Huntington Library & Gardens

A spectacular hidden oasis located on the outskirts of Los Angeles (San Marino, just 12 miles northeast of DTLA) is The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Situated on 120 acres and featuring 16 themed gardens, be prepared to spend a few hours lost in the beauty of this majestic destination. My personal favorites were the Japanese and Rose Gardens. But I loved getting lost in the Jungle Gardens with its towering trees which endlessly reached towards the sky and the peaceful waterfalls. A visit to the Huntington Gardens is a beautiful way to spend the day with family, or to take a romantic stroll with a date. This destination will take your breath away.

TCL Chinese Theatres

These theatres are a Hollywood landmark dating back to 1922. Visitors from all around the world flock to this internationally known destination to not only view the beautiful architecture of the Chinese pagoda, but the nearly 200 cement squares laid out in the its courtyard. These concrete blocks contain the autographs, hand and foot prints of numerous Hollywood luminaries, current celebrities, and past silver screen legends. An amazing amount of Hollywood history has taken place at this iconic venue.

The Staples Center

Opened in 1999 and located Downtown, this arena is home to the Los Angeles sports teams of the Los Angeles Lakers, L.A. Clippers, LA Kings, and Los Angeles Sparks. Over 250 events are hosted here annually with over 4 million guests in attendance. This venue can seat approximately 20,000 people and has hosted such events as the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs, the funerals of Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant, and will be one the venues to host the 2028 Olympics that will take place in Los Angeles.

The Venice Canals

These man-made canals built in 1905, which were built to re-create the look and feel of Venice, Italy, are a historical landmark in Los Angeles. There are four east-west canals and two north-south canals. Cars can cross these house-lined canals by arched bridges. They are a beautiful sight to see and are accessed by residents with small boats and dinghies. A little taste of Europe in our own backyard.

The Santa monica Pier

This iconic structure was built in 1909 and its original purpose was to assist in the disposal of Santa Monica City’s sewage beyond the breakwater. Eventually city officials realized this structure could be useful in more ways than funneling poop, so the historical Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome was built, which is still there today, and houses a beautiful merry-go-round with 44 hand-carved horses. Over the years additional attractions were added including a ballroom, an auto showroom, a roller skating rink, and a wooden roller coaster. After numerous transitions, attractions were replaced and the now famous ferris wheel and Pacific Parkrides were added. There are a number of wonderful restaurants on the Pier, concerts, an aquarium, city-sponsored events, and even fishing. Numerous movies, tv shows, and music videos have been filmed at this famous location. Fun fact: Route 66 does not actually end at the Pier. This sign is placed here for “picture-taking” purposes. The end of the route is a few blocks away but if you stood at the actual site you might get hit by a car as it is at the intersection of Olympic & Lincoln, a few blocks away from the Pier. One important event to take note of was the devastating storm of 1982 where the Pier experienced significant damage and over 1/3 of the structure was destroyed. Today, over 8 million people visit this destination annually. It is always open, there are no entrance fees, and guaranteed fun for all ages.

MacArthur Park

This 35 acre serene park located in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles was named after General Douglas MacArthur. At the center of the park is a massive lake fed by natural springs and dates back to the 1880s.

Originally named Westlake Park, the surrounding area at the time was known as the Champs Élysées of Los Angeles. This neighborhood was a vacation destination surrounded by luxury hotels. In 1934, the lake was split into two sections to extend Wilshire Boulevard to Downtown, Los Angeles. MacArthur Park continued to be an area of beauty and luxury with electric boats and swans dotting the lake. But in the late 1960s, the area became rundown and when the lake was drained twice in the 70s, hundreds of handguns and firearms were found at the bottom of the lake. For the next few decades, the area was known for prostitution, drugs and murder.

In the early 2000s, a major revamp was begun bringing in a recreation center, paddle boats, a beautiful fountain in the middle of the lake, community festivals and concerts, and more. Numerous movies and television shows have been filmed there as well. Presently, the paddle boats no longer remain but the lake is still a beautiful sight to see.

