will be unveiled in late March. There, you can view a rotating selection of contemporary works as well as businessman Armand Hammer’s collections of European and American paintings and drawings (bonus: it’s free). Or admire the large-scale abstract paintings of American artist George Condo at the People are Strange exhibit at the Hauser & Wirth gallery (February 15–April 22); or view images that explore race, class, and representation captured by Harlem-born photographers Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae at the Getty Center’s Dawoud Bey & Carrie Mae Weems: In Dialogue (January 29–April 30).
Where to Stay
Mr. C Beverly Hills
Tucked steps away from Rodeo Drive, Mr. C exudes California glamour. Every room has a private balcony, views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, and walls furnished with vintage black-and-white photographs. Enjoy welcome Bellini cocktails; nosh on elevated Italian fare at the hotel’s eponymous restaurant; and take advantage of the complimentary house car, which shuttles guests to destinations within three miles of the hotel.
Hotel June West LA
Laid-back vibes, mid-century modern beauty and comfortable, boutique-style accommodations are part of the draw at Hotel June, situated just a few minutes from Playa Vista beach and within walking distance of several restaurants. Guests love the Baja-inspired pool deck with cabanas and day beds, noise-cancelling windows, and complimentary bicycles for exploring the neighborhood.
Mama Shelter
Lovers of the fun and funky, rejoice: Mama Shelter is a one-of-a-kind hotel from the mind of Paris-based designer Thierry Gaugin. Reside in one of the property’s 70 rooms, which all feature king beds with organic linens and colorful, eclectic décor like vintage lighting and superhero masks; and bask in the California sun on the rooftop deck, where you can also groove to DJ sets and sip signature cocktails.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
