Los Angeles drew 46.2 million visitors in 2022 and raked in $34.5 billion in revenue . The Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, and Santa Monica Pier pull in huge crowds, but LA's real character shines far from these tourist hotspots.
The city stands proud as the entertainment capital of the world , but it holds countless secret spots waiting to be found. Cool hideaways nestle in urban neighborhoods, and unique attractions remain hidden even from locals. On top of that, LA's coolest spots take on a different life after dark, which makes nighttime exploration an adventure all its own.
Most people don't know that Downtown Los Angeles had sprawling vineyards before Napa Valley became California's wine hub . The sort of thing I love about this sun-soaked city is how much history lies beneath its surface, where people enjoy about 284 sunny days each year . Let me take you beyond the tourist traps to explore five extraordinary hidden gems that reveal LA's authentic and unexpected side.
Hidden Gem #1: The Secret Stairs of Los Angeles
Image Source: pasadenamag.com
LA's hillsides hide over 450 public stairways. These secret stairs are remnants from a time when people and trolleys ruled the city instead of cars. The stairs used to connect hill residents to Red Car trolley stops below [1]. They now stand as one of LA's most unique attractions that draw fitness buffs, history lovers, and photographers.
Where to find them
These secret staircases weave through specific LA neighborhoods. You'll find most of them in hilly areas like Silver Lake, Echo Park, Hollywood, Mt. Washington, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades [2]. Silver Lake is maybe the true staircase capital of Los Angeles with dozens of sets throughout the area [3].
Silver Lake makes a great starting point for newcomers since many stairs show up on Google Maps [4]. The neighborhood's artistic spirit shows in colorful painted steps and historic spots. Echo Park has amazing staircases with city views, while Pacific Palisades features ocean-facing stairs with stunning coastal scenes.
Charles Fleming's guidebook "Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles" groups most staircases into loop routes. The book splits the city into five neighborhood sections: Pasadena and the East, Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz and Hollywood, and Santa Monica and the West [2]. These walks stretch from 1.5 to 3.5 miles and loop back to where you started [2].
Best staircases for views and photos
These staircases offer the most amazing photo opportunities:
Micheltorena Stairs (Silver Lake): These heart-painted rainbow stairs are maybe LA's most photogenic spot. Local artist Corinne Carrey created them in 2013 as her love letter to the neighborhood [4]. They sit across from Micheltorena Elementary School and have become a hit on social media [3].
Music Box Steps (Silver Lake): Movie fans will love these famous steps from the 1932 Laurel and Hardy short film "The Music Box." A marble plaque marks this historic spot [4].
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (Culver City): The 282 rough, uneven steps lead to amazing 360-degree LA views. Clear days reveal everything from Downtown's towers to the Pacific Ocean [1].
Castellammare Stairs (Pacific Palisades): This 369-step system shows off beautiful ocean views. The scenic climb starts at Breve Way and Castellammare Drive where you can watch boats sail by [1].
Tips for exploring safely
My stair adventures taught me that good prep makes all the difference. These stairs wind through quiet neighborhoods, so keep noise down and respect people's privacy [4]. Sturdy walking shoes are a must - forget flip-flops, especially on steep routes [5].
The best times to climb are early morning or late afternoon to beat the midday heat [4]. Bring water since most routes don't have public facilities or cafes [5]. Watch out on narrow streets without sidewalks - drivers don't usually expect to see people walking here [5].
Check parking signs since rules change by neighborhood [4]. Try to park near your start point to make the loop route easier [5]. These historic paths started as practical routes but now offer one of LA's coolest free activities. They mix exercise, architecture, and amazing views that surprise even longtime locals.
Hidden Gem #2: The Mosaic Tile House in Venice
Image Source: EazyNazy
Behind an ordinary fence on a quiet Venice street lies an extraordinary artistic wonderland. The Mosaic Tile House stands as proof of artistic passion and love. A bland beige stucco home transformed into a kaleidoscopic masterpiece that rivals Barcelona's Gaudí-inspired creations.
What makes it unique
Husband-and-wife artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran bought their modest 1,500-square-foot home in 1994 [6]. A simple weekend bathroom tiling project grew into a magnificent obsession that lasted nearly three decades [7]. Now vibrant mosaic tiles cover almost every inch of the property—inside and out.
The couple's artistic partnership makes this creation special. Cheri, who has a Master's degree in fine arts, crafts most of the colorful tiles in their studio [6]. Gonzalo, with his college background in illustration, designs the forms and sets the tiles. He also adds his personal touch by illustrating love notes to Cheri on blue and white tiles [6].
