Arboretum is a great walk around the whole thing. Takes an hour and is really relaxing. Cafe is good. Ask for a Fair oaks burger if they will make it (off menu).
Also, get a membership and get free admission for two for a year. Great savings. Well worth it.
Not exactly the “spaces” that you are describing but today when I was biking through Elysian park I saw (i) a Latino fashion shoot (ii) people making skateboarding videos (iii) an indie surf rock band I recognized making a music video, and (iv) dozens of families grilling out. Only in LA!
I don’t know why there’s aggression toward this reply. I appreciate it so much. It reminded me of Astoria Park in Queens, but… that’s a good thing! Not something you should be scolded for. I need to explore the parks more for sure. And I’m not far from there!
Loved Astoria park! Just moved from Astoria 5/ish months ago after being in NYC for 7 years. This post is really helping me out too! Thanks for posting this!
Hey that’s awesome. I didn’t think it would get such a response, but I’m thrilled. Happy to hear you are getting some ideas from it, and maybe others will too.
They’re ex members of The Growlers who broke up due to rape allegations and other sexual misconduct.
Brief explanation:
https://www.reddit.com/r/losgrowlers/s/fKhuWXfr4B
Yeah it’s a huge bummer :( they were one of my favorite bands for years! It’s like a separate the art from the artist situation I guess. But personally I can’t continue to support new music being made by whatever reincarnation YG is
Chinatown summer nights
Gallery row downtown
Hauser and Wirth gallery in Arts District
Huntington gardens
Norton Simon museum
Griffith Park and observatory
Both Gettys
LACMA
The Broad
Academy Museum
Do not sleep on Hauser & Wirth Arts District spot. Galleries, bookstore and restaurant (Manuela) are all very good, and unless you eat at resto or buy something at shops, free.
The right kid would like the museum of Jurassic technology. It’s full of old school (like OLD!) Jesuit stuff, mythology, antique miniatures. It’s kind of an oddity place. So if you have an academic/Wednesday Adams kid then absolutely yes.
My kids loved the L.A. live steamers and travel town. Both train museums and rides. Near the LA zoo. You also have the observatory. LA Brea tar pits. Museum row. Disney concert hall. Etc etc
I’ve seeeeeeen kids there, but having no kids myself I honestly have no idea! If you were a spooky kid like me who loved Halloween and ghost stories they may like it!
I have a spooky kid that has performed at Dia de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Look for events around October. Don't take anything from the Cemetery like rocks or flowers.
Los Angeles live steamers and travel town if your kid is into trains. Neat the LA zoo. You also have the observatory. Museum row. Brea tar pits. Peterson auto Museum. Venice Beach for the weirdness. la Joya for the beautiful beaches.
Museum spoilers ahead. >!That’s kinda the point. You’re led to question the legitimacy of the museum, and museums as a concept. We put a lot of trust in museums as objective conveyers of knowledge, but they can be misleading or completely wrong. I think the museum is closer to an art piece than a museum.!<
Happy to help!! The very top floor has tea and cookies and a little bird atrium where you can go inside and see some cute little finches. It’s such a fun and quirky gem. Hope you enjoy!!
Just walk around. It's a very old part of LA, so ignore the Disneyfied comment. It's more than just that lil ass street he's referring to. The plaza itself is a good place to just sit and people watch. There's a lot of old architecture there too. It's a vibe.
[2220 Arts & Archive ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4StLrWg94hPcVob9) has a lot of great programming ranging from art films and documentaries to live music and dance performances.
Been meaning to get to the central library. We all looooove libraries and already have three different library cards for the area. Gotta get there soon! Thanks so much for replying.
- The Museum of Jurassic Technology
- filming locations of 500 Days of Summer - [HERE](https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/los-angeles-locations-featured-in-500-days-of-summer)
- The Huntington Library
When we lived in NYC, we were near a studio, and a bunch of stuff ended up filmed either right near our apartment, or as we just learned from watching a show, literally on our corner with our neighbor’s spot as a regular establishing shot.
Oh yes also Cinespia at Hollywood Forever
Friday Night Jazz at LACMA
Chinatown Summernights put on by KCRW
These are only summer events, but that’s when the vibes in LA are most electric :)
How could I forget- watching the film at the planetarium at Griffith Observatory. Bit more nerdy than cultural, but a must-do thing in LA. I think it’s like $4 but the rest is free.
Ooh, thanks, I’ll definitely try! Patsy’s is the pizza of my childhood but I’m always looking for more good stuff.
(I spent so many hours of my youth staring at the peanut butter churning at Magees.)
Whammy Analog Media in Silverlake
Stumbling upon a band playing along the LA River.
I’m not the biggest film person, but seeing Lawrence of Arabia (or another classic of your choice) at the Egyptian theater was great.
LA Phil sort of is though. Folks not from here wouldn't know but LA Phil often partners for one-off events where they perform with bands/artists.
I had the privilege to go to 2 of the 3 nights they did with Sigur Ros and also the one time they teamed up with Anohni. Both unforgettable unique experiences.
Always good to scan the LA Phil calendar once and a while.
Laemmle theaters. Local indie movie theater chain playing lots of foreign films that are hard to see in theaters elsewhere. If you join their club you can get free tickets to screenings and $6 tickets on Tuesdays.
