Miracle Mile

Los Angeles, California Travel Guide

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Miracle Mile

Area: Mid Los Angeles

Overview: Consider the Miracle Mile area as one of the true, cultural melting pots in Los Angeles. Miracle Mile falls within a larger area in Los Angeles known as the Mid-Wilshire (including Fairfax District), which starts from La Cienega Blvd on the west to Wilton Pl on the east and Melrose Ave at the north and Washington Blvd to the south. Within these boundaries, Miracle Mile’s west border is Fairfax Ave on the west and La Brea Ave on the east. Most of the highlights occur on Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Blvd and La Brea.

One of my favorite parts of Los Angeles, Miracle Mile’s illustrious history, charm and abundant opportunities for activity lure almost as many locals and tourists as the southland’s beaches. Miracle Mile was founded in the early twentieth century as, primarily, a commercial district. With the development of corporate buildings, paved streets and street signals, the “Miracle Mile” ascended quickly. Cultural and entertainment centers were thrown into the Miracle Mile fray in the latter half of the twentieth century.

A demographically diverse area, Miracle Mile reinforces its cultural and ethnic reputations with the presence of L.A.’s king of museums, the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts (LACMA). This sprawling area of arts, humanity and achievement lies at the west end of the Miracle Mile area. Next to the LACMA and somewhat attached, the La Brea Tar Pits has active pools of asphalt that gets dredged up annually during the summer for fossils. The Page Museum within the La Brea Tar Pits features fossils and skeletons of legendary pre-historic animals such as the Saber Tooth Tiger.

More fun for the family happens just across the LACMA at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Automobile buffs can relish antique cars like the Rolls Royce. The Petersen Automotive Museum takes you on the road of vehicular evolution on three floors.

Take a spin from the Petersen Museum to The Grove and Fairfax Ave and Beverly Blvd, one of the most visited spots in L.A. by locals and tourists alike. The Grove is one of L.A.’s premiere entertainment centers, with a popular cinema, The Farmer’s Market LA and a truly aesthetic, pedestrian-only outdoor shopping center. The Grove has been dubbed a “Disneyland for adults.”

When you are hungry, feast at Dupar’s Restaurant next to the Grove and the Farmer’s Market LA. They have an excellent sausage, egg and pancake combo. Dupar’s panackes are some of the best in Los Angeles. Near the LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits and the Petersen Automotive Museum on Wilshire Blvd (half a block east) is the Marie Calendar’s upscale Calendar’s. Plan to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday morning and afternoon there for their delicious brunch.

Lastly, take a spin on La Brea Ave. The stretch of this street contains colorful buildings, shops (lots of furniture and antique shops), restaurants, nightlife venues, including ACME Comedy Theatre and the world famous Pink’s Hot Dogs.

Accessibility: Miracle Miles’ attractions are all completely wheelchair accessible. The residential areas do have some awkward, high, rolling yards and streets.

Getting There: www.netro.net, www.ladottransit.com