The property feels like walking through an underwater coral reef. Reds, yellows, and oranges dominate everywhere you look [7]. Every corner tells a story through amazing details:
A Gaudi-inspired bench in the front garden [2]
A giant fortune cookie that spills smaller cookies [2]
Hidden creatures like a yellow iguana and an elephant with a rooster on top [2]
Love letters from Gonzalo to Cheri woven throughout [6]
The interior amazes visitors with its walkways, walls, and rooms full of handcrafted tiles [8]. Mosaic work even surrounds the skylight [2].
How to book a visit
You'll need to plan ahead to see this unique home. The couple opens their doors only on Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm [8][2]. Since this is their private residence, you must make a reservation [8]. Book your spot by emailing mosaictilehouse@mac.com or calling 310-399-1469 [1].
Tour prices range from $12 to $20 per person [1][8][6]. Visitors get a print-out guide that helps them spot special features throughout the property [6].
The number of visitors has grown substantially. The couple hosted just 15-20 people monthly in the mid-90s. Now they welcome 50-150 visitors during their three-hour Saturday window [6].
Nearby cool spots in LA
The vibrant Venice Boardwalk sits just minutes away, with its street performers, quirky shops, and the famous Muscle Beach [8]. Abbot Kinney Boulevard offers a more upscale experience with chic boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants [5].
Venice Beach provides a perfect contrast to the Mosaic House's intense colors. Its sandy shores and iconic oceanfront skate park draw visitors year-round. Art lovers can spend an afternoon exploring Venice's galleries and street art installations in one of LA's coolest neighborhoods.
Hidden Gem #3: Sunken City in San Pedro
A hauntingly beautiful urban ruin with a tragic past sits at the edge of San Pedro, right above the Pacific Ocean. People call it the Sunken City, and it stands as a stark reminder that nature's power can't be stopped.
The story behind the ruins
George H. Peck developed this exclusive neighborhood in the 1920s. The area boasted 39 luxury homes and bungalows on a scenic cliff in Point Fermin [9]. Life seemed perfect with stunning ocean views until disaster hit in January 1929. The first sign of trouble came when a water line broke under the Ocean View Inn hotel [3].
Things went downhill fast after that. A gas line broke, heavy rain caused cracks in the ground, and a small earthquake in July made everything worse [3]. The land slid an incredible 11 inches per day when things were at their worst [9]. The ground started to give way, and it took everything with it - streets, homes, and infrastructure.
Most people got out just in time and moved their wood-frame houses to safer spots [3]. All but one of these homes made it - two ended up in the ocean [3]. The landslide's final toll was massive: about 40,000 square feet of land dropped into the Pacific [10].
How to access the area
You'll find the Sunken City at 500 W. Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro [10]. The area stays closed permanently, but people still get in. They usually squeeze through a hole in the fence near Point Fermin Park or climb around the edge over cliffs by the ocean [11].
Once inside, you'll find pieces of concrete foundations, broken streets, old sidewalks, and sanitation systems. Generations of daring artists have covered everything in colorful graffiti [12].
Is it legal to visit?
The answer is clear - no. The Sunken City is completely off-limits, with prominent "No Trespassing" signs everywhere [13]. Getting caught means paying $450.00 [13]. If you bring a car, it'll get towed for $375.00 plus $175.00 each day it stays in storage [9].
Legal issues aren't the only problem - the place is dangerous. The ground still moves and shifts [10]. People have died or gotten badly hurt from falling on the unstable ground [14]. Back in 2011, a nearby road just crumbled and fell into huge holes near the White Point Nature Preserve [10].
The good news is you can get amazing coastal views without breaking the law. The Point Fermin Lighthouse, Korean Friendship Bell, and Fort MacArthur [9] are great spots nearby. These places give you the same beautiful views without putting yourself at risk or getting fined.
Hidden Gem #4: The Last Bookstore’s Hidden Tunnels
The Last Bookstore sits right in Downtown Los Angeles's heart and brings so much more than its name implies. A former bank building houses this 22,000-square-foot space that has become one of LA's most Instagram-worthy spots thanks to its maze-like upper level.
What's inside the book labyrinth
A marble staircase leads to the mezzanine level where you'll find a whimsical maze built completely from books. The "Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore" features curved walls of books arranged in beautiful color-coordinated patterns. This section holds over 100,000 used books that cost just $1 each. The twisting passages lead to themed sections for horror, science fiction, and mystery.
The iconic tunnel stands out as a must-see spot. A curved bookshelf creates the perfect frame for photos. Visitors make their way through narrow corridors and around unexpected corners. Each turn brings a new surprise.
Photo ops and secret corners
The mezzanine level has several picture-perfect spots:
The book tunnel portal, where hundreds of books create a perfect circular passageway
The flying books installation, where hardcovers seem to float in mid-air
The book window that frames historic Spring Street through stacked volumes
The vault room, with its massive metal door that preserves the building's banking history
The owners have turned books into stunning art installations, making this one of LA's coolest spots. Beyond the main photo opportunities, hidden nooks contain vintage typewriters, antique globes, and unique art pieces.
