Coastal views from Santa Monica Pier, palm tree-lined streets, and a plethora of hipster coffee shops — these come to mind when you think of Los Angeles, right? Experiencing this city doesn’t have to involve these cliché activities. Los Angeles is incredibly diverse, and is home to a multitude of ethnic pockets. If you’re seeking a local adventure in this multicultural mecca, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 hidden gems in Los Angeles that are worth a visit:
Malibu Hindu Temple
Malibu Hindu Temple features intricate South Indian style architecture, and is nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Come to witness the impressive architecture, or visit the temple kitchen for an authentic Indian meal.
Location: Calabasas, CA
Cost: Free
Museum of Jurassic Technology
The Museum of Jurassic Technology is one of my favorite finds in the city. It’s an unassuming museum that houses quirky and eclectic exhibits, and features a rooftop garden with doves. You have to come see this place for yourself.
Location: Culver City, CA
Cost: Click here for admission prices.
Palos Verdes Sea Cave
The Southern California Coast is lined with numerous sea caves, and Ranchos Palos Verdes has no shortage of them. Visit the Palos Verdes Sea Cave near Portuguese Point, and take a dive in its natural swimming hole.
Location: Palos Verdes, CA
Cost: Free
Paramount Ranch
Visiting Paramount Ranch feels like you’ve stepped into an Old West film, and that’s because it actually served as a film set for famous shows like HBO’s Westworld. Although the 2018 Woolsey Fire burned down most of the buildings, there are plans to eventually rebuild the town. Click here for updates.
Location: Agoura Hills, CA
Cost: Free
Quail Run Ostrich Ranch
Have you ever wanted to get up close to an ostrich? Okay — maybe you haven’t, but you should add it to your list. Quail Run Ostrich Ranch is a family-owned farm that’s home to over a dozen ostriches. Come visit the world’s largest birds, and enjoy a guided tour including an opportunity to feed them.
Location: Lake Hughes, CA
Cost: Click here for admission prices.
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
It’s easy to overlook this lakeside oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine offers a meditation garden and a hilltop temple — it’s the perfect getaway from your day-to-day routine. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, or join one of the meditation sessions.
Location: Pacific Palisades, CA
Cost: Free
Spadena House
For a real-life Hansel and Gretel experience, look no further than the Spadena House. This storybook cottage closely resembles a witch’s home, and features whimsical details like a lopsided rooftop and tiny windows.
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Cost: Free
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
Discover otherworldly rock formations at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area where films such as Star Trek and The Flintstones have been filmed. Spend the day climbing the park’s rock slabs, or explore some of the surrounding trails.
Location: Agua Dulce, CA
Cost: Free
Wayfarers Chapel
Wayfarers Chapel is a glass church perched atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s a popular wedding location and with good reason — the picturesque chapel paired with the surrounding redwood trees and expansive greenery makes it extremely desirable.
Location: Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA
Cost: Free
Wisdom Tree
If you’re looking for a short hike with an incredible payoff, visit the Wisdom Tree where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Los Angeles. In addition to the scenic views, you’ll find a box beneath the Wisdom Tree filled with visitors’ letters and mementos.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
For more than half a decade, I’ve sought to explore every nook and cranny of Los Angeles — however, I’ve barely scratched the surface. With the sheer amount of ethnic enclaves in the city (not to mention the size of the city), it’d probably take a lifetime to fully uncover all Los Angeles has to offer.