ChinaTown

Located right outside of DTLA Los Angeles, this neighborhood was established in 1938 and is home to approximately 20,000 residents. Interesting fact: this was not the first location of Chinatown. The original site was established in the late 19th century at the current location of Union Station (Los Angeles).

When thousands of Chinese men were hired to construct a portion of the first transcontinental railroad, many of them settled in Los Angeles and therefore Chinatown was born. From 1860 to 1910, there was a Chinese opera theater, numerous temples and a bustling city within this part of town, but then Chinatown began to decline. After neglect and decay, the community was demolished. Years later, a prominent leader within the Chinese community, Peter Soon Hoo Sr., designed and established the new Chinatown and envisioned it as a tourist attraction. He enlisted the help of Hollywood set designers to give it a more authentic and exotic feel. You will find here numerous stores selling Chinese-themed products, restaurants specializing in Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine, art galleries, herb and ginseng sellers, as well as other various stores and venues. One of the highlights in this community is the Chinese New Year Parade. It’s a Los Angeles event that can’t be missed as it is an amazing sight to see in person.

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Though this is a full-service funeral home and crematory, this site is one of the most stunning places to visit, a true cultural arts center, and for those of you not in the know, a venue to view outdoor summer movies. Founded in 1899, it was originally called the Hollywood Cemetery (then Hollywood Memorial Park) and was on 100 acres. Eventually 40 of those acres were sold off to what is now Paramount Studios. For decades, the cemetery was owned by a convicted felon and millionaire named Jules Roth. He owned a majority stake in the property and used the cemetery’s profits to maintain his lavish lifestyle. After numerous lawsuits, the cemetery fell into disrepair and after sustaining major damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the property was no longer profitable. After Roth’s death, the land was sold and the new owners invested millions into the revitalization of the grounds as well as to drawing visitors to the beautiful site. These days, there are summer and holiday movie screenings put on by Cinespia. These are popular events with live music that draw hundreds (I’ve personally been to a few) where people picnic beforehand and then watch a movie under the stars. There are many famous and infamous people interned at the cemetery including: Bugsy Siegel, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Mel Blanc, Chris Cornell, Rudolph Valentino, Mickey Rooney, Douglas Fairbanks, Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone, and Marion Davies. A sad note due to racism: Actress Hattie McDaniel, who was the first African-American to win an Academy Award (for her role in Gone with the Wind), had expressed her desire to be buried at the cemetery. But due to the color of her skin, she was forbidden to be buried there. In the late ‘90s, a marker was placed in her honor at the cemetery commemorating this incredible actress. NOTE: If you would like to take a fascinating tour of the Cemetery, visit cemeterytour.com.

Bob’s Big Boy restaurant

A hamburger chain, originally titled Bob’s Pantry, was founded by Bob Wian in Southern California in 1936. The Burbank location was established in 1949 and was designated a Point of Interest by the California Historical Society in 1993. Not only did Wian create the iconic hamburger chain, he’s also responsible for the original double-deck hamburger, whereby you slice a bun into three slices and add two hamburger patties, which Bob’s Big Boy is known for to this day. In its heyday, the chain grew to a whopping 240 locations but now only 5 remain, all in SoCal, with the Burbank location being the oldest. It was built by local residents Scott MacDonald and Ward Albert, and designed by Wayne McAllister. He incorporated Googie Architecture which was prominent back in the day. This location not only has a drive-through, but it was designed as a drive-in with carhop service. Back in the day, Hollywood stars such as Bob Hope, Debbie Reynolds, and Mickey Rooney were regulars at the restaurant. Even The Beatles dined here and there is an inscription at the booth where they sat. A long-standing event is held every Friday night from 4-10 PM where Bob’s Big Boy hosts their Classic Car Show. It is a must see for any car enthusiast. And while you’re there, don’t forget to order their classic hot fudge cake sundae. It’s a must!

The Pacific Design Center

Located in West Hollywood, this 1,600,000 sq. ft. campus is a multi-use venue and was constructed in 1975 by architect César Pelli. It is often referred to as the Blue Whale due to its enormous size and hue in relation to the neighborhood (though red and green sections were added in later years). The main focus of the PDC is to showcase the latest and trending interior design elements within their 100 public and private showrooms, as well as expansive marketplace where over 2,000 product lines are featured. In addition, there is also a branch of MOCA | The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and two restaurants headed by celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck. Screenings, special events, exhibitions, as well as TV and film productions are hosted at the PDC as well. The exterior of this picturesque location features oversized and Instagrammable artwork so come camera ready!

THE URBAN LIGHT SCULPTURE AT LACMA

Installed in 2008, this large art piece by Chris Burden is located at the Wilshire Blvd. entrance of LACMA. This enormous exhibit consists of 202 restored street lamps from the 1920s and ‘30s, with the majority of them originally lighting the streets of Southern California. If you look carefully, there are 16 different types of lamps, all of which were converted to solar power and switch on from dusk till dawn, and are operated by an astronomical timer. Burden began collecting the street lamps back in 2000 with his first purchase of two of the lamps at the Rose Bowl Flea Market and his idea grew from there. After toying with the idea of where to open his large-scale sculpture, LACMA embraced it and the art piece opened to critically-mixed reviews. Since then, Urban Light has become one of the most photographed and highly-visited attractions in all of SoCal. It’s been featured in movies, TV shows, and music videos as well as many a wedding vow has taken place in front of the iconic light fixtures.

Lake Shrine

This hidden treasure in Pacific Palisades is just a few blocks from PCH on Sunset Boulevard and most people in Los Angeles are unaware it even exists! SRF LakeShrine is a beautiful meditation garden that is open to the public. This mesmerizing site was founded in 1950 by Paramahansa Yogananda and is owned by the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. Before this peaceful retreat became what it is today, the Lake, which is the only natural spring-fed lake within the city of Los Angeles, was used as a film set. After a variety of ownerships since its first purchase in 1912, Lake Shrine underwent a number of makeovers until it was eventually turned over to Yogananda. Today, thousands of people visit annually to take in the wide variety of flowers and greenery on this 10 acre oasis, including feeding swans and turtles. Visitors can wander throughout the breathtaking landscape that includes waterfalls, various meditation areas, fountains, a dutch windmill (which is a meditation chapel), lily ponds, grottos, and more. Present on the property is the Court of Religions, representing five principles of faith: Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism. Yogananda included symbols of all of these religions in this Court as he believed faith ties us all together. There are also statues of the Krishna and Hindu deities as well. One of the largest representations present at the Lake is the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial, an outdoor shrine framing a 1,000-year-old Chinese stone sarcophagus holding a portion of Gandhi’s ashes. Also present is The Main Temple of the Lake Shrine, with a seating capacity of 400 people. Visitors are asked to keep a quiet tone and no professional photography is allowed. Another hidden treasure uncovered.

The Bradbury Building

This often-used movie and TV location is a true architectural masterpiece. The building is not only listed under the National Register of Historic Places - NPS, but is designated under the National Historic Landmarks Program, and is one of only four office buildings in Downtown, Los Angeles to receive both these recognitions.

Built in 1893, this five-story structure was commissioned by Lewis L. Bradbury, a gold-mining millionaire, for a cost of $500,000. Utilized as an office building, it received a $7 million restoration and seismic retrofitting in the late ‘80s. Among numerous companies, the Bradbury Building also serves as the LAPD Headquarters Internal Affairs Division headquarters as well as other government agencies. On an interesting note, the LAPD Board of Rights Division holds their discipline hearings for their officers at this location and within the police force, the building is given the nickname “the ovens” as officers see it as a place where they get burned. Though the outside of the building is modeled in the Renaissance Revival style, the interior is what really what sets it apart. With geometric-patterned and marbled staircases, a massive atrium, and wrought-iron polished oak railings, the Bradbury Building not only is a favorite among architectural enthusiasts but is also a popular tourist attraction as well. Visitors are allowed to enter the lobby but access to the upper floors is prohibited unless you have an appointment with one of the businesses within the building or you have booked a tour. Among the dozens of movies filmed at the Bradbury Building are “Blade Runner”, “Double Indemnity”, “Chinatown”, and “Mission Impossible”. Numerous TV shows and music videos have been shot here and even many comic book series are based on this historic building. A definite must see for visitors and locals alike.

