Don’t Miss These Rad Spots That are Often Overlooked
Written By: Tamara Philips Secret Los Angeles Spots
Expedia.com asked LOCALE to find the coolest and most overlooked spots in Los Angeles to share with all you Angelenos out there—and even tourists! So, grab your camera and your friends to document some of LA’s most epic hidden gems.
Channel Islands
Outdoor lovers, listen up! Just a hop and a skip away from Ventura, we often forget the Channel Islands are literally right off the coast for us to enjoy. Your outdoor adventure awaits with options to go kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, hiking gorgeous trails, camping on sites with sweeping views, and more. Whether a day trip or a weekend away, this is LA’s ultimate spot to take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Walt Disney’s Barn
Love Disney but don’t want to make the drive to Anaheim to experience the magic? Head to Griffith Park to experience a more personal side of Walt Disney by touring through his barn. You can see his initial typewriter plans for Disneyland, and get a glimpse into his space that served as his personal workshop and hangout spot. The Barn is open on the third Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and frequently hosts various Disney figures—most recently Margaret Kerry, the original model for Disney’s Tinker Bell.
Vineland Drive In Theatre
Ah, the rarity that is the drive-in movie in 2016. Vineland is one of the few drive-ins left in Los Angeles, and only a few hundred left in the U.S. See two movies back-to-back in the comfort of your car. Or even better, drive your pickup truck and pad the back with blankets to have the coziest outdoor movie experience ever.
443 N Vineland Ave
City of Industry, CA
Downtown Culver City
Downtown Culver City is one of most up-and-coming areas of Los Angeles blossoming with historic architecture, outdoor cafes, unique shops, and galleries galore—not to mention a nightlife scene worth relinquishing your Netflix binge for. This charming downtown spot boasts tree-lined boulevards that are perfect for leisurely strolls on date night and has the perfect combination of small-town charm and urban living. And this September, Culver City celebrates 100 years with an epic block party—be there or be lame.
Tour of the Los Angeles Times
The historic Los Angeles Times building in downtown LA is one that’s often overlooked as an awesome spot to see the beautiful interior—for tourists and locals alike! It opened in 1935 and was the biggest building in the Western US at that time. Once you step inside, you’ll feel as though you’re visiting this time period with the 10-foot tall murals and the massive vintage globe.
202 W 1st St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sunken City
Sunken City is one of the coolest overlooked coastal spots in San Pedro. It was abandoned in 1929 after massive landslides wiped out homes and pushed them down into the water. The site’s look is constantly changing with the addition of the various graffiti art pieces on the cement pieces still lodged in the hill. It’s a great end to a hike or just a great backdrop for your trendy Instagram selfie.
500 W Paseo Del Mar
San Pedro, CA 90731
The Historic Silent Movie Theatre
This is the only silent movie theatre left in Los Angeles. Though we all love our films with special effects and sound today, why not have a whimsical date night to transport you back in time with a silent movie? Experience the slapstick humor of Laurel and Hardy or Charlie Chaplin. The theatre was opened in 1942 with hopes that these old-time films would be able to temporarily relieve some of the pain of the Great Depression.
611 N Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
The Hobbit House
Attention Lord of the Rings fans, brace yourselves. There is the cutest LA version of a Hobbit House in Culver City. The whimsical fairy tale cottage features mushroom-capped roofs, stained glass windows, a tree shooting through the roof, and an outdoor pond that’s allegedly home to a few resident turtles. Grab your LOTR gear, and head over to snap an epic Facebook profile picture in front of this house.
3819 Dunn Dr
Culver City, CA 90232
NoHo Arts District
Who needs New York’s theatre scene when LA has the diverse NoHo Arts District. This one-square-mile community boasts over 20 live, professional theatres, dance studios, art galleries, public art, music recording venues, acting, and art workshops. Be sure to grab a bite to eat before a performance at one of the many quaint cafes and eateries. And afterward, hit up the Federal Bar for a pint of one of their 20 craft beers.
10 of LA’s Epic Hidden Gems
Tamara is SoCal born and bred with Dutch roots. With an English degree from Vanguard University, she is thrilled to be part of the LOCALE editorial team. She enjoys reading, eating green bell peppers, petting other people's dogs, and cooking/baking while singing into a kitchen spoon to Broadway show tunes.
