Gotta Catch Em All: The Best Pokémon Go Spots in Los Angeles
Pokémon creator, Satoshi Tajiri was an avid fan of the 1,000-year-old Japanese pastime of beetle collecting as a boy. Pokémon, based on this pastime, has captured the attention of mobile gamers around the world, who now experience cities and public spaces like never before. Los Angeles is a natural, palm tree lined playground for Pokémon and trainers alike. Read on for a guide to some of the lures, gyms, nests and Charmander that can be found in L.A. Come explore, find the Staryu, and stay awhile.
The Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall
Architect Frank Gehry’s masterpiece, the Walt Disney Concert Hall (WDCH) (111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012) is host to four PokéStops. Once you find them and take in the splendor of the building, there are many options where you can rest your weary feet and get a hearty snack before moving on to the next adventure.
Where to Stay: One of LA's most distinctive buildings, the Westin Bonaventure has appeared in True Lies and In the Line of Fire.
Where to Eat: The historic Grand Central Market is a bustling mix of old school food stalls and an untraditional culinary testing ground for the latest and greatest food and coffee purveyors.
The Bloc
The Bloc (711 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90017), an open air retail hub, is home to three PokéStops. Conveniently located across the 7th Street / Metro Center Station at the intersection of 7th and Flower Streets, the Bloc is also near some great Los Angeles checkpoints.
Where to Stay: Located within the Bloc, the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles features sleek modern décor and technology upgrades that make every guest room its own standalone hotspot. Just south of The Bloc, the hotel at Los Angeles Athletic Club offers luxurious rooms, elegant dining and access to world-class athletic facilities with an Olympian legacy.
Where to Eat: Numerous dining options on 7th Street include top notch sushi at Sugarfish and Bottega Louie for rainbow-colored macaroons and wood-fired pizzas. Maybe a Pokémon will stop by for brunch? For a nightcap, sip an Old Fashioned at Seven Grand.
Pershing Square
Up next for a multi-million-dollar renovation, Pershing Square (532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013) was first designated as a public square in 1866. What better place to host four PokéStops and a training gym for Pokémon?
Where to Stay: Across the street is the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, easily recognized from its numerous film and TV appearances. Located walking distance from Pershing Square is Hilton Checkers, a boutique hotel with a killer rooftop view.
Where to Eat: Water Grill is one of L.A.'s top seafood restaurants and a favorite power lunch spot. Enjoy French small plates, cocktails and some of the best views of the city at Perch.
Miyako Hotel Los Angeles - Little Tokyo
Multiple PokéStops can be found in Downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo (328 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) neighborhood, a hub of authentic Japanese culture and activities.
Where to Stay: The Miyako Hotel for old school Japanese hospitality, or experience the rooftop garden at the Double Tree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown - both are located a short walk from other attractions and the Pokémon stop at Union Station.
Where to Eat: The ramen at Daikokuya is worth the wait in line. Also worth the queue is Sushi Gen, which offers one of L.A.'s best sushi lunch deals. Far Bar is one of Little Tokyo's hidden gems, well-known by locals for its happy hour and sports on the flatscreens. For a laid back hang in a street art covered venue, try Angel City Brewery on the edge of the Arts District for the latest craft beer flavors.
Union Station
Widely regarded as “the last of the great train stations”, Union Station (800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012) is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. Built in 1939 and still a major rail hub, with shops, eateries and waiting areas, it also hosts events and serves as a backdrop for movies as well as random Pokémon.
Where to Stay: Located a half-mile from Union Station, the Best Western Dragon Gate Inn is a "3-diamond property with a 2-diamond price," featuring contemporary rooms with artful Chinese accents, an array of shops, full-service beauty salon, pharmacy, the Hill Street Cafe and jewelry stores.
Where to Eat: Don’t miss the 108-year-old Philippe's for a classic French Dip sandwich; Olvera Street for the authentic Mariachi; and for fancy cocktails in an Art Deco atmosphere, there’s Traxx in the opulent station itself.
Los Angeles County Museum Of Art (LACMA)
The encyclopedic Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) (5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036) is host to internationally renowned exhibits, special events, and multiple PokéStops, including the lamp posts of Chris Burden’s Instagram-ready Urban Light. This spot is also fantastic for Charmander sightings. Housed in the landmark May Company adjacent to LACMA, the Academy Museum will be the world's leading movie museum when it opens in 2020. The Pokémon are ready for their close-up!
Where to Stay: Rest up for the next day at the nearby Hotel Wilshire, a stylish 74-room boutique hotel with a lively rooftop lounge.
Where to Eat: Check out Fanny's at the Academy Museum, or head south on Fairfax to Tom Bergin's, famous for its Irish Coffee and reportedly the bar that inspired Cheers.
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
While the La Brea Tar Pits (5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036) are adjoined to the LACMA grounds, you may mistake it for just another beautiful park, were it not for the dramatic mammoth sculpture depicting its untimely demise in a pool of bubbling tar. Of course, there are multiple PokéStops here, and it’s also home to a Charmander nest, where this species is continuously spawned by the server.
