Los Angeles offers an abundance of hidden gems. Whether you want to channel your inner Indiana Jones or simply admire the view, these unique spots are worth discovering.
Put on your sun hat and explore Venice Beach – its canals offer an idyllic boating experience reminiscent of Venice Gondoliers and Southern California skateboarders alike! This vibrant neighborhood will bring out your inner gondolier. With Cathay Pacific you can now take advantage of air flights from Bengaluru Bangalore to Los Angeles.
1. Bronson Cave
Griffith Park boasts some hidden gems, like Bronson Caves (better known as Bat Cave from 1960s Batman TV series), which makes an easy 0.6 out-and-back hike, offering amazing views of Hollywood sign. If you want a more challenging hike, connect this trail to Brush Canyon Trail (heading north) or Griffitite Serpentine (heading west).
The Caves are manmade quarry tunnels constructed during the early 1900s to extract granite for mining purposes, but have since served much beyond this purpose. Hollywood quickly recognized their filming potential and over 100 movies and TV shows have used them.
Brush Canyon caves feature three passageways – including one large enough for a Batmobile! For optimal experience, visit early in the morning when temperatures are more pleasant and dry conditions prevail.
Visitors come here primarily for the caves, but can also take in some of the natural beauty around them by way of trails and scenic overlooks.
Caves have been used in films and television shows throughout their existence; perhaps most famously in the 1960’s Batman series. Miles Bennell and Dana Driscoll’s hiding spot from alien pod people was within these dark caves during Invasion of the Body Snatchers from 1956.
George Stevens made extraordinary use of the canyon location for his 1939 film Gunga Din, when he required an open atmosphere to record Scottish bagpipers’ regiment marching to save Cary Grant from certain death. It has become legendary due to its authenticity.
2. The Last Bookstore
No matter your reading level, The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles is worth exploring – whether as an avid reader or simply someone who appreciates books. At 22,000-square-feet it houses new and used titles as well as coffee bar services, record store and more besides its quirky charm such as chandeliers made of wheels, fun wall art installations and its giant labyrinth of books!
The bookstore has been featured in many publications, such as Conde Nast and Atlas Obscura, as well as in a short documentary by Chad Howitt. Josh Spencer created it as an antidote to the declining state of book publishing and gave it its memorable name: Bookends
Spencer originally opened his bookstore as a small operation in his loft, but quickly outgrew that space due to increased customer interest. Soon thereafter, they relocated it to its current location in an old bank building in downtown Los Angeles where you will now find eye-popping features such as epic book tunnels, gravity-defying literary arches, secret reading nooks and an eclectic selection of book art which includes cuttings, foldings and installations.
COVID-19 may present an ongoing threat, yet The Last Bookstore remains open and operating successfully. Social media posts featuring fun literary treasures inside have proven popular with customers sharing photos. The bookstore has taken innovative measures to combat its declining in-person traffic such as offering customers the ability to send employees lists of their literary tastes for personalized bundles to be delivered through mail delivery – creative tactics which hopefully will enable The Last Bookstore to endure and thrive post-pandemic.
3. Malibu Hindu Temple
Malibu Hindu Temple offers spiritual enlightenment and cultural exploration within striking distance of Hollywood, offering breathtaking grounds and serene Mediterranean setting that make it a must-visit hidden gem for both locals and visitors. Situated off Las Virgenes Canyon Road, this hidden gem provides both indoor and outdoor services and hosts religious and cultural events throughout the year.
Though relatively modern in construction, this temple evokes hallowed Hindu sites found across India. Its towers serve as stone storybooks depicting millennia-old tales of Hinduism through intricate carvings and scenes. Furthermore, this structure stands as a testament to California’s multicultural landscape by welcoming both Hindus and non-Hindus alike to come worship, meditate or simply learn more about Hindu traditions and customs at this sacred space.
Temple operations rely on donations made to this non-profit organization and visitors are strongly encouraged to give generously; tax deductible receipts will be issued. Donations help support upkeep, maintenance and renovation as well as charitable activities at the temple.
If you’re searching for an unforgettable Los Angeles adventure, take part in a Scavenger Hunt with CityHUNT. They specialize in creating customized experiences for both individuals and groups that go beyond what other tours can provide; adding fun-filled sightseeing to make sure it won’t soon be forgotten! Visit their website to discover even more. They have plenty of games perfect for different events – you are bound to find one which meets all your requirements!
4. The Mosaic Tile House
Tucked away among the quiet streets of Venice Beach lies one house that stands out. Adorned entirely with tiles and statues, it represents an art installation in its truest sense and was the result of a project begun back in 1994 that has continually developed since then.
Cheri Pann, an accomplished sculptor and ceramic artist, and Gonzalo Duran have lived in their Mosaic Tile House for more than 10 years, creating it into an oasis of color and cheekiness. Open for tours by visitors of all kinds, the mosaic covers both exterior walls as well as internal areas such as hot tub, ceilings, walls and even surfaces like hot tub.
The front yard of this house boasts a tile-covered labyrinth that features bathtub benches and planters with spiraling spoons and forks adorning it. Inside the house itself is an eye-popping display of colourful trinkets and statues that is sure to leave visitors amazed.
Pann and her husband continue to add new pieces as the Mosaic Tile House continues to flourish, even allocating an area in their garden for budding mosaic artists to contribute works for inclusion on the property.
Los Angeles can be daunting, yet full of surprises. To truly get acquainted with it as a local, try adding an activity such as scavenger hunting to your itinerary the next time you visit Los Angeles. This will be a fun and effective way to uncover hidden gems of this dynamic city!
5. The California Institute of Abnormal Arts
Los Angeles can be difficult to access real, local culture due to all its glitter and glamour; however, with time and effort there are numerous hidden gems worth discovering within its confines – from museums to hidden eateries that will surprise and delight. Los Angeles will not disappoint!
The California Institute of Abnormal Arts brings circus shows to an entirely new level. Situated in North Hollywood, Los Angeles’ bizarre circus institute offers equal parts acid trip and carnival sideshow of atrocity. Filled with zombie clowns, pickled fetuses, preserved corpses, wax pirates and mutant chickens alike; as well as wild performers.
Are you an avid book lover? Los Angeles offers plenty of gems just waiting to be discovered if so! The Last Bookstore in downtown LA is California’s largest used and new bookstore, boasting more than 500,000 titles in both categories combined. In addition, The Last Bookstore hosts various events from readings to live music performances as well as visual merchandising features like their plant wall or book tunnel which you might have seen posted on Instagram.
Sender One in Orange County offers thrill seekers the perfect adrenaline-pumping adventure! Its unparalleled rock climbing and bouldering gym features an epic 50ft climbing wall with top-tier route setters; there is also an extensive bouldering area and classes tailored specifically towards beginners – this truly hidden gem awaits every adventurous climber looking for that next thrill-filled climb! Whether experienced climbers or beginner climbers are welcome here – sending One will become your new go-to place!