Visit These Hidden Gems of Los Angeles

Everyone knows the big to-do spots in Los Angeles (but if you don’t, you can check them out here). We’re here to tell you that, thankfully, there is more to LA than that! These gems are spots that are sometimes hidden, and other times simply popular with locals but not well-known otherwise. The best part about this list? Almost all of these spots are completely free to visit! Check them out, but mum’s the word!

1: Greystone Mansion

Driving through Beverly Hills can be disappointing for a lot of travelers wishing to see the massive abodes of the rich and famous: Gates and hedges block the best views! Never fear, though, because there is a way to get up close and personal with a Beverly Hills mansion, free of charge (and free of trespassing charges)! Greystone Mansion, gifted by oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son Edward “Ned” Doheny, is truly luxurious. The 55-room Tudor-style mansion sits on 16 acres of land.

While entrance into the mansion is limited to private (and expensive) events, much of the grounds are free for exploring. Check out the gardens and former pool area, or indulge in sweeping views of Los Angeles from the front of the mansion. Dozens of movies, TV shows, and music videos were filmed at Greystone mansion, including Gilmore Girls, The Holiday, Ghostbusters, and even Meatloaf’s music video for "I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).”

How did such a palatial residence become public, though? Well, the answer is a little dark, with a story interesting enough to become a movie itself. Only a year after receiving the estate as a gift from his father, Ned Doheny was found dead in a guest bedroom with his secretary, Hugh Plunkett. It was publicly declared a murder-suicide, in which Plunkett murdered Doheny then killed himself, but evidence points to the possibility that it was in fact Doheny who murdered Plunkett and then committed suicide (the weapon used was Doheny’s own gun, and Doheny was not buried in the Catholic cemetery along with his family, suggesting suicide). Both men were involved in the trial of the senior Doheny in the Teapot Dome Scandal, which, prior to Watergate, was the most sensational scandal in American politics. We will never know exactly what happened, but after the event, Doheny’s wife remarried and lived at Greystone until she sold it in 1955. A series of purchases ensued, but when one buyer decided to demolish the mansion, the City of Beverly Hills stepped in and purchased it, adding it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Today, you will most likely visit the grounds on a sunny, bright California day, with the gruesome history of the mansion long forgotten. If you think this isn’t a place for kids, think again. They will love exploring the grounds, and there are two different ponds with koi fish and turtles for them to observe.

Due to Covid, reservations are currently required for entrance into the Greystone Mansion grounds. You can make reservations through the City of Beverly Hills here. Both parking and admission to the grounds are free.

2: Venice Canals

You can cruise through Venice and check out the boardwalk, but if you don’t know where to go, you won’t easily find these canals. In 1906, developer and tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney (whose name you might recognize from nearby Abbot Kinney Blvd.) felt so inspired by his travels to Venice, Italy that he decided to create a Venice of his own in Los Angeles. He crafted a series of canals to run through the city in lieu of roadways, traveled by gondolas rather than car. Venice of America, as it was called at the time, featured a pier not unlike the Santa Monica Pier of present, with attractions and amusement around every corner. Times changed, however, and the pier no longer exists. In fact, many of the canals that once existed have since been filled in, leaving this small but time-honored oasis in the middle of the city now known simply as Venice.

Take a stroll along paved sidewalks (stroller-friendly!) through the canals, and cross and observe the many different connecting bridges. It’s a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk, and it is best viewed around sunset. There are no boat rentals, but if you have your own small vessel, you can row through the canals like the gondolas of yore. The launch ramp is located near the paid parking lots on the corner of Venice Boulevard and Pacific Avenue.

While paid parking lots are available on Venice Blvd., you can also find free parking on major streets in the area (including Venice Blvd., driving away from the beach). From there, you can cut over to the canals with entrances from side streets as well. You will likely be unable to find parking on side streets as they are understandably clogged with residential vehicles.

3: El Bordello Alexandra

Not far from the Venice Canals exists El Bordello Alexandra, and this short but shocking stop is worth it. Viewable from the outside, El Bordello Alexandra is actually a residential apartment building, but before Tony Wells and Brittany Stevenson bought it in the early 2000s, it was a rundown heroin den with a slumlord owner, and it was even rumored to be a bordello (brothel). Wells and Stevenson completed renovated the place and hired local artists to help with the design. They were going for bizarre, and the result is something truly fitting for the word. Massive gargoyles and statues adorn the roof and hang off of the side of the building. It looks satanic, Grecian, and ornate hoarder at once.

