15 Best Hidden Gems in Los Angeles

Since moving to the Los Angeles area a few years ago, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say that there’s nothing interesting here, it’s too touristy, there’s no culture, or something similarly offensive.

And while I can’t say LA has no flaws, it also makes me feel a little bit defensive about the place I now call home — because that just couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The truth is that Los Angeles is way bigger and more spread out than most visitors realize (it definitely took me a couple of years of living out here to even begin to understand its geography), and it can be difficult to get the lay of the land here.

So, most tourists end up missing some of the coolest places in Los Angeles.

But that’s such a shame, because from its unique neighborhoods to its cultural gems, there’s so much to Los Angeles beyond the Santa Monica Pier and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Over the course of my time living here, I’ve slowly uncovered some of LA’s criminally underrated spots, that I’m honestly embarrassed to admit how long it took me to find out about or visit. So if you’ve been to Los Angeles already and are looking to go beyond the typical tourist drag, or you just want to avoid the crazy crowds of tourists that you’ll find in other areas, this guide of LA’s best hidden gems is for you.

1. Little Tokyo

I absolutely love Little Tokyo, and I’m sad I didn’t discover it until recently, because that’s so much time that I’ve missed out on getting to eat here.

It’s located in Downtown LA, and is a historic area that was first settled by Japanese immigrants in the 1880s. I recently learned that it’s one of three remaining Japantowns in the U.S., which is kind of shocking to me, and it’s also been under threat lately with issues like gentrification and rising costs, and many legacy businesses shutting down. With that said, coming here is a great way to use your tourist dollars!

The neighborhood isn’t huge, but there’s plenty to do in Little Tokyo. You could definitely occupy yourself for a couple of hours or so (and you better not leave without getting something to eat).

Since the area is so small, it can feel a bit crowded on weekends, but I’ve still never had to wait long at any restaurants or anything.

Fugetsu Do is one of Little Tokyo’s remaining legacy businesses that’s been here since 1903, which is just crazy to me. They’re a confectionary that sells things like mochi and other desserts.

There’s a practically overwhelming number of Japanese restaurants here (Sushi Gen quite possibly has the best sushi I’ve ever had, but I have a bunch of more places on my list to check out still), cute shops, and the Japanese American National Museum, which covers Japanese immigration to the U.S. and how Little Tokyo came to be.

It’s one of the best museums in Los Angeles for anyone interested in history.

🚗 TIP: If you have a bit of patience, you can find street parking that’s affordable. There are also a few different lots in the area, including one right by the Japanese Village that tends to have the best prices.

2. Huntington Botanical Gardens

LA is a giant city that’s severely lacking in green spaces, if you ask me, but one of its most amazing exceptions is Huntington Botanical Gardens. I don’t think it’s suuuper under-the-radar necessarily, but I do think most tourists miss it, and I personally never heard of it til I lived out here.

It’s somewhere that will make you feel like you’re worlds away from a giant city — it’s so peaceful, beautiful, and seriously a dream if you enjoy taking photos.

The one thing that keeps me from returning again and again is the cost — it’s $29 for a regular adult ticket, which is less than thrilling.

So although it’s pricey, if you love photography, nature, or art, it’s absolutely worth it.

There’s also a ton to see — at about 130 acres with 16 different themed gardens, you could easily spend a few hours here trying to see everything. But personally, I think it would start to get too exhausting after three hours or so.

Don’t skip the Japanese garden or the rose garden, though!

Apart from its gardens, there’s also an art gallery featuring lots of European and American art, as well as a library. I’ve also heard the food is good (there are a few different options including a tea room that’s supposed to be cute), but I haven’t had a chance to try it yet.

The Huntington is closed on Tuesdays, and reservations are required Fridays through Sundays, holidays, and other peak times.

The first Thursday of every month is free.

🚗 TIP: Parking is also free — there’s a parking lot onsite with two entrances, one on Oxford Road and another on Allen Avenue.

3. Olvera Street

Olvera Street is vastly underrated, in my opinion. It’s another spot that somehow took me years of living out here to finally visit, but has since become one of my favorite LA spots and is a must on any LA itinerary, thanks to its history, culture, overall vibe, and of course, great food.

It’s actually the oldest street in Los Angeles, and today, it’s a historic Mexican market, filled with lots of vendors selling crafts and other goods and food spots.