The Magic Castle

This world famous, private club was established for magicians and magic fans alike, but is also a nightclub, dining venue, and clubhouse for Academy of Magical Arts. The Magic Castle was originally a residence built in 1908 by a philanthropist and real estate investor named Rollin B. Lane, and designed by architects Lyman Farwell and Oliver Dennis. It was built to duplicate the 1897 Kimberly Crest House and Gardens in Redlands, California. In 1955, the building was sold to the Glover family who still owns the property to this day. In the early ‘60s, the building was leased to the Larsen family who also currently presides over it. In 1989, the Magic Castle was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. One significant note was on Halloween night in 2011, the Castle suffered significant damage from a fire that started in the attic, but it was restored to its grandeur months later. Only members and their guests are allowed inside this beautiful structure, though there are ways to obtain invitations. Numerous magic shows are on display during evenings and weekend brunches. There is a full-service dining room and numerous bars throughout the Castle. In addition, there is a strict dress code which is enforced. Once inside, to gain entry past the front desk, one must say a secret phrase for a hidden door to welcome you inside. Once you have gained entry, the acts vary every night and on weekends you will find theater performances, impromptu magic at the bars, a ghost piano playing lively music, séances, variety acts, magic instructions, and more. In the past, numerous celebrities have performed there including Orson Welles, Steve Martin, Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Carson, and more. Probably the most famous magician to ever perform at the Castle was Dai Vernon, who was an expert at the art of sleight of hand. The architecture itself is stunning and once you are inside, you feel like you have taken a step back in time. You will be mesmerized by the memorable magic!

Clifton’s Republic

A DTLA institution since 1931, Clifton's Republic is the largest public cafeteria in the world and was once part of a restaurant chain consisting of eight locations. Founded by Clifford Clinton, this venue is actually the second restaurant in the chain and is the last remaining one to exist. In the early days, Clinton was known for never turning away anyone hungry and even aided those who could not afford to pay. A neon sign even flashed outside ”PAY WHAT YOU WISH”, which reflected the generosity and Christian ethos of the Clinton family. For decades, Clifton’s restaurants had always been cafeteria-style and each dish was sold on a pay-per-item basis. Currently, the dining facilities are under renovation. In its heyday, the 1940s, as many as 10,000 customers formed lines down Broadway to dance to the big bands in their multiple banquet rooms. Having undergone multiple name changes, Clifton’s is known for its eclectic decor as there is a different eye-popping theme on each of its multiple levels: eccentric and exotic decor including waterfalls, volcanic rock, scenic murals, neon plants, a petrified wood bar, and even a multi-story fake redwood tree. Within Clifton’s, you will find secret rooms, a tiki-themed bar, and even some hidden references to Walt Disney, who was a frequent guest back in the day. Clifton’s is unlike any place in Los Angeles and is eye candy to say the least.

The Los Angeles Public Library

Officially named after our former mayor, the Richard J. Riordan Central Library is located in the heart of DTLA and is designated a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument as well as is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This complex is the third largest public library in the country in terms of periodical and book holdings, as it contains an area of 538,000 sq.ft. with nearly 89 miles of shelves and seating for over 1,400 people. The library consists of two structures: the Goodhue Building, built in 1926, and in 1993 an additional building was added named after another former mayor, Tom Bradley. The original structure, designed by architect Bertram Goodhue, was modeled after the Spanish Colonial Revival style while incorporating Art Deco design and symbolism representing California throughout the exterior. When the library was renovated in the late 1980s, the library’s entire contents were moved over to the new building with the exception of the children’s department (this room still exists today and has been carefully restored). Therefore, this original building is now used as a venue for exhibitions, office space, and other services. But throughout this building, visitors will notice extraordinary artwork represented in murals, mosaics, sculptures, and paintings. Most notably is the beautiful Rotunda which surrounds the Zodiac Chandelier. In addition, present in the library are major art panels depicting early settlement scenes of California. In the 1960s, after the original building had suffered years of deterioration, restoration began and an additional building was planned. Unfortunately, between two arson fires in 1986 and an earthquake the following year, significant damage was done to the library which forced its closure. But in 1993, the library and the new 330,000 sq.ft. wing was reopened. In the years to follow, courtyards, gardens, and the Mark Taper Auditorium were added to the library grounds. Free docent tours are available everyday.

