Within the fabric of the United States, there are few cities as well known and widely popular as Los Angeles – thanks in part to the history of cinema within the city, and the continued part that the city plays within global media.

However, one thing that many might not know is that the city is also home to numerous great craft distillers – all of them producing some of the best and most unique spirits in the country, and serving a happy and dedicated clientele who cannot get enough of their products.

About The City

Los Angeles is the largest city in the state of California, and the second largest in the United States, second to only New York City, which continues to rank in first place.

The city’s prominence grew with the introduction of the railroad in the 1860s and 70s, closely followed by the California gold rush, which saw industry and wealth come to this once undeveloped state.

Following the rise in interest, and the wider development of the state towards the end of the 19th century, the city became a popular vacation destination for wealthy Americans – eventually leading to the formation of the entertainment industry for which the state has become famous.

Local Distilleries

As mentioned, Los Angeles is also home to some of the best craft spirits producers in the country – each bringing something new and exciting to the table.

1. Greenbar Distillery

The first distiller in LA county since the repeal of prohibition, Greenbar Distillery is a pioneer within the city’s burgeoning distillation industry.

Creating organic vodka, whiskey, liqueurs, and bitters – all made with sustainable local ingredients – this company prides themselves on the quality of their product, and their place within their community.

Address: 2459 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021-1733

2. The Spirit Guild

With a distinctly Californian vibe to them, The Spirit Guild prides themselves on producing the best vodka and gin in the city – using fresh California tangerines to achieve a fruity, natural flavor that fans love.

With a welcoming atmosphere, and a can-do spirit (pardon the pun), this is one to check out.

Address: 586 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, California 90013, US

3. Stark’s Spirits Craft Distillery

Focusing on clear spirits like gin, vodka, rum, and aquavit, Stark’s Spirits Craft Distillery are the pride of Pasadena – producing great products that are adored throughout the whole of Los Angeles.

Address: 1260 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

4. The Obscure Distillery

With an atmospheric, spooky decor, as well as some of the greatest products in downtown LA, The Obscure pride themselves on not only creating great products, but creating great ambience, mystery, and intrigue surrounding their location and products.

Invite only, and devilishly cloak and dagger, the company is a whole new way for people to enjoy their favorite spirits.

Address: 1356 Palmetto St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

5. R6 Distillery

Last but not least, this family owned distillery is located near Inglewood, and produces some of the finest naturally aged spirits in the country.

With friendly staff, a relaxing environment, knowledgeable owners, and some of the best products in the city, there is little wonder why this distillery made the list.

Address: 909 E El Segundo Blvd, El Segundo, CA 90245

Accessibility

While many of the older historical buildings might not be entirely suitable for wheelchair users, many of the modern attractions and sites have plenty of facilities in place to allow people of all abilities to enjoy what they have to offer.

The city also has some of the best public transportation, with intricate metro trains, bus routes, and taxis/lift services operating in the city. The city also has numerous hop on/hop off bus tours that can help you see the sites, and take you where you need to be.

Things To See/Monuments

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and a city with a long and storied history, Los Angeles has much to see in the way of historical sites and places of interest.

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

The venue for many movie premiers since the dawn of modern cinema, Grauman’s Chinese Theater is a sure fire way to feel close to the movies. It is also known for its cement handprints, where celebrities of the past have left their mark for future generations to enjoy.

Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 90028

Hollywood Boulevard

While checking out the theater, why not walk up and down Hollywood Boulevard? This is one of the most famous streets in the world, and every building tells a story.

This is home to private stores, souvenir shops, award winning restaurants, atmospheric bars, and places of historical interest – including the Egyptian Theater, and the famous Frolic Room bar.

The streets themselves are also laden with the stars themselves, bearing plaques honoring some of the best and brightest from Hollywood past and present.

Address: Hollywood Boulevard, California, United States

Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach

Further away from the city center, and out towards the coast, you have the borough of Santa Monica – a charming seaside location right on the beach front.

Laden with charming stores, lavish restaurants, and plenty of historical buildings, the most famous attraction is the boardwalk, which has been a center of family fun for nearly 100 years.

Further down the beach is also Venice Beach – the famous artistic hub of Los Angeles, and a place that has been at the center of art, music, and counterculture since the 1960s.

Address: 6th St, Los Angeles 90401

Griffith Observatory

Up on the mountains above Los Angeles, you can find the Griffith Observatory – a charming, iconic observatory perched above the city of angels.

With a museum and gallery, as well as numerous hiking trails, the observatory is a popular place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, learn about the universe, or get some fresh air.

You will also have one of the best views of the famous Hollywood sign, sitting on a neighboring hill just to the west.

Address: 2800 E Observatory Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Sunset Strip

There are few areas as synonymous with rock n roll as the Sunset Strip, Located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, this part of the city has long been the nocturnal playground for the actors and musicians within Hollywood’s elite.

Home to some of the finest historic hotels – like the Chateau Marmont and the Sunset Tower – as well as famous music venues like the Whiskey A-Go-Go, there is much to see on this long boulevard, where in the right light the streets almost look paved with gold.

Address: 9040 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Culture Of Los Angeles

As you might imagine from a city with such ample tourism, Los Angeles has much to offer in the way of nightlife, food, and entertainment.

Entertainment

As one of the homes of modern entertainment, there isn’t much you cannot find in Los Angeles. For music fans, the Whiskey A-Go-Go and The Troubadour are the places to be, while comedy fans should check out The Comedy Store or the Ice House for some of the best laughs on the west coast.

There are also numerous theaters and arts centers to enjoy local talent up close and personal.

Food

Los Angeles also has numerous great restaurants, with numerous chain restaurants, fast food places, and award winning eateries all being found within the city.

Fans of history should check out Pink’s Hot Dogs, Musso & Frank’s Grill, or Randy’s Donuts for great food and stories.

Nightlife

The city also has great nightlife, with some of the best and most iconic bars in the world. Fans of music should check out the Rainbow Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip, or for those seeking something a little more hectic, there are numerous nightclubs located throughout the city.

Final Thoughts

It’s certainly true that, within the fabric of the United States, there are few states as popular as California, with the city of Los Angeles holding precedence for its long and storied history, and its place within media.

However, as this article shows, Los Angeles is also leading in spirits production – adding another feather to the cap of this industrious city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we know a little more about Los Angeles, the best sites to see, and the greatest craft distillers in the city, it is now time to answer some frequently asked questions that you might be interested in.

Is Los Angeles Expensive?

Unfortunately, Los Angeles is known for not only being one of the most expensive cities to live in, but also an expensive city to visit – being well above the national average.

Is Los Angeles Large?

Los Angeles is very large, and holds the record for being the second largest city in the United States, closely following New York City.