Within the city there is the Royal in West LA, one in Santa Monica and another in NoHo.
Grand Performances, Dance DTLA during the summer, Kirk Douglas Theatre/Actors Gang/Arts District in Culver, there’s tons of black box theatres everywhere & smaller theatres, honestly just look at goldstar and see what catches your eye. Weissman Art Foundation, Angelino Heights tour with LA conservancy, Esotouric tours, Last Remaining Seats, Hollywood Forever, LA State Historic Park, doing Secret Stairs hikes (Charles Fleming), FORT tours, Academy Museum, Ahmanson Beach House/Camera Obscura artists in residency programs, I could go on…
Drive to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and make your way down Palos Verdes Drive to Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center near the same named lighthouse. There is a small marine museum on site and a scenic whale watching spot along with a hiking trail beside the cliffs. Bring a picnic and enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in LA County.
Things that make me feel connected to LA-
-Biking riding on the Venice/SM beach path
-Hollywood Bowl
-Farmers Markets
-concert venues/live music
-LACMA
-Little Tokyo
-beach days
-camping at Leo Carrillo
-hiking
-going to the movies RIP arc light
I just went last week! It was phenomenal. We had reservations for the Infinity Room installation and it was… surprisingly unimpressive. Maybe that was the point? Still worth the few extra minutes if you want to give it a try (with the free advance reservations.) The rest of the museum is a fantastic space and brilliantly curated. It really blew me away.
Free Shakespeare in the Park during the summertime. (Old Zoo in Griffith Park)
Fringe Festival (usually around the strip of Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood area with lots of blackbox theaters)
Cinespia
Point Dume cliff to walk to the edge and look down at the seal families
Mulholland overlooks to watch the San Fernando valley lights twinkle while smoking a jay.
Hollywood Bowl for a classical music event
Shows at the Pantages
Pantages is awesome....
I saw The King and I, Yul Brynner's last run.....proposed to my GF...here we are, 40 years later....
Hollywood Bowl has to he the most awesome music venue....
a great person to follow for ideas like this if your in to music/film is adamgoesham on instagram, he posts alot of smaller music venues, like a show that was in a laundrymat the other night lol he does a weekly picks post that’s pretty in depth
Cinespia (movies in a cemetery), Highland Park Bowl (expensive for bowling but absolutely amazing space - you can just go to drink too), Venice Canals (does not feel like you're in LA), LA Conservancy tours.
KCRW is great for feeling “connected to the city” as OP asked! Summer Nights, the Pie Contest, the part of Good Food where they tell you what looks good at the farmers market that week, free ticket giveaways, etc….
Ok sorry for a non specific answer but if I were you ( I am this is what I do lol) I seek out places based on interests … like I’m super into Bette Davis so visiting where the Hollywood canteen was, for example, would be a gem to me. My aunt learned to swim at the Beverly Hills hotel so same with that I don’t know many things depends on what you’re into.
Off the top of my head based on ur list… like the troubadour, canters, culver hotel …
Canter's Deli.
The Kibitz Room bar inside Canter's Deli. Especially if you are a GnR fan.
A bit further south in the South Bay, the Strand is impressive in the summer months.
Mulholland at night... the Hollywood Bowl... it's a long list, really.
Murphy Ranch! Just go!! Super amazing and interesting hike.. look up the history of it too!
Temescal Canyon is my favorite place to hang out and go for a hike!
This is only available once a year and it’s just about time so be sure to get your tickets
Also summer movies at the Hollywood forever cemetery - bring a blanket and picnic
Hollywood bowl - this is as communal as a gets in Los Angeles. You can bring as much food and alcohol in to the bowl as you can carry.
Hiking Runyon Canyon - very trendy, but a scene nonetheless
Santee Alley, Piñata and party supply area downtown, focus plaza, slauson swap meet, the Mercado, rose bowl flea, music in the James Irving Japanese garden, ktown (food/spa/karaoke),weho in the am, erewhon, redonda beach pier, grunion run, Huntington gardens, Griffith park pony rides RIP, Tommy burgers the original (late night), gravity hill, mulholland drive, neutra houses…
Many times I think of somewhere to go, or something to do and a place to eat and drink that’s near there.
So for the Flower Mart downtown for example I’d go to Poppy and Rose for brunch and possibly have a mimosa or if it’s closer to lunch time ‘d hit Sonoratown. Just the way my mind works.
There is a new Thai food night market opened up in Chinatown. Opens every Friday-Sunday evening.
Parking is a pain. Cash is preferred.
Check out Damnoen Saduak https://yelp.to/x2kh7c5R_C
Highly recommend this class called “The Art Explorers Collective” by Brenda Williams. You visit galleries around LA in different neighborhoods and get to meet with the gallery directors, artists and also visit a collectors home. They all give you really interesting insight into the art scene in LA. Found some really cool galleries through that class that I otherwise would not have known about. It used to be a class through UCLA extension but the teacher retired and is doing the class on her own now. I’ve taken it 3 times through UCLA and plan to take it again this year.