El Bordello Alexandra is located at 20 Westminster Ave in Venice, CA. Parking on the street is nearly impossible, so the best thing is to find paid parking near the boardwalk and walk to the location for a proper look. You can drive by, but you’ll miss the intricate details and lose a chance to wonder at what it could possibly all mean.

4: Ballona Discovery Park

LA can be a bit much at times (super extra), so it’s nice to be able to explore in an unstructured, laidback sort of way. Ballona Discovery Park is a quaint collection of short trails that provides children with information on animals and plants found in the Ballona Wetlands. Both children and adults will enjoy reading about and listening to tales of the indigenous people of the Los Angeles area in a beautiful dome with benches perfect for stories. Take the trail that runs parallel to the school, lined with birdhouses painted by students, and you’ll find sports fields and a playground.

Children who are interested can take a Youth Activity Guide for more learning opportunities while they are on the paths. Viewing the beautiful greenery and flowers near the ocean is a relaxing way to spend an hour, and visiting the park is free. Leashed dogs are welcome, and street parking is free! Visit Ballona Discovery Park at 13110 Bluff Creek Dr. in Los Angeles.

5: The Americana At Brand

California has the perfect climate for year-round outdoor shopping, which is why so many people suggest visiting The Grove when heading to LA. We feel, however, that there is a better, more experiential shopping experience at The Americana At Brand. Located in Glendale, CA, just a quick ride from Downtown LA, The Americana at Brand has all of the high-end shops you could want, like Louis Vuitton, Anthropologie, Tiffany & Co., and lululemon, and some you didn’t know you wanted, like & Other Stories, Disney Baby, and even…Tesla?!

At the center of the action sits a spectacular fountain will hold the attention of kids and adults alike, and for good reason: WET design, the company that built the Bellagio fountains in Vegas, was responsible for the design of this one as well. Nibble (okay, devour) a Sprinkles cupcake or enjoy lunch at The Cheesecake Factory while watching the fountain dance along to songs from Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and more. The fountain is especially captivating at night.

Families will love to visit together for a free ride on the trolley. If you have babies or younger kids in tow, a family lounge provides a spot for feeding, pumping, and changing outside of the normal bathrooms.

Parking validation in the garage onsite is provided by some retailers. Free parking is available at the nearby Glendale Galleria.

6: The Old LA Zoo

Just a couple minutes’ drive from the LA Zoo is a more unusual sight to behold: the “Old” Los Angeles Zoo. Set back in the woods of Griffith Park, you can marvel at how animal enclosures used to look back when cave facades were the regular style for zoos. The modern-day ruins date back to 1912, when the Old Los Angeles Zoo opened in Griffith Park. In 1966, when LA decided it needed a bigger zoo with more animal enclosures, the Old Los Angeles Zoo was left as ruins. Some picnic tables have been erected in one of the cave-like structures, and this (combined with a large grassy area) makes the Old Los Angeles Zoo the perfect place for a family picnic or date day. May we suggest bringing a pizza?

Bonus: The location of the Old Los Angeles Zoo is situated in between hiking trails and an awesome playground, Shane’s Inspiration. The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round isn’t far, either. A short drive from there will lead you to…

7: Travel Town Train Museum

If, like normal children, your children really love trains, then the Travel Town Museum is a perfect place to visit. Located on the north side of Griffith Park, Travel Town Museum has old trains for kids to view and explore, a building with a play area that includes trains, and a gift shop that has, well, trains. The best part, however, is the train ride around the perimeter of the grounds. And it goes around two whole times! That’s twice the excitement for your kid and twice the photo opportunities for you.

Train rice tickets are $3.50 for adults and $3 for kids 11 and under. It’s a strain on your wallet, we’re sure, but it’s free to visit Travel Town, and parking in the designated parking lot is also free. That money is definitely well-spent!

If you’re running low on time during your travels but still want to check it out, never fear: an hour or two is sufficient for a visit. Travel Town is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. six days a week (closed Wednesdays).