Other cool spots nearby
The surrounding Historic Core district has many more interesting places to check out after your bookstore visit. Grand Central Market stands just blocks away with amazing food from various vendors. The Bradbury Building shows off beautiful ironwork while The Last Arcade houses vintage gaming machines - both within walking distance. Nearby rooftop bars provide amazing skyline views and transform the downtown experience after dark.
Hidden Gem #5: Murphy Ranch Bunker in Rustic Canyon
A bizarre piece of forgotten history lies hidden in the Santa Monica mountains - Murphy Ranch, a self-sustaining compound built by Nazi sympathizers who awaited Hitler's victory in World War II [4].
The Nazi compound history
Wealthy couple Winona and Norman Stephens bought this 50-acre property in 1933 under the pseudonym "Jessie M. Murphy" [4]. A mysterious German known only as "Herr Schmidt" convinced them with claims of supernatural powers to invest $4 million (worth $85 million today) into creating a Nazi stronghold [4]. The compound's features included a power station, water tank, bomb shelter, and hillsides irrigated for food production [15]. FBI agents stormed the property the day after Pearl Harbor and arrested all residents [16].
How to hike there
Murphy Ranch's eerie location can be accessed by parking near Capri Drive and Casale Road intersection in Pacific Palisades' Riviera neighborhood [16]. Visitors should walk along Sullivan Ridge Fire Road until they find a break in the chain-link fence. A dizzying 500-step concrete staircase awaits beyond [17]. The complete loop covers 3.8 miles with moderate difficulty [18].
What to expect on the trail
Haunting remnants dot the trail today - a graffiti-covered power station, raised garden beds, and a massive water tank stand as silent witnesses [15]. Most structures were torn down in 2016 after officials declared them unsafe [16]. The concrete steps provide breathtaking views of Rustic Canyon as hikers make their descent [19].
Conclusion
LA keeps surprising even its longtime residents with hidden spots beyond the famous landmarks. These five amazing places show that the city's real magic lives in unexpected corners where history, art, and nature meet to create something special. Secret staircases weave through LA's hillsides like a forgotten transport network, and the technicolor Mosaic Tile House stands as proof of creative passion turned into living art.
Sunken City might be off-limits, but it serves as a stark reminder of nature's power. This apocalyptic landscape sits where homes once stood. The Last Bookstore in downtown LA turns books into an immersive art experience with its maze-like tunnels. Murphy Ranch tells the strangest story - a failed Nazi compound that nature and graffiti artists have now claimed.
These places are special beyond their Instagram appeal. Each spot reveals parts of LA's history that tourists rarely see. They showcase the city's rich diversity - from weird architecture to natural wonders, art pieces to historic sites.
On top of that, these hidden spots are a great way to get away from packed tourist attractions. My adventures at these places created better memories than waiting in Universal Studios lines or trying to see the tiny Hollywood Sign letters from afar.
Some spots need extra planning, but you'll find a side of Los Angeles that few travelers get to see. The city shows its true colors when you look past the glitz and staged attractions.
Save space in your LA trip for at least one of these unique places. You'll take home stories better than any gift shop souvenir. LA rewards people who wander off the usual path - and all but one of these hidden gems could be your first step into a real LA adventure.
FAQs
Q1. What are some unique hidden gems to explore in Los Angeles? Los Angeles is full of hidden treasures, including the Secret Stairs scattered throughout hillside neighborhoods, the vibrant Mosaic Tile House in Venice, the eerie Sunken City ruins in San Pedro, the whimsical book labyrinth at The Last Bookstore, and the mysterious Murphy Ranch Bunker in Rustic Canyon.
Q2. Are the Secret Stairs of Los Angeles safe to explore? While generally safe, it's important to wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and be cautious when walking on narrow streets without sidewalks. It's best to explore early mornings or late afternoons to avoid midday heat, and always be respectful of the residential neighborhoods.
Q3. How can I visit the Mosaic Tile House in Venice? The Mosaic Tile House offers tours on Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm. Reservations are mandatory and can be made by emailing mosaictilehouse@mac.com or calling 310-399-1469. Tour costs typically range from $12 to $20 per person.
Q4. Is it legal to visit the Sunken City in San Pedro? No, visiting Sunken City is strictly illegal and dangerous. The area is unstable and off-limits, with prominent "No Trespassing" signs. Trespassers face hefty fines and risk personal safety. Instead, consider visiting nearby attractions like Point Fermin Lighthouse for similar coastal views.
Q5. What makes The Last Bookstore a unique attraction in Los Angeles? The Last Bookstore features a whimsical "Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore" on its mezzanine level, with tunnels and installations made entirely of books. It offers numerous photo opportunities, including a book tunnel portal, flying books installation, and a vault room preserving the building's banking history.
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