The Garland’s Playbook for Exploring LA’s Stadium Neighborhoods The Best Things to Do Near LA’s Biggest Stadiums & Sporting Events, According to The Garland Staff

Whether you’re searching for the best restaurants near LA’s stadiums, looking to experience the city like a local before the big game, or discovering hidden gems between matches, our Garland team has rounded up our favorite staff picks to help you make the most of your visit.

Consider this your insider guide to eating, drinking, and exploring your way through Los Angeles so you can feel like the ultimate MVP (Master Vacation Planner).

Inglewood Guide: Best Things to Do Near SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome & Kia Forum

Distance from The Garland to SoFi Stadium: 15.7 miles | Approximately 30 minutes

If you don’t plan on making it to the quarter-finals World Cup match or missed out on Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour at SoFi Stadium, fear not, there is more to do in Inglewood than concerts at the Kia Forum or sitting courtside at LA’s newest stadium,Intuit Dome, home to the Clippers. While you may see The Front Yard’s very own Chef Larry Greenwood tailgating outside of SoFi Stadium before an LA Chargers game, you’re just as likely to catch our Catering Coordinator, Nikki, at one of her favorite Inglewood restaurants: Coni’Seafood.

Must-Visit Inglewood Spots Recommended by The Garland Team:

• Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen — A beloved LA staple serving classic Southern comfort food.
• Sunday Gravy — A cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant bringing family-style flavors to Inglewood.
• Sip & Sonder — A Black woman-owned coffee shop and creative community space.
• Cosm — An immersive entertainment experience where fans can watch live sports, concerts, and events on a massive shared-reality screen. Our Food & Beverage Director, Thomas, recommends their movie nights where you can dine while you delight in fan-favorite classics.  

Echo Park Guide: Best Things to Do Near Dodger Stadium

Distance from The Garland to Dodger Stadium: 10.7 miles | Approximately 15 minutes

There’s no denying we love the color orange here at The Garland, but take a peek inside the offices of our General Manager, Director of Sales, or Sales Coordinator, and you’ll find plenty of Dodger Blue proudly on display. So, it should come as no surprise that our team jumped at the chance to share their favorite things to do near Dodger Stadium. Pictured below from left to right: The Garland’s GM, Scott Mills, sporting his game-day best. Our Director of Sales, Manny, and Sales Coordinator, Bridget, in the gifting suite with Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

Bridget, a four-year Garland team member and lifelong Dodgers fan, shared her favorite game day tip: “Parking at Dodger Stadium can cost anywhere from $40–$70, but our hotel guests can skip the hassle by taking The Garland’s complimentary trolley to the Universal City Metro Station. From there, ride the B Line (Red Line) to Union Station for $3.50 round trip, then hop on the free Dodger Stadium Express, which takes you directly to and from the stadium!” Click here for The Garland’s Trolley Schedule. 

Located in the heart of one of LA’s most iconic neighborhoods, Dodger Stadium is surrounded by plenty to explore before the first pitch. Whether you’re looking for a pre-game cocktail, a local bite, or a hidden gem in Echo Park, here are a few Garland staff favorites.

Must-Visit Echo Park Spots Recommended by The Garland Team:

• Echo Park Swan Boats — Rent one of the famous swan pedal boats and enjoy a relaxing ride around Echo Park Lake. $13/hour for adults through Wheel Fun Rentals
• Photo Booth Museum — A quirky LA hidden gem featuring vintage photo booths from the 1970s where you can snap the perfect keepsake. Admission is free, just $7 per photo strip printed.
• Elysian Park — Walk the trails and catch some of the best views overlooking Dodger Stadium and Downtown Los Angeles.
• Bar Flores — This women-owned cocktail bar has a beautiful patio, colorful atmosphere, and neighborhood charm.
• El Moro — The legendary Mexico City churro shop known for handmade-to-order churros and traditional hot chocolate.
• Quarter Sheets — Famous for Detroit-style pizza and seasonal slab cakes. Don’t miss pastry chef Hannah Ziskin’s beloved Princess Cake.
• Eastside Italian Deli — An old-school LA favorite serving classic Italian sandwiches and deli staples

Don’t have a car? Don’t worry. The Garland’s Concierge @  ‘The Store’ can book your car rental and even secure your seats for sporting events and more! 

DTLA + Exposition Park Guide: Best Things to Do Near Crypto.com Arena, LA Memorial Coliseum & BMO Stadium

Distance from The Garland to LA Memorial Coliseum: 14 miles | Approximately 25 minutes

Credit: LA Live!

Downtown LA is more than just an epicenter for sports, it’s a neighborhood rich with culture, history, and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Before heading to “The Greatest Stadium in the World” aka LA Memorial Coliseum, take some time to explore the birthplace of Los Angeles as we know it.

