Beneath the surface of sunshine and celebrity sightings, Los Angeles holds a wild, weird, and wonderful side that most people never get to see. It’s where art hides in alleyways, history lingers in ruins, and magic unfolds behind unmarked doors.
If you’ve ever felt like LA was all glitz and no soul, you’ve only scratched the surface. This city rewards the curious—the ones who veer off the tourist track and follow the stories hidden in plain sight. What follows isn’t just a list—it’s a scavenger hunt for the unexpected, and every stop dares you to see LA differently.
1. Explore The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Tucked away in Culver City, this mind-bending museum defies every expectation you might have about what a museum is “supposed” to be. The Museum of Jurassic Technology feels like stepping into the attic of a Victorian scholar who may or may not be losing his mind—but in the best possible way. Exhibits range from microscopic sculptures balanced on fly eyelashes to elaborate folk remedies and questionable historical facts. Half of what you see might be real, and the other half? You’re not supposed to know. That’s the magic.
What makes this place truly unforgettable is its dedication to the mystery of knowledge itself. It’s not just what’s in the museum—it’s how it makes you question what you believe, what you know, and how you know it. The dim lighting, hush-hush ambiance, and hushed reverence of fellow visitors make the entire experience feel like a shared secret.
By the time you reach the tea room at the end of your visit (yes, there’s complimentary tea and cookies), you’ll be reeling from the beautifully strange experience. Whether you’re a curious soul or someone who loves oddities, this is a rare gem you won’t find in any travel brochure.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Year-round (indoor experience)
- Location: Culver City
- Time to Spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Photography: Not allowed inside
- Vibe: Introspective, surreal, peaceful
2. Hike to the Murphy Ranch Nazi Ruins
Yes, you read that right—Nazi ruins in Los Angeles. Hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains above Pacific Palisades, the Murphy Ranch is the remains of a bizarre 1930s compound built by Nazi sympathizers who believed Hitler would one day take over the U.S. The hike itself is stunning, but it’s the eerie remnants—graffiti-covered staircases, rusting water towers, and barbed-wire fences—that make this trek both unsettling and fascinating.
The hike to the ruins winds through scenic canyons, lush vegetation, and long, steep staircases that seem to appear out of nowhere. It feels like you’ve stumbled onto a post-apocalyptic movie set. And despite the dark backstory, the area has been reclaimed by street artists and nature lovers alike, turning a disturbing piece of history into a colorful and thought-provoking space.
This is one of those off-the-map LA adventures that combines urban legend, Cold War-era paranoia, and killer views of the Pacific. You’ll leave with a bit more history in your brain—and probably more graffiti on your sneakers than you’d expected.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: October to May (cooler temps)
- Location: Pacific Palisades
- Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours round-trip hike
- Difficulty: Moderate (with stairs and elevation)
- Bring: Water, sturdy shoes, sun protection
- Parking: Limited, residential street parking nearby
3. Attend a Secret Show at The Magic Castle
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking into a real-life magician’s lair, The Magic Castle is it. This private, members-only club in Hollywood is part mansion, part theater, and entirely drenched in magic. The moment you say the secret password and a bookshelf swings open to let you in, you know you’re in for something truly rare.
Once inside, you’ll wander velvet-draped hallways, encounter roving magicians doing mind-blowing tricks inches from your face, and attend world-class stage shows in intimate theaters. The best part? Every room holds its surprises—automated pianos that take requests, ghostly illusions, and secret doors that make you feel like a character in a mystery novel.
To get in, you’ll need to score an invite from a member or book a stay at the connected Magic Castle Hotel. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the effort. This is one of LA’s most enchanting hidden experiences, and one that most locals don’t even know how to access.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Year-round (indoor experience)
- Location: Hollywood
- Time to Spend: 3 to 5 hours (dinner + shows)
- Dress Code: Strict formal attire required
- Reservations: Required with invitation
- Ages: 21+ only (unless it’s Sunday brunch)
4. Visit the Time Travel Mart in Echo Park
Welcome to the only convenience store for time travelers—yes, you read that right. The Time Travel Mart looks like a novelty shop on the surface, selling everything from “Robot Milk” to “Viking Odorant,” but it’s a front for a nonprofit writing center that supports young authors. It’s clever, it’s quirky, and it’s full of hidden humor for anyone who loves sci-fi, history, or just really good puns.
