Welcome to Southern California’s City of Angels, where the streets are paved with stardust and secrets. We want to help you unearth hidden things to do in Los Angeles — secret spots, weird wonders, and the awe-inspiring stories we love so much. Get ready to discover the enigmatic side of the city that’s anything but ordinary!
Los Feliz
Los Feliz is an LA neighborhood that dances to its own beat, blending bohemian charm with artistic eccentricity. The Mosaic Tile House invites you into a colorful wonderland, while the Last Bookstore is your literary haven. This eclectic neighborhood is home to some of the best hidden gems in LA, and you'll find a new surprise around every corner.
1. Mosaic Tile House
Be sure visit to the kaleidoscopic marvel known as the Mosaic Tile House — an art oasis tucked away in the heart of Venice Beach.
Imagine a house where every inch, from floor to ceiling, is a canvas of vibrant, handcrafted mosaic tiles. This LA hidden gem is the brainchild of artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran, whose creativity knows no bounds. Every collection of tiles tells a tale, their colors dancing in harmony like acrobats in mid-air.
As you step over the technicolor threshold, prepare to be transported. The Mosaic Tile House is a living, breathing masterpiece that defies the conventional boundaries of fine art and home decor. In addition to sculptures, the very structure of the house is part of the artwork.
The artists, ringmasters of this psychedelic circus, have poured their passion into every fragment, creating an immersive experience. If you find yourself craving a dose of artistic ecstasy while exploring secret spots in Los Angeles, the Mosaic Tile House is your front-row ticket to a visual performance that rivals the grandeur of any big top show.
2. The Bunny Museum
Prepare yourself for a trip down the rabbit hole of delight at the Bunny Museum, where you can expect to find a hare-raising abundance of bunny-themed wonders. This quirky gem, dubbed the “Hoppiest Place on Earth,” is a testament to the boundless love that founders Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski have for these adorable, long-eared creatures.
The Bunny Museum is home to more than 45,000 bunny figurines, sculptures, and other objects — each one a testament to the enduring allure of these fuzzy creatures. It’s a mecca for bunny enthusiasts and those seeking unique things to do in Los Angeles.
3. The Last Bookstore
Bibliophiles, prepare to be wowed! Step between the shelves of The Last Bookstore and lose yourself in the pages of literary classics and well-thumbed second-hand paperbacks. The Last Bookstore is housed in what used to be a bank, but the vaults now safeguard stories rather than gold.
Be sure to take a walk through the famous book tunnel, constructed from all your favorite classic reads.
Looking for something special, perhaps as a gift? All the fancy stuff is kept in the Annex, including first editions, collectibles, rare finds, and beautiful art books. You can even book this room for a private party for all your book-loving friends.
The Last Bookstore hosts plenty of events and takes its role in the promotion of local writers and artists seriously. Five art studios give local artists the space they need to thrive. You can also purchase merch to support the store, show off your love of all things literary, and remind yourself of your journey through the best secret spots in Los Angeles.
Pasadena
In Pasadena, the historical grandeur of Heritage Square meets the modern community spirit that gave rise to Arlington Garden. It’s a great neighborhood where you can get a real feel for what makes LA tick.
4. Arlington Garden
Arlington Garden isn't your average walk in the park. This habitat garden was carefully designed to be the perfect match for the Mediterranean LA climate. But climate-appropriate certainly doesn’t mean boring! The garden is a bright and cheerful extravaganza of California-native plants, from wish trees and pomegranates to a lush citrus grove.
It's a favorite spot for a peaceful stroll or picnic. You aren't allowed to pick the fruit, but you can purchase sweet orange marmalade made from the garden’s oranges to enjoy.
Can you believe the community cares for this garden without any chemical herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers? It’s true! The team is keen to uphold the legacy of Betty and Charles McKenney, who created this garden from a vacant lot in 2005. Their goal was to create a sustainable, water-wise garden where local plants and wildlife can thrive.
If you’re ready for a botanical circus that will make your green heart somersault with joy, we recommend that you step into the living spectacle of Arlington Garden. Here, every plant is a performer, and nature takes center stage.
