You live in or around Los Angeles and have guests coming from out-of-town……
OR….
You yourself are in the mood for a fun day/night out…..
Where do you usually go??
Usually it’s either one the following…..
-Hollywood (and everything around it)
-Theme Parks
-Malls
-Sports Stadiums
-Famous Beaches
-Famous Museums
-Famous Gardens
Am I right?
We do the same thing too. Literally allllll the time.
But do you know there are hidden gems spread all over the Greater Los Angeles Area.
I didn’t know about them either till someone mentioned “The Last Bookstore”. Never had I heard of it before and asked myself the question why. One search lead to another and after spending a gazillion hours on the internet, found soo many places in or around Los Angeles which had yet to be discovered by me and since I don’t want you to spend hours (read days) on the internet searching for them too, here is a list of these hidden gems.
In no particular order they are:
1. BRADBURY BUILDING
via google
Location: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
This architectural delight is the oldest commercial building in the city.
From the outside it seems like a regular old stone building, but the real beauty lies in the structural details inside. It underwent a complete restoration in the early 1990’s which has restored the building to all its glory.
This building has been featured in a lost movies including 500 Days of Summer, Pay it Forward, Chinatown and Blade Runner to name a few.
Only the ground floor is accessible to public and you can take as many pictures as you want.
Read more here.
2. ABALONE COVE TIDE POOLS:
Location: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive, CA 90275
This is a neat park with picnic tables and an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean but a steep, narrow dirt path trail will lead you down to the Abalone Cove where marine life is waiting in all its glory. After a hard walk on the rocks when you reach the tide pools, make sure to stick to the sides and lastly if you are brave enough do explore the sea caves too.
Read more here.
3. LOS ANGELES RIVER BRIDGE
Though not a lot of water here, but a flat riverbed and an industrial feel makes it’s a stunning place to visit. You can see this place in a lot of music videos and commercials and movies like Transformers, The Dark Knight Rises and Grease to name a few.
You can hike or bike or just walk around different sections of the river which starts in the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains and flows through Los Angeles County, California, from Canoga Park in the western end of the San Fernando Valley and ends in Long Beach.
Read more here.
4. VIRGINIA ROBINSON GARDENS
Location: 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
It is one of the first homes constructed in Beverly Hills. Once this mansion hosted legendary parties and was the talk of the town. Former house of Virginia Robinson and her husband now serves as a historic landmark and the garden is a paradise for visitors. Remember that you have schedule an appointment to see this beauty.
There is a 90 minute guided tour which is very informative. Remember there is a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes.
Read more here.
5.VENICE CANALS HISTORIC DISTRICT
Location: Venice, CA 90292
The historic district lies in the Venice division of Los Angeles. The highlight of the area is the man-made canals which lie between houses and apartments.
The area has a very calm feel with lush greenery and ducks and other birds hanging around. Since it is very close to the Venice Beach and hip eateries, parking can be a bit difficult. The houses have direct access to the canal and you can see their private boats docked in front too. Definitely worth the walk.
Read more here.
6. ANGELINO HEIGHTS/CARROLL AVE, ECHO PARK
Location: 1329 Carroll Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Angelino Heights/Carroll Ave has some breath-taking Victoria-Era homes in a picturesque neighborhood. The street is an easy find and there are ample parking spots.
You can just drive around or take a guided walk tour which takes you inside some houses as well.
The architecture is stunning and one feels as if it’s a studio set not real homes as they are soo gorgeous.
Carroll Avenue is famous as it is the backdrop to many TV shows including “Charmed” and “Mad Men” and also Michael Jackson’s “Thriller“.
Read more here.
7. THE BROAD
Location: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles,
The Broad is a contemporary, quirky, futuristic, funky museum named after the philanthropist Eli Broad, who is the benefactor.
The museum offers free general admission and it is better to reserve the tickets in advance online rather than wait in line to buy at the door.
There is a nice permanent collection as well as some temporary exhibits as well. The staff is well-versed in arts and you can enjoy an intelligent conversation with them.
The museum is engaging, fresh and thought-provoking and you will leave feeling inspired and ready to make something new.
Read more here.
8. ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET
Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
Held on the second Sunday of every month this is one unique flea market featuring over 2500 vendors.
Rose Bowl Flea Market is world-renowned and has been going on for over four decades. You will find antiques as well as modern stuff along with loads of local gems. There is ample free parking and though it does get crowded, it is well-organized so you can enjoy it at your own pace.
Read more here.
9. CENTRAL LIBRARY/LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location: 630 W. 5th Street Los Angeles, CA 90071
From the entrance of the library which feels like a museum to the perfectly manicured shrubs and artistic fountains this is a must see even if you don’t want to check out any books. The inside has plenty of details to keep an artist or architect busy for hours and for all the book lovers out there, there are more than five floors full of millions of books.
Hungry?
No problem. Eat at the Panda Express inside.
Have walk and enjoy the book collection, the art and exhibit, the murals and on your way out take a memorabilia from the gift store.
Read more here.
10. HUNTINGTON LIBRARY AND BOTANICAL GARDEN
Location: 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108
This place was established by Henry E. Huntington and houses extensive 18th-19th century European Art and 17th to 20th century American Art. The library is surrounded by 120 acres of exotic botanical gardens including the “Japanese Garden” and the “Chinese Garden” amongst many others.
Read more here.
11. GALCO’S SODA POP STOP
Location: 5702 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Soda lovers rejoice. Galco’s is a one stop soda shop which has it all. From sodas to fizzy drinks to beer and non-carbonated drinks, this place has it all. There is a small deli too where you can enjoy the soda with a bite.
With a wide range of over 700 flavors, I am sure there is one just right for you. The coolest thing is that you can create your own soda and choose the strength of carbonation, cap and label it.
