Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the sprawling city of Los Angeles shines with an ocean breeze, a rich Mexican-American culture, a cultural stronghold, and a vibrant art scene. Often referred to as LA or L.A., Los Angeles is America’s second-most populous city, trailing New York City in the Empire State. LA is also considered the “Creative Capital of the World,” and it’s easy to see why. The City of Angels’ population of nearly four million comprises artists, filmmakers, writers, actors, musicians, and dancers, all of whom have contributed to shaping the city’s reputation as one of the largest hubs of American film production and as the cultural center of Southern California.

Located in the Los Angeles Basin, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, LA also extends into the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Fernando Valley, and borders the San Gabriel Valley. The Indigenous Tongva people were the first inhabitants of the area, which Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo later claimed on behalf of the Spanish Empire.

Today, Los Angeles is renowned for its diverse culture and architecture, featuring strongholds of Spanish, Mexican, and American influences. But beyond the Hollywood marquees are hidden rhythms that don’t glow on the red carpet, where the City of Angels sings with life and flavor. If you’re earmarking a trip to SoCal, check out these best things to do in Los Angeles that aren’t Hollywood-related.

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Hidden Gems Beyond Griffith Park

The tranquil beauty of Griffith Park’s emerald hills, traversing its meandering trails while beholding the majestic backdrop of Los Angeles’ skyline

Nestled in the Los Feliz neighborhood of LA, in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park boasts popular attractions, including the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign. But beyond these points lie hidden paths that lead to lesser-known spots, such as the Old LA Zoo, which is now in ruins after its closure in 1966. The old zoo features several hiking trails, picnic areas, and the ruins of animal enclosures.

There’s also a section of Griffith Park that makes it one of the unmissable Los Angeles attractions you must visit: Bronson Canyon, known as a filming location for many TV and films, including Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

The Historic Echo Park

Echo Park is one of the three neighborhoods that comprise the historic Edendale District, which was once home to major movie studios long before Hollywood established its reputation in the film industry. Echo Park features three parks: Echo Park Lake, Elysian Park, and Vista Hermosa Natural Park—all of which boast picnic areas, walking trails, barbecue pits, water fountains, a nature-themed playground, and many more. The parks also offer sweeping views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline.

Echo Park is also home to a diverse community of musicians, artists, and other creatives. There are charming local businesses to explore when visiting the neighborhood, including the historic Taix French restaurant, a prominent landmark in the area since 1934. Echo Park is also considered one of “the city’s hippest neighborhoods,” with a vibrant nightlife.

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The Original Farmers Market

There’s no better way to experience the local flavors and support Los Angeles vendors than by visiting the Original Farmers Market, which has been designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Established in 1934, the market features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, homemade treats, and vintage art and crafts, among other items. Many vendors offer a diverse range of food fare inspired by American, Latin American, and Asian cuisines. It gives you the feel of Los Angeles’s old charm that connects to its roots without the shadows of Hollywood.

Downtown Los Angeles

Your visit to LA isn’t complete without checking out Downtown Los Angeles, the heartbeat of the city, which pulses with urban energy and creative spirit. Is Downtown LA worth visiting? While it’s typical big city life, you don’t want to miss experiencing the City of Angels’ art and cultural richness, featuring many charming spots to visit. For instance, the “miniature Europe” is a hidden spot in Downtown Los Angeles that most people don’t even know exists: the St. Vincent Court, reminiscent of some of the most iconic European streets.

You can also see the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which has extraordinary Deconstructivism architecture designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Opened in 2003, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

The walkable Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles is also a showcase of art galleries, life-sized murals, performance spaces, trendy restaurants, funky shops, and breweries. Also, stroll Spring Street and Broadway in Downtown LA to marvel at historic Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, Baroque, Victorian, Spanish Gothic buildings, and many more. These also extend to Hill Street and Los Angeles Street.

Population

39.35 Million ( 2020)

Founded Date

September 9, 1850

Los Angeles’s Cultural Neighborhoods

City skyline of Los Angeles downtown in California during sunset from Echo Lake Park

Los Angeles’s cultural diversity is evident in many of its vibrant neighborhoods, including Koreatown, where you can savor mouthwatering Korean BBQ, funky speakeasies, and karaoke joints. Historic Filipinotown boasts a blend of trendy and traditional Filipino restaurants, charming cafés, quirky cocktail lounges, cultural spaces, and street art that reflect the Filipino-American history and culture.

The Little Tokyo Historic District is a beautiful representation of Japan and is home to North America’s largest Japanese-American population. It offers a glimpse of Japanese culture, with delicious Japanese cuisine to try, trendy shops, gardens, art galleries, museums, and public art. Little Armenia is another historic neighborhood worth exploring in LA. It’s where Armenians settled in the area in the early 20th century, featuring the historic Barnsdall Art Park, which houses the Hollyhock House, a World Heritage Site.

Unique Beach Fix At El Matador State Beach

Bonus! If you feel like you need your beach fix, you can drive to El Matador State Beach. Of the three beaches within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador is the most popular and is also the closest to Malibu. El Matador features dramatic rock arches and rugged sea caves in the sea stacks, with the largest cave right below a massive flat rock, which is linked to the base of a bluff.

These geological features, along with the Pacific Ocean’s turquoise waters and golden sands, make El Matador the prettiest beach in all of California. While El Matador is about 30 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, it’s still worth visiting for its remarkable features. It’s where visitors and residents alike enjoy sunbathing, beach strolls, and birdwatching. And if you’re a sunset lover, El Matador offers some of the most gorgeous SoCal sunsets. Don’t forget your camera!

There is no denying that the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles is a symbol of an American landmark and cultural icon overlooking Hollywood. However, beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the iconic city of Los Angeles offers a wealth of experiences, from vibrant art districts to stunning coastal views and unique culinary scenes.