It’s also a great spot to visit if you’re visiting LA on a budget, since there are also couple small museums that are all free to check out, including Avila Adobe, the oldest adobe home in Los Angeles, and the America Tropical Interpretive Center, a museum about David Alfaro Siqueiro, who was a Mexican muralist and revolutionary.

Some of the vendors have also been around a really long time too, like the taco stand Cielito Lindo, which opened in 1934 and is known for their fried taquitos.

At first I was a little surprised since the food places here all seem pretty committed to using unmelted, yellow cheese — but apparently it’s because back in the day, more traditional Mexican cheeses weren’t available in Los Angeles, so it’s still used today in honor of that.

Olvera Street is overall pretty small, but definitely take your time wandering around the different shops and the square in front of the market.

There are also events that often include things like music and performances, during times like Día de los Muertos. All in all, if you plan to get something to eat (and you should), you could spend an hour or two here.

🚗 TIP: I’ve never had trouble finding free or cheap street parking, either, as long as you’re willing to walk five or ten minutes to get to Olvera Street.

4. Chinatown

Downtown LA is really filled with so many more gems than people give it credit for. Just a couple blocks away from Olvera Street you’ll find Chinatown, another historic neighborhood with so much character.

LA’s Chinatown was first established in the 1930s, when the community was relocated due to the construction of nearby Union Station.

Don’t skip a walk through the Central Plaza, a little area filled with colorful buildings that have traditional Chinese architecture, plus a Bruce Lee statue, or walking around and checking out the various stores, and food spots.

The Chinese American Museum (which is just $3), is a must for learning more about Chinese-American history in LA. and the neighborhood also has lots of art galleries, particularly around Chung King Road.

For shopping, Dynasty King is a popular choice in the area. Located in Saigon Plaza, it’s a maze-like market filled with vendors selling affordable goods like jewelry, clothing, handbags, and more.

Since the pandemic, things have gotten a little slower here — I’ve found that a lot of the shops and other businesses close pretty early, and a lot of local residents have relocated out of the area.

Playing a small role in helping to preserve the remaining businesses and support the residents is so important when we travel, so I don’t say this to deter you from visiting, but just as something to keep in mind. I’d just suggest coming a little earlier in the day while the shops and local galleries are open. And definitely check out one of the restaurants in the area!

Yang Chow is one of the best-known in the area, which you’ll see from the photos covering its walls of all the different famous people that have visited over the years. It’s definitely an Americanized style of Chinese food, but as someone who’s from the East Coast and is often disappointed by the Chinese food around LA, it totally met my expectations and more. Get the slippery shrimp and mixed fried rice!

If you’re looking for a bit of nature, the Los Angeles State Historic Park is right in this area, too. Its main draw is that it has an awesome view of Downtown.

🚗 TIP: Like Olvera Street, I’ve never had a problem finding free or affordable street parking right outside of the actual Chinatown borders. You just will likely have to walk for a few minutes!

🌟 This walking tour takes you through Olvera Street and Chinatown, plus the historic Union Station! You’ll get a ton of history packed into an easy 1.5 hours. Book your spot now. 🌟

5. Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills

If this historic mansion looks familiar to you, it’s because it’s popped up in movies and shows ranging from “Gilmore Girls” to “Star Trek.” Since visiting, I’ve recognized it in a few shows myself — it’s crazy how often it appears!

And although Beverly Hills is a notoriously ritzy destination, this LA hidden gem is actually free to visit.

It’s totally free to walk around the outside and check out the surrounding garden, which has the added bonus of an amazing view overlooking LA. If you ask me, it’s one of the best free things to do in Beverly Hills, and most people don’t even know about it!

It’s generally uncrowded, and is a super peaceful spot — but apart from being beautiful, it’s also just kind of weird. The building blends a lot of different architectural styles like Gothic and neoclassic, and although I’m no architecture expert, it definitely does just look a little … off.

But beyond that, the mansion also has a fascinating movie-worthy story behind it. I don’t want to give away too much, but it does involve murder, an unsolved mystery, and a powerful oil tycoon family.

If you want to tour the inside, it requires a bit more planning, as well as $8. I haven’t done this yet but I’m dying to go back and see the inside. Tours are only available the first weekend of each month and must be booked in advance.  