Every shelf in the store is its little joke. Need some anti-cloning fluid? Or a can of barbarian repellent? You got it. But beyond the laughs, there’s something heartwarming about this place—it’s weird, yes, but it’s also quietly powerful. All proceeds go to 826LA, a free writing and tutoring program that helps local students express their creativity.
It’s the kind of place where you go for a laugh and leave feeling inspired. Plus, it’s located in funky Echo Park, so you can easily make it part of a chill afternoon stroll.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Year-round (indoor)
- Location: Echo Park
- Time to Spend: 30 to 45 minutes
- Admission: Free
- Best For: Families, creatives, sci-fi nerds
- Parking: Street parking is available
5. Explore Sunken City in San Pedro
Once a thriving seaside neighborhood, Sunken City slid off a cliff in the 1920s due to unstable ground and now lies in a beautiful state of crumbling, colorful chaos. What’s left is a forbidden wonderland of broken streets, twisted rebar, and sweeping ocean views, all covered in layers of graffiti art. Officially, it’s fenced off—but that doesn’t stop curious adventurers from sneaking in to see what remains.
Visiting Sunken City is like stepping into urban mythology. The graffiti shifts constantly—today’s art will be gone next month—and it’s a popular spot for sunset watchers, artists, and those seeking something a little more raw than polished LA landmarks. The cliffs nearby offer breathtaking views of the Pacific, and the wind carries stories from the edge of history.
It’s not officially sanctioned, so explore at your own risk—but if you go, you’ll find a slice of LA that feels wild, rebellious, and completely unforgettable.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Late spring through early fall (for clear skies)
- Location: San Pedro
- Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Access: Technically restricted, proceed with caution
- Vibe: Edgy, scenic, urban exploration
- Parking: Available nearby at Point Fermin Park
6. Dine at Clifton’s Republic – A Forest-Themed Cafeteria
Clifton’s Republic is not your average cafeteria. Step inside this multi-level downtown LA institution, and you’ll be transported to a surreal world where giant redwoods stretch up through the atrium, glowing crystals line the walls, and taxidermy animals peek out from behind wooden logs. Originally opened in 1935 and restored with whimsical flair, this is dining crossed with a fever dream of Disneyland-meets-Great-Depression chic.
The food itself? Classic comfort fare with a retro twist—think turkey pot pie, baked ham, and neon Jell-O—but the real draw is the atmosphere. You can eat beneath a 40-foot tree or sip craft cocktails upstairs at the lodge-style Monarch Bar while staring down a mechanical raccoon. And somehow, none of it feels gimmicky.
Clifton’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a weird and wonderful slice of old LA, preserved with modern kitsch. Whether you come for brunch or late-night drinks, it’s a place that sticks with you.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Year-round (indoor)
- Location: Downtown LA
- Time to Spend: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Best For: Couples, groups, history nerds
- Dress Code: Casual to smart-casual
- Bonus: Check if live music or themed events are happening
7. Take the Underground Tunnels Tour Downtown
Beneath the glimmering glass towers and art deco façades of downtown LA lies a secret: a forgotten network of underground tunnels, once used for Prohibition-era bootlegging, mob activity, and—no joke—transporting money from one bank to another via cart. Today, you can explore these eerie passageways on a guided tour that reveals a grittier, more mysterious side of LA history.
The tours usually include old speakeasy entrances, decommissioned jail cells, and ghostly corridors lined with crumbling tiles. If you’re into true crime, urban legends, or just love exploring the unseen, this one’s for you. It’s one thing to walk Broadway Avenue above ground; it’s another to learn what was going on beneath it 100 years ago.
You’ll walk away with a whole new perspective on LA—and a stronger appreciation for the wild, lawless roots of the city’s golden age.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Year-round (indoor)
- Location: Historic Core, Downtown LA
- Time to Spend: 90 minutes to 2 hours (depending on tour)
- Requires: Pre-booked guided tour (no solo exploring)
- Best For: History buffs, true crime fans
- Wear: Closed shoes (dusty, uneven floors)
8. Watch a Movie in a Cemetery at Cinespia
It might sound spooky at first, but watching a classic movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of LA’s most beloved and unexpectedly awesome experiences. Cinespia hosts outdoor movie nights during the warmer months, where thousands gather with blankets, snacks, and friends to watch cult favorites projected onto the side of a mausoleum—yes.
What makes this event unforgettable isn’t just the novelty of the setting (although that helps)—it’s the electric vibe. The crowd is lively, the pre-show DJ sets are fun, and the whole event feels like part backyard party, part outdoor festival. You’re surrounded by the resting places of old Hollywood legends, but the mood is celebratory, not eerie.
