Los Angeles, a city often synonymous with Hollywood glamour, sun-soaked beaches, and bustling boulevards, holds much more beneath its glossy surface. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. On my latest trip to LA, I set out to uncover some of these lesser-known spots, places that offer a different perspective on the city. From tranquil gardens to quirky museums, here are ten offbeat destinations that truly captured my imagination.
1. The Old LA Zoo
Tucked away in Griffith Park, the remnants of the Old LA Zoo stand as a haunting yet fascinating reminder of the city’s past. The original Los Angeles Zoo, opened in 1912, was eventually replaced by the current LA Zoo in the 1960s, but many of the old cages, enclosures, and stone structures still remain.
Walking through this site, I felt like I had stumbled upon a forgotten world. The rusting iron bars and empty concrete pits are now covered in graffiti, and nature has begun to reclaim the area. The old enclosures are eerily beautiful, and it’s easy to imagine the animals that once called this place home. Today, the Old LA Zoo serves as a unique picnic spot and an unconventional hiking destination, offering a stark contrast to the polished attractions nearby.
2. The Murphy Ranch
In the hills of Pacific Palisades lies a relic of an almost surreal chapter in American history. Murphy Ranch, built in the 1930s, was intended to be a self-sustaining Nazi sympathizer compound. Walking through the now-abandoned site, I was struck by the eerie silence and the sense of mystery that pervades the area.
The ranch, now in ruins, features crumbling buildings, overgrown gardens, and hidden staircases that seem to lead nowhere. The most striking feature is the 500-step staircase that winds its way up the hillside, offering both a challenging workout and a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The graffiti-covered structures stand as a haunting yet intriguing testament to a forgotten era, making Murphy Ranch one of LA’s most unusual and thought-provoking hidden gems.
3. The Los Angeles River Bike Path
The Los Angeles River is often overlooked by visitors, but exploring it by bike offers a unique way to experience the city. The LA River Bike Path stretches for miles, winding through different neighborhoods and offering a mix of urban and natural scenery.
Cycling along the path, I was surprised by how peaceful it felt, especially given its proximity to the bustling city. The riverbanks are lined with murals, adding a vibrant touch to the ride, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the surroundings. The path also provides a glimpse into LA’s efforts to revitalize the river, with restored wetlands and green spaces offering a welcome escape from the urban jungle.
4. The Sunken City
In the coastal neighborhood of San Pedro lies one of LA’s most intriguing secrets: the Sunken City. This area, once a thriving neighborhood, was devastated by a landslide in the 1920s. Today, the ruins of the Sunken City are off-limits to the public, but the adventurous can still find a way in to explore the crumbling foundations and tilted sidewalks.
The Sunken City is both haunting and beautiful, with the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs and the remnants of a forgotten world scattered across the landscape. As I walked among the ruins, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the power of nature and the passage of time. The Sunken City is a poignant reminder of the impermanence of human endeavors, making it a must-visit for those interested in LA’s hidden history.
5. The Museum of Jurassic Technology
The Museum of Jurassic Technology is unlike any museum I’ve ever visited. Nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Culver City, this museum defies categorization, blending fact with fiction, history with mythology.
As I wandered through the dimly lit halls, I encountered exhibits that ranged from the bizarre to the fantastical. From microscopic sculptures to strange artifacts and eccentric collections, the museum challenges your perceptions and leaves you questioning what is real and what is imagined. The experience was both bewildering and fascinating, making the Museum of Jurassic Technology a true hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles.
6. Greystone Mansion and Park
Perched on a hilltop in Beverly Hills, Greystone Mansion is a grand estate with a storied past. Built in the 1920s for the Doheny family, the mansion and its sprawling gardens are now open to the public, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Walking through the gardens, I was struck by the beauty and tranquility of the place. The manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and winding paths create a serene atmosphere, while the mansion itself, with its Gothic architecture and imposing presence, adds a touch of mystery. The mansion’s history is as fascinating as its grounds, with tales of intrigue and tragedy that only add to its allure.
7. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
Nestled in the Pacific Palisades, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is a hidden oasis of peace and spirituality. This 10-acre retreat, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, offers a serene environment for meditation, reflection, and quiet contemplation.
The Lake Shrine features beautiful gardens, a tranquil lake, and a temple dedicated to all religions. As I walked through the grounds, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and serenity. The lush greenery, blooming flowers, and the gentle sound of water create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city. The Lake Shrine is a place to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with oneself, making it a truly special and hidden gem in Los Angeles.
8. The Time Travel Mart
Located in the heart of LA’s Echo Park neighborhood, the Time Travel Mart is a quirky and whimsical store that caters to time travelers of all eras. The store is part of 826LA, a nonprofit organization that supports young writers, and its proceeds go toward funding creative writing programs.
Stepping into the Time Travel Mart felt like entering a different dimension. The shelves are stocked with all sorts of humorous and imaginative products, from Viking odorant to robot milk. The store’s playful and creative spirit is infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile as I browsed the eclectic selection. The Time Travel Mart is more than just a store—it’s an experience that captures the imagination and brings a bit of magic to everyday life.
9. The Mosaic Tile House
In the quiet neighborhood of Venice Beach, I discovered the Mosaic Tile House, a hidden artistic wonder that is as colorful as it is unique. This house, owned and designed by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran, is entirely covered in intricate mosaic tiles, both inside and out.
As I toured the house, I was amazed by the level of detail and creativity on display. Every surface is adorned with vibrant tiles, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. The artists’ personal touches are evident in every corner, from the whimsical sculptures to the hand-painted designs. Visiting the Mosaic Tile House felt like stepping into a living piece of art, and it’s a testament to the boundless creativity that thrives in Los Angeles.
10. The Heritage Square Museum
Hidden in the Arroyo Seco area of Los Angeles, the Heritage Square Museum is a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. This open-air museum features a collection of historic Victorian homes, each meticulously restored and preserved to reflect the architecture and lifestyle of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Walking through the museum’s grounds, I felt like I had been transported back in time. The homes, each with its own unique history and character, are beautifully furnished with period-appropriate decor, offering a window into a bygone era. The museum also hosts various events and tours, providing an immersive experience that brings LA’s history to life.
Exploring these hidden gems in Los Angeles offered me a deeper understanding of the city’s rich and diverse character. Each spot provided a different lens through which to view LA, revealing layers of history, art, and culture that are often overshadowed by its more famous attractions. From the eerie ruins of the Old LA Zoo to the vibrant mosaics of the Mosaic Tile House, these offbeat destinations reminded me that there is always something new and unexpected to discover, even in a city as well-known as Los Angeles.
