Things to do, see, eat, and experience in Los Angeles for USC game day
From historic neighborhoods and world-class museums to dining, entertainment, and more, discover the best things to do in Los Angeles for game day.
By Mimi Slawoff | July 23, 2026
Whether you’re traveling with friends and family or flying solo, visiting LA is sure to keep you entertained. Kick off your University of Southern California game day getaway with the following things to do, see, eat, and experience in Los Angeles — from trendy neighborhoods and cultural attractions to iconic activities and only-in-LA fare.
In this article: Best things to do in Los Angeles for USC game day
To do: Explore historic neighborhoods in Los Angeles
To see: World-class shows and cultural attractions
To do: Explore historic neighborhoods in Los Angeles
While in Los Angeles, take time to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. Located near Union Station (convenient for metro rides to USC or the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown is within walking distance to dozens of restaurants and cafes. Two iconic neighborhoods also sit nearby: Little Tokyo, with its Japanese American National Museum, and the Arts District, full of trendy galleries, breweries, and nightlife. Walk to the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall or check out El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, LA’s birthplace and a vibrant cultural center. Chinatown’s traditional restaurants and bakeries are just a short drive away. Back at the hotel, enjoy city views from the rooftop Kyoto Garden and craft beers at Justice Urban Tavern. Or catch the day’s sporting action on large-screen TVs in the hotel’s other dining outlet, Rendezvous Lounge.
To see: World-class shows and cultural attractions
From seminal museums to signature music venues, downtown LA offers many options for date nights or group outings. The Frank Gehry-designed Conrad Los Angeles puts you in the heart of the action. Take in a show or two at any of the Los Angeles Music Center’s four performance venues. Peruse the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Broad, and the interactive GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live. Admire the historic Bradbury Building, an architectural landmark, and linger in The Last Bookstore, California’s largest for new and used books and records. Score picnic supplies from the nearby Grand Central Market, an international food court since 1917. You can also enjoy elevated dining at the hotel’s MICHELIN-rated restaurant San Laurel, including a Chef’s Table Tasting Menu Experience, or indulge in the experimental cocktails and flavorful tapas at The Beaudry Room. Need a break? Soak up sunshine at the hotel’s rooftop terrace and pool.
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To eat: Dine on unique local fare
Traveling with family or prefer a resort-like stay with things to do and eat right outside your door? Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City fits the bill with its prime location adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk, a hub for dining, entertainment, and shopping. A complimentary shuttle will take you to the theme park, while the hotel is also easily accessible to USC via the nearby Metro. Go behind the scenes of movie-making magic on the park’s famous Studio Tour, then continue exploring the park, from thrilling rides to movie-themed snacks. Back at the hotel, there are plenty of ways to treat your taste buds. At Cafe Sierra, you’ll find a daily All American Buffet, while Saturdays brings the ultimate Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet. FIVE on the Hill offers sophisticated al fresco meals with views of the Hollywood Hills, but if you need to relax after a long, exciting day, take a dip in the outdoor pool then order a meal delivered straight to your lounge chair.
To experience: Iconic LA activities
Defined by towering monoliths, LA’s Financial District is emblematic of the city’s business influence and status. Stay at Hilton Checkers Los Angeles, a historic 1927 boutique hotel, to experience this side of the city. It’s within walking distance to the historic Broadway Theater District’s 12 opulent movie palaces, including Orpheum Theatre and Million Dollar Theatre, as well as Angels Flight Railway, a vintage funicular connecting California Plaza and Grand Central Market. Just a short drive away, sports fans can enjoy events at Dodger Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, or USC’s Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. After any big game, dine on French and Asian-influenced California cuisine at the hotel’s Checkers Downtown Restaurant or savor Roaring 1920s themed cocktails, craft beers, West Coast wines, and light bites at 1927 Bar and Lounge.
Mimi Slawoff
A native Angeleno, Mimi Slawoff is a travel journalist who contributes regularly to AAA, USA TODAY 10Best, and numerous other print and digital publications. She is also the author of Oldest Los Angeles (Reedy Press, 2022), and Historic Los Angeles Roadsides (Reedy Press, 2025). A lifelong globetrotter, Mimi happily admits to passing on the travel bug to her three adventurous kids.
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