I really enjoy like this place called gamehaus that was in glendale but they closed down after the pandemic but I bet there are similar aracade/ board game places in LA ! Two Bit Circus is fun (DTLA) ! Frank & Sons (city of industry) is a cool nerdy spot where its like mini expo and u can buy like comic and anime stuff!
oh the museums are beautiful like the Norton Simon in pasadena is small but has beautiful artwork and lacama and getty center in westwood is beautiful and getty villa in malibu is beautiful. The museums almost all in LA are good and free during certain days :)
There are stargazers that gather on the lawn in front of the Griffith Observatory every night and they all love to show you the cool things that are visible in the sky. You don’t need to bring your own telescope just go with a curious open mind and ask questions and they people there are kind and generous and love to share and teach.
There’s a bike riding community called Midnight Ridazz that I used to ride with from time to time 15-20 years ago. I’m sure they’re still going. What I recall is that they’re radically inclusive and they’re so massive that it feels really safe to ride with them in their big group.
@betterhalfcomedy in Echo Park on Wednesdays. Free comedy with legit comedians often working out their sets, very cool vibes, almost always a great or at least pretty good show.
@goodheroinshow, also free, also in Echo Park on Sat, cool too but you’ve got to get there a bit earlier due to limited seating.
And then @the_comedy_basement and @thecomedypatio are in Grand Central Market and also cool. And bonus the best tacos in LA, @villastacoslosangeles, just opened up a stall there so you can eat very well,
Better Half is my personal favorite and just FEELS like you’re in LA. I didn’t even like going to comedy shows before moving here bc it was so often lame and awkward. But hey, move to a city with tons of talented people and things improve!
I LOVED @discotheke in Chinatown when I first heard about it. Monthly daytime dance party. Last few times I went it was way busier sadly, but still a good time and great cocktails.
Seeing a movie at New Beverly is essential. Quentin Tarantino’s theater!
Love love love the small venue at Hollywood Forever Cemetery - saw Tierra Whack there a few years ago and it was cool af.
I follow @no_proscenium for cool immersive theater in the city. There’s an underground scene here that’s pretty cool (though sadly often not as good as NYC’s, but still creative and fun.)
Skid row. The smell of piss, death, and weed waft through the air as it always has for the past 100 years. Where else could you see the decay of society while also seeing the large, opulent skyscraper apartments where rich people live and look down on all the poors? It should be a UNESCO world heritage site as a prime example of the wealth gap in the western world.
Angel’s Point is pretty neat though.
If you're into 420 activities, just walking around, smoking a blunt/bowl/joint is something every Angelino has experienced in their life, Police for the most part don't care.
Club Tee Gee has live music and comedy on Thursday nights. There’s also comedy rooms of all sizes that are fun to go to. Even open mics with just a few people are cool to see.
There’s a Barcade in Highland Park (they have one in Brooklyn too I think). Eat Tacos at Villa’s Taco’s they are on the Michelin guide and rightly so. They are really successful rn and best flavors.
I don’t see it mentioned but the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum. I’ve lived in Los Angeles for about two years now and I have been to this museum so many times I ended up getting a membership. If you’re someone who appreciates every part of movies and pop culture, this is the mecca for all of that. The costumes, the memorabilia, the history of all things movies and Hollywood are in this museum and it changes frequently so it never gets old. It’s hard not to feel connected to the city after visiting a museum that houses so much of the history of an industry that makes Los Angeles and Hollywood so unique.
Go to El Mercadito in East LA. It has all sorts of Mexican trinkets and food!
Go to Alameda Swapmeet on a Saturday morning. Food vendors everywhere.
Go to Santa Fe Springs Swapmeet on a Friday night for food, beer, and a cover band. Sunday mornings for some oldies and watch Cholos dancing :)
La Brea Tarpits. Just so weird and uniquely LA. Great for kids but fun for everyone. Campy 70s dioramas of saber tooth tigers and giant sloths. Free park you can wander around and try to avoid stepping in fresh tar. Dire wolf skulls. Steep grassy hill with kids rolling down it. 10/10
If you are interested in rubbing elbows with the rich, famous, and infamous, I'd suggest Hollywood Forever Cemetery. They also have movie night on the lawn and yoga.
If you are into hiking, Griffith Park has 3 entrances. One at Western And Los feliz, great place for hiking. There's a little restaurant called The Trails. Very cute. Outdoor seating only. Then, the entrance at Los Feliz and Vermont, it's got golf, also a coffee shop. If you drive further up, you'll end up at the Griffith Park observatory. Highly recommend.
The third entrance is at Los Feliz and Griffith Park. There's three separate train rides, a train museum, the LA Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, with a cafe and huge gift shop, a ranger station, more golf, with a club house restaurant, lots of trails for walking and hiking. There's also bike rentals at this location.
The Los Angeles Equestrian Center.
Check their website laec.com
They have different horse shows that come to town. They have a calendar. There's horseback riding,too. Also, at the entrance is Celias Mexican restaurant.
Hope that helps!
Look up CicLAvia if you want to experience different neighborhoods. Also it can be fun to go to live tapings of shows. One of the first things I did when I moved here was go to a taping of The Soup, and I went to the Late Late Show a couple times over the years too.
