Los Angeles: Hidden Gems & Peaceful Places
Los Angeles is hectic. Surprisingly one can find peace amongst the chaos, but it does take some digging. I’ve done the work to find my slice of serenity and I hope you’ll find your’s too. The best hidden Gems in Los Angeles take time to uncover, but luckily I’ve rounded up some of the best for you! Sometimes all you need is an open trail, a patch of green grass, fine art, or a vantage point to feel the warm glow of a California sunset. Save this post for a round up of hidden gems, and the best ways to slow down and enjoy Los Angeles.
1. The Getty Villa
Most people know about The Getty, but when I mention the villa it’s usually met with a curious eye brow curl. The Getty Villa is a delight for ancient history buffs, and an afternoon well spent for anyone with an eye for beauty.
Where else can you stroll a villa with Greek and Egyptian artifacts, amongst a sea-side view of the Pacific? The Villa of course! The Mummy of Herakleides is on permanent display, revealing of each layer of preservation. The antique pottery, emerald jewelry, bronze statues, and bright mosaic fountains are all staple features on the grounds. And did I mention the entrance fee is free? Parking of course is $20, but worth it.
2. Lake Shrine Self-Realization Fellowship
The Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens are free of charge on Wednesday through Sunday. Lake Shrine is part of Self-Realization Fellowship founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. Opened in the 1950s, PM envisioned a spiritual environment where people from all over the world could come and experience peace of heart and mind.
Today Lake Shrine offers a lakeside meditation garden with shrines, waterfalls and vibrant foliage. The hilltop Temple has weekly inspirational services, meditations and retreats. Its the perfect place to take a quiet stroll, meditate on a bench, and take in the serene oasis.
3. Chinatown
Dimsum, sushi, noodles and Taoist Temples line the streets offering a cultured, sensory experience. Vibrant shops, museums and a cool statue of Bruce Lee are at the heart of Chinatown main plaza. Come for lunch, unique gifts and steamed sesame buns. Stroll down to road for some off-beat art at The Museum of Velvet Art.
4. Hollywood Sign Hike
The infamous Hollywood Sign, get your iPhone ready. This trail is just over 3 miles round trip and takes about an hour and a half in total. The first climb takes you to Wisdom Tree, a beautiful viewpoint on the crest of the Hollywood hills. Continue the trail to the right and follow the ridge line until it dead ends by the water tower. There are a few ways to access the trail from Griffith Park, Beachwood Canyon Trail or Cahuenga Trail but I take the steep path up on the Wonder View Trail. Bring water and go early before the crowds.
5. Hancock Park
Tucked in-between 6th and Wilshire, Hancock Park has a few neat sights within walking distance. Walk the path to the Urban Light display. The La Brea Tar pits are just a jaunt over the property and if you like to imagine a world with saber tooth tigers and wooly mammoths, the in-park history plaques are wild to read. The Tar pits are liquid asphalt, bubbling up from petroleum reservoirs, full of fossils and bones. Right in the middle of LA, crazy. The whole lot is currently under construction, but for an open space with interesting perspective, its worth the stop. Be sure to check out a segment of the Berlin Wall just across from Urban Light Display.
6. Culver City Stairs + Doris Japanese Garden
The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation area is an expansive park with ponds, trails and picnic areas. This serene nature walk is a hidden gem just outside of Culver City, near the Culver steps. If you’re looking to get your workout in, this is the place to start.
Hike the Culver City Stairs from the entrance on Jefferson Blvd to the top of the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. From there take the trail to the right, pass the bathrooms and continue left through the upper parking lot. Continue down the hill, following the Jim Webb Trail. Walk over the Park to Playa Bridge to the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation area. The Doris Japanese Garden is just on the other side of the bridge, and there are several places to lay down in soft grass or continue ahead on one of the many trails. If you look at this area on google maps, it will all make sense. Round trip, this trail loop is about 90 minutes.
7. Malibu Temple
Near Calabasas, the Malibu Hindu Temple is a South Indian Style temple, and one of the largest Hindu temples in the Western Hemisphere. The temple is active and provides space for meditation and picnicking. It is a beautiful place to visit before or after spending a day in Malibu.
8. Hike to the top of Griffith Observatory
I like the hike up to the top of Griffith from the Trails Cafe or the Bird View Trail, both are easy and under an hour out and back. The Observatory has some of the best views of the city any time of the day or night. Inside the museum are many exhibitions and regular occurring shows at the planetarium. Its one of my favorite hikes in LA.
9. Santa Monica Sunset
Park your car on Ocean Avenue and take the pedestrian bridge, over the 101 to catch a sunset from the beach. If you have bikes you can easily get to the beach bike path from here or climb the stair path.
Or just hand out on the grass at he Palisades Park, another great spot for taking in the sunset. There is a great pagoda here just off Ocean Avenue and Washington where scenes from La La Land were filmed.
10. Hollywood Reservoir Trailhead
if you’re on the East Side be sure to check out the Hollywood Reservoir, a historical bridge landmark with trails that loop around the water. If you run, bike or stroll with kids you will find ample space to do your thing. The best part is that this trail feels a million miles from Los Angeles without having to take a long drive. The parking lot fills up fast, but with plenty of cars coming and going. After you work up an appetite, drive over to Beachwood Cafe for brunch.
11. Franklin Park Turtles
Franklin Park is a nature center and outdoor space with trails, picnic tables and a turtle pond. The loop around the water is short but the turtles are fun to watch, there are hundreds! Ranch Trail is just down the road off Franklin Canyon Drive and is a nice and quick trail with great trees and a steep summit.
12. The Flower Market Downtown
Truly, madly, deeply….Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers, create a gushing bouquet for yourself (and a friend) for under $25. You deserve it! Spanning several blocks near the fabric district, the shops here have everything from Fig trees, Hydrangeas, Lilly’s, Roses and Succulents. Many of the vendors are just off the sidewalk but there are also a couple warehouse spaces full of floral bliss. All the blossoms and foliage you can imagine!
13. The Venice Canals
Venice locals will tell tales of a former time, the golden age of Venice if you will. Yet old relics prevail amongst the shiny new restaurants and cafes. The Venice Canals and walk streets, a shining example. The canals are easily accessible and within walking distance from Abbot Kenny Blvd.
14. Mandeville Canyon
A runners paradise. Situated near Brentwood and The Palisades, Mandeville Canyon is gloriously empty of foot traffic and surprisingly vast and lush. Large trees, a tire swing and multiple trails that cut up the canyon ridge, are all a girl needs to feel free from the city’s grid.
15. Piano Lobby Bar at The Peninsula
Equally is my love for peaceful outdoor spaces as my love for gorgeous interiors and decadent leisure. Take your coffee or tea at the Piano Lobby Bar, located inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills. For a music moment, come here Sunday mornings, accompanied by Tony, the Peninsula Pianist.
16. Ballona Creek – Marina Del Rey Jetty
Marina Del Ray has some great bike paths that connect to Play Del Ray. The Marvin Braude Bike Path goes through the Ballona Wetlands and out across the Marina Del Rey Jetty. The neighborhood here has some interesting architecture, parks and a very cool Poseidon statue. Playa del Rey has a nice beachy feel with great restaurants and cafes.
