I’m always up for a celebration, any excuse will do, especially a surprise visit from a dear friend. Our perfect day out included a whirlwind tour of the city, including sweeping views, fine dining, touristy Insta fun, and even a film screening at the USC School of Cinema.
71 Above
Our screening wouldn’t take place until 6:30 pm on the USC Campus, but knowing LA traffic we decided to head in that general direction to make the most of our afternoon.
We’re both foodies, so her visit was the perfect excuse for me to finally check out 71 Above, a fine dining establishment 71 stories above Downtown Los Angeles. Lucky for us recent rains had cleared the city’s haze making it a perfect day for a view spot.
The reviews are great, and our experience absolutely lived up to them. Everything was wonderful the food, the service, the views and especially the company!
While you’re there take the time to walk around the restaurant’s dining room, so you can see the view from many directions. Marks placed on the outer walls will help you get your bearings.
71 Above offers prix fix menus for both the lunch and dinner menus. The choices are plentiful and we found the lunch prices reasonable. If you’re not interested in a prix fix menu you can order à la carte items in the bar.
71 Above is located in the US bank Building in Downtown Los Angeles. If you park in the building’s garage the restaurant will validate for two hours.
OUE SkySpace Slide
Also located in the US Bank Building is the OUE SkySpace Slide, which I causally mentioned to Melissa as we were leaving. She immediately wanted to do this and her excitement was contagious. The next thing I knew I was 70 stories up preparing to slide down the outside of a building in a glass slide! 
This is NOT something I would normally sign up for, but I went with it, and I’m so glad I did! The slide is the length of one floor, and some might say it’s too short, but it was perfect for me. Just long enough for a thrill, but not too long. 
Once you emerge from the slide you’ll find yourself on a gorgeous balcony overlooking the city. Food and beverages are available, and there are couches for lounging. The slide itself may be short, but you can linger on the balcony as long as you’d like. 
The balcony has two sets of Colette Miller’s angel wings, part of her Global Angel Wings Project, and if you’re interested, you can pose with them. Why not? It is the City of Angels after all! 
The timing of our visit couldn’t have been more perfect as the sun was just setting giving the city and everything in it a golden glow. 
The OUE Skyspace box office is the left of the building’s main entrance. Filming and photos aren’t allowed during inside the slide, but the official photo is available for purchase.
Out of the Box(Office)
Next up was our movie screening at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. We were seeing Kusama: Infinity with a directors talk afterwards. The event was hosted by Out of the Box (Office), a division of SCA, which hosts FREE weekly screenings in order to showcase upcoming international, documentary and independent cinema. The list of titles screened is impressive and for the most part they are all open to the public. The films shown include choices from Sundance, Cannes, Berlin, SXSW, and Venice Film Festivals to name just a few.
Are you familiar with Yayoi Kusama? She’s a Japanese contemporary artist who is most famous for her sculpture and immersive installations. She’s been active in the art word for the large part of her 89 years, but sadly it’s only been in more recent years that her art has been appreciated and given the respect it deserves. This documentary documents the early parts of her life and the immense struggles she overcame to become the top selling female artist in the world.
RSVP online and arrive early for the free screenings as seating is not guaranteed. Consider taking the Expo Train to USC if traffic and parking aren’t on your agenda.
The Expo Line
The USC Campus, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science center, and Downtown LA can all be reached via the Expo Line, a commuter train, which runs east/west from the heart of Downtown Los Angeles to the Santa Monica Pier.
The Expo Line runs east/west from Downton LA to the Beach
Exit at the Vermont Station for USC, and both museums, as well as many other nearby areas of interest. Check the Metro website for timetables, fare information and routes.
Pin for later:
California Globetrotter
So, tell us really, did you go for the food or for the wings? This place is amazing!! LA is turning out to be cooler than when I was a teen! Can’t wait to see new LA! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Honestly, I went for the food. Really! The wings aren’t accessible from the restaurant only SkySpace, which was completely spontaneous and not even my decision… scouts honor!
the Curious Pixie
Wow the views are amazing! and I’m a huge fan of Yayoi Kusama, been to all her exhibitions in London #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Have you seen the movie? It’s available and so fascinating!
Nicola Burke
I love Yayoi Kusama, we went to see the similar exhibition when she was here in Singapore. Love those wings too!
#farawayfiles
Hilary
She’s an amazing individual such a pioneer in the world of art! The wings are pretty great, aren’t they?!
Janis
Those views from 71 Above are incredible, although I’m not too sure I would jump on the slide. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Believe me I wasn’t sure either, but surprisingly so fun!
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesday
What a day! I would like to do all those things, Kusama is am amazing artist and thar slide …. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
It was Such a fun day! Come visit LA, I’ll be your guide!
Are We Adults Yet
Very cool, I haven’t had the chance to go there yet, can’t wait to check it out!
Hilary
I admit I probably wouldn’t have gone if it weren’t for my friend, but I’m so glad I did!
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
Looks like you guys had a great day there – that slide equally excites and terrifies me! #FarawayFiles
Natalie
Great views of LA and looks like a lot of fun. I saw a similar art work by Collette Miller and we had Kusama’s Infinity Room in Toronto recently. #FarAwayFiles
Hilary
Thank you it was a great day out! Yes Colette Miller’s wings are a world wide project. We claim the very first pair here in LA.
Paul Healy
Looks like a great day out. Not sure about that slide, I think I’d have to do that with my eyes closed! The restaurant looks fantastic though – what amazing views.
Hilary
Believe me, if I can do it… however, one doesn’t have to do the slide to enjoy the view, that was just a last minute bit of fun.
Corey | Fifi + Hop
Sounds like a super fun afternoon and the lighting is absolutely perfect for those wings pics! I would do the slide only because it’s short, but any longer – no way!! #farawayfiles
Hilary
It was a perfect day! The sunset was amazing!
Katherine
The food looks delish, and that view from SkySpace is unbelievable. I guess you were really lucky to visit just after the rain had cleared up the air! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Yes, after a rain is a great time for city views in LA! The food was delish!