Beyond Hollywood and Santa Monica, Los Angeles hides cultural treasures and neighborhoods most tourists never discover.
LA's Secret Side: Beyond the Walk of Fame
Los Angeles sprawls across diverse landscapes and cultures that most tourists never experience. Beyond the theme parks and celebrity tours, these five spots reveal why locals love a city visitors often misunderstand.
1. The Watts Towers
The most important work of folk art in the United States rises from a South LA neighborhood. Simon Rodia spent 33 years constructing these seventeen interconnected structures from steel, mortar, and over 70,000 pieces of found objects—shells, tiles, bottles, pottery. The spires reach nearly 100 feet. Almost no tourists visit.
Perfect for: Art enthusiasts who appreciate outsider and folk art. Those wanting to see LA beyond the Westside bubble. Architecture lovers interested in structures built by obsession, not committee.
Skip if: You're uncomfortable visiting working-class neighborhoods. The area requires navigating beyond typical tourist zones. The towers are impressive but the visit is brief—combine with other South LA exploration.
2. Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
San Marino's 120-acre estate houses one of America's great rare book libraries, significant art collections (including Blue Boy and Pinkie), and gardens spanning the world's biomes. While tourists crowd the Getty, the Huntington offers similar quality with space to breathe and gardens that could fill an entire day.
Perfect for: Book and manuscript enthusiasts. Garden lovers—the desert garden alone justifies the visit. Anyone seeking old California elegance and culture.
Skip if: You're staying on the Westside and short on time. The Huntington requires driving to San Marino. Reservations are often necessary—plan ahead.
3. Grand Central Market
LA's oldest and largest public market has operated since 1917. Unlike tourist-trap markets, Grand Central serves office workers, DTLA residents, and discerning foodies. The evolution from old-school Mexican lunch counters to cutting-edge food stalls reflects LA's changing demographics—both eras coexist at neighboring stalls.
Perfect for: Foodies wanting to taste LA's diversity in one building. History enthusiasts interested in LA's downtown evolution. Budget travelers—excellent food at reasonable prices.
Skip if: You dislike crowded, chaotic environments. Lunch rush is intense. The surrounding DTLA area can feel gritty compared to tourist zones.
4. Griffith Observatory After Dark
Everyone photographs the Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory at sunset. But the serious visitors return after dark when the free telescopes open for stargazing, the planetarium shows begin, and the city lights spread to the horizon. The observatory's actual purpose—public astronomy—comes alive at night.
Perfect for: Astronomy enthusiasts. Photographers wanting city light shots. Families with curious children.
Skip if: You're only interested in the Hollywood sign photo. Night visits require driving up the winding road in darkness. The parking situation becomes challenging on clear nights—consider rideshare.
5. The Last Bookstore
The largest used and new bookstore in California occupies a former bank in DTLA. Beyond the main floor's 250,000 books, an upstairs labyrinth features a tunnel carved from books, art installations, and rare book vaults in former bank safes. It's a bookstore as experience, not just retail.
Perfect for: Book lovers, obviously. Photography enthusiasts—the installations are designed for exploration. Those seeking unique LA cultural experiences beyond beaches and studios.
Skip if: You're not a reader and just want Instagram shots. The book tunnel and features draw photo-seekers who crowd the spaces. Weekends can feel overwhelmed by visitors not buying books.
Experience LA with Expert Guidance
Los Angeles reveals its treasures slowly. A travel advisor who knows the city can help you navigate beyond the standard attractions to experiences like these—and solve the practical challenges of a city where you genuinely need a car and a plan.