Close to downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium is tucked away in the Chavez Ravine next to Elysian Park. Dodger Stadium is one of the oldest and largest MLB ballparks in the United States.
With seating for 56,000 guests in a city that receives millions of visitors a year, this venue is a hot spot to catch a game or tour. However, don’t confine yourself to just Dodger Stadium on your visit when Los Angeles is such an exciting city to explore with a team.
Things to Do
Stadium Tour
A really unique way to experience Dodger Stadium is by getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility. Stadium tours are available at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. On days when there is a home game, however, they do not run regular tours. In order to receive a tour when there is a home game, you would need to book a pregame tour. A pregame tour is not a ticket to the game itself.
There are a couple of options available if you want to tour Dodger Stadium with your team. The typical 90-minute Highlight Tours will include a trip down to the field and dugout. Additionally, you will get access to the Lexus Dugout Club, which is the VIP restaurant and lounge located behind home plate. You’ll also get to view the World Series trophies, Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, Silver Slugger, and Rookie of the Year awards.
Another option for groups is the Jackie Robinson and the Diversity of the Dodgers tour. During this 90-minute tour, your team will learn about the life and career of Jackie Robinson. This tour includes access to the Vin Sulley Press Box, trophy gallery and memorabilia hallway, and a stop on the field and dugout. 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Elysian Park
Dodger Stadium borders Elysian Park. This park has some great hiking, jogging, and biking trails if you want to spend some time out in the sun.
There are two points of interest that are great for taking pictures of the cityscape. The first one, Angels Point, is at the top of a hill that gives a picturesque view of downtown Los Angeles and Dodger Stadium. If a game is taking place, you can hear the action from Angeles Point. If you want to have a group lunch with a view, there’s a grill and picnic tables to use and a good amount of shade to escape the sun.
The other spot you may want to venture to is The Hidden Swing. This peaceful area gives another panoramic view of the city. You can walk between Angels Point and The Hidden Swing or park near The Hidden Swing and take a short hike up. 929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Echo Park
Five minutes from Dodger Stadium you will find Echo Park, which is an outstanding place to take a group. You can take your group to the basketball court, baseball field, or soccer field for some outdoor fun.
To take a break, walk around the lake and take some photos to remember your trip. Be sure to stop and visit the statue of the Lady of the Lake, also known as the Queen of Angels. 1632 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
XLanes LA
Near the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles, you will find the XLanes LA bowling alley, located within a ten-minute drive from Dodger Stadium. XLanes offers bowling, billiards, karaoke rooms, and an arcade. There is also food available.
For bowling, there is a maximum of six people per lane, but there are group options available to rent out multiple lanes or VIP rooms. Karaoke rooms have a max capacity of 12 people per room. Additionally, there are three package options available for groups of varying sizes that include a buffet, arcade card, and bowling. 333 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Olvera Street
This is an extremely popular area for tourists in Los Angeles. Olvera Street, regarded as the birthplace of Los Angeles, has a vibrant Mexican marketplace to shop through. You’ll find traditional foods and handcrafted items, such as purses, wallets, belts, pottery, and other artistic pieces.
This is a wonderful spot to see if you want to get a feel for “Old Los Angeles,” as it still has some historic buildings. While you stroll down the street, you may even hear Mexican Mariachi music and see Aztec or Mexican folklore dancers. Come experience this lively marketplace by taking a seven-minute drive from Dodger Stadium. Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Natural History Museum
This is a fun museum to take your team to learn about dinosaurs, nature, and gem and mineral collections. Whether your group is visiting for a few hours or a full day, the Natural History Museum wants to ensure your group has the best time possible through their guided tour options. Additionally, the museum will also host NHMLA Talks, which are typically free with an RSVP.
Some of the permanent exhibits your group can view are the following: African Mammals, Age of Mammals, Ancient Latin American Art, Becoming L.A., Birds, Dinosaur Hall, Gems and Minerals, Haaga Family Rotunda, Insect Zoo, Nature Gardens, North American Mammals, and Shells. Come see these exhibits by taking a fifteen-minute drive from Dodger Stadium. 900 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
California Science Center
Roughly a fifteen-minute drive from Dodger Stadium, the California Science Center values guests learning from hands-on experiences. The goal is to help educate visitors on human inventions and innovations, the life processes of living things, and much more. If you plan on visiting with a group of fifteen or more, you need to make a reservation in advance.
The exhibits regularly change, but some of the permanent exhibits include Ecosystems, Air and Space, World of Life, and Roy A. Anderson Blackbird Exhibit. 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Places to Eat
Philippe The Original
On the outskirts of Chinatown, a five-minute drive from Dodger Stadium, you can find the historic deli, Philippe The Original. Perhaps the most notable dish here is their French dip sandwich, which you can customize with different meats, cheeses, and toppings. You can add a homemade coleslaw, potato salad, or macaroni salad to accompany your delicious deli sandwich. But it’s not just lunch they serve. You can stop in at any time of the day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. 1001 North Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Chinese Friends Restaurant
If you’re exploring Chinatown with your team, stop into Chinese Friends Restaurant. Here you will find some classic Chinese cuisine favorites, such as dishes with pan-fried noodles, wonton soups, Kung Pao shrimp, and chicken and broccoli. You’ll find something for even the pickiest eater to enjoy. Chinese Friends is a five-minute drive from Dodger Stadium. 984 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Button Mash
Only a seven-minute walk from Dodger Stadium is a fun eatery option for your team. Button Mash if a restaurant that has arcade games to play. Just be aware that they ask anyone not of drinking age show up by 8:15 p.m. to get a good experience because the age cut off goes into effect at 9 p.m. If your group consists of ten or more, you can make a reservation to ensure you get a space to sit, even if you’ll have team members up playing games.
Food options range from Asian cuisine to burgers. Vegans and vegetarians will also have a good selection from which to choose. Leave room for dessert to try their five-spice apple fritters or brick toast. 1391 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Orochon Ramen
When you explore Little Tokyo, take your group to Orochon Ramen for lunch or dinner. From the name, you probably guessed that their specialties are ramen dishes, but they do also offer entrees like Teriyaki chicken with rice, edamame, and fried rice with soup.
Ramen bowls include miso, salt, and soy. Someone in your group might even end up on Orochon’s Hall of Fame if they can conquer the spiciest ramen bowl. So, come eat at Orochon Ramen and explore Little Tokyo by taking an eight-minute drive over from Dodger Stadium. 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St, Los Angeles, CA 90012