The Line Hotel - Koreatown
A short rideshare from the La Brea Tar Pits will take you to Koreatown, one of L.A.'s top destinations for dining and nightlife.
Where to Stay: Located across from the Metro Wilshire/Normandie station, The Line Hotel (3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010) is a recent addition to the hip hotel scene. Flanked by a 30-story Shepard Fairey Peace mural, The Line offers floor to ceiling views of the Hollywood Sign, if you’re lucky enough to book a room on the north side of the building. Another option is the landmark Hotel Normandie, featuring 91 rooms that were recently restored to their original Roaring 20s flair, with new, vintage-inspired furnishings, fixtures and tile work of the era.
Where to Eat: Besides the numerous Korean BBQ options, The Line offers Openaire from Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin. For a classic burger or killer patty melt, try Cassell's at the Hotel Normandie. Later, step into the lively Break Room 86, one of L.A.'s best hidden bars.
The Grove
Multiple PokéStops can be found at The Grove (189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036), an iconic open air retail and entertainment complex located in the Fairfax District.
Where to Stay: Accommodations can be found across the street at the Short Stories boutique hotel.
Where to Eat: Next door is the historic Original Farmer’s Market, a permanent homage to fresh food and produce, resulting in endless menu options. Walk north on Fairfax to the legendary Canter's Deli.
Santa Monica Pier
As perhaps the best place in the L.A. region to find Pokémon, the Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401) has multiple stops and lures, and is easier than ever to visit thanks to the new Metro Expo Line extension.
Where to Stay: You’ll need a place to drop your stuff, and the Ocean View Hotel offers rooms just steps away from the pier itself - and it isn’t a bad place to watch our legendary sunsets, either. Also close by, the Shore Hotel is a sleek, modern and eco-conscious choice.
Where to Eat: You can find other Pokémon hunters at the Third Street Promenade, a four block radius of shopping and dining, as well as a nationally recognized farmers market on Wednesdays that's a favorite of L.A.'s top chefs. Enjoy classic seafood and romantic ocean views at The Lobster.
Temescal Gateway Park
Located in Pacific Palisades, Temescal Gateway Park (15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272) is one of the most popular parks in the Santa Monica Mountains. The park encompasses 141 acres of oak and sycamore canyons, ridgetop views, and access to miles of trails in Topanga State Park. The parking area here is also an Eevee nest, so get ready for a hike and bring water!
Where to Stay: Situated on seven secluded acres below the Getty Center, the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel offers 160 spacious guest rooms, an outdoor pool, the Luxe Spa and the Sunset Ballroom. Situated where Sunset Boulevard meets the I-405, the 17-story Hotel Angeleno features West Restaurant & Lounge, perched at the penthouse level.
Where to Eat: The original Father's Office on Montana Avenue is a pioneering gastropub serving craft beers and a signature burger that's considered a modern classic. Drive up Pacific Coast Highway to indulge in top notch sushi and a spectacular sunset at Nobu Malibu, or visit the nostalgic Neptune’s Net, a longtime spot where fresh catches, burgers and beer are served at picnic tables overlooking the ocean.
Hotel Erwin - Venice Beach
As if you’d need Pokémon stops to drag you to world-famous Venice Beach (1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291)! The signature laid back attitude will keep you here long after your Pokémon are found. Not only are there multiple Pokémon stops mingling with the street performers on the boardwalk, be sure to visit the refined Abbot Kinney area as well - an eating and shopping street like no other.
Where to Stay: Check out Hotel Erwin for a bohemian boutique hotel experience and join the fun at High Rooftop Lounge for happy hour and spectacular coastal views.
Where to Eat: A highlight for lunch is the ever-popular Gjelina, if you can find a seat. Take advantage of the take out sandwich counter they operate next door if you’re on the move.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232) is a green space with panoramic views on the Westside of L.A., where you’ll find the elusive Staryu Pokémon (keep looking). Also known by locals as the Culver City Stairs, this beautiful oasis will get your heart rate up and ready for a nap.
Where to Stay: Nearby is the 1920s flatiron building that houses the historic Culver Hotel, where most of the cast of the original Wizard of Oz stayed during filming.
Where to Eat: The namesake Culver Hotel Bar & Restaurant offers a refined yet casual dining experience inspired by European cafe culture. The Velvet Lounge is a chic, speakeasy-style space on the mezzanine.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Not only is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045) the main airport serving the Greater Los Angeles area, it's also a destination for Pokémon.
Where to Stay: If you are just passing through as well, stay close with the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, where you can charge your electric car while you take a quick dip in the pool.
Where to Eat: In-N-Out Burger is conveniently located near LAX as a first stop for travelers just arriving in L.A. (like the late, great Anthony Bourdain) and craving a quintessentially Southern California cheeseburger and fries.