You step out onto the busy street, the hum of Los Angeles traffic buzzing in the distance. The city is alive with its usual energy, but today, you’ve decided to escape the well-worn tourist paths. Instead of Hollywood’s bright lights or crowded beaches, you set your sights on exploring the hidden gems of the city. Armed with a list of little-known attractions, you feel a thrill of anticipation. This isn’t just another day in LA—it’s an adventure into the obscure, the forgotten, and the downright unusual. Here are some of the most underrated hidden gems in the City of Angels, Los Angeles.
The Underrated Hidden Gems of Los Angeles
Bradbury Building
304 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
When you first set foot inside the Bradbury Building, it’s almost as though you’ve been transported to another time. In fact, at first glance, its brick exterior gives no hint of the architectural splendor waiting inside. However, as you walk through the doors, the grand atrium opens before you, bathed in natural light. Then, you notice the intricate ironwork and marble staircases. Indeed, this will draw your eyes upward to the geometric patterns that define the building’s character. Ultimately, it feels like a place where history, fantasy, and the future coexist. Because of all this, it’s easy to understand why it has captured the imagination of filmmakers and architects alike.
Location
Built in 1893, this hidden gem in Los Angeles lies at the corner of West Third Street and South Broadway. In fact, it’s almost across from the historic Grand Central Market. Please note that you can only visit the first floor and access is on on West Third Street.
Greystone Mansion and Gardens
905 Loma Vista Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.greystonemansion.org
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Beverly Hills, Greystone Mansion presents itself as an unexpected oasis of grandeur and mystery. As you wander through its vast gardens, it becomes clear that the estate is not just about its towering architecture but also about the serenity of its lush, manicured grounds. Then, stepping inside the mansion itself, the elegant, wood-paneled rooms whisper stories of old Hollywood—of wealth, intrigue, and glamour. You may find yourself losing track of time as you explore each hidden corner, the grandeur of the space unfolding slowly. Ultimately, the mansion’s combination of history and beauty creates an atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustle of modern-day Los Angeles.
Location
Greystone Mansion, covering 18.3 acres, is now a public park managed by the City of Beverly Hills. This hidden gem in Los Angeles is approximately one-half mile from Sunset Boulevard. Plenty of parking is available onsite, and no advance reservations are required. However, on select days, access may be restricted to the largest home in Beverly Hills due to filming or special events.
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Heritage Square Museum
3800 Homer St.
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323)222.3319
www.heritagesquare.org
In contrast to the modernity of LA, Heritage Square Museum offers you a glimpse into the city’s Victorian past. As you stroll through this collection of beautifully restored homes, you’re immediately transported back to an era when Los Angeles began taking shape. Each house, with its intricate woodwork and preserved interiors, tells a story of a different family and a different time. Then, as you listen to the passionate guides recount tales of the city’s early settlers, you begin to appreciate just how much has changed and how much has been preserved. Ultimately, the museum serves as a tangible link to the city’s origins, a reminder that history still has its place despite progress. Heritage Square is among the most underrated hidden gems in Los Angeles.
Location
Heritage Square Museum is located off Highway 110 at the Homer Street exit. Parking is available onsite and there is no parking fee. Although you can take LA Metro’s Blue Line to the Heritage Square station, it’s still a mile walk to the museum. On the other hand, you can transfer to an LA Metro city bus to the entrance of Heritage Square.
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Hollyhock House
4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angels, CA 90027
(323) 913-4030
www.hollyhockhouse.org
As soon as you step into the Hollyhock House, it becomes clear that Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural vision was one of a kind. From the very beginning, the building’s unique design—a blend of Mayan revival architecture and modernist lines—captures your attention. Then, as you explore further, you notice how every room is designed to bring the outside in, with large windows framing the surrounding landscape like a series of living paintings. The house feels like it’s breathing, with each detail carefully considered to harmonize with nature. Ultimately, you can’t help but admire Wright’s forward-thinking approach. In fact, it’s a vision that feels just as revolutionary today as it must have been when the house was first built. Truly, this is a hidden gem and among the most underrated attractions in Los Angeles.
Location
The Hollyhock House is just a few miles east of TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Limited parking is available onsite in Barnsdall Art Park, with street parking around the home’s perimeter. Alternatively, you can take an LA Metro bus or the LA Metro Red Line to the Vermont/Sunset station. Please note that you will have to climb up stairs to reach Hollyhock House. Either way, it’s worth the effort, as the Hollyhock House is the first site in Los Angeles to receive a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Museum of Jurassic Technology
9341 Venice Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 836-6131
www.mjt.org
At first, the Museum of Jurassic Technology seems like just another quirky LA oddity, but as soon as you step inside, you realize it’s something much more. The dimly lit corridors and eclectic exhibits defy traditional museum logic, blending science, history, and mythology in ways that leave you questioning what is real. Then, as you delve deeper into the collections, you find yourself enthralled by the bizarre mix of curiosities, from 17th-century medical instruments to microscopic art. It’s a place where fact and fiction blur, making every corner feel like a discovery waiting to happen. Ultimately, this hidden gem challenges your assumptions about knowledge and wonder, leaving you intrigued long after you’ve left.