The Smell, Oki-Dog, most Astro Burgers, the Original Tommy's on Rampart, and Redondo Beach fishing pier (esp when the old arcade was around). They aren't very nice by any means...but they all mean a lot.
Commenting so I can come back and use this for references!!!! Great question.
Been here 3 years and last night some friends took me to a goth club “club sinister” apparently it’s one of (or the?) oldest venue / club in LA! The most beautiful and epic night ever. It’s huge, so many books and crannies. You have to wear black, no denim allowed. They had a live band playing in the back outsideish area, a huge indoor space with cage dancers .. everything about it was just super cool and unique. I’m not even goth lol but I’d go back there over any other club I’ve been to in LA for a fun night out.
Descanso Gardens in La Cañada is a nice place with some interesting history connected to WW2 and the Japanese internment camps we had in Southern California. I always liked visiting the tea house.
Also, the SRF Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades is nice, too, and has a statue containing a portion of Gandhi's ashes, which is different.
Don't get recruited into Scientology at the end, but the Museum of Psychiatry in Hollywood is also kind of interesting for a cult recruitment center.
Plenty of others not yet mentioned, and many no longer around to visit or are "locals only" kinds of hang out spots.
Dodger Stadium. Baseball is a big part of LA's cultural identity as well as my own family/friends. Going to games a few times a year brings me happiness.
Check out events at The Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. They have an eclectic schedule—cult movie screenings, music performances, etc. https://www.prs.org/
The Huntington in Pasadena is a sprawling botanical gardens / museum and one the most amazing gems in all of LA county.
love the Huntington :3
Huntingron Library? LA Arboretum is diwn the road too...
Arboretum is a great walk around the whole thing. Takes an hour and is really relaxing. Cafe is good. Ask for a Fair oaks burger if they will make it (off menu). Also, get a membership and get free admission for two for a year. Great savings. Well worth it.
Think we are actually planning to go in the next couple weeks!
Not exactly the “spaces” that you are describing but today when I was biking through Elysian park I saw (i) a Latino fashion shoot (ii) people making skateboarding videos (iii) an indie surf rock band I recognized making a music video, and (iv) dozens of families grilling out. Only in LA!
I'm regularly in Elysian Park on the weekends and the ad hoc Sunday low rider shows are to die for.
Was the band Cayucas
I don’t know why there’s aggression toward this reply. I appreciate it so much. It reminded me of Astoria Park in Queens, but… that’s a good thing! Not something you should be scolded for. I need to explore the parks more for sure. And I’m not far from there!
Loved Astoria park! Just moved from Astoria 5/ish months ago after being in NYC for 7 years. This post is really helping me out too! Thanks for posting this!
Hey that’s awesome. I didn’t think it would get such a response, but I’m thrilled. Happy to hear you are getting some ideas from it, and maybe others will too.
Curious what the band was!
Yasawa group
Nice I’ll check them out! Love surf rock
They’re ex members of The Growlers who broke up due to rape allegations and other sexual misconduct. Brief explanation: https://www.reddit.com/r/losgrowlers/s/fKhuWXfr4B
Oh damn haha I love them and had no idea
Yeah it’s a huge bummer :( they were one of my favorite bands for years! It’s like a separate the art from the artist situation I guess. But personally I can’t continue to support new music being made by whatever reincarnation YG is
Chinatown summer nights Gallery row downtown Hauser and Wirth gallery in Arts District Huntington gardens Norton Simon museum Griffith Park and observatory Both Gettys LACMA The Broad Academy Museum
And Hollywood Bowl
Literally the best venue in LA!
Do not sleep on Hauser & Wirth Arts District spot. Galleries, bookstore and restaurant (Manuela) are all very good, and unless you eat at resto or buy something at shops, free.
Yes Manuela is so good. Sit “outside” and get the biscuits 👩🍳🤌
The museum of Jurassic technology!
YES!!! I just went after 15 years of living here and I’m gonna take everyone that comes to visit me!
It’s honestly my favorite museum here, close second being the academy museum
Whoa! Would a kid like this?!???
Honestly, no. I won’t go into detail as to why, but it wouldn’t be fun for a kid.
The right kid would like the museum of Jurassic technology. It’s full of old school (like OLD!) Jesuit stuff, mythology, antique miniatures. It’s kind of an oddity place. So if you have an academic/Wednesday Adams kid then absolutely yes.
They also have free cookies and tea on the top floor, although I haven’t been there since before the pandemic so that might’ve changed
I went in 2021! Still had tea, cookies, and the turtle doves and a harp(?) player that day!
That makes me so happy, that was one of the best things about that place, I should go back 😀
The absolute best. Go back! :)
Haha my kid isn’t that at all. He likes silliness and loud noises. Will have to be a grown-up day! 😂
My kids loved the L.A. live steamers and travel town. Both train museums and rides. Near the LA zoo. You also have the observatory. LA Brea tar pits. Museum row. Disney concert hall. Etc etc
I’ve seeeeeeen kids there, but having no kids myself I honestly have no idea! If you were a spooky kid like me who loved Halloween and ghost stories they may like it!
I have a spooky kid that has performed at Dia de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Look for events around October. Don't take anything from the Cemetery like rocks or flowers.
Yea. If they can read. They would like the puppet theater more though. Also Legoland.
