Explore Hidden Gems of Los Angeles

In a city known for glitz and glamour, there's nothing like finding some hidden treasures. The truth about Los Angeles is that you'll find a fun, quirky attraction for every Hollywood attraction or university-operated museum you visit. Ready to tour the city like a local? Just head to these five hidden gems in Los Angeles.

1. The Last Bookstore

This 22,000-square-foot bookstore sells new and used copies of all your favorite books. Discover your next good read as you browse an incredible selection of books and comic books in all genres. There's also a record store, yarn shop, and famous "book tunnel" in the shop. You'll love browsing all of the oddities packed into every square foot. The charm of this uniquely Californian bookstore is that it's housed inside a 100-year-old bank with tons of spooky, intriguing vaults.

2. Olvera Street

Known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, Olvera Street is a lively and eclectic marketplace full of painted stalls, restaurants, and unique shops that line a shaded brick path. The neighborhood is also home to the America Tropical Interpretive Center, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, and the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA). In addition, special events throughout the year bring out folklore dancers, mariachi bands, and parades. Many of the vendors here are descendants of the original vendors who populated the neighborhood when Olvera Street was first founded in the 1930s.

3. Micheltorena Silver Lake Stairs

Enjoy one of the best free hidden gems in Los Angeles by visiting the Micheltorena Silver Lake Stairs. Built-in 1925 by George Nichols, these colorful steps show off hearts, rainbow colors, and other artistic touches amid a plant-filled, palm-lined terrain. After covering the first 40 steps, you'll cross the street twice to cover all 177 steps that belong to this three-part staircase.

4. Bradbury Building

One of the defining architectural landmarks of Los Angeles, the Bradbury Building is a five-story building built in 1893 by Lewis L. Bradbury using the fortune he accumulated as a gold miner. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971. The stunning skylit atrium, full of floating walkways and intricate ironwork, has made it a source of fascination for architects, artists, and filmmakers over the decades. Dozens of films and television shows have used the building as a backdrop. The list includes everything from "Blade Runner" to "500 Days of Summer."

5. Mosaic Tile House Venice

One of the most colorful hidden gems in Los Angeles, the Mosaic Tile House in Venice is a masterpiece created by Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran. This carefully curated artist residence brings you through a labyrinth of outdoor paths and indoor studios where you can watch the imaginative process unfold! There's also a gift shop where visitors can purchase a wide range of pieces made with the same mosaic tiles they see on every inch of the property.

Exploring the Culture of Los Angeles

It could take a lifetime to truly explore all of the galleries and museums in Los Angeles that make this city what it is. Fortunately, most of the underrated gems in Los Angeles, located just a few steps off the beaten path, can be explored in just a few minutes. Start planning an itinerary that combines all the big and small attractions around the City of Angels today!