The Getty Villa

A stunning museum where the venue itself is an architectural masterpiece is the Getty Museum in Pacific Palisades. In 1954, J. Paul Getty, a billionaire oil tycoon who at the time was one of the wealthiest men in the world, had the desire to open an art gallery near his home in Los Angeles. Getty was enamored with the buildings of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum and instructed architects to design his museum to resemble the architecture of these ancient Roman cities. Unfortunately Getty never had a chance to visit the Villa as he passed away two years after the museum’s opening in 1974. Upon Getty’s death in ‘76, the Getty Foundation inherited $661 million and plans were initiated to build a larger museum nearby which eventually became the Getty Center in nearby Brentwood. The Villa is not only a museum but an educational center dedicated to the art, culture, and study of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. There are approximately 44,000 antiquities housed within the museum dating back to 6,500 BC. The Villa itself is situated upon 64 acres on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the paintings, murals, statues, antiques, mosaics, and more, the Getty Villa is surrounded by lush gardens, beautiful fountains, and majestic landscapes. Fun fact: above the Getty’s museum café, an event is held Thursdays and Saturdays at 1PM called Tea by the Sea. This high tea service books up weeks in advance and includes a tour of the herb garden. See my previous posts on my IG & FB social media channels for my review of this amazing service.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall

This architectural masterpiece is located adjacent to The Music Center: Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles in DTLA and is home to the LA Phil and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. This massive concert hall seats 2,265 people and the configuration is a “vineyard” style so there is seating on all four sides of the stage. In 1987, Lillian Disney donated $50 million to the city of L.A. on behalf of her late husband, Walt Disney. She gave instructions for this money to be used to build a performance venue as Walt loved the arts. Immediately, Frank Gehry was hired, designs were initiated, but construction did not begin until 1992. The underground parking garage alone took four years to complete at a cost of $110 million! The building of the Hall was stalled until additional funds could be raised, which was spearheaded by then-mayor Richard Riordan philanthropist and Eli Broad. Initial plans for a stone exterior were replaced with the now stainless steel version to save costs. In the end, $164 million was raised to complete the project, including contributions from The Walt Disney Company, and the Hall was finally completed in 2003. One of the most lauded features of the Concert Hall is the acoustics. The walls and ceiling are finished with Douglas-fir while the floor is oak wood. When occupied, the reverberation time is 2.0 seconds. As for the exterior, a problem immediately occurred with the nearby businesses and neighbors. When the sun reflected off the stainless steel panels, the sunlight and heat caused nearby rooms to heat up and sidewalks sizzled as high as 140°! Therefore, the exterior surfaces had to be sanded down to a more dull-like finish to eliminate this problem. Inside the Hall, you will find a uniquely designed organ (the facade was also created by Gehry) with 6,125 pipes, 72 stops, and 109 ranks. It is truly a remarkable musical instrument. The Hall has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, and houses the famous Patina Restaurant.

Olvera Street

Known as the “birthplace of Los Angeles”, Olvera Street was part of a small plaza which was the first settlement in Los Angeles after it was founded in 1781. The street was originally titled Wine Street but officially had a name change in 1877 to honor Augustine Olvera, the first Superior Court judge of LA County. Olvera Street and the Plaza flourished in the early years but then fell into neglect in the early 1900s. After a public campaign to preserve the area as authentic heritage of Los Angeles, funds were raised, the street was refurbished and closed off to traffic, and eventually became a tourist destination. Currently, Olvera Street is home to multiple vendors and over three dozen restaurants. It has even earned the recognition as one of the top five “Great Streets” in America. Though listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there has been some controversy. Some critics have condemned Olvera Street in the past stating it is a “fake” and sanitized representation of Mexican culture. But on a happier note, every Saturday before Easter, since 1930, the Blessing of the Animals Event is held. This is a day-long procession of animals that are paraded and blessed by religious authorities, along with music and vendors. Olvera street is located Downtown, adjacent to Union Station and Chinatown. This destination is definitely a wonderful way to spend the day taking in culture, eating delicious food, listening to mariachi music, watching beautiful Mexican folkloric dancing, and purchasing fabulous hand-crafted items from dozens of vendors.