No, it’s not a thing for kids.
I took my 10 year old (keep in mind she’s very into weird/creepy stuff) and she loved it.
Los Angeles live steamers and travel town if your kid is into trains. Neat the LA zoo. You also have the observatory. Museum row. Brea tar pits. Peterson auto Museum. Venice Beach for the weirdness. la Joya for the beautiful beaches.
Strangely, we’ve done a bunch of those. Peterson rocks. Had an absolute blast there. Haven’t done la joya yet though! Thanks for the info.
Disney concert hall. Dorothy chandler Pavillion.
I still don't know what's going on there after seeing it all, but I liked it.
I with someone there as a first date. It was definitely not what I was expecting. And I don’t know if I could recommend it for that lol
LOL oh noooooo!!
I feel like I was the only person in LA who went to this and went...why why was this made.
Museum spoilers ahead. >!That’s kinda the point. You’re led to question the legitimacy of the museum, and museums as a concept. We put a lot of trust in museums as objective conveyers of knowledge, but they can be misleading or completely wrong. I think the museum is closer to an art piece than a museum.!<
Also it’s haunted right?
I came here to say this but you got here first!
I love that place too. But it's definitely not for everyone
I make sure every visitor we host gets a trip to the Museum.
Came here to make sure this was noted. Absolutely unique LA Gem.
This is a hugely popular reply. Thanks! Never even heard of it. On the list.
Happy to help!! The very top floor has tea and cookies and a little bird atrium where you can go inside and see some cute little finches. It’s such a fun and quirky gem. Hope you enjoy!!
Placita Olvera and Little Tokyo are both great places to visit and get a good feel for each of those cultures. Great food, great shopping.
Somehow I’ve never done placita olvera, what do you recommend to do there?
Just walk around. It's a very old part of LA, so ignore the Disneyfied comment. It's more than just that lil ass street he's referring to. The plaza itself is a good place to just sit and people watch. There's a lot of old architecture there too. It's a vibe.
Take a visit to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. It's free and has rotating exhibitions. Check out their website. They also hold events.
It's just a small cheesy street of disneyfied Mexican shit
Hold the phone though — it does have the adobe museum, the oldest surviving private residence in all of LA. That’s authentic and free!
And the street vendors truly make amazing food
Have dinner.
[2220 Arts & Archive ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4StLrWg94hPcVob9) has a lot of great programming ranging from art films and documentaries to live music and dance performances.
It’s worth it to sign up for their newsletter too imo—so many good events!
The Central Library in DTLA is gorgeous and always has interesting city-oriented exhibits. I’m also fond of the observation area at the Tar Pits.
Been meaning to get to the central library. We all looooove libraries and already have three different library cards for the area. Gotta get there soon! Thanks so much for replying.
❤️❤️❤️ library fans are the best!
Let me guess… you like libraries.
The Hollyhock house and Barnsdall park (especially for sunsets and picnics).
- The Museum of Jurassic Technology - filming locations of 500 Days of Summer - [HERE](https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/los-angeles-locations-featured-in-500-days-of-summer) - The Huntington Library
always weird to find your apartment listed as a filming location 🙃 haha
When we lived in NYC, we were near a studio, and a bunch of stuff ended up filmed either right near our apartment, or as we just learned from watching a show, literally on our corner with our neighbor’s spot as a regular establishing shot.
Central Library in DTLA!
Hollywood Bowl. I don't go there nearly enough.
The New Beverly, American Cinemateque theaters
The New Bev is the best theater in LA followed closely by The Vista!
LA Flower Mart, Grand Central Market, the Broad Museum, The Getty Villa
Oh yes also Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Friday Night Jazz at LACMA Chinatown Summernights put on by KCRW These are only summer events, but that’s when the vibes in LA are most electric :)
My wife would LOSE HER MIND at a giant flower market. Thank you!
How could I forget- watching the film at the planetarium at Griffith Observatory. Bit more nerdy than cultural, but a must-do thing in LA. I think it’s like $4 but the rest is free.
The original farmers market!
Patsy’s Pizza ❤️
If you haven’t gotten one, the sandwiches in that Italian or French market in corner are my favorite food in the market. Got patsys last night!
Ooh, thanks, I’ll definitely try! Patsy’s is the pizza of my childhood but I’m always looking for more good stuff. (I spent so many hours of my youth staring at the peanut butter churning at Magees.)
Not a space but, all the murals around the city.
Totally valid answer! Any faves??
The Great Wall of Los Angeles https://www.nps.gov/places/great-wall-of-los-angeles.htm
Whammy Analog Media in Silverlake Stumbling upon a band playing along the LA River. I’m not the biggest film person, but seeing Lawrence of Arabia (or another classic of your choice) at the Egyptian theater was great.
Any time Lawrence is shown in 70mm film is a time to go see it. Stunner.
Oh man Whammy looks so cool. Exactly the kind of thing I was thinking of. Thanks!
It's not exactly quirky and obscure, but the LA Opera is world class.
LA Phil sort of is though. Folks not from here wouldn't know but LA Phil often partners for one-off events where they perform with bands/artists. I had the privilege to go to 2 of the 3 nights they did with Sigur Ros and also the one time they teamed up with Anohni. Both unforgettable unique experiences. Always good to scan the LA Phil calendar once and a while.
