Most will walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, feel the ocean breeze on the Santa Monica Pier and hike to the historic Hollywood Sign. This is the widely known as the tourist’s Los Angeles.
But there are also lots of unique, fun and weird things to do in this amazing city.
Whether you plan to visit Los Angeles or already live in the city, check out some top recommendations with four best “Non-LA” adventures and day trips you should consider.
1. Sandstone Peak Hike
- Ventura County, California
After driving in Los Angles traffic for hours, an escape to nature is much appreciated. With commanding views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Sandstone Peak Hike in Malibu has everything.
This is one of the top places to visit in California and the scenery evolves from lush trees to strange rock formations to sweeping vistas. Be sure to spend some time at Inspiration Point and its spectacular vantage point. I spent four hours on this lovely hike, including an hour long lunch break at Sandstone Peak taking in the views.
As I munched my sack lunch, lush green mountains rolled around me and I could see the shimmer of Pacific Ocean ahead. Remember to stop and sign the notebook hidden in the Mt. Allen monument at the peak!
2. Hsi Lai Temple
- 3456 Glenmark Dr, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
Outside the main gate, I was met by glowing red, orange and yellow buildings. Inside, I was wholly transported to another culture.
I went to work in Japan a few summers back and this felt like coming home. The lawn was dotted with tiny Buddha statues and bodhisattvas, enlightened individuals.
The Hsi Lai Temple is an actual place of worship where individuals pray to Buddhas and meditate. It is also a learning center to teach Humanistic Buddhism, the Dharma, meditation, chanting and yoga.
As I wandered between incensed rooms and peaceful gardens, I never felt farther from Southern California. (View our USA volunteer programs to work at Buddhist retreats in California).
3. Echo Park Time Travel Mart
- 1714 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Who has not dreamed of traveling to the future and riding in a flying car or going back in time and seeing dinosaurs roam across the land? You can do all that at the Echo Park Time Travel Mart. Sort of.
The Time Travel Mart (826la.org/store/) is a convenience store with household items that your robot of the future will need or that your great, great (keep repeating great) caveman grandmother would have used.
Try the Tooth Darkening Strips for a duller smile or grab a Time-Freezy Hyper Slush to freeze you right where you are.
The added bonus is that all proceeds benefit 826LA, a non-profit organization that provides free tutoring and writing workshops for students 6 to 18 years old. Now go buy some Big Bang in a Jar and help a kid learn to read!
4. Venice Mosain Tile House
- 1116 Palms Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Hoping to get some extra color while in Los Angeles? Head over to the Venice Mosaic Tile House.
Here you will be inundated with color. Artists Gonzalo Duran and Cheri Pann have coated every inch of their home, inside and out, with mesmerizing mosaic tiles. Read your fortune from the tiled fortune cookie, play in the mosaic covered forest and appreciate Cheri’s arresting portraits of Gonzalo.
This charming home and couple will keep you smiling through the hour-long tour, which is easy enough to set up with a simple phone call or email found on their website.
Best Hidden Gems in Los Angeles
There really are hundreds of things to do in LA but hopefully my guide has highlighted some of the most unique locations to check out. So what are you waiting for? Visit Los Angeles, California! And when people ask if you saw the Walk of Fame, tell them you went back in time instead.
To discover the highlights of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas search USA tours. Or if you like the idea of moving to LA, view this guide how to work in USA.
By Alecia Weaver
