6th Street Viaduct, Los Angeles - An elevated highway viewed through trees.
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6th Street Viaduct Los Angeles

4.6
·360 reviews·Los Angeles, United States

An architectural marvel offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline and the city's vibrant energy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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6th Street Viaduct, Los Angeles - An elevated highway viewed through trees.

6th Street Viaduct Los Angeles

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An architectural marvel offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline and the city's vibrant energy.

4.6
(360 reviews)

"The 6th Street Viaduct is an absolute must-see for its iconic design and incredible city vistas!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Smartly

Consider parking near Two Bit Circus for free street parking & walk/scooter over.

🅿️ Union Station Option

Park at Union Station for security & take a cheap rideshare to the bridge.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Marvel

Architectural Marvel

The entire viaduct

Admire the sweeping curves and modern design of this iconic LA landmark. A true engineering feat!

Downtown LA Skyline Views

Downtown LA Skyline Views

Eastern end of the viaduct

Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, especially magical at sunrise and sunset.

Boyle Heights Perspective

Boyle Heights Perspective

Western end of the viaduct

Experience a different angle of the city and the bridge's grandeur from the Boyle Heights side.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

The iconic 6th Street Viaduct in Los Angeles is a popular spot. To capture stunning photos and enjoy the views without overwhelming crowds, aim for early mornings or late evenings. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Parking and Access Tips

Parking near the 6th Street Viaduct can be tricky. Consider parking a few blocks away in areas like near Two Bit Circus for free street parking and walking or scootering over. Alternatively, Union Station offers secure parking with affordable rideshares to the bridge.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, great light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
City lights sparkle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Where to Park for 6th St Bridge shows

🚗 Park Smartly

Consider parking near Two Bit Circus for free street parking & walk/scooter over. Reddit

🅿️ Union Station Option

Park at Union Station for security & take a cheap rideshare to the bridge. Reddit

reddit.com

Want to visit 6th Street Bridge go take photos, where do I park?

🌅 Sunrise/Sunset Photos

Great for photos, but can get busy. Go early for best light & fewer people. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Length

Explore both sides for unique city views and architectural appreciation. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Smartly

Consider parking near Two Bit Circus for free street parking & walk/scooter over. Reddit

🅿️ Union Station Option

Park at Union Station for security & take a cheap rideshare to the bridge. Reddit

🌅 Sunrise/Sunset Photos

Great for photos, but can get busy. Go early for best light & fewer people. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Length

Explore both sides for unique city views and architectural appreciation. Reddit

🛴 Scooter Around

Rent a scooter for a fun way to traverse the viaduct and nearby areas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(360 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning architecture and panoramic city views offered by the 6th Street Viaduct, calling it an iconic LA landmark. While parking can be a challenge, many find it worth the effort for the breathtaking photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset. Some note that it can get crowded during peak times.

"Once the sun goes down check out 6th Street Bridge! The bridge itself is a work of art. Its sweeping arches feel futuristic but still grounded in LA's gritty, creative spirit. You’ll often see locals skating, snapping photos, filming, or just hanging out—it's become a real community spot."

Chris Westwood

"The stunning renovated 6th street bridge is a great place to see and experience when in downtown Los Angeles!A fantastic downtown Los Angeles city landmark experience! Great for walking,biking,e-biking,driving,droning,photos,exploring and views! Beautiful AM/ PM dusk images! Check out the nearby art district,Fly Balloon Museum,food,coffee and shops!
#dtla #6thstreetviaduct #caffeineandclassics #losangeles #seetheusa #godisgood #ilovela #welovela #skyline #downtownlosangeles #balloonmuseum #flymuseum #carphotography #carshows"

Wayne Salvatti

"It's worth seeing but there's nothing there, just the drive over the bridge. Fenced off industrial business around, Graffiti on bridge & litter at entrances."

F Garcia

What People Like

Iconic architecture
Stunning skyline views
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The 6th Street Viaduct is accessible by car, public transport, and rideshare. If driving, be prepared for limited parking. Many visitors opt to park a few blocks away and walk or use a scooter. Public transport options include bus lines that stop nearby. Reddit+1

Parking can be challenging. Some suggest parking near Two Bit Circus for free street parking and then walking or scootering to the bridge. Another popular option is parking at Union Station and taking a short, inexpensive rideshare. Reddit+1

Yes, many visitors find sunrise and sunset to be the most beautiful times to visit for photography. While it can get crowded, the areas are generally considered safe, especially if you are aware of your surroundings. Reddit

Absolutely! The 6th Street Viaduct is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, offering wide pathways to enjoy the views and the structure itself. It's a great way to experience the bridge. Reddit

Several Metro bus lines serve the areas around the 6th Street Viaduct. Check the Metro trip planner for routes and schedules that best suit your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting the 6th Street Viaduct itself is free and open to the public. There are no tickets required to walk or bike across the bridge and enjoy the views. Reddit

The 6th Street Viaduct is generally open 24/7, allowing for visits at any time. However, it's advisable to check for any temporary closures or special event hours, especially if planning a late-night visit. Reddit

