5 Underrated Tourist Destinations in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has long been a city of extravagant beauty and wonder. The early filmmakers of Hollywood set up shop here because of the region’s consistently gorgeous weather and lush landscapes. It’s no surprise that the area has bloomed an incredibly diverse and vibrant culture across its various communities. If you’re looking to experience LA beyond your standard tourist guide, here are a few tips to enrich your journey:

Huntington Library

Don’t let the name fool you, this hidden gem is more than just books. For a soothing break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head over to Huntington Library to take in a gorgeously lush botanical garden and thoughtfully curated art museum. Plan your visit ahead of time and you can also experience a riveting opera performance while you’re there!

Venice Beach

Sure, it isn’t the most unheard of place around, but surprisingly few visitors to the City of Angels think to head out to one of LA’s most iconic beachside communities. You can stretch out on the sand or take a dip in the water, but Venice’s most notable draw is its vibrant boardwalk. Here you can find countless shops, restaurants, and art from jewelry to paintings and more. The plethora of street performers make even a casual stroll very entertaining. Rent a bicycle, scooter, or the iconic Venice roller blades and cruise up and down the bike path while you check out Muscle Beach and the skate park.

Elysian Park

While Griffith Park is certainly the most recognizable park in Los Angeles, boasting its prominent observatory and famed Hollywood sign, tourists looking for a quieter taste should head over to Elysian Park, home of Dodger Stadium. Here patrons will find dozens of lush picnic locations, meandering trails, and breathtaking views of Downtown Los Angeles, making it a beautiful location for a romantic date at sunset.

Melrose

If you’re into streetwear fashion, Melrose Avenue is a must. With thrift and vintage stores lining the street in droves, a visitor can spend hours perusing the racks to find big name labels and hidden gems. Head over on Sunday to see even more options at the Melrose Trading Post, a weekly flea market featuring scores of local vendors from fashionistas to antique traders to wood and leatherworkers.

The New Beverly Cinema

Owned by none other than Quentin Tarantino himself, The New Beverly Cinema showcases a variety of classic films on rotation. You can experience what it was like to see The Marx Brothers on the big screen or one of Tarantino’s own masterpieces in a beautifully preserved theater that dates back to the 1920s.

There’s much more to Los Angeles than most tourists are led to believe. Enjoy these unsung treasures, and ask some locals for more! Angelinos love to give others recommendations for unique spots they’ve discovered.