Los Angeles culture is a wild mix of old traditions, new trends, and everything in between. It’s Hollywood glitz, taco trucks at midnight, street art in the Arts District, and lowriders cruising down Whittier Boulevard. It’s the energy of a Korean BBQ spot at 2 AM, the laid-back brunch scene in Venice, and the hustle of the fashion district.
Rooted in Mexican, Spanish, and global influences, but constantly reinventing itself, LA culture is as unpredictable as the city itself. Without further ado, let’s get into the heart of the LA culture.
What Makes Los Angeles Culture Unique?
Los Angeles culture is a living, breathing entity; an ever-evolving fusion of history, immigration, global influences, and contemporary trends. LA thrives on its diversity, blending the traditions of Spanish settlers, Mexican heritage, European influences, and Hollywood-driven pop culture into something uniquely its own.
A City Built on Layers of Influence
The foundation of Los Angeles culture was set long before Hollywood and Beverly Hills became global icons. The Tongva people, the region’s original inhabitants, shaped the landscape with sustainable agricultural practices and a deep connection to nature.
Spanish settlers arrived in 1781, introducing Catholic missions, European architecture, and a ranching economy, which laid the groundwork for Los Angeles traditions that still resonate today. Mexican culture followed, further planting language, cuisine, and customs into the city’s DNA.
By the 20th century, waves of immigrants from Asia, Europe, and Latin America turned LA into one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. Today, you can explore Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Chinatown, Olvera Street, and Thai Town, each with a distinct cultural experience.
The Convergence of Old & New Traditions
What makes LA culture so fascinating is how it honors the past while constantly reinventing itself. Walk through Downtown Los Angeles, and you’ll see Spanish missions standing alongside Art Deco skyscrapers. Head to East LA, and you’ll find some of the most authentic Mexican culture outside of Mexico, where traditions like Día de los Muertos are celebrated just as vibrantly as in Mexico City. At the same time, LA is a trendsetting city with impacts on global conversations on fashion, technology, food, and entertainment.
A Global Culture Hub
Unlike cities where tradition dominates daily life, LA is defined by its openness to change. LA absorbs and adapts trends at an unmatched pace. The city is a crossroads where luxury brands meet underground artists, where heritage meets innovation, and where tradition meets reinvention.
The History of Los Angeles Culture
Los Angeles culture is a reflection of centuries of migration, conquest, and reinvention. The city’s origins trace back to the Tongva people, who lived in harmony with the land before Spanish settlers arrived in 1781.
The U.S. annexation in 1848 transformed the city once again, bringing Anglo-American settlers, Chinese laborers, and European immigrants, who contributed to its economic growth and cultural expansion.
By the 20th century, Los Angeles culture had become a global phenomenon, thanks to Hollywood, music, and fashion. The rise of Mexican-American influence, jazz, hip-hop, and streetwear added new layers to LA’s identity and the social movements in the 1960s and 70s helped define the city’s progressive spirit.
LA Culture and Tradition: The Key Influences
Los Angeles is a city where cultures don’t just coexist; they blend, evolve, and redefine each other. From the Spanish to the French, the city is filled with a vibe for everyone. Let’s find out more about these influences.
Spanish Culture in Los Angeles
The Spanish influence in Los Angeles dates back to 1781, when El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles was established. Spain’s colonization brought Catholicism, mission-style architecture, and the Spanish language, much of which still remains prominent in the city.
The missions of San Gabriel and San Fernando, along with the iconic Olvera Street, serve as reminders of this era.
Mexican Culture in LA
After their independence in 1821, Mexican culture became deeply embedded in Los Angeles traditions. Día de los Muertos, mariachi music, and charreadas (Mexican rodeos) took root in the city.
Mexican cuisine, from street tacos and tamales to birria and mole, is an integral part of LA culture’s food to this day. East LA remains the heart of Mexican-American culture, where murals, lowrider culture, and bilingual communities keep these traditions alive.
The Influence of French Culture on LA
Though less prominent than Spanish and Mexican influences, French culture has left an undeniable mark on Los Angeles, particularly in fashion, fine dining, and the arts. In the early 20th century, French architects and urban planners helped shape Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, and Hancock Park, which added to the city’s European-style boulevards and Beaux-Arts buildings.
