10 Awesome Things to Do in Los Angeles
Things to Do in Los Angeles Beyond the Famous Sign
If you’re searching for things to do in Los Angeles that go past the hillside letters everyone photographs, the real character of this city is hiding in its abandoned zoos, film noir elevators, and 33 year passion projects built one broken tile at a time. Whether you live here or you’re planning a coastal getaway, these 10 offbeat stops show off the authentic side of the City of Angels.
10 Awesome Things to Do in Los Angeles
1. Old Los Angeles Zoo
Tucked inside Griffith Park, this abandoned site gives you a behind the scenes look at the original animal enclosures from the early 20th century. Weathered steel cages and stone exhibit ruins have been thoroughly reclaimed by nature and local street art, making it a quiet, highly photogenic escape for hikers and urban explorers.
2. The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Located in Culver City, this curious institution blurs the line between high art, science fiction, and historical fact. Dimly lit, velvet draped halls hold microscopic sculptures and eccentric curiosities that challenge your sense of reality, delivering a surreal afternoon that breaks away from traditional sightseeing.
3. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
This historic landmark is the final resting place for legendary cinematic icons, but it also doubles as one of the city’s most active cultural event spaces. Catch a classic movie screening under the stars or a live outdoor concert on the tranquil, landscaped grounds. The cemetery’s Dia de los Muertos festival every November draws visitors from around the world.
4. The Last Bookstore
Housed inside a soaring former bank building in Downtown Los Angeles, this independent bookstore is a maze of literature, art installations, and vintage record stalls. Walk through the famous two story book tunnel and lose yourself in stacks of new and used titles for as long as you like.
5. Echo Park Lake
This historic urban reservoir offers a peaceful escape from the concrete sprawl around it. Rent one of the iconic swan paddle boats and glide across the water while taking in sweeping views of the Downtown skyline. Visit during summer months to catch the center of the lake bursting into color with blooming lotus flowers.
6. Grand Central Market
Operating continuously since 1917, this downtown food hall is the culinary heartbeat of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Sample gourmet tacos, artisanal pastries, and global street food as you work your way through the historic vendor stalls, then grab a coffee before heading across the street to ride the famous historic funicular.
7. Bradbury Building
Step into a piece of Victorian architectural history straight out of a classic film noir picture. The sunlit central court, ornate wrought iron railings, and open cage hydraulic elevators are stunning on their own, and cinephiles will instantly recognize the building from its starring role in Blade Runner.
8. Descanso Gardens
Located in La Cañada Flintridge, this 150 acre botanical sanctuary sits well away from city traffic. Walk through native California chaparral, a serene traditional Japanese garden, and a massive historic rose collection for one of the quietest, most fragrant mornings you’ll find anywhere near the city.
9. Angels Flight Railway
Recognized as the shortest operating railway in the world, this historic funicular has carried passengers up and down the steep slopes of Bunker Hill since 1901. The short, picturesque ride connecting the upper and lower blocks of downtown is a quick, charming stop worth building into any Downtown LA afternoon. If you’re mapping out more of the region on wheels, our Southern California Route 66 roadside attractions guide covers plenty of nearby stops worth the detour.
10. Watts Towers Arts Center
Created by master builder Simon Rodia over 33 years, these soaring steel and mortar spires are covered in sea shells, broken glass, and colorful tiles. The adjacent arts center gives deeper insight into the artistic legacy behind the towers, and standing beneath them is one of the most striking outsider art experiences in the country.
Plan Your Trip
These 10 stops prove there’s a lot more to Los Angeles than the sign on the hill. Pair a few of them with a coastal day trip, or turn it into a proper road trip with our Best Travel Playlist Songs collection queued up for the drive.