Start at historic Olvera Street, home to Avila Adobe, the oldest standing home in all of California! This landmark, now a free museum, offers a glimpse into the city’s early history. After your visit, grab the famous hand-rolled beef taquitos from Cielito Lindo and stroll through the colorful marketplace before sitting pitchside at BMO Stadium.

Or maybe you’re like our Events & Conference Service Manager, Laura, whose love for hockey only grew stronger after reading Heated Rivalry. For our fellow literary travelers, The Last Bookstore is a must-visit. This iconic Downtown LA destination is filled with endless shelves, art installations, and plenty of cozy corners to enjoy some peace and quiet before heading into the roar of the Crypto.com Arena.

Must-Visit Downtown LA Spots Recommended by The Garland Team:

• The Broad Museum — One of LA’s top contemporary art museums featuring world-renowned artists and immersive exhibits. Admission is free, but be sure to book your tickets for the Infinity Mirrored Room in advance here Infinity Mirrored Room + General Admission | The Broad 
• Little Tokyo — A historic neighborhood filled with incredible restaurants, cafés, shops, and some of the best Japanese food in Los Angeles.
• Philippe The Original — An LA institution famous for creating the original French Dip sandwich.
• Little Jewel of New Orleans — A hidden gem in Chinatown serving New Orleans classics, from po’ boys to Southern comfort favorites.
• Holbox — A James Beard nominated and Michelin Guide recognized seafood spot serving incredible Mexican coastal cuisine inside Mercado La Paloma.
• Grand Central Market — LA’s oldest public market, bringing together some of the city’s most beloved food vendors under one historic roof. Pro tip: Take The Garland’s trolley to the Universal/Studio City Station and take the Metro B Line to Union Station. This will put you in the heart of Down Town! 

Pasadena Guide: Best Things to Do Near Rose Bowl Stadium

Distance from The Garland to Rose Bowl Stadium: 14 miles | Approximately 16 minutes

Rose Bowl pic here

The Garland is proud to hold the title of the oldest family-owned hotel in Los Angeles, but just a short drive away, Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl Stadium boasts an impressive history of its own.

The Rose Bowl earned its name from the Tournament of Roses, a beloved Pasadena tradition dating back to 1890. What began as a way to showcase Southern California’s sunny winter weather and attract visitors from the East Coast has grown into one of the country’s most recognizable New Year’s Day celebrations, complete with the famous Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.

Beyond football and major events, Pasadena is a city filled with history, charm, and plenty of local flavor. Fun fact: Pasadena is also known as the birthplace of the cheeseburger, so if you’re looking for a modern take on this classic, check out Osa for bites, drinks, and the best rooftop view in Pasadena. 

Foosball pic here

Maybe all this sports talk has you ready to get in the game yourself? Our Director of Sales, Manny, recommends visiting Oak Grove Disc Golf Course inside Hahamongna Watershed Park for a little friendly competition, or head back to The Garland and challenge your travel crew to a mean game of foosball. Lawn Games like giant Jenga, bag toss, and foot bag are offered Mondays and Tuesdays from 3-6pm in The Courtyard at The Garland, or guests can check-out board games from The Front Desk daily.

Must-Visit Pasadena Spots Recommended by The Garland Team:

• Norton Simon Museum — A favorite of Alex, Server from The Front Yard, who says, “It’s gorge. One of the best art museums in LA.” This Pasadena gem features an impressive collection of European and Asian art.
• Mandarin Coffee Stand — A specialty coffee shop known for premium Yunnan coffee and creative Chinese-inspired drinks.
• The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens — Stop and smell the roses (literally). Explore stunning gardens, historic collections, and one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Los Angeles. Our Marketing Manager, Brooke, loves their Rose Garden Tea Room and says, “Pasadena is home to the majority of my favorite spots for afternoon tea in the city.”
• Rose Bowl Flea Market — Held on the second Sunday of every month, this iconic flea market is a must for vintage finds, antiques, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Pro tip: Get there early before it gets too hot. It’s a massive undertaking, so dress comfy!

Planning Your Trip to LA for the 2028 Olympics?

Distance from The Garland to Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area: 7.9 miles | Approximately 11 minutes

Like any good coach leading their team to victory, you’re probably planning your LA adventure well before the opening ceremony. So, we’ll leave you with one final piece of Garland insider scoop: when it comes to experiencing the LA28 Olympic Games, location is everything.

The Garland puts you close to Olympic history in the making, including squash’s Olympic debut, taking place just moments away at Universal Studios. Less than eight miles from The Garland, the Valley Zone will welcome some of the Games’ most exciting events, including BMX racing, modern pentathlon, skateboarding, and 3x3 basketball.

Whether you’re cheering from the stands, discovering LA’s legendary neighborhoods, or celebrating a lawn game victory back at The Garland, consider us your home base for exploring the best of Los Angeles during the 2028 Olympics and beyond.

Ready to plan your game day getaway? Book your stay directly with The Garland to score our best available rate and create memories that will last long after the final whistle blows!