8: Bronson Caves

Holy Batcave, Batman! The Bronson Caves have been the site of a massive amount of film projects, including the 1960s Batman television series wherein the Bronson Caves were used as Batman’s cave. Prior to that, the Bronson Caves were also featured in 1956’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The Bronson Caves are situated atop an easy hike up a steady slope (.5 miles) in Griffith Park. Parking in the lots is free and the hike is, of course, free. Visiting the caves is also a great idea if you want to do a Hollywood sign hike as there is a decent view of the sign from that location.

Note: There are currently gates over the entrances to the caves to protect the general public. These may or may not be removed in the future, but the location is still worth a view!

9: Echo Park Lake

Just east of Downtown LA is Echo Park, a neighborhood known for its funky eastsider vibe and monumental lake. The lake is the key feature of the neighborhood, and for good reason. The view is stunning, especially at night: Downtown Los Angeles gleams in a glimmering of lights, and the reflection of such beauty is captured on the still waters of the lake. A pleasant triple fountain erupts with water at all hours, and migrating birds spend time at Echo Park Lake, perfect for bird watchers and people who just love to see unusual wildlife. The 1-mile walk around the lake is completely flat, and it features a playground, turtles, a cafe, and swan boats on which you can take a ride (make reservations here to rent these from the boat house for $11 per adult and $6 per child of any age hourly).

While you’re in Echo Park, walk over to Sunset Blvd to check out the Time Travel Mart, a quirky shop run by 826LA, a non-profit dedicated to helping students learn to write creatively. The Time Travel Mart has all the souvenirs you’ll need, and even some you didn’t know you needed but clearly need. That "Future Adult” onesie for your newest niece? Going home with you for sure.

10: Scientology Building

No, this article isn’t some Scientology conversion scheme. If you want to get a sense of the magnitude of the cult’s largest location in Los Angeles, getting a glimpse of the exterior (and only the exterior! Do not accidentally get sucked into a cult during your trip) is sure to leave you in awe. Just…don’t linger too long.

You can find this compound at 4833 Fountain Ave. in Los Angeles (where Fountain meets L Ron Hubbard Way).

11: Descanso Gardens

Not so much hidden as it is slightly out of the way is Descanso Gardens. Located in La Cañada Flintridge, the sleepy city just north of LA via the CA State Rt. 2, this sprawling garden has it all: a rose garden, a miniature hedge maze, a Japanese garden, ancient trees, a tiny train ride for tots, and a pond with ducks and turtles. Did we mention that there are ducks and turtles? Because there are ducks and turtles, and your kids are going to lose their quacking minds.

Adults will want to check out the Boddy House, the Descanso Gardens’ founder’s 1930s-era home that emanates the feel of a past time, and the Stuart Haaga Gallery, where rotating exhibits have a natural focus, from biology to conservation.

Tickets can be purchased online. Check the Descanso Gardens website for info on Covid-related closures and policies. You can find Descanso Gardens at 1418 Descanso Dr. in La Cañada Flintridge.

12: Greek Theatre

The Greek Theatre isn’t necessarily a secret. In fact, you’re likely familiar with it from Get Him To the Greek, the 2010 film starring Russell Brand and Jonah Hill. The Greek Theatre is an outdoor venue nestled within Griffith Park, near the Observatory, and you can check out a variety of concerts and stage shows. The venue is much smaller than the Hollywood Bowl, but the intimate setting and twinkling lights make for a magical evening. Movie buffs will appreciate that Bye-Bye Birdie and A Star Is Born both filmed scenes at the Greek Theatre. There are plenty of free parking lots within short walking distance of the theatre, so check the dates on your next visit to LA for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

Address: 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles

13: The Last Bookstore

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, The Last Bookstore is a haven for book lovers and Instagram enthusiasts alike. Setting foot in the old LA multilevel will feel like jumping into your favorite novel, with cozy, chic couches and rooms full of color-coordinated books. You’ll even find an archway of books through which to wander. You know that scene in Beauty and the Beast when she finds the Beast’s library? It’s like that. As a bonus, the second level also features a quirky art gallery. Buy a book, buy some art, and be happy.

The Last Bookstore is located at 453 Spring St. and is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Metered street parking isn’t always easy to find, but The Last Bookstore is only a block and a half away from the Pershing Square subway station.

Did you know about any of these spots? Which one is your favorite? Comment below and let us know!