Neat!
Read more here.
12. DESCANSO GARDENS:
Location: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge, 91011
Descanso Gardens is a hidden treasure not far from Los Angeles with year around natural beauty. With exotic botanical collections and one of a kind horticultural exhibits it sure is a living museum. With lots of winding paths to run around and some artistic bridges, there is soo much to see here. From camellia to roses to tulip and much much more…
On your way out stop at the gift shop to get a plant or memorabilia.
Read more here.
13. OLDEST McDonald’s:
Location: 10207 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, 90240
Approx. 11 miles South-East of Downtown Los Angeles is the oldest operating McDonald’s and is a drive-up hamburger place. It opened in 1953 and is still going strong. This was the second restaurant owned and operated by the brothers prior to Ray Kroc’s involvement.
There are two parts of the building. One is the restaurant and the other is a museum where you can see the memorabilia from early days. Watch “The Founder” and you would really want to go see it.
Read more here.
14. ANGEL’S FLIGHT:
Angel’s Flight via Wikipedia
Location: 350 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071
This has to be the shortest and the steepest train ride of your life which takes literally seconds to reach the destination. It has appeared in a number of movies and was recently featured on Amazon series “Bosch” which is based on Michael Connelly’s book Angel’s Flight.
For just $0.50 with a metro card and $1 without one, this is one ride not to be missed.
P.S….It is 33% more steep than the Lombard Street in San Francisco (Go figure!)
Read more here.
15. M*A*S*H SET AT MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK
Location: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabassas, CA 91302
The main set is located along the Crags Road which is the main hiking trail through the park. It is an easy hike with a round trip of around 4.8 miles with minimal elevation gain and can be done year round.
On your way to the M*A*S*H set as you cross the bridge over the Malibu Creek, you might see people enjoying a dip or two in the Rock Pool. It is usually crowded during the summers.
As your continue the hike you will know that you have reached the M*A*S*H set when you see a military ambulance. There are more rusty vehicles parked but the medic tents are more to be seen. There is however a recreated mileage sign which brings memory from the show. There are picnic tables with shade where you can catch up your breath or enjoy a sip of water.
Read more here.
16. SOAP PLANT/ WACKO:
LOCATION: 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
This is the best place for unique gifts. From fun books to figurines to cards to unique household stuff to magnets and funky clothing. You name it….they have it all.
And not to forget the amazing art gallery where local artists display their work.
As the name suggests there are plenty of bath and beauty stuff to choose from. You can also make your own customized essential oil perfume and try it before buying it.
Such a unique place, why would you not wanna visit?
Read more here.
17. WAYFERERS CHAPEL:
Wayfareres Chapel via Google Images
Location: 5755 Palos Verdes Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Bells chiming, lush green gardens with bright roses, tall glass walls and ceiling overlooking the Pacific Ocean….can you imagine it?
On a clear day you can see the Catalina Island. The chapel grounds are open to public from 9 am-5 pm and are only closed if there is a private event. From baptisms to weddings to memorials you can now attend yoga classes there too.
This will be one spiritual outing.
Read more here.
18. LAST BOOK STORE
Location: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
It is the largest bookstore for used and new books in California. The whole store has a funky look with art made out of books. There are different sections for each genre. Even the checkout desk is made out of book, how awesome!
This place is always crowded so get ready to spend some good time here. Enjoy the art and details. There is a $1 books section too.
Lastly if you live close by do join their book club, I would love to have a book discussion at such a dreamy place.
Read more here.
19. RONALD REAGAN LIBRARY
Location: 40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Just 45 minutes away from Downtown Los Angeles in the city of Simi Valley, perched on a mountain top with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding valleys is the beautiful Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
The library holds over 60 million pages of documents, over 1.6 million photographs, a half million feet of motion picture film and tens of thousands of audio and video tapes. The museum consists of a replica of the Oval Office and provides a detailed look into the lives of President Reagan and the First Lady.
Additionally you get to see, take your picture taken and get a tour of the Air Force One, how neat is that.
The library is also the final resting place for the President and the First Lady.
Read more here.
20. VINCENT THOMAS BRIDGE
Location: San Pedro, CA 90731
You don’t have to travel to San Francisco to enjoy Golden Gate/Bay bridge when you can enjoy a mini version just 30 minutes from Los Angeles.
The Vincent Thomas bridge is a 1500 ft long suspension bridge between San Pedro and Long Beach. It is the first welded suspension bridge in the US and is the only bridge in the world supported solely on piles.
It is a two lane bridge which has been featured in many films and TV shows and various video games.
Read more here.
21. BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
Location: Camp Bonita Rd, La Verne, CA 91750
Yes, this is literally a bridge to nowhere.
It is an arch bridge which was constructed in 1936 to be part of a road connecting the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood.
To get to the bridge you have to hike for around 8-10 miles. The hike is not super easy but isn’t super hard either. Since most the hike without shade bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hat and glasses and as there are a few rivers to be crossed, be prepared to get wet, unless you plan to jump over rocks which makes the hike longer.
Once at the bridge, don’t forget to indulge in Bungee Jumping 🙂
Read more here.
22. CINESPIA CEMETARY SCREENINGS
Location: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Watching a movie in a cemetery might sound creepy but it is an experience of its own.
DJ, Live music, funky lights and a photo booth is what makes this a super cool place to be. Bring your own food or buy at the kiosks, lay your blankets/ chairs and enjoy the movie under the stars.
Read more here.
23. RUNYON CANYON PARK
Location: 7317 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles 90046
Runyon Canyon Park has multiple trails for hiking/walking/running from where you get best views of downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood as well as the Griffith Observatory.
It is a simple, easy hike and is dog-friendly too. You can read the details in my blog about our hike HERE.
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