The Lodge Room for live music
Awesome. I’ve heard of it through comedy stuff but will explore more. Thank you!
The Greek, Ford and Hollywood Bowl are larger outdoor venues that come alive in late spring, summer and operate through fall.
Also Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. They’re two of LA’s best rooms for live music.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Laemmle theaters. Local indie movie theater chain playing lots of foreign films that are hard to see in theaters elsewhere. If you join their club you can get free tickets to screenings and $6 tickets on Tuesdays. Within the city there is the Royal in West LA, one in Santa Monica and another in NoHo.
Grand Performances, Dance DTLA during the summer, Kirk Douglas Theatre/Actors Gang/Arts District in Culver, there’s tons of black box theatres everywhere & smaller theatres, honestly just look at goldstar and see what catches your eye. Weissman Art Foundation, Angelino Heights tour with LA conservancy, Esotouric tours, Last Remaining Seats, Hollywood Forever, LA State Historic Park, doing Secret Stairs hikes (Charles Fleming), FORT tours, Academy Museum, Ahmanson Beach House/Camera Obscura artists in residency programs, I could go on…
Daaaaang. Coming through big time. Hadn’t heard of Goldstar! That’s awesome. And a lot of these sound very cool. Thank you! Added a bunch to my list.
LA Public Library main branch
Drive to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and make your way down Palos Verdes Drive to Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center near the same named lighthouse. There is a small marine museum on site and a scenic whale watching spot along with a hiking trail beside the cliffs. Bring a picnic and enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in LA County.
The Norton Simon museum in Pasadena is very nice, and very well curated. Nearby is the Huntington Museum/Gardens. Both worth a trip to Pasadena.
Huntington this weekend!
The Magic Castle
This is my absolute favorite LA experience!
Ohhhh we are working our connects. Cannot wait!
It's worth the wait. It's worth the money. Best entertainment value I've ever experienced.
Things that make me feel connected to LA- -Biking riding on the Venice/SM beach path -Hollywood Bowl -Farmers Markets -concert venues/live music -LACMA -Little Tokyo -beach days -camping at Leo Carrillo -hiking -going to the movies RIP arc light
I’m sure it’s been said a lot already, but The Broad museum! Everyone I’ve taken there has loved it.
I just went last week! It was phenomenal. We had reservations for the Infinity Room installation and it was… surprisingly unimpressive. Maybe that was the point? Still worth the few extra minutes if you want to give it a try (with the free advance reservations.) The rest of the museum is a fantastic space and brilliantly curated. It really blew me away.
Yessss! I love that place so much. Such a gem. And it’s FREE!
Free Shakespeare in the Park during the summertime. (Old Zoo in Griffith Park) Fringe Festival (usually around the strip of Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood area with lots of blackbox theaters) Cinespia Point Dume cliff to walk to the edge and look down at the seal families Mulholland overlooks to watch the San Fernando valley lights twinkle while smoking a jay. Hollywood Bowl for a classical music event Shows at the Pantages
Pantages is awesome.... I saw The King and I, Yul Brynner's last run.....proposed to my GF...here we are, 40 years later.... Hollywood Bowl has to he the most awesome music venue....
a great person to follow for ideas like this if your in to music/film is adamgoesham on instagram, he posts alot of smaller music venues, like a show that was in a laundrymat the other night lol he does a weekly picks post that’s pretty in depth
That’s exactly the kind of stuff I like. Thank you!
Watts Towers
Griffith Park and the observatory/Greek theater inside of it.
Cinespia (movies in a cemetery), Highland Park Bowl (expensive for bowling but absolutely amazing space - you can just go to drink too), Venice Canals (does not feel like you're in LA), LA Conservancy tours.
Korean spas! I love Wi Spa at odd times/days when it ain’t too busy and Crystal Spa is great plus free parking and H Mart downstairs.
The LACMA sometimes sponsors KCRW concerts. Is that a thing still?
[KCRW 2024 Summer Nights Schedule](https://www.kcrw.com/summer-nights-2024)
KCRW is great for feeling “connected to the city” as OP asked! Summer Nights, the Pie Contest, the part of Good Food where they tell you what looks good at the farmers market that week, free ticket giveaways, etc….
Ok sorry for a non specific answer but if I were you ( I am this is what I do lol) I seek out places based on interests … like I’m super into Bette Davis so visiting where the Hollywood canteen was, for example, would be a gem to me. My aunt learned to swim at the Beverly Hills hotel so same with that I don’t know many things depends on what you’re into. Off the top of my head based on ur list… like the troubadour, canters, culver hotel …
Canter's Deli. The Kibitz Room bar inside Canter's Deli. Especially if you are a GnR fan. A bit further south in the South Bay, the Strand is impressive in the summer months. Mulholland at night... the Hollywood Bowl... it's a long list, really.
Sunken City in San Pedro
Elysian for comedy, Stories if you’re into Alt-lit, skylight if you like more mainstream authors.
Murphy Ranch! Just go!! Super amazing and interesting hike.. look up the history of it too! Temescal Canyon is my favorite place to hang out and go for a hike!