🚗 TIP: There’s a free parking lot here! Look for the “Greystone Park entrance.”

6. Echo Park

Right next to the trendy Silver Lake, Echo Park is an underrated LA neighborhood full of bars, art galleries, live music, restaurants, and more. When I first moved out here a few years ago, these two neighborhoods were seen as the “cool” places for young people to move to, and were known for being affordable and artsy.

A few years later, I can’t say it’s known as being affordable, and sadly it’s another place where gentrification has pushed out a lot of original businesses and families that lived here, many of whom were Latino.

But with that said, it still has a really cool energy and atmosphere, and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon, or even to base yourself while you’re in Los Angeles.

There are a ton of cool stores here — Stories Books & Cafe is an awesome bookstore that also sells teas and coffees, beer and wine, plus some food items before 2:30. The vibe is really cool, and they have a great selection of new and used books.

For a really kitschy experience, check out the Echo Park Time Travel Mart — it’s full of unique items that will come in handy for traveling through time. They have all kinds of interesting knick-knacks like a 15 minutes of fame concoction and time travel sickness pills (what’s actually in them??? I have to get to the bottom of this.)

Even if time travel doesn’t end up panning out in our lifetime, the store is actually a way to support 826LA, a nonprofit that provides tutoring for kids. It’s honestly so cool — apart from time travel goods, they also sell books that were written by high school students in the program.

Definitely walk around Echo Park Lake — when it’s nice out, lots of people hang out here, and it feels like a really cool community spot (although the last time I was here, it was practically overrun by Canadian geese which are actually my #1 enemy in life, so keep that in mind). A fun option here would also be to rent a pedal or swan boat.

Check out Carroll Avenue to see beautiful Victorian homes, and walk through the city’s oldest park, Elysian Park. There are lots of walking and biking trails, and of course, great LA views.

🚗 TIP: Parking isn’t the easiest here, so you’re better off trying to visit on off hours and finding a spot on a side street. Buses also can drop you off a few blocks away.

7. Long Beach

Long Beach is often seen as totally separate from LA — it’s the southernmost point of LA County, and definitely has a unique cultural identity that does distinguish itself from the rest of Los Angeles. 

With that said, it’s often overlooked for more “glamorous” or touristy destinations.

But if you’re looking for an area that’s more under-the-radar, Long Beach should be your pick. Maybe I’m a bit biased because it’s where I’ve lived for several years now, but there’s a ton to do in Long Beach, and lots of cute “tourist-worthy” areas.

One of my favorite parts of town that I always bring out-of-town guests to is Retro Row, a street lined with restaurants and thrift shops. Lola’s is a local favorite for Mexican food, and I love the woman and BIPOC-owned Bel Canto Books (I can never resist a book store, what can I say).

For antique and thrifted items, you have a ton of choices here, like I said, but Casa is my #1. From the outside, you’d have no idea how extensive it is — inside, it feels like a labyrinth, with lots of different rooms to explore with everything from home goods to clothing to jewelry.

Belmont Shore is also really pretty and is a popular area among locals, since it’s got lots of shopping, dining and bars. And, is just a short walk from the beach, which is of course a must while you’re here. Open Sesame has delicious Middle Eastern food, and if you’re looking for something quick and affordable, the Win-Dow is my go-to for burgers.

If you’re looking for specific sightseeing, the main tourist attractions here are an aquarium (which is considered one of the best in the country) and the Queen Mary, a legendary ship with an extensive history.

Neither are the most budget-friendly activities but are definitely worth doing once.

One of my favorite cultural hidden gems is the Museum of Latin American Art. It’s pretty small, so only requires an hour or so, but it’s the only museum in the country specifically focused on modern Latin American art. It’s also free on Sundays! (Otherwise is $15 or $10 with a student ID.)

🚗 TIP: Parking is famously awful here, especially as it gets later in the day. However, Downtown has a number of parking lots that are free for two hours, and I usually have my best luck on side streets, as long as it’s before 5 p.m. or so.

8. Mosaic Tile House, Venice

This is a destination that has been on my radar forever, and remains at the top of my bucket list.

As the name suggests, it’s a home that’s entirely decked out in mosaic tiles. It’s a home-slash-immersive art display, that uses broken ceramics to create a really one-of-a-kind destination. All of the photos look incredible — but if you’ve been to the Philadelphia Magic Gardens like have, you already know that I’m sure it’s even more amazing in person.