There is no admission fee to access the 6th Street Viaduct. It's a public space designed for everyone to enjoy the architecture and city vistas. Reddit

While specific regulations can vary, generally, pets on leashes are permitted in public outdoor spaces like the 6th Street Viaduct. Always check local signage for the most current rules. Reddit

Photography is generally encouraged at the 6th Street Viaduct, as it's a popular spot for photos. However, avoid using professional lighting equipment or blocking pathways, especially during busy times. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the Los Angeles skyline and the bridge's architecture. Weekday mornings are also excellent for fewer crowds and soft light. Reddit

The eastern end provides stunning views of the downtown LA skyline. The western end offers a different perspective of the city and the bridge's impressive structure. Experiment with different angles along the pedestrian walkways. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near public infrastructure like bridges due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by local authorities. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge and the skyline. A tripod can be very useful for low-light photography during sunrise, sunset, or at night. Reddit

Don't miss capturing the illuminated bridge at night, the sweeping curves of the architecture, and the contrast between the modern viaduct and the historic cityscape. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 6th Street Viaduct offers a fantastic, free outing for families. The wide pedestrian walkways make it easy for kids to walk or run around safely, and the open design provides plenty of space. It's a great spot to teach children about urban planning and architecture while enjoying expansive city views. Pack some snacks and water, and make a day of exploring the bridge and its surroundings. Reddit

Consider bringing a scooter or a small bike for the kids to ride along the designated paths, adding an element of fun to the visit. The novelty of being on such a grand structure can be very exciting for younger visitors. Remember to visit during daylight hours for the best visibility and a more relaxed experience, though the illuminated bridge at night can also be a magical sight. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the 6th Street Bridge Los Angeles is a dream location. The bridge's modern, sweeping architecture provides a dramatic foreground for capturing the Downtown LA skyline. Aim for sunrise or sunset to utilize the beautiful natural light, which creates stunning silhouettes and vibrant colors. Weekday mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and getting unobstructed shots. Reddit

Experiment with different focal lengths: a wide-angle lens will capture the grandeur of the viaduct and the cityscape, while a telephoto lens can isolate interesting architectural details or compress the perspective of the skyline. Don't forget to capture the bridge at night when its lighting system transforms it into a glowing ribbon across the city. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The 6th Street Viaduct is a perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers as it's completely free to visit. You can spend hours exploring the bridge, taking photos, and enjoying the views without spending a dime. The key to saving money here is smart parking. Reddit

Instead of paying for expensive downtown parking, take advantage of free street parking a few blocks away or utilize public transport. Pack your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing from vendors, making your entire experience cost-effective and enjoyable. It's a prime example of a world-class attraction that doesn't require an entry fee. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architecture of the 6th Street Viaduct

The 6th Street Viaduct (also known as the 6th Street Bridge LA or LA 6th St Bridge) is a marvel of modern engineering and design. Completed in 2022, it replaced the original 1932 viaduct that had deteriorated over time. The new structure features a distinctive series of arches and sweeping curves, designed by architect HNTB. Its innovative design not only serves as a vital transportation link but also as a significant aesthetic addition to the Los Angeles landscape. The bridge spans the Los Angeles River, connecting the Arts District in Downtown LA with Boyle Heights. TikTokInstagram

The construction of the new viaduct was a massive undertaking, involving extensive planning and execution to create a durable and visually striking landmark. The design emphasizes clean lines and a sense of openness, allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding city. It's a testament to contemporary urban infrastructure, blending functionality with artistic expression. The bridge's lighting system also enhances its visual appeal at night, making it a prominent feature of the city's skyline. TikTokInstagram

Visitors often marvel at the sheer scale and elegance of the 6th street viaduct los angeles. The interplay of light and shadow across its concrete surfaces, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates dynamic photographic opportunities. The pedestrian walkways are wide and well-maintained, encouraging people to stroll and appreciate the architectural details up close. It’s more than just a bridge; it’s a destination in itself, celebrated for its iconic status in Los Angeles. Reddit

Experiencing the 6th Street Viaduct: Tips from Visitors

Travelers consistently highlight the 6th Street Viaduct as a must-see spot for its stunning views and impressive architecture. Many recommend visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and photographic opportunities. The panoramic views of the Downtown LA skyline are a major draw, offering a breathtaking backdrop for photos and a memorable experience. Reddit

When it comes to parking, advice from Reddit users suggests strategic planning. Free street parking can be found a few blocks away, for instance, near Two Bit Circus, from where you can walk or use a scooter to reach the bridge. Alternatively, parking at Union Station and taking a short, affordable rideshare is another practical solution mentioned by visitors looking for secure parking. Reddit+1

Beyond the views, the LA 6th St Bridge is appreciated for its pedestrian-friendly design. Walking or biking across its length allows for a full appreciation of its modern architecture and the diverse perspectives it offers of the city. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the urban landscape and the iconic structure. Reddit

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