Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glamour, with iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Santa Monica Pier, and Rodeo Drive drawing millions of visitors yearly. However, beyond these well-known tourist destinations lies a hidden side of LA that often goes unnoticed by travelers. Let’s take you off the beaten path and uncover 23 hidden gems in Los Angeles that you didn’t know about.
La’s Creative Bubble World
Located in the Arts District, LA’s Creative Bubble World is a unique and immersive art installation that will transport you into a world of vibrant colors and whimsical designs. Created by local artist Jimmy Swift, this hidden gem features bubble-shaped structures filled with colorful foam balls where visitors can interact and take photos. It’s a perfect spot for some fun and creative shots for your Instagram feed.
Spadena House (AKA Witch’s House)
Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood in Beverly Hills, the Spadena House is a fairy-tale-like cottage that looks like it came straight out of a storybook. Built by Hollywood art director Harry Oliver in the 1920s, this whimsical house is an unexpected sight among the luxurious mansions of Beverly Hills.
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Described as “an educational institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the public appreciation of wonder,” The Museum of Jurassic Technology is a one-of-a-kind museum that blurs the line between fact and fiction. Here, you can explore strange and intriguing exhibits like a collection of micromosaics made from human hair and an exhibit on bats that can see through their ears.
Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens
Nestled in the heart of bustling Koreatown, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a peaceful oasis that offers a respite from the city’s chaos. This hidden gem features a serene meditation garden, a labyrinth for contemplation and reflection, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for events and workshops focused on personal growth and spirituality.
Tap into the Food Scene on a Downtown LA Food Tour
While LA is known for its glitzy restaurants and celebrity chefs, the downtown area boasts a vibrant food scene that often goes unnoticed. Take a guided food tour and explore the diverse culinary offerings of this hidden gem in Los Angeles. From authentic Mexican street tacos to fusion dishes worldwide, you’ll surely satisfy your taste buds.
Venice Beach Canals
Many visitors to Los Angeles are familiar with the famous Venice Beach boardwalk, but just a few blocks away lies another hidden gem – the Venice Beach Canals. This canal mimics the canals of Venice, Italy, which provides a charming escape from the bustling city.
Hike to the Secret Swing in Elysian Park
For a unique and adventurous experience, head to the lesser-known trails of Elysian Park and hunt for the Secret Swing. This hidden gem offers stunning views of downtown LA and a peaceful escape from the bustling city below.
The Korean Friendship Bell
Located in San Pedro, the Korean Friendship Bell is a hidden gem with a rich history and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. South Korea gifted the bell to Los Angeles to honor veterans from both countries and promote peace and friendship between the two nations.
Saint Vincent Court
Visit Saint Vincent Court, a hidden alleyway in downtown LA, to transport yourself to the streets of Paris. This charming little street has quaint cafes, French bistros, and specialty shops selling unique items like handmade chocolates and artisanal cheeses.
Old la Zoo at Griffith Park
While the current LA Zoo may be a popular attraction, few people know about the old zoo in Griffith Park. The abandoned enclosures and cages now serve as a picnic area and often host outdoor movie screenings during the summer months.
The Sunken City
In 1929, a landslide caused a residential area in San Pedro to collapse into the sea, creating what is now known as the Sunken City. This hidden gem offers stunning ocean views and unique graffiti art on the remaining ruins today.
Murphy’s Ranch
Murphy’s Ranch is a hidden gem in the Santa Monica Mountains that offers a glimpse into LA’s dark history. The abandoned buildings and structures were once owned by Nazi sympathizers and served as their headquarters during World War II.
The Museum of Death
For a morbid yet fascinating experience, head to the Museum of Death in Hollywood. This hidden gem displays an extensive collection of artifacts related to death and its various facets, including artwork created by serial killers and a room dedicated to pet deaths.
The Time Travel Mart
Step into the Time Travel Mart in Echo Park and go back in time with a unique selection of vintage-inspired items. This hidden gem is also home to the nonprofit writing and tutoring center, 826LA, where proceeds from sales support educational programs for underprivileged youth.
Mosaic Tile House
Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Venice, the Mosaic Tile House is an eccentric and colorful hidden gem created by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran. Every inch of this house is covered in intricate mosaic designs, making it a unique and Instagram-worthy spot.
The Bunny Museum
The Bunny Museum is a quirky and charming hidden gem in Pasadena that houses over 35,000 bunny-related items. From stuffed animals to artwork, this museum is dedicated to bunnies and is a must-visit for any animal lover.
The Bridge to Nowhere
The Bridge to Nowhere offers a thrilling and scenic hiking experience in the San Gabriel Mountains. It was built in 1936 but was never connected to any roads, leading to its current name. It’s a popular spot for bungee jumping and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Bronson Caves
Fans of the Batman TV series may recognize the Bronson Caves as the entrance to the Batcave. Located in Griffith Park, these caves were featured in various movies and TV shows and provide a unique hiking destination with stunning views.
Avila Adobe
Avila Adobe is a National Historic Landmark located in the heart of Olvera Street. Built in 1818, this adobe house is the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about its history and see artifacts from the early days of LA.
Neon Art Museum
The Neon Art Museum in Glendale features an extensive collection of vintage neon signs. This outdoor museum offers unique photo opportunities and glimpses into the city’s past. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and significance of these iconic art pieces.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been in Los Angeles since 1963. This theater is dedicated to puppetry and offers charming and whimsical shows for children and adults.
LA’s Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is a vibrant and cultural gem that offers a glimpse into Japanese heritage and culture. It has authentic restaurants, specialty shops, and cultural events like the annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival. You can also explore museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants while immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of this neighborhood.
The American Military Museum
The American Military Museum showcases extensive military equipment and artifacts from various wars and conflicts. You can take self-guided tours to explore tanks, planes, weapons, and uniforms used by different military branches throughout history.
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