It’s the home of artist couple Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran, who’ve spent over two decades covering their entire home — inside and out — with vivid, intricate tile work.

They’re kind enough to open their home up to the public for some limited time each week — The Mosaic Tile House is only open Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and reservations are required. Adult tickets are $20.

🚗 TIP: I’ll be real with you, parking in Venice is not fun. It doesn’t look like the tile house has any designated parking, so you’ll have to find street parking. Since you’ll have a reservation for a specific time, definitely give yourself some extra time to find a spot.

9. Witch’s House, Beverly Hills

This Beverly Hills house is officially known as the Spadena House, but let’s be real, the Witch’s House is much catchier.

It’s so witchy-looking because it was actually first built for a movie (classic Los Angeles) back in the 1920s, before it was brought over to Beverly Hills from Culver City.

Originally built as a movie set in Culver City in the 1920s (classic Los Angeles), the home was later relocated to its current spot at 516 Walden Drive.

With its pointed roof, lopsided windows, and surrounding garden, it’s definitely whimsical, and it’s hard to believe that today it’s actually a private residence.

On that note, it’s sadly not open for tours, so you can just look at it from the outside. But this historic landmark is a quick, quirky photo op that’s worth it if you’re already nearby.

Find the Spadena House aka the Witch’s House on the corner of Walden Drive and Carmelita Avenue.

🚗 TIP: Parking is honestly pretty easy in Beverly Hills, with a bunch of affordable parking lots in the area that are free for one or two hours.

10. Wrigley Mansion, Pasadena

I’m obsessed with Pasadena (and more on that in a moment), and one of the things I love most about it is just how many hidden gems you can find.

This beautiful rose garden in Pasadena is free to visit and is a historic landmark, and is another peaceful spot for recharging in some nature.

The garden is actually part of the Tournament House grounds, which is used the annual Rose Parade (which I don’t fully understand, but Pasadena locals take very seriously). So, it’s only fitting that their garden is filled with a large variety of colorful roses. Of course, this LA hidden gem is best enjoyed in the spring or summer when the roses are in bloom.

If you’re wondering about the mansion here, it once belonged to William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada Wrigley, who you may know from Wrigley Gum or the Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field — or, if you’re familiar with Long Beach, the Wrigley neighborhood.

House tours are free, but seem to only be open once a week, Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m., from February through August. I didn’t go on the tour, but just walked around the rose garden. It’s not huge, so just plan to spend around 30 minutes at most.

🚗 TIP: You can park right by the house on the street. I visited on a weekend and had no problem finding free street parking. 

11. Old Town Pasadena

Speaking of Pasadena, the real highlight is Old Town. This is one of my absolute favorite places in the LA area, and I really never get sick of just walking around and telling anyone who will listen that I wish I could live here.

In short, it’s super walkable, and there are lots of restaurants and stores, including Vromans, a great bookstore, and Pasadena Antique Mall. The buildings are all beautiful and super photogenic — don’t skip walking through City Hall, which for a government building, is pretty spectacular looking.

For specific sightseeing, art-lovers shouldn’t skip the Norton Simon Museum, which I’m always hearing people rave about, and Armory Center for the Arts. 

But honestly, for me, it’s all about just wandering around here, and seeing what you stumble upon. I briefly did an internship here when I first moved to California a few years ago, and I would always take my full hour lunch break just so I could wander around and explore!

There are also a ton of amazing food spots here. As a former New Jerseyan who can’t resist a good diner, Russell’s hits all the marks for me. If you’re looking for a nicer dinner spot, Nick’s Pasadena is great too — they have a few different locations around California, and I’ve never been disappointed.

🍦 This food tour is an awesome way to sample some of Old Pasadena’s best. It’s a 3.5-hour walking tour that includes tastings at 10 different spots. Grab your spot here.

🚗 TIP: Look near City Hall or the nearby lots — many charge just $1 for two hours, and $2/hour after that

12. Sunken City, San Pedro

Sandwiched between Long Beach and Rancho Palos Verdes, is San Pedro, a city that every time I’ve been, has struck me for its artsiness and beautiful ocean views.

It’s also an area that’s dealing with sinking ground and landslides — and while that’s not good news for anyone, the mysterious Sunken City is a blend of all of these elements. 