Location
The Museum of Jurassic Technology is on Venice Boulevard, between Bagley and South Canfield avenues. Four public parking lots are a few blocks from the museum’s entrance on busy Venice Boulevard. Alternatively, there may be street parking in the neighborhoods behind the museum. Please note that you cannot take any photos once inside the museum. However, you can take photos outside the entrance and inside the small reception area.
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Old Los Angeles Zoo
4801 Griffith Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
When you arrive at the Old Los Angeles Zoo, the first thing that strikes you is the eerie silence of the place. Once filled with the sounds of animals and families enjoying a day out, the abandoned zoo now stands as a haunting relic of the past. As you wander through the overgrown paths, the crumbling cages and enclosures remind you of how different times once were. Then, climbing into one of the old stone enclosures, you can almost imagine the creatures that once lived here, now replaced by the stillness of nature, reclaiming the space. Ultimately, it’s a place where history and decay coexist, creating a nostalgic and strangely peaceful atmosphere.
Location
You can find the remnants of the Old Los Angeles Zoo just a brief walk from the Merry-Go-Round parking lots in Griffith Park. In addition, there is public parking in Spring Canyon, along the road from Griffith Park Drive. You may also be interested in seeing the Bronson Caves, another hidden gem on the western side of Griffith Park. Otherwise known as Bronson Canyon, this location has been the setting for movies and television shows.
The Wende Museum
10808 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 216-1600
www.wendemuseum.org
The Wende Museum offers you a deep dive into the complexities of the Cold War era, a period that feels distant yet oddly relevant. As you walk through the carefully curated exhibits, you’re struck by the vast array of artifacts—from everyday objects of life in Eastern Europe to powerful propaganda pieces that shaped global perceptions. Then, the personal stories woven throughout the exhibits make the history feel immediate, connecting you to the lives of those who lived through such tumultuous times. It’s a sobering reminder of how ideology and politics can profoundly shape society. Ultimately, this hidden gem in LA provides a thoughtful reflection on a critical moment in history, offering insights that feel essential to understanding the world today.
Location
The Wende Museum is about a mile from the Culver Boulevard exit off of Highway 405. Free parking is available on site, and the main entrance is just a short walk away.
Valley Relics Museum
7900 Balboa Blvd. and Stagg St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 626-4083
www.valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Stepping into the Valley Relics Museum is like taking a step back in time, especially if you have a penchant for nostalgia. The moment you enter, you’re surrounded by an eclectic collection of memorabilia that tells the story of the San Fernando Valley’s rich and varied history. From vintage neon signs to classic cars and quirky items from defunct local businesses, every corner of the museum has something that will spark a memory or a conversation. As you move through the exhibits, you begin to see how this museum captures the unique spirit of the Valley—both its past and its influence on popular culture. Ultimately, the Valley Relics Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts. In fact, it’s a celebration of a community’s identity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s unique history and culture.
Location
The Valley Relics Museum is in two former airplane hangers just west of the Van Nuys Airport. If you’re taking Highway 405, you would either exit at Roscoe Boulevard or Lake Balboa, and then head west towards Balboa Boulevard. Free parking is available onsite. Please note that this hidden gem in Van Nuys is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Venice Canals
S. Venice Blvd. and Dell Ave.
Venice, CA 90292
When you visit the Venice Canals, it’s easy to forget that you’re in LA. As you stroll along the picturesque waterways, lined with charming houses and lush gardens, the hustle and bustle of the city feels miles away. Each bridge you cross offers a new perspective, and with each turn, you’re greeted by a scene that could easily be mistaken for a quaint European village. Then, as you pause to watch the ducks glide across the water or admire the reflection of the sunset on the surface, you realize that this tranquil spot is a hidden gem in an otherwise busy city. Ultimately, the Venice Canals provide a peaceful retreat, a hidden gem in LA where you can slow down and savor the beauty of your surroundings.
Location
The historic Venice Canals are not far from the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Because there is very limited parking in the area surrounding the Venice Canals, it’s best to park near the beach and walk a short distance. The largest and most affordable place to park is at the main lot at the end of North Venice Boulevard.
Wat Thai of Los Angeles
8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
www.watthailosangeles.com
Visiting Wat Thai of Los Angeles transports you to a serene and spiritual space that contrasts sharply with the urban environment surrounding it. As you approach the temple, the ornate golden roofs and intricate carvings catch your eye, signaling that you’re entering a place of worship and community. Then, as you step inside, the scent of incense and the sound of chanting monks envelop you, creating an atmosphere of calm and contemplation. Exploring the grounds, you’ll find beautiful statues, peaceful gardens, and perhaps even a bustling weekend market offering traditional Thai food and crafts. Ultimately, Wat Thai is not just a religious site; it’s a cultural hub that offers a rich and immersive experience, allowing you to connect with Thai traditions and spirituality. By the way, Wat Thai of Los Angeles is home to the largest Thai Theravada Buddhist temple in America.
Location
Wat Thai of Los Angeles is just off Highway 170 in North Hollywood. Take the Roscoe Boulevard exit and then head west to Coldwater Canyon Avenue. There may be parking onsite, but it does get busy when the Thai food market is open on weekends. If that’s the case, you should be able to park on a residential street within a few blocks of Wat Thai.
Related: Free Admission Days at Los Angeles Museums
About the Story’s Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University.