French cuisine also found a home in LA, shaping the high-end dining, pâtisseries, and wine culture. Moreover, restaurants like République and Bicyclette showcase French gastronomy, while LA’s fine dining scene remains heavily inspired by French techniques.
Hollywood & Pop Culture in LA
Los Angeles is the undisputed global capital of pop culture, where movies, music, and fashion trends are born and exported worldwide. Since the early 1900s, Hollywood has been synonymous with stardom, producing the films and television shows that shape global entertainment.
Beyond film, LA’s influence in music is just as profound. Fashion is another pillar of Los Angeles culture, particularly through streetwear and sneaker culture. Brands like Culture Kings, The Hundreds, and Fear of God define LA’s blend of high fashion and street style.
Los Angeles Culture Food: A Melting Pot of Flavors
What is Los Angeles culture without its food? Rarely you can find such an authentic, diverse, and trend-setting culinary landscape. LA’s food scene is shaped by Spanish explorers, Mexican traditions, French influences, and modern pop culture trends.
Mexican & Spanish Influence
Mexican food is central to LA culture. You’ll find dishes like street tacos, tamales, and birria across the city, from classic taquerías in Boyle Heights to gourmet takes at spots like Guerrilla Tacos.
Spanish culture brought tapas, paella, and wine culture to Los Angeles. Introduced by early Spanish settlers, these traditions remain alive in downtown wine bars and tapas spots like Bar Moruno, blending with California’s local produce and winemaking.
French & Asian Influence
French bakeries and bistros introduced LA to European fine dining. Places like République and Bottega Louie bring classic French cuisine to LA with fresh pastries, croissants, and Michelin-level dishes in a modern, West Coast setting.
Additionally, LA’s massive Asian population has created a prominent niche. Some of the best Asian food outside of Asia can be found in LA, including:
- Koreatown: Known for Korean BBQ, sizzling bulgogi, and late-night soju bars.
- Thai Town: Home to spicy papaya salads, boat noodles, and authentic curries at family-owned restaurants.
- San Gabriel Valley: The center of authentic Chinese cuisine with world-class dim sum, hand-pulled noodles, and Szechuan hot pots.
- Filipinotown: A growing hotspot for adobo, lechon, and ube-flavored desserts, reflecting the city’s thriving Filipino community.
The best way to experience all these places is with a car. So, if you don’t own a car in LA, your next best option is renting a car.
Los Angeles Traditions & Annual Festivals
With so many different cultures settling in LA, you’ll see a traditional feast or an ancient festival in every corner of the city. These are some of the most renowned celebrations in town:
Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of Los Angeles’ most recognized cultural traditions, celebrated with vibrant altars (ofrendas), marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and traditional Mexican performances. This holiday is rooted in Mexican and Aztec traditions, and each year honors the spirits of the loved ones who’ve passed away. You can experience this celebration at these two places:
- Olvera Street’s Día de los Muertos Festival: This is one of the most legendary celebrations with live mariachi music, folklorico dancers, and candlelit processions.
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery Festival: This Hollywood attraction is another grand cultural festival where thousands of people gather for altars, Aztec ritual dances, and musical performances.
Chinese New Year in Chinatown
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, marks the arrival of spring and is one of the most spectacular celebrations in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. You’ll be treated to lion and dragon dances, traditional Chinese feasts, and fireworks. These are some of the top traditions of the Chinese:
- Golden Dragon Parade: This dates back to centuries ago and includes elaborate floats, martial arts performances, and Chinese cultural events.
- Chinatown Firecracker Run: A unique experience that mixes a 5k/10k run with hundreds of firecrackers.
- Temple Visits: Thien Hau Temple is the place where people burn incense and offer prayers ahead of the new year.
LA Pride Parade
Since the 1970s, LA Pride Parade has been one of the biggest and most iconic LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world. Hundreds of thousands of people head to West Hollywood each year to celebrate this event.
There are massive, colorful floats and live performances at this parade. Additionally, events like drag queen showcases, community events, and music festivals engage the attendees.
Sunday Brunch Culture
Brunch isn’t just a meal in Los Angeles; it’s a weekend ritual. From celebrity hotspots in West Hollywood to beachside cafés in Malibu, LA’s brunch scene is luxury culture personified. These are the whereabouts of LA’s main brunch scene:
- West Hollywood: Trendy, influencer-favorite brunch spots like The Butcher, The Baker, and The Cappuccino Maker serve Instagram-worthy plates.
