Best Los Angeles Hidden Gem Attractions
THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Los Angeles
Best Los Angeles Hidden Gem Attractions
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Types of Attractions
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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50 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Architectural Buildings
Downtown
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Harbor
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Open now
Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails
Central L.A
Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Venice
Art Galleries • Parks
LAX Area
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Open now
Speciality & Gift Shops
Downtown
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Open now
Military Museums • Speciality Museums
Harbor
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Valley Glen
Sightseeing Tours • Horseback Riding Tours
Central L.A
Showing results 1-30 of 50
What travellers are saying
- Jeanette GLong Beach, CA2 contributionsWe took family from Tucson to visit the USS Iowa. We purchased the Presidential Tour. Our guide, Richard, was an expert in the facts and a fabulous storyteller. We had a great time and learned a lot. Our family has navy WWII veterans. The entire tour felt personal as well as educational. Thank you!!Written 17 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Craig BakerLos Angeles, CA19 contributionsVenice was founded by wealthy developer Abbot Kinney in 1905 as a seaside resort town. It was an independent city until 1926, when it merged with Los Angeles. After annexation, many canals were filled in and paved over, and the former central lagoon became a traffic circle. In 1993 the remining canals were refurbished, dredged 5 feet deep in the center and 1½ feet at the sides, with open concrete blocks added to the sides and sloped at 55 degrees. Foot bridges and sidewalks were rebuilt. Ocean tidewater flow in the canals was improved. In the years since the improvements, many of the small cottages along the canals have been replaced with expensive multi-story homes. The canals are on the National Register of Historic Places, and the neighborhood is a National Historic District.
Historical plaque inscription: Venice Canals. Inspired by the canals of Venice, Italy. Built 1906. Declared 1983, Historic Cultural Monument No. 270, Cultural Heritage Commission, City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs Department.Written 3 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sherry RCovington, KY14 contributionsWe visited the museum with a baby in a stroller so couldn’t see the collection building. The museum’s inventory is so impressive, can only imagine the “collection”. My husband and son were mesmerized. I’m not a real car person, but really enjoyed the beauty of the car designs.Written 26 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bill SafanSan Francisco, CA25 contributionsNice quick stop to appreciate old architecture. Located in a bad area of LA though so be a bit more careful here, though parking is nearby so not too dangerousWritten 17 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan T13 contributionsA gorgeous, peaceful spot to visit, hidden away amongst high rises. Grounds staff are friendly and can help you find sites if you need it.Written 25 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew QSydney393 contributionsThe museum is mostly about native Americans and combines stories with contemporary art which was not of much interest to me. It is part art gallery I would say. It has a good exhibition of historic firearms, rifles and revolvers. There was also an exhibit on Griffith Park. It is a bit out of the way so you need to drive to get here. There is a cafe although it was closed when I was there.Written 24 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul SSan Diego, California543 contributionsThe towers are located in the Watts neighborhood on East 107th Street. There were a few parking spaces available on the street. The art center and the fenced area at the base were closed. However, you can view the towers and many of the framed doorways and details by walking around the base of the site. There are several information boards describing the site and creator/builder, Simon Rodia. The tallest tower is nearly 100’ high. Impressive work. It is worth a visit. Spent about 30 minutes at the towers.Written 4 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Louise Masin SattlerLos Angeles, CA1,609 contributionsSan Pedro, California hosts one of the most beautiful gifts from overseas to the United States - The Korean Bell of Friendship. It is a gorgeous pagoda-type building with a bell inside. The tile work is stunning.
The Korean Friendship Bell Park is also located on top of a hill, overlooking the coastline of the Pacific Sea. If you have a clear day (or only partly cloudy) - you can see as far as Malibu or across to Catalina Island.
There also are parks and places to have a picnic. Excellent for kids to run around and play!Written 23 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - elizabethlascheidLos Angeles, CA5,272 contributionsIf you are anywhere in Los Angeles you will want to go to Topanga State Park. It is the biggest wild park we have in LA and one of the largest in the State. It is easy to get to and near places you might want to go or already be at. It is right near Malibu and close to Brentwood and the West Side of LA.