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel

A historic and luxury hotel located in the Pershing Square District of DTLA, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel was once the largest hotel west of Chicago. Built in 1923 and originally named the Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel, the Biltmore consists of 70,000 sq.ft. of banquet and meeting space. Originally it was designed with 1,500 guest rooms but over the years was parred down to 683. Built in the Spanish and Mediterranean Revival styles, the Biltmore rises 11 stories and takes up half a city block. The interior is decorated with murals, frescos, oak-paneled walls, marble fountains, Austrian crystal chandeliers, tapestries, and more. The ceilings were even painted by an artist that worked on the Vatican and the White House. The Rendezvous Court is used for their beautiful afternoon tea, which is an absolute must! This room (pictured above) is stunning and decorated with Italian chandeliers, 24K gold accents, a Spanish Baroque Revival bronze doorway, and other Moorish Revival accents. Each ballroom in is designed in a California-heritage theme, whether it is styled after the Prohibition Days, the Spanish New World Exploration time, and so on. Even the Biltmore's pool is modeled after a 1920s luxury ocean liner. There are four restaurants on the premises and the Hotel was once home to the Academy Awards (which were actually founded here) and the first Oscar was even doodled here on a napkin. Numerous movies and TV shows have been filmed at the Biltmore, the Beatles stayed here during their visit to L.A., the Hotel was a military rest stop during WWII, JFK used this location as his campaign headquarters, and so much more has occurred at this historic Hotel.

The Cinerama Dome

Located in the heart of Hollywood, Pacific Theatres’ The Cinerama Dome opened on November 7, 1963 and continues to this day to be a first-run movie theatre. Designed to present movies in widescreen Cinerama, the original goal was for multiple dome theaters of this type to be built worldwide as they cost half as much as a conventional theatre and built in half the amount of time. But this never came to fruition and therefore, this theatre has the only concrete geodesic dome in the world. The dome consists of floating stairways, stadium seating, and a loge section. The roof itself is made up of 316 individual hexagonal and pentagonal shapes in 16 different sizes. Located on Sunset near Vine Street, the first movie premiered was “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Since then, the Cinerama Dome has showcased numerous film premieres and movie studio events. In the late ‘90s, after a battle between preservationists and business owners to turn the dome into a shopping center/theater complex, the preservationists won and the dome was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. In 2002, the Cinerama Dome was reopened as part of the ArcLight Cinemas chain and a few enhancements were made to the acoustics and digital and laser projections were added. Attached to the main dome are smaller theaters but viewing a movie inside the original theatre under the dome is unlike any other movie viewing you’ll ever experience.

Beachwood Stairs

Located in the Hollywoodland section of L.A. and Beachwood Canyon, and established in 1923, these multiple staircases were constructed out of concern for the walkability in this hillside community. To alleviate the problem, these stairs, made from granite from Bronson Canyon (the location of the Bat Cave from the “Batman” TV series), were constructed. You will encounter truly amazing views, especially of the Hollywood sign, as well as majestic homes that resemble castles, historic and and unique houses (some built by famous architects such as John Lautner and Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr, including the famed Ennis House), some of which are precariously situated on hills and supported by stilts. Hint: Park near the two Stone Gates that welcome you to Hollywoodland, as it will be easier to find parking. Climbing all six staircases and the walking in between will take you on a hike of approximately 2 1/2 miles. The Beachwood Stairs are a great way to get outside and shed those pounds.

Heritage Square Museum

Heritage Square is a living history museum that showcases eight historic structures constructed during the Victorian era. They were saved from demolition and now give us an amazing look at the lifestyles of the people who lived so long ago. Located just minutes outside of Downtown, this hidden gem should definitely be on your bucket list.