8 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles Beyond Hollywood
Los Angeles offers way more than just movie studios and the Walk of Fame. The city is packed with hidden gems that many tourists miss while chasing celebrity sightings. From stunning natural landscapes to world-class museums and cultural hotspots, LA’s less famous attractions often deliver the most memorable experiences. Ready to discover the real Los Angeles that locals love?
1. Griffith Park & Observatory
Perched high above the city sits this astronomical wonderland with breathtaking views of the LA basin. The iconic domed building houses fascinating exhibits about space and science that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Hiking trails surrounding the observatory offer a peaceful escape from urban life. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean while catching your breath on one of the many scenic overlooks.
Free admission to the observatory makes this a budget-friendly outing, though parking can be competitive during sunset hours when photographers flock to capture the cityscape bathed in golden light.
2. Eat Your Way Through Grand Central Market
Foodies rejoice at this historic food hall dating back to 1917! Vibrant stalls line the aisles, offering everything from handmade pasta to authentic tacos and artisanal coffee.
The market has evolved over decades to reflect LA’s diverse cultural landscape. You’ll find vendors representing cuisines from around the world, all under one roof in downtown’s bustling center.
Weekday lunches provide the most authentic experience when local office workers mix with tourists. Try grabbing a little something from several different vendors instead of committing to just one – that way you’ll sample more of what makes this culinary landmark so special.
3. Explore the Arts District (Downtown LA)
Former warehouses transformed into galleries, breweries, and boutiques make this neighborhood a creative paradise. Street art covers nearly every available wall, turning ordinary walks into impromptu art tours.
Weekend mornings offer the perfect time to browse the independent shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage clothing. Coffee culture thrives here too, with roasters serving specialty brews in industrial-chic spaces.
Unlike the polished atmosphere of Beverly Hills, the Arts District maintains a raw, authentic edge. The contrast between historic brick buildings and modern artistic expression creates a uniquely LA experience that captures the city’s evolving identity.
4. Visit The Getty Center
Reaching this architectural marvel requires a short tram ride up a hillside, building anticipation for what awaits. The museum’s white travertine structures house European paintings, decorative arts, and photography collections that rival those of famous European institutions.
Gardens surrounding the buildings invite leisurely strolls between gallery visits. The central garden features a flowing stream that leads visitors through a changing landscape of plants and flowers designed to be beautiful in every season.
Admission costs nothing – it’s completely free – though parking does require a fee. Plan to spend at least half a day here to fully appreciate both the art collections and the spectacular views of Los Angeles from this elevated vantage point.
5. Sunset at El Matador Beach (Malibu)
Hidden staircases lead down cliff sides to this magical pocket beach north of the more crowded Malibu shores. Massive rock formations create natural arches and caves that glow golden as the sun begins to set.
Arriving about two hours before sunset gives you time to explore the beach’s unique features. Photographers consider this spot one of California’s most photogenic coastlines, with dramatic sea stacks silhouetted against colorful skies.
Bringing layers is essential as ocean breezes pick up in the evening. The effort required to access this somewhat secluded beach keeps crowds smaller than at other Malibu locations, allowing for a more peaceful communion with nature’s spectacular light show.
6. Take a Day Trip to Catalina Island
Just an hour-long ferry ride transports you to an island paradise that feels worlds away from mainland Southern California. The main town of Avalon welcomes visitors with its Mediterranean-style architecture and harbor filled with boats of all sizes.
Golf carts serve as the primary transportation around this car-limited island. Renting one provides a fun way to explore beyond the main tourist area and discover secluded coves and viewpoints.
Water activities dominate the island experience, from glass-bottom boat tours to snorkeling in crystal-clear bays. The island’s interior offers hiking trails through preserved wilderness where you might spot the famous Catalina buffalo, descendants of animals brought over for a 1920s movie shoot.
7. Bike or Skate the Venice Beach to Santa Monica Path
Ocean breezes cool your face as you cruise along this iconic beachfront pathway connecting two of LA’s most famous beach communities. Rental shops line the route, making it easy to grab wheels even if you didn’t bring your own.
Along the way, you’ll pass Muscle Beach outdoor gym, basketball courts, and the famous Venice Skate Park where talented locals perform impressive tricks. Street performers, artists, and vendors create an ever-changing display of LA’s eccentric beach culture.
The journey culminates at Santa Monica Pier with its classic amusement park rides and games. Timing your ride for late afternoon means you’ll likely catch a stunning sunset over the Pacific – the perfect finale to this quintessential Southern California experience.
8. Stroll Through The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
Sprawling across 120 acres, this cultural oasis houses specialized gardens representing different regions of the world. The Japanese Garden with its moon bridge and koi-filled ponds offers tranquil moments of reflection, while the Desert Garden showcases over 2,000 species of succulents and desert plants.
Inside the buildings, rare manuscripts and famous works of art await discovery. The original manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and an extraordinary collection of 18th-century British portraits, including the famed “Blue Boy,” count among the treasures.
Seasonal changes make repeat visits rewarding as different gardens reach their peak beauty throughout the year. The Chinese Garden’s lake pavilions and the Rose Garden’s fragrant blooms particularly shine during spring months.