Parking is easy for a fee. It is not at all crowded on the weekdays, but can get a little congested on the weekends. There are very few staff type people to help you so make sure you have water and can walk, sometimes on rough trails. You can camp there over night, but there are no facilities at all. None. You pack in and pack out. Most people go there just to walk or hike.
In the parking area there is a bathroom and a drinking fountain. There is also a nice set of picnic tables for lunch.
If you walk far enough you can see the ocean and it is a lovely view. There are also wonderful wild flowers, little critters and great hills to see. It is part of the Santa Monica Mountains.
There are about 36 miles of trails through open grassland. It is beautiful. Mountain bikes are allowed but only on fire trails and people will not be happy to see you.
We have had fires, a lot, lately (I am writing in Sept of 2024), now none of been here, but there is really bad air right now and it is hot so keep that in mind. If you are healthy you will be fine. If not, maybe wait to take a long hike after fire season is over in late October.
Outside the park is the little town of Topanga, you will pass it on your way. There are places to eat there and a few shops. It is very nice.
It is a great place to go for a long hike or a short walk. Have a great time and pick up after yourself.Written 12 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - joaniemariaEldridge, IA5,445 contributionsWe visited on a Thursday afternoon. We were able to walk up and then buy our tickets online. It is a self guided tour. The home is a Frank Lloyd Wright home built in LA. If you like FLW, I recommend a visit. There is a Visitor’s Center adjacent, as well as Barnsdall Park, which has a nice view of LA and Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign. This was a nice way to spend an hour or so, and the tour is very reasonably priced. Free parking is available nearby.Written 13 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chris NJackson, MS56 contributionsI was on business recently in Los Angeles when I had my afternoon meeting canceled. Faced with nothing to do until my flight the next morning, and with most outdoor options taken away by a driving (and rare) rainstorm, I looked online and saw that the nearby San Antonio Winery had an afternoon tour.
Upon arrival, I entered the beautiful & vast store/tasting room and registered for my tour. Not surprisingly given the weather, I was the only one on my particular tour itinerary. My tour guide was full of knowledge and extremely personable. He led me around the winery and gave me the fascinating history of the Riboli family who founded the facility, as well describing the breadth of wines they offer. The packaging line and vintage aging casks were particular treats.
Upon finishing the tour, my guide led me around the wine market and helped me pick out several Christmas wines to gift to friends and family. All were big hits.
While not among the most well-known SoCal attractions, I'd say it's among the best, and certainly worth a visit.Written 1 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - stkatravels188 contributionsNice, quick stop with great views of the Hollywood sign! Great place to stop for a photo. The road up is tight and winding. It wasn’t busy at all.Written 8 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PanduroVienna, Austria706 contributionsAmazing psychedelic ceramic patchworks . Never seen anything like this in my life. A must. The owners themselves the artists showed us around their house. A very sweet couple.Written 29 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- joaniemariaEldridge, IA5,445 contributionsWe went because of the Hollyhock House located adjacent to the park. There is parking and nice views of LA, Hollywood sign, and Griffith Observatory. People were picnicking and relaxing on the lawn. It is tucked away on a hillside, and easy to miss.Written 13 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ShanelleLos Angeles, CA8,743 contributionsCasual single track hike with ocean views. This is a family friendly hike and right off the PCH. We took a loop by heading up from Temescal Ridge Trail and came down the Temescal Canyon Trail. The trail is mostly exposed so be sure to wear sunblock and bring enough water! There is some shade, but not a ton. The views are really pretty, as you can see the vast expanse of blue ocean as well as the skylines of Century City and DTLA. There is a small “waterfall” that’s more like a brook, but there were some families eating lunch there. There are signs saying that dogs aren’t allowed but we saw people flouting that. It’s open during covid and I’m glad to see that most people wore masks.
It’s $12 to park and you can pay via credit card. Otherwise, you can try to find street parking on Temescal Canyon Rd (but be sure to read the street signs! Parking tickets in Malibu are not cheap). The park is also a good spot to throw a frisbee or take a leisurely walk.Written 4 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