After a massive landslide in 1929, a coastal neighborhood here crumbled into the sea. What remains today are crumbling foundations, twisted sidewalks, and graffiti-covered cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Nature and urban art collide in a way that’s eerie, beautiful, and bizarre.

While the site is technically closed to the public (and yes, visiting involves trespassing), many locals still venture in. It’s dangerous, with unstable ground and no guardrails — so if you’re curious, do your own research and proceed at your own risk.

13. Venice Beach Canals

If you’re looking for a chiller alternative to the super touristy Venice Boardwalk, this one’s for you.

I’d visited Venice a number of times and somehow always missed this hidden gem — it wasn’t until I planned a visit specifically to see the canals that I finally made it here.

As it turns out, there’s a reason that Venice is called, well, Venice. Originally designed by Abbot Kinney in the early 20th century as an Italy-inspired vacation destination, the Venice canals are perhaps the best reminder of that past. 

There are six different waterways, three residential islands and nine different footbridges here. It’s a massive contrast to the chaos of the Venice Boardwalk — The canals feel peaceful, and the buildings are scenic. The water was a little dirtier than I would have expected, but it didn’t take away from how picturesque it was, for me.

It’s easy to just wander around on your own, but if you’re more into guided experiences, this ebike tour looks really fun, and takes you around the canals, plus the Venice Boardwalk, and Santa Monica.

If you go on your own without a tour, I personally would just want to allot 45 minutes to an hour or so to walk around. It reminded me of Naples, a fancy neighborhood in Long Beach with similar canals, but for some reason, the Venice one is more well-known.

🚗 TIP: Parking is generally rough in Venice, but by coming here on a weekday during the day, you should be able to find either free or metered street parking.

14. Culver City

Culver City might not get the same attention as Hollywood, but it’s actually played a huge role in LA’s entertainment industry.

Culver City might not get the same fame as Hollywood, but it’s played a huge role in LA’s entertainment industry. It’s home to Sony Pictures Studios, where you can take weekday tours ($55), and Culver Studios, where classics like “Citizen Kane” and “Gone with the Wind” were filmed.

Beyond the big screens, one of LA’s most unusual experiences hides here too — the Museum of Jurassic Technology. I won’t spoil it, but it’s a disorienting, unforgettable mix of science, art, and something stranger. Walk in with a clean slate, and prepare to be confused, a little scared, and weirded out for a good majority of your time there.

If you’re looking for a more niche experience, the Museum of Jurassic Technology is also here, which is genuinely one of the weirdest museums I’ve ever been to.

It’s hard to describe, and honestly I think it’s best to walk in with a clean slate like I did, without knowing anything about it. Just expect to be confused, a little scared, and weirded out for a good majority of your time there.

If that sounds up your alley, it’s open Thursdays through Sundays, and tickets are $15 or $12 with a student ID/if you’re unemployed.

🚗 TIP: Downtown has one-hour-free parking structures, and then they’re $1 per 30 minutes, for a max of $12 per day.

15. Figueroa Street, Highland Park

Highland Park is an area I want to spend more time in — known for its immigrant and arts community, its main attraction is along Figueroa Street.

Figueroa Street is truly antique and thrift shops galore, and there are also a lot of cute dining spots and bars.

If bowling speaks to you, Highland Park Bowl first opened in 1927 and is an iconic Highland Park landmark. It’s pretty pricey especially for bowling, but would be really fun and more cost-effective with a group. The atmosphere is really awesome, with a steampunk-esque style and pinsetter chandeliers— and they serve pizza and cocktails.

There’s also lots of street art and it’s just a fun area to walk around. Galco’s Soda Pop Stop is another local gem that’s been around forever — they’re known for having over 600 varieties of sodas, and they’ve been open for 100 years.

🚗 TIP: Find street parking in the surrounding residential area. It’ll definitely be easiest during the day!

But whether you end up exploring all of these hidden gems or just adding one or two to your LA itinerary, Los Angeles is amazing, and has everything you could want from a trip — great nature, interesting neighborhoods, a diverse food scene, and a whole lot of culture.

And if you’ve never been to LA or visited iconic spots like the Santa Monica Pier or Rodeo Drive, I do think they’re well worth the trip at least once. But as you can see, there’s so much more to Los Angeles beyond the typical touristy spots.

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