Los Angeles is known internationally for Hollywood, beaches, and theme parks, but the city also has smaller-scale attractions that many visitors overlook. Away from the busiest areas, neighborhoods and cultural sites highlight LA’s history, architecture, and outdoor spaces in ways that feel different from the usual tourist trail.
This guide introduces 12 places in Los Angeles that are less frequently included on first-time itineraries. Each offers a distinctive perspective on the city, whether through art, local history, or natural surroundings.
1. The Getty Villa
With its marble columns and tranquil gardens, the Getty Villa presents a world far removed from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. Modeled after a Roman country house, visitors are immediately struck by the attention to ancient detail, from mosaics to water features.
This museum specializes in Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, offering quiet galleries and outdoor courtyards for contemplation. The coastal air and hillside setting make for a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle.
Not only does the villa house an impressive collection, but its architecture and landscaping are a lesson in classical design. Guests can stroll among olive trees and fountains, gaining insight into both ancient art and the vision of philanthropist J. Paul Getty.
2. Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
Few attractions in Los Angeles boast a direct connection to Walt Disney’s inspiration, but the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round does just that. This 1926 carousel spins with hand-carved horses and a classic Wurlitzer organ soundtrack.
Beyond its role as a historic ride, it serves as a peaceful spot, often quieter than other parts of Griffith Park. The surrounding lawns encourage picnics, and children’s laughter frequently drifts on the breeze.
Its legacy is tangible: Disney reportedly sketched out ideas for Disneyland while watching his daughters here. Today, the merry-go-round continues to delight families, blending nostalgia with the rhythms of everyday park life.
3. The Bradbury Building
Stepping inside the Bradbury Building feels like entering a film set, which makes sense given its frequent movie appearances. Built in 1893, its striking ironwork, marble staircases, and towering skylight create a unique indoor cityscape.
Despite being an active office building, the ground floor is open for visitors to wander and observe the interplay of light and shadow. The intricate design still impresses architects and tourists alike over a century later.
Did you know? Its distinctive look made it a key location in the film ‘Blade Runner.’ For fans of both history and cinema, the Bradbury Building is a rare blend of both worlds.
4. El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is a place where the Pacific quietly shapes rocky outcrops and hidden coves. Unlike the busier stretches of Malibu, this beach feels more secretive, accessible by a rugged path descending dramatic cliffs.
Photographers often arrive for the golden-hour light, which enhances the sea caves and sculpted stones. On quieter mornings, only the sound of waves and seabirds punctuate the air.
The beach’s small size means even a modest crowd can feel significant, but early visits reward with solitude and serene views. It’s a lesser-known vantage point for observing the subtle side of LA’s coastline.
5. The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Upon entering the Museum of Jurassic Technology, visitors are met with displays that blend the plausible and the peculiar. The exhibits challenge expectations, ranging from scientific oddities to narratives with blurred boundaries between fact and fiction.
Some displays explore obscure histories, while others seem almost whimsical or dreamlike. It’s difficult to tell where authenticity ends and storytelling begins, fostering a sense of curiosity.
The museum’s founders intended it as a meditation on wonder itself. For those open to uncertainty and a bit of whimsy, it offers a thought-provoking alternative to traditional galleries in Los Angeles.
6. Los Angeles Central Library
The Los Angeles Central Library stands as both a beacon of knowledge and an architectural landmark. Its design, merging Art Deco with Egyptian and Mediterranean influences, gives the building a distinct presence in downtown LA.
Inside, visitors discover a collection of murals and sculptures along with a rich array of books. The rotunda’s ceiling is particularly notable, depicting California’s history in vivid colors.
Beyond books, the library hosts rotating exhibits and public events, reflecting the city’s diversity and creativity. It remains a space where Angelenos gather to read, learn, and participate in community events.
7. Greystone Mansion and Park
Greystone Mansion’s story is layered with Hollywood intrigue and California history. Completed in 1928, this Beverly Hills estate is surrounded by twelve acres of manicured gardens open to the public at no charge.
Its grand stone façade and sweeping staircases have appeared in numerous films and television shows. Visitors can roam the grounds, discovering rose gardens, fountains, and shaded alcoves.
While the mansion’s interior is only open during special events, the outdoor spaces invite exploration year-round. Greystone’s peaceful setting provides a rare glimpse into a bygone era of LA’s elite.
8. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
Tucked away in Pacific Palisades, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine offers a peaceful retreat from city life. The gardens are thoughtfully landscaped, featuring native and exotic plants, shaded walking paths, and colorful lotus flowers in bloom.
Shrines and monuments around the lake honor multiple spiritual traditions, creating a sense of global unity. Benches provide secluded spots for quiet reflection or meditation.
The site was founded in 1950 by Paramahansa Yogananda, adding historic significance to its serenity. Visitors often comment on the calming effect of the space, regardless of background or beliefs.
9. Angeles Crest Scenic Byway
A drive along the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway quickly transports travelers from city streets to mountain vistas. The route ascends through the San Gabriel Mountains, with frequent overlooks revealing forested ridges and distant cityscapes.
Hikers and cyclists often pause at trailheads, while others enjoy simple pleasures like picnic lunches or photography. In spring, wildflowers add bursts of color to the landscape.
The byway is especially appreciated for its proximity to central LA, making alpine scenery accessible for day trips. Snowfall in winter can transform the area into a completely different setting.
10. Watts Towers
A hidden gem in Los Angeles, the Watts Towers can be visited only through guided tours, ensuring both preservation and context. The tours include the adjacent Watts Towers Arts Center, which hosts rotating exhibitions and educational programs that highlight the cultural and artistic significance of this folk-art masterpiece.
Rising nearly 100 feet from a residential neighborhood, the towers were built single-handedly by Simon Rodia over 33 years, using simple tools and no scaffolding. Rodia crafted the spires from tile, glass, seashells, and pottery fragments, creating a striking testament to creativity, perseverance, and resourcefulness.
Today, the Watts Towers are a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours and community events bring the site to life, while the surrounding park hosts exhibitions and workshops that connect Rodia’s craftsmanship with contemporary arts initiatives.
11. The Last Bookstore
Step through the doors of The Last Bookstore and discover an imaginative space where literature and art converge. Located in a former bank building, the shop’s unique layout includes a tunnel made from books and towering installations crafted from repurposed pages.
Beyond the visual spectacle, it offers a vast selection of books, vinyl records, and independent art, inviting both collectors and casual readers to lose themselves for hours. Recent additions include a botanical “plant wall” (2021), an in-house café called Yuko Kitchen, and expanded locations in Studio City (opened December 2024) and Montrose, alongside the original downtown store.
The store also serves as a creative hub, hosting readings and community gatherings. Its atmosphere encourages exploration, both for its inventory and inventive design.
12. Echo Park Lake
Echo Park Lake’s renewal has made it a favorite gathering space for locals and visitors seeking open air in the heart of Los Angeles. The lake itself is circled by a walking path frequented by joggers, families, and artists sketching the skyline.
Pedal boats glide across the water, especially on weekends, while lotus blossoms add vibrant color in the summer. The park’s landscaping includes picnic spots and a boathouse with refreshments.
Originally opened in the 1890s, Echo Park Lake now balances recreation with glimpses of the city’s evolving environment. Its approachable scale makes it suitable for both quiet reflection and group outings.
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