A hip hop-themed ice cream parlour. Some of the finest soul food in Los Angeles. And imminently, more free-to-view public art than you can shake a stick at. Crenshaw may not be on most tourists’ radar just yet, but for those willing to venture three miles west of Exposition Park, this on-the-up district boasts a strong cultural identity and plenty of thriving small businesses to visit. Improved public transport links are also helping to pin the neighbourhood to the map, with the Metro’s K Line now serving the area, due to roll out to Los Angeles International Airport in 2025.
When Destination Crenshaw is finally unveiled, a staggered launch occurring in stages throughout 2024, it will be crowned the largest Black public art project in the US. This open-air exhibit looks set to revitalise the historically under-served but culturally rich neighbourhoods of Crenshaw and adjoining Leimert Park, which for decades have been at the beating heart of LA’s Black community.
Now’s the time to strap on your walking shoes and hit the streets for culture and craft coffee at these local hotspots.
What to do
Destination Crenshaw’s art walk
Destination Crenshaw stretches along Crenshaw Boulevard, the major artery running through the neighbourhood. Start your walking tour at Sankofa Park, where an elevated platform offers epic views of LA’s palm-fringed horizons.
The star of the show is a looming bronze sculpture of a contemporary African woman on horseback by the renowned artist Kehinde Wiley. Just steps away is Charles Dickson’s installation, a towering stack of shiny chrome cars celebrating Crenshaw’s lowrider culture. Strolling the 1.3-mile trail, past vibrant street art murals, sculptures and augmented reality exhibits, make time to stop off at the freshly landscaped pocket parks that dot the road, offering a leafy sanctuary in the urban jungle.
All Chill hip-hop ice cream shop
Seamlessly pairing Vanilla Ice with vanilla ice cream, this dinky hangout is owned by a local couple who once worked in the music industry. Their homemade organic ice creams and sorbets run the flavour gauntlet from classics such as vegan mint to the more experimental smoked olive oil. Alongside…
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