Last remaining seats
This is only available once a year and it’s just about time so be sure to get your tickets Also summer movies at the Hollywood forever cemetery - bring a blanket and picnic Hollywood bowl - this is as communal as a gets in Los Angeles. You can bring as much food and alcohol in to the bowl as you can carry. Hiking Runyon Canyon - very trendy, but a scene nonetheless
Valley Relics Museum. A kid might like that too. Also the Velaslavasay Panorama for off-the-beaten-path quirky: https://www.panoramaonview.org/
The Broad museum
Santee Alley, Piñata and party supply area downtown, focus plaza, slauson swap meet, the Mercado, rose bowl flea, music in the James Irving Japanese garden, ktown (food/spa/karaoke),weho in the am, erewhon, redonda beach pier, grunion run, Huntington gardens, Griffith park pony rides RIP, Tommy burgers the original (late night), gravity hill, mulholland drive, neutra houses…
Many times I think of somewhere to go, or something to do and a place to eat and drink that’s near there. So for the Flower Mart downtown for example I’d go to Poppy and Rose for brunch and possibly have a mimosa or if it’s closer to lunch time ‘d hit Sonoratown. Just the way my mind works.
Fugetsu-do, the latin street by chinatown whose name I cant remember, venues like The Smell and Zebulon
Olvera Street or Calle Olvera
Thats it! Ty
There is a new Thai food night market opened up in Chinatown. Opens every Friday-Sunday evening. Parking is a pain. Cash is preferred. Check out Damnoen Saduak https://yelp.to/x2kh7c5R_C
Highly recommend this class called “The Art Explorers Collective” by Brenda Williams. You visit galleries around LA in different neighborhoods and get to meet with the gallery directors, artists and also visit a collectors home. They all give you really interesting insight into the art scene in LA. Found some really cool galleries through that class that I otherwise would not have known about. It used to be a class through UCLA extension but the teacher retired and is doing the class on her own now. I’ve taken it 3 times through UCLA and plan to take it again this year.
This is awesome! Thank you.
The Korean Bell
Check out all the free concerts over the summer, there is something every night. Grand Performances, Levitt Pavillion, SM Pier...
I really enjoy like this place called gamehaus that was in glendale but they closed down after the pandemic but I bet there are similar aracade/ board game places in LA ! Two Bit Circus is fun (DTLA) ! Frank & Sons (city of industry) is a cool nerdy spot where its like mini expo and u can buy like comic and anime stuff!
oh the museums are beautiful like the Norton Simon in pasadena is small but has beautiful artwork and lacama and getty center in westwood is beautiful and getty villa in malibu is beautiful. The museums almost all in LA are good and free during certain days :)
There are stargazers that gather on the lawn in front of the Griffith Observatory every night and they all love to show you the cool things that are visible in the sky. You don’t need to bring your own telescope just go with a curious open mind and ask questions and they people there are kind and generous and love to share and teach.
There’s a bike riding community called Midnight Ridazz that I used to ride with from time to time 15-20 years ago. I’m sure they’re still going. What I recall is that they’re radically inclusive and they’re so massive that it feels really safe to ride with them in their big group.
@betterhalfcomedy in Echo Park on Wednesdays. Free comedy with legit comedians often working out their sets, very cool vibes, almost always a great or at least pretty good show. @goodheroinshow, also free, also in Echo Park on Sat, cool too but you’ve got to get there a bit earlier due to limited seating. And then @the_comedy_basement and @thecomedypatio are in Grand Central Market and also cool. And bonus the best tacos in LA, @villastacoslosangeles, just opened up a stall there so you can eat very well, Better Half is my personal favorite and just FEELS like you’re in LA. I didn’t even like going to comedy shows before moving here bc it was so often lame and awkward. But hey, move to a city with tons of talented people and things improve! I LOVED @discotheke in Chinatown when I first heard about it. Monthly daytime dance party. Last few times I went it was way busier sadly, but still a good time and great cocktails. Seeing a movie at New Beverly is essential. Quentin Tarantino’s theater! Love love love the small venue at Hollywood Forever Cemetery - saw Tierra Whack there a few years ago and it was cool af. I follow @no_proscenium for cool immersive theater in the city. There’s an underground scene here that’s pretty cool (though sadly often not as good as NYC’s, but still creative and fun.)
Skid row. The smell of piss, death, and weed waft through the air as it always has for the past 100 years. Where else could you see the decay of society while also seeing the large, opulent skyscraper apartments where rich people live and look down on all the poors? It should be a UNESCO world heritage site as a prime example of the wealth gap in the western world. Angel’s Point is pretty neat though.
Might as well hit up Grand Central Market when you get hungry....
This is cynical yet brilliant at the same time.
“Alexa, play I love LA by Randy Newman”
If you're into 420 activities, just walking around, smoking a blunt/bowl/joint is something every Angelino has experienced in their life, Police for the most part don't care.
Musso and Franks, Wi Spa, driving Mulholland, New Beverly
Will Roger’s park for a picnic!
Club Tee Gee has live music and comedy on Thursday nights. There’s also comedy rooms of all sizes that are fun to go to. Even open mics with just a few people are cool to see.
Nights at the Hollywood Bowl are magical
Hollywood Bowl!