5. Heritage Square Museum
Buckle up time travelers because we’re about to dive headfirst into the historical haven at Heritage Square Museum. Forget your GPS; we’re navigating through the Victorian era, where corsets were tight and sideburns were a symbol of swagger.
This isn't like the history classes you sat through in school; it’s an immersive experience where you can explore the past for yourself.
Strut through the Heritage Square grounds and imagine you're one of the area’s early settlers. If you schedule an interior tour, you can even go inside the historic buildings and tall buildings in Los Angeles and get a taste of what it was like to live there two centuries ago. Why not bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a family picnic on the grass? Don’t forget to say hello to the chickens and the museum cat.
Are you ready to trade in your smartphone for a Victorian lady's parasol? Heritage Square Museum, like many museums in Los Angeles, offers you the opportunity to travel back in time to explore the Victorian era. Throughout the year, events are held to bring the past to life. With their hoop skirts and top hats, we wonder what the Victorians would have made of our shows. If you meet any during your time travel trip, be sure to ask them for us!
Spectacular Shows Nearby!
Elevate your Los Angeles experience with breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performances.
Downtown L.A.
Downtown Los Angeles is a bustling metropolis of skyscrapers and cultural gems, but away from the tourist trail, you can find some perfect spots in LA right here. Amidst the towering buildings, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens offer an oasis of calm.
6. Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens
Prepare to zen out fellow secret Los Angeles seekers, as we take a well-deserved break in the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. This spiritual center aims to be a place of peace in the heart of the bustling city.
Let your mind calm as you walk the labyrinth or simply relax in the meditation garden. You can even take a meditation workshop if you need a little guidance to help you get started.
Guasti Villa, a beautiful mansion built in the Italian Renaissance style, is also on-site. Created by a homesick Italian winery owner more than a century ago, it's full of artwork imported from all over Europe. It’s a Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument owned and lovingly maintained by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness.
Tune in, drop out, and find your center amid urban chaos. You’re guaranteed to leave feeling chilled out, refreshed, and ready for more weird things to do in Los Angeles.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach, near Culver City, is more than a sun-soaked strip of sand along the Pacific; it’s one of the coolest neighborhoods in LA. The Venice Beach Canals lap gently against waterside walkways.
Meanwhile, on the Boardwalk, you’ll find street performers, artists, and surfers all coming together in a smorgasbord of California culture. One of the best hidden gems in LA, this neighborhood is a must-visit destination.
7. Venice Beach Canals
Beach babes and boardwalk dreamers better hold onto their sun hats because we’re about to cruise down the canals of Venice Beach, where the vibe is as laid-back as a surfer catching the perfect wave. Forget traditional gondolas and serenades in Italian; this is Venice, California, where the canals glitter blue in the sunlight and palm trees line their banks.
Stroll along the pedestrian bridges and watch the seagulls perform their wheeling acrobatics overhead. From Carroll Canal to Linnie, each canal has its own personality. This charming neighborhood is like the lovechild of a Venice gondolier and a SoCal skateboarder, and the crazy thing is that the blend works beautifully.
Every new turn reveals a gorgeous waterside house or mouthwatering juice joint. Don’t miss the opportunity to fuel up on pasta at Felix.
8. Griffith Park
Near North Hollywood, Griffith Park is where the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains meets the allure of the stars. The Griffith Park Observatory Trails offer a journey through the park’s rugged terrain.
At the summit awaits the Griffith Observatory, which spies on a nightly circus of stellar and planetary movements. The park is also home to the Bronson Caves, where the rocks themselves are Hollywood A-listers. For more park-related information, visit our list of the best parks in Los Angeles.
9. Bronson Caves
It’s time to put on your sturdiest shoes because we’re about to venture off the streets and into the rugged environment of the Bronson Caves. Nestled beneath the iconic Hollywood sign, these caves form a backdrop second only to the KÀ theater for its drama. In fact, they’ve played a starring role in more movies and TV shows than many big-name actors.
These rocky passages have doubled as secret lairs, alien planets, and crime scene hideouts and are perhaps best known as the Batcave entrance in the classic Batman TV series.
Ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones or Lara Croft? Get ready to explore a cave system that’s seen more drama than a soap opera. The Bronson Caves could be your front-row ticket to the glitz and glamor of secret Los Angeles.
10. Griffith Park Observatory Trails
Don’t take off those hiking boots just yet! You’re going to need them as we explore the Griffith Park Observatory Trails. But don’t worry; this family-friendly trail isn’t too challenging. Follow the fire road as it gently climbs, offering stunning views of the Hollywood sign and the tree-spotted slopes.
At the top, you’ll find the Observatory, which features striking Art Deco architecture. Take a look inside the museum, catch a show at the planetarium, or visit for a star talk or other astronomical event.
San Pedro
Traditionally, San Pedro is a neighborhood focused around the harbor, but it’s so much more than that. The Korean Friendship Bell overlooks the ocean as a symbol of international cooperation. Meanwhile, the ocean breeze refreshes visitors as they stroll along scenic coastal paths or visit Point Dume State Beach.
11. Korean Friendship Bell
Step inside Angels Gate Park, and you’ll immediately notice a 12-foot-tall bell housed in a striking pavilion. What’s the story behind it? You’re right to be curious; it has a fascinating history. The short version is that the bell represents friendship between the United States and South Korea. In fact, the bell was a gift from the South Koreans to mark the U.S. Bicentennial.
The Korean Friendship Bell is officially rung five times a year: New Year’s Eve, Independence Day (July 4), Constitution Day (September 17), Korean Liberation Day (August 15), and Korean American Day (January 13). However, there’s also a maintenance ring on the first Saturday of every month, so if you want to hear it in action, your best bet is to go then.
12. Point Dume State Beach
Looking to escape the crowds for a while? We get it. While it’s fun to take a tour of all the weird things to do in Los Angeles, being around so many people can become a bit much. One good way to get some time to yourself (well, just you and the seagulls) is to pay a visit to Point Dume State Beach.
It’s a little further out of the city than other parts of the shoreline and a great place to swim, surf, or scuba dive. If you visit between December and mid-April, you might even catch a glimpse of a migrating California gray whale.
Hollywood
As LA’s most famous neighborhood, you might think that Hollywood isn’t a great place to look for hidden gems in Los Angeles. However, there are a few unconventional secret spots tucked away. Look beyond the iconic Hollywood sign and explore the American Military Museum and the charming Spadena House.
13. The American Military Museum
Attention, history buffs, and patriots! Prepare to march through the corridors of time at The American Military Museum — a place where tanks, planes, and other military hardware take center stage. It’s a treasure trove of history, with colossal tanks telling tales of battles and victories.
Beyond the impressive machinery, the museum is a living tribute to the men and women who’ve defended the Stars and Stripes. Uniforms, medals, and artifacts tell stories of heroism and sacrifice. This is one of the best weird things to do in Los Angeles if you’re looking for an experience that’ll lift battles from the pages of textbooks and bring them into focus.
14. Spadena House
Welcome to the whimsical wonderland of Spadena House, better known as the Witch’s House. It’s a storybook cottage like something straight out of a fairy tale or, dare I say, a spellbinding acrobatic production.
With a crooked roof that seems to dance with the wind, wonky windows that gaze like suspicious eyes, and gables pointy as a witch’s hat, Spadena House is a local legend. Its architectural whimsy makes it one of our favorite hidden gems in LA. Venture inside, and you’ll find the interior is just as wobbly as the outside, with ceilings curving and drooping in an utterly charming way. It’s perhaps at its most popular on Halloween but well worth a visit at all times of the year.
Unearth Los Angeles' Secret Treasures
So, fellow adventurers, it’s time to conclude our whirlwind tour through the hidden gems in Los Angeles. From the surreal wonders of the Mosaic Tile House to the coastal serenity of Point Dume, each of these secret spots in Los Angeles adds its own unique contribution to the quirkier side of LA.
Grab your map, channel your inner explorer, and take a walk on the weird side. Between these hidden gems and our fantastical shows in Los Angeles, your imagination will be left buzzing!