- Venice Beach: You can enjoy avocado toasts, mimosas, and fresh açai bowls at rooftop bars at this great LA Beach.
- Silver Lake & Echo Park: You’ll find laid back, artsy cafés with a focus on organic ingredients here.
Sunset Hikes & Yoga Culture
Fitness and wellness have been the new wave in the LA culture in the past years. From hiking to Griffith Observatory at sunrise to practicing sunset yoga in Santa Monica, Angelenos are taking big steps towards a healthier lifestyle. These are the popular spots to get in some activity in:
- Runyon Canyon: This is a popular spot for all sorts of crowds with breathtaking views of the city.
- Griffith Park Trails: If you’re into sunset hikes with a hint of Hollywood Sign views, this is worth checking out.
- Santa Monica Beach Yoga: This one is a new favorite among angelenos. Mixing the great vibes of group yoga on the sand with the meditative ocean wave sounds.
Pop Culture Conventions
As the entertainment capital of the world, LA is home to some of the biggest pop culture events, where everyone comes together to celebrate movies, gaming, anime, and digital culture. These are the biggest venues:
- Comic-Con: This is a must-visit for comic book, sci-fi, and fantasy lovers, featuring celebrity panels and exclusive merch.
- E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo): A global gaming convention where new video games, consoles, and tech innovations are unveiled.
- Anime Expo: This is the largest anime and Japanese pop culture convention in the U.S. and it brings fans and industry legends together.
The Impact of LA Culture on the World
With Los Angeles being the cultural powerhouse that it is, you’d expect impacts on a massive scale, and it sure is like that. LA is constantly setting trends and pushing the culture forward covering all grounds.
Hollywood’s Global Influence
Nothing like Hollywood represents Los Angeles’s influence on the world. Since the early 20th century, LA has been the birthplace of modern cinema, producing movies that shape how the world sees itself.
Beyond film, Los Angeles has also influenced every corner of pop culture, from music and gaming to social media content creation. LA-based TikTok stars, YouTubers, and Instagram influencers now hold as much cultural impact as Hollywood A-listers, which proves that LA remains the entertainment capital of the world.
Streetwear & Fashion
Los Angeles has been a leader in fashion innovation for decades, but its biggest global impact has been in streetwear and sneaker culture. Unlike New York or Paris, which are known for luxury fashion, LA’s aesthetic is rooted in skateboarding, hip-hop, and underground movements.
Having said that, LA’s influence can be clearly seen even in high fashion where brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Balenciaga are integrating hoodies, sneakers, and casual wear into their collections.
Food Trends Born in LA
LA is a fusion of different tastes and cuisines, and this mixed up scene results in global trends in the industry at times. Some of these movements are:
- The Taco Truck Movement: Los Angeles played a key role in making taco trucks and street food mainstream, and it helped turn what was once considered cheap eats into high-end gourmet experiences.
- Plant-Based & Healthy Food Movement: LA has long been at the forefront of health-conscious eating, driving the rise of vegan, organic, and plant-based food trends. Now, you’ll see everyone with their smoothies in the morning walking around the town.
All in all, Los Angeles is culturally big enough to shape trends on a global level.
Last Words
Unlike cities with a static cultural identity, Los Angeles culture is constantly evolving. We walked you through the origins of this culture, how it’s intertwined with other cultures, the festivals, the food, and everything that makes LA what it is.
As LA culture continues to grow, its influence will keep spreading, shaping the way the world creates, consumes, and defines culture itself.
FAQ
What Is Los Angeles Culture Known for?
Los Angeles culture is known for its Hollywood entertainment industry, diverse food scene, streetwear fashion, music influence, and multicultural heritage shaped by Mexican, Spanish, Asian, and pop culture influences.
What Are Some Unique Traditions in Los Angeles?
LA traditions include Día de los Muertos celebrations in Olvera Street, Chinese New Year in Chinatown, the Hollywood Awards Season, Sunday brunch culture, outdoor fitness trends like Runyon Canyon hikes, and major pop culture events like Comic-Con and E3.