This is the kind of event that’s so LA—a little weird, a little glamorous, and laid back. Just make sure to get there early to claim a good spot!
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: May through September
- Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- Time to Spend: 3 to 4 hours (picnic + film)
- Bring: Blanket, low chairs, snacks (or buy onsite)
- Vibe: Chill, communal, retro
- Tickets: Must purchase in advance online
9. Explore the Velaslavasay Panorama
This hidden gem in West Adams feels like it was plucked from another era—and in many ways, it was. The Velaslavasay Panorama is one of the few places in the world that still showcases a fully hand-painted, 360-degree panoramic scene—something you’d only expect to see in the 19th century. But here, in a historic theater, it lives on as a meditative and strangely beautiful experience.
The scene changes every few years and is often accompanied by soft lighting, sound effects, or narration to fully immerse you in the world, whether it’s an icy Arctic tundra or a blooming utopian garden. The museum also features rotating exhibitions, a lush secret garden, and an air of quiet that’s rare in the chaos of LA.
This is not a flashy destination, but it’s deeply transporting. Perfect for artists, thinkers, or anyone craving a little mental escape.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Spring and fall (garden included)
- Location: West Adams
- Time to Spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Admission: Inexpensive, cash preferred
- Best For: Artists, couples, curious wanderers
- Parking: Limited onsite, street parking available
10. Discover the Mosaic Tile House in Venice
If you think Venice is just canals and skateboards, think again. Tucked on a quiet street is the Mosaic Tile House, a labor of love created over two decades by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran. Every inch of their home—inside and out—is covered in a kaleidoscope of hand-cut ceramic tiles, mirrors, sculptures, and wildly colorful art. It’s like stepping inside a living, breathing mosaic.
Tours are led by the artists themselves (when available), and they’re as vibrant as their creations. They’ll walk you through their studio, explain their inspirations, and tell you how it all started with a kitchen remodel gone rogue. The house feels alive, pulsating with color, stories, and soul.
This is the kind of place that doesn’t just exist for Instagram—it’s the real deal, a testament to creativity and joy. And yes, your camera roll will love it too.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Spring and summer (for full light and the garden)
- Location: Venice
- Time to Spend: 1 to 1.5 hours (guided tour only)
- Admission: $20 per person (check for updates)
- Reservations: Required via website
- Best For: Art lovers, couples, photographers
11. Go Paddle Boating at Echo Park Lake
Just minutes from the downtown hustle, Echo Park Lake offers a surprisingly tranquil escape, with a twist. Instead of simply walking the lakeside path, rent one of the colorful swan-shaped pedal boats and glide across the water with the downtown skyline rising behind you and lotus flowers blooming along the shoreline. It’s quirky, scenic, and oddly calming—the kind of LA moment you never expect but never forget.
The boats are easy to steer, family-friendly, and even available at night when the swans glow with LED lights (yes, it’s as Instagrammable as it sounds). The lake itself has undergone a beautiful renovation in recent years and now boasts walking paths, fountains, a boathouse café, and plenty of people-watching opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date idea, a unique way to see the city, or just want to slow down for an hour, this little urban lake has you covered—no freeway traffic involved.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: March to October (sunny skies, lotus in bloom by July)
- Location: Echo Park
- Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Cost: Around $11–$25 per boat rental
- Evening Rentals: Available (swan boats glow!)
- Best For: Couples, families, peaceful solo time
12. See the Old Zoo Cages at Griffith Park
Griffith Park is full of surprises, but one of its most hauntingly unique is the Old LA Zoo ruins, hidden in a quiet corner of the park. Once home to the city’s first zoo (opened in 1912 and abandoned in the 1960s), the crumbling iron-barred cages and empty animal enclosures are now covered in ivy and graffiti, reclaimed by nature and curious hikers alike.
It’s one of those places where you can freely roam through forgotten spaces—walk into old lion dens, sit on rusted feeding troughs, or take a break in a long-abandoned picnic area framed by stone walls. The vibe here is something between a post-apocalyptic film set and a time capsule, especially when it’s quiet.
And here’s the fun part: if you time it right, you might stumble upon an impromptu photo shoot, a Shakespeare performance, or even a low-budget horror film being shot right inside a cage. Because LA, right?
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Fall and spring (mild hiking weather)
- Location: Griffith Park (enter via Griffith Park Drive near the carousel)
- Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Admission: Free
- Vibe: Urban ruins meets peaceful forest stroll
- Bring: Water, good shoes, maybe a picnic
