1. Watts Towers – Art from Scrap and Imagination

The Watts Towers are a stunning testament to creativity. Italian immigrant Simon Rodia spent 30 years building them from scrap metal, wire, and ceramic. Today, they’re a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of vision and perseverance.

2. The Last Bookstore – A Book Lover’s Paradise with Instagram Appeal

Downtown’s The Last Bookstore is probably LA’s most famous “hidden” bookstore. A labyrinth of books, art, and installations awaits, including a breathtaking book tunnel and rooms stacked with pages – perfect for photos.

3. Lake Shrine – A Serene Oasis

Nestled in Pacific Palisades, the Lake Shrine is a spiritual garden with a peaceful lake, exotic plants, and small temples. Fun fact: a portion of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes is interred here.

4. Angels Flight Railway – Nostalgia in 91 Meters

Since 1901, the historic Angels Flight Railway has connected two levels of Downtown LA. For just $1, ride the “shortest railway in the world” and enjoy a slice of old-school city charm.

5. Bradbury Building – A Victorian Gem

Unassuming from the outside but breathtaking inside, the Bradbury Building features ornate iron staircases, vintage elevators, and a sunlit atrium. Movie buffs will recognize it from classics like Blade Runner.

6. El Matador State Beach – The Hidden Coastal Gem

For beaches off the Santa Monica beaten path, El Matador State Beach is a dream. Sea caves, rocks, and cliffs make it feel almost untouched. Sunset here? Pure magic.

7. Heritage Square Museum – A Step Back in Time

The Heritage Square Museum showcases lovingly restored Victorian homes, offering a glimpse of old Los Angeles. A must-see for architecture and history enthusiasts.

8. Huntington Library & Gardens – Culture Meets Nature

Located in San Marino, the Huntington Library houses rare books and manuscripts. Its surrounding gardens – from Japanese to rose to desert gardens – are just as impressive.

9. Velaslavasay Panorama – A Museum Frozen in Time

The Velaslavasay Panorama displays 360° panoramas in 19th-century style. Combined with theater performances and art projects, it’s a must for lovers of the eccentric.

10. Museum of Jurassic Technology – Fact or Fiction?

This Culver City museum blurs the line between reality and imagination. Visitors often leave bewildered – and that’s exactly the point. A truly unique LA experience.

11. Vasquez Rocks – A Hollywood Backdrop You Can Touch

Just an hour from Los Angeles, Vasquez Rocks rise dramatically from the desert. With appearances in Star Trek, Bonanza, and The Flintstones, it’s perfect for a short hike and cinematic vibes.

12. Sunken City – A Coastal Lost World

In San Pedro, explore the remains of a neighborhood that slid into the ocean in the 1920s. Today, the Sunken City is a wild, graffiti-covered spot with ocean views and endless atmosphere.

Interactive Google Map with All Highlights

To make it easy to explore all 12 secret spots (marked in green), we’ve created an interactive map so you can plan your own adventure.

Our conclusion: To truly experience Los Angeles, you need to go beyond the typical tourist attractions. From scrap-metal art and hidden beaches to eccentric museums, these 12 secret spots reveal the city at its most authentic.