Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis known for its glamorous Hollywood lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and world-class attractions, is much more than what meets the eye. Beyond the famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios, lies a treasure trove of hidden gems that only locals and those with a keen sense of adventure truly experience. I can tell you that LA holds an endless supply of secrets, waiting to be discovered. I’ll share with you some of my personal adventures as well as a few recommendations for hidden gems in Los Angeles that are waiting for you to uncover.
And you’ll understand how Fiverr’s expert local guides can help you navigate these off-the-beaten-path destinations, ensuring that your LA trip is unlike any other.
My Personal Hidden Gems Tour of Los Angeles
Over the years, I’ve ventured off the typical tourist track and uncovered some of LA’s best-kept secrets. Here are three of my most memorable experiences that offer an alternative side to LA’s usual tourist trail.
- The Secret Stairs of Los Angeles: A Hidden Exercise and History Tour
I’ll start with one of my absolute favorite experiences in LA: hiking up the Secret Stairs of Los Angeles, a network of more than 1000 hidden staircases scattered throughout the city. These historic stairs were originally built in the early 1900s to help people travel up the steep hills of Los Angeles before the rise of cars.
Experience & Insights:
This adventure was like discovering a time capsule. It’s so much more than just a workout—it’s a step back in history. Walking up these steep stairways, some of which are barely visible from the street, feels like an exclusive LA experience. I found myself in residential neighborhoods, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the city. The route I took started from Bunker Hill, one of the oldest neighborhoods in LA, and it led me through Angels Knoll, a charming, elevated park made famous by the movie 500 Days of Summer.
There’s a reason these staircases are a hidden gem—unless you’re a local or an expert guide, it’s difficult to know about them! However, what makes these stairs even more special is their connection to old Hollywood and the role they played in film history. Several iconic scenes in classic movies were shot using these stairways as backdrops.
Pro Tip & Booking:
If you’re not sure how to find them, Fiverr has some great local guides who specialize in these historical and architectural tours. I booked a private Secret Stairs tour through Fiverr, and the guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about the city’s growth and its development of early public transit.
• Service: Fiverr’s local experts can customize these tours to fit your interests, whether you’re an architecture buff or a movie lover.
• Location: Bunker Hill & surrounding areas
• Price Range: $50-100 depending on the duration and customization of the tour.
• Recommended for: History buffs, exercise enthusiasts, and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path LA adventure.
- The Wende Museum: Cold War Artifacts in Culver City
While most people flock to the Getty or the Broad Museum, I was surprised to discover the Wende Museum, located in Culver City. This museum is entirely dedicated to the art and history of the Cold War, focusing on Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. It’s a fascinating and unique museum experience that’s not on the typical tourist radar but offers an insightful look into a pivotal era of history.
Experience & Insights:
I visited the Wende Museum on a rainy afternoon and found myself immersed in the vast collection of Cold War-era artifacts, including propaganda posters, Soviet military uniforms, and rare photographs. One of my favorite parts of the museum was the gallery dedicated to art created behind the Iron Curtain. The works were raw, passionate, and often infused with a sense of rebellion against oppressive regimes.
The museum isn’t just about the political history—it’s also about the culture and personal stories of individuals during this period. One of the highlights was a collection of handwritten letters, personal diaries, and films that offered a glimpse into the lives of people living under Soviet rule.
Pro Tip & Booking:
The Wende Museum is a bit of a hidden treasure, so it’s easy to miss if you’re not actively looking for it. I recommend booking a private, personalized tour through Fiverr’s local experts who specialize in cultural and historical tours. They can give you a deeper understanding of the artifacts and help you navigate the museum’s vast collection.
• Service: Fiverr’s cultural guides are excellent at providing context and making the experience come alive.
• Location: 10808 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
• Price Range: Museum entry is free, but private guided tours through Fiverr typically start at $60.
• Recommended for: History enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone interested in the Cold War period.
- The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
On a quieter note, one of my most peaceful experiences was at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, located in Arcadia, just outside of LA. It’s a lush, expansive garden with diverse plant life from all over the world.
Experience & Insights:
The Arboretum is one of those places where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and truly connect with nature. I spent a whole afternoon strolling through the various sections—whether it was the lush rainforests, the desert gardens, or the serene tropical gardens—it felt like a world apart from the urban landscape of LA. The Queen Anne Cottage, famously used in the TV show Fantasy Island, is a delightful stop along the tour, and the historic trees and flowers provided a unique look at California’s botanical diversity.
One of the most stunning parts of the Arboretum was the Mediterranean Garden, filled with colorful flowers, fragrant herbs, and ancient olive trees. There was a quietude here that you rarely find in other areas of LA.
Pro Tip & Booking:
I’d recommend booking a guided garden tour through Fiverr’s local guides to learn more about the plant species and the history of the Arboretum. The guides are great at providing detailed information about the various gardens and their ecological significance.
• Service: Fiverr’s guides can provide personalized tours tailored to your interest in botany or wildlife.
• Location: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
• Price Range: General admission is around $15, while guided tours can range from $40 to $80 depending on the duration.
• Recommended for: Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those looking for peace and tranquility.
Four Recommended Hidden Gems in Los Angeles:
As someone who has explored LA for years, I’ve also come across a few attractions that should be added to any itinerary but don’t usually make it into the mainstream travel guides. These gems offer an opportunity to experience LA in a new light.
- The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Located in the heart of LA, the La Brea Tar Pits are a fascinating natural landmark. For anyone interested in paleontology, this is an absolute must-see. It’s one of the world’s richest archaeological sites for Ice Age fossils.
• Location: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
• Price Range: General admission is around $15, but tours are available on Fiverr starting at $40.
• Pro Tip: Explore the tar pits themselves and check out the incredible fossil exhibits in the museum. - The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Located in Culver City, this quirky museum blends art, science, and history in unusual ways. With exhibits ranging from obscure scientific instruments to fascinating myths, this museum is often called “strange but wonderful.”
• Location: 9341 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
• Price Range: Entry is around $8, and personalized tours are available via Fiverr.
• Pro Tip: Go with an open mind, and let the weird and wonderful exhibits surprise you. - The Annenberg Space for Photography
For those who enjoy fine art and photography, the Annenberg Space for Photography offers world-class exhibitions in an intimate, sleek gallery setting.
• Location: 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067
• Price Range: Free entry, but guided tours are available for $40 via Fiverr.
• Pro Tip: Check out the stunning exhibitions by some of the world’s top photographers. - The Hidden Speakeasy Bars of Downtown LA
If you’re a fan of speakeasy-style bars, LA has a few hidden gems tucked away in unexpected places. One of my favorites is The Edison, a glamorous, vintage-style speakeasy hidden in a former power plant.
• Location: 108 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Price Range: Cocktails usually range from $12 to $20, depending on the drink.
• Pro Tip: A private nightlife tour through Fiverr can take you to several of LA’s best speakeasies for an exclusive evening out.
Los Angeles is a city with a rich cultural history, stunning natural beauty, and a deep undercurrent of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. By taking the time to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions, you open yourself to a whole new side of LA—one that’s filled with history, nature,
art, and unique experiences.
With the help of Fiverr, you can connect with expert local guides who are passionate about showcasing LA’s secrets in a way that no guidebook can. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, art, or hidden speakeasy bars, Fiverr can provide you with tailored experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.
Take the leap and discover the true essence of Los Angeles—its hidden gems are waiting for you!
