Non-Touristy Things to Do in Los Angeles

Alexandra Arrivillaga
3 min readMar 28, 2023

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Los Angeles is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, Hollywood glamour, and iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign. However, there’s much more to this vibrant city than just the typical tourist attractions. In this article, we’ll explore some non-touristy things to do in Los Angeles that will give you a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Visit the Getty Center

While the Getty Center is a popular destination for art lovers, tourists often overlook it in favor of more well-known museums like the Museum of Modern Art or the Natural History Museum. The Getty Center features an impressive collection of art and architecture, beautiful gardens, and stunning city views. It’s a must-see destination for art, culture, and history.

Explore the Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is another iconic Los Angeles landmark that often gets overshadowed by more touristy destinations. The observatory features a range of exhibits, including interactive displays on astronomy and space exploration and stunning views of the city and the night sky. It’s an excellent destination for anyone interested in science, technology, and astronomy.

Visit the Watts Towers

The Watts Towers are a unique and impressive artwork in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The towers were built by Italian-American artist Simon Rodia over 33 years and feature a variety of intricate sculptures and mosaics made from scrap materials like glass, tile, and metal. It’s a fascinating and beautiful destination that tourists often overlook.

Take a Hike in Runyon Canyon

While there are plenty of popular hiking trails in Los Angeles, Runyon Canyon is a hidden gem that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The course features a variety of options for hikers of all skill levels, as well as plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the area’s natural beauty.

Visit the Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building is a historic landmark located in downtown Los Angeles that tourists often overlook. The building was built in 1893 and features a beautiful interior with ornate ironwork, marble staircases, and a stunning atrium. It’s a good representation of architecture and history.

Explore the Arts District

The Arts District is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood located in downtown Los Angeles. The area is home to various galleries, street art, creative spaces, bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s an excellent destination for anyone interested in art, culture, and creativity.

Visit the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens, Huntington Library, and Art Museum are sprawling complexes in San Marino, just outside Los Angeles. The complex features a variety of stunning gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and a desert garden, as well as an impressive art collection and a range of exhibits and events. It’s an excellent destination for anyone interested in art, culture, and nature.

While Los Angeles is known for its popular tourist destinations, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in the city that offer a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you’re interested in art, culture, history, or nature, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse city.

Originally published at https://alexandraarrivillaga.net.

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Alexandra Arrivillaga

Based in Boston, MA, Alexandra Arrivillaga serves as a management advisor to many organizations. Alexandra also enjoys traveling and entrepreneurship.