12 Best-Kept Secrets Of Los Angeles Exposed
Producer’s note: Someone on Quora asked: What are some of Los Angeles’ best kept secrets? Here is one of the best answers that’s been pulled from the thread. Thank you to the team at Quora for making this happen!
1. Airport Park, adjacent to the LAX In & Out Burger.
If you want to see airplanes literally fly a few feet over your head.
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Location: Page on Google
2. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Lush Gardens with flora from far away lands. There are also peacocks present.
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3. Underground LA
Checkout where they filmed many of the Batman scenes, Lower Grand Avenue.
Dark Knight Takes Downtown L.A. | Jetset Featurette
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4. Angel’s Flight
For about a Quarter, you can ride this nifty trolley reminiscent of old Los Angeles.
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5. Carroll Ave
Cool historic, well preserved Victorian homes that have been featured in the Michael Jackson “Thriller” video and TV show “Charmed”. You will feel as if you are in San Francisco. Carroll Avenue
6. LA River
Some people regard the LA River as just a giant eye sore, but in actuality it is one of the best places to photograph. There are historic bridges dating back to the early 1900s decorated along the route close the downtown. Many of the bridges have been featured in countless movies, music videos, and car commercials. The views from the bridge face the rail yards and the city. One of the best ways to photograph this area is from the Southbound Amtrak.
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7. Malibu Sand Dunes
Giant Mountain of Sand along the beach.
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8. Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Park
Manhattan Beach used to be covered with sand dunes. Much of the sand went to help with beach erosion in Waikiki. What remains is a park which is used for exercise by many famous athletes.
Location: Page on Google
9. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
You know those cool tourist pics you wanted to get that show the downtown with the mountains in the background? Here’s the spot.
10. Franklin Canyon Park
Way up in the Santa Monica Mountains is a tranquil park and lake, Franklin Lake, that is not well visited despite being featured in several TV shows.
11. Westin Bonaventure Downtown LA – Otis Glass Elevator Ride
If you are looking for an observation deck in the tall Downtown LA buildings, you’ll be hard pressed to find one. Instead try the Westin Bonaventure. The elevators are on the outside of the building and enclosed in glass, giving you a 34 floor view of the city. PS: There is also a revolving restaurant of the top floor for even more panoramic views.
12. LA Street Food
Forget about the long lines at Pinks and catch one of the bacon wrapped hot dog carts. You can usually find them in Hollywood outside the Chinese Theater, after shows at the Hollywood Bowl, and miscellaneous other locations. Think of it as LA’s answer to NYC’s Sabrett carts.