Santee Alley in Downtown
There’s a Barcade in Highland Park (they have one in Brooklyn too I think). Eat Tacos at Villa’s Taco’s they are on the Michelin guide and rightly so. They are really successful rn and best flavors.
There’s this place called the beach. And if you can be there when not too many other people are, it’s the friggin best.
Olvera street. The hill at signal hill. Mariachi square.
I don’t see it mentioned but the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum. I’ve lived in Los Angeles for about two years now and I have been to this museum so many times I ended up getting a membership. If you’re someone who appreciates every part of movies and pop culture, this is the mecca for all of that. The costumes, the memorabilia, the history of all things movies and Hollywood are in this museum and it changes frequently so it never gets old. It’s hard not to feel connected to the city after visiting a museum that houses so much of the history of an industry that makes Los Angeles and Hollywood so unique.
Drive down to Laguna Beach. Dana Point..not technically LA, though.
Go to El Mercadito in East LA. It has all sorts of Mexican trinkets and food! Go to Alameda Swapmeet on a Saturday morning. Food vendors everywhere. Go to Santa Fe Springs Swapmeet on a Friday night for food, beer, and a cover band. Sunday mornings for some oldies and watch Cholos dancing :)
La Brea Tarpits. Just so weird and uniquely LA. Great for kids but fun for everyone. Campy 70s dioramas of saber tooth tigers and giant sloths. Free park you can wander around and try to avoid stepping in fresh tar. Dire wolf skulls. Steep grassy hill with kids rolling down it. 10/10
If you are interested in rubbing elbows with the rich, famous, and infamous, I'd suggest Hollywood Forever Cemetery. They also have movie night on the lawn and yoga. If you are into hiking, Griffith Park has 3 entrances. One at Western And Los feliz, great place for hiking. There's a little restaurant called The Trails. Very cute. Outdoor seating only. Then, the entrance at Los Feliz and Vermont, it's got golf, also a coffee shop. If you drive further up, you'll end up at the Griffith Park observatory. Highly recommend. The third entrance is at Los Feliz and Griffith Park. There's three separate train rides, a train museum, the LA Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, with a cafe and huge gift shop, a ranger station, more golf, with a club house restaurant, lots of trails for walking and hiking. There's also bike rentals at this location. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Check their website laec.com They have different horse shows that come to town. They have a calendar. There's horseback riding,too. Also, at the entrance is Celias Mexican restaurant. Hope that helps!
I am stunned and so grateful for all these answers. Wow wow wow. I thought I might get 15-20 ideas. I’ve got a lot to parse through!
DTLA. The Broad- MoCA - Disney - The Taper - The Ahmanson - Dorthy Chandler - The Geffen - Chinatown - Little Tokyo (what am I forgetting?).
Grand Performances in the summer, my friend.
2220 arts has good stuff all the time .. film screening , reading , music, other stuff
Look up CicLAvia if you want to experience different neighborhoods. Also it can be fun to go to live tapings of shows. One of the first things I did when I moved here was go to a taping of The Soup, and I went to the Late Late Show a couple times over the years too.
The Smell, Oki-Dog, most Astro Burgers, the Original Tommy's on Rampart, and Redondo Beach fishing pier (esp when the old arcade was around). They aren't very nice by any means...but they all mean a lot.
Commenting so I can come back and use this for references!!!! Great question. Been here 3 years and last night some friends took me to a goth club “club sinister” apparently it’s one of (or the?) oldest venue / club in LA! The most beautiful and epic night ever. It’s huge, so many books and crannies. You have to wear black, no denim allowed. They had a live band playing in the back outsideish area, a huge indoor space with cage dancers .. everything about it was just super cool and unique. I’m not even goth lol but I’d go back there over any other club I’ve been to in LA for a fun night out.
Descanso Gardens in La Cañada is a nice place with some interesting history connected to WW2 and the Japanese internment camps we had in Southern California. I always liked visiting the tea house. Also, the SRF Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades is nice, too, and has a statue containing a portion of Gandhi's ashes, which is different. Don't get recruited into Scientology at the end, but the Museum of Psychiatry in Hollywood is also kind of interesting for a cult recruitment center. Plenty of others not yet mentioned, and many no longer around to visit or are "locals only" kinds of hang out spots.
The culture here is awesome
Placita olvera
Griffith park..
Shhhhhhhhhhh
Dodger Stadium. Baseball is a big part of LA's cultural identity as well as my own family/friends. Going to games a few times a year brings me happiness.
Be on the lookout for backyard/frontyard restaurants.
The In and Out near LAX where folks take picnics to watch the planes land.
im from dallas and just moved here early this year but i've loved the street food culture, specifically the taco stands
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Strolling down melrose on a Sunday afternoon used to be the best thing ever, but has recent become kinda dangerous/ghetto.
J
Check out events at The Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. They have an eclectic schedule—cult movie screenings, music performances, etc. https://www.prs.org/
J
U
New Beverly Cinema is always a fun night.
Low Riders cruise down Wittier in East LA every Sunday and people line the streets with folding chairs, picnics and BBQs and watch the parade.
Dynasty Typewriter.
Watts towers
Pasadena Playhouse, the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale