Activities in LA That Are Off the Beaten Track: 8 Hidden-Gem Experiences

Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, has so much to offer residents and tourists alike. Every year, millions of tourists flood the city to see popular attractions like the Hollywood sign, the walk of fame, the Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios, Disneyland, and more. While these places certainly have a lot to offer, not everyone wants to compete with the tourists for fun things to do.

Rather, they want to see and do new activities that aren't necessarily mainstream or the typical cliché tourist sites. Thankfully, there are many popular activities in LA that are off the beaten track. Here are the top 8 hidden gems in LA that we recommend.

The Top 8 Activities for Unique LA Fun

Los Angeles is chock full of fun activities that aren't the typical tourist traps. You just need to know where to look. These are the top 8 activities for off the beaten track fun in LA, numbered in no particular order.

For a quirky shopping experience Check out the Museum of Jurassic Technology for a collection of curiosities

Dubbed the strangest museum in Los Angeles, the Museum of Jurassic Technology is like no other place in LA. Located in the Palms district in West LA, visitors get to explore the advancement of technology across time with more than 30 exhibits. It is a vast collection of unique artistic, scientific, ethnographic, historic, and unclassifiable exhibits and objects.

Wander through the incredible Garden of Oz

For Wizard of Oz fans, LA has an enchanting treasure of a garden that is entirely devoted to Oz. The Garden of Oz was built in the 1990s and contains a collection of mosaics, plants, and statutes, including "Dorothy's Throne" and a Yellow Brick Road.

All pieces in the garden came from different artists. It is only open to the public two hours a week so appointments are required. An email address is posted on the front gate. No cameras or phones are allowed inside, so its mysteriousness (and keeping out any habitual Instagrammers) is maintained.

The garden was designated a Los Angeles Cultural Monument in 2011. If you want a mix of hidden gems and popular tourist attractions, this garden can be visited in the Hollywood/Beachwood neighborhood while exploring more touristy parts of Hollywood located nearby. You can even see the famous "Hollywood" sign from the garden.

LA also offers activities off the beaten track that involves physical exercise - axe throwing being one of the most sweat-inducing! For those who love getting exercise and playing games, axe throwing is an entertaining option for an afternoon.

Not everyone in LA thinks to go axe throwing, particularly since it is still a relatively new activity in the U.S. Don't forget to stretch before participating!

This 10-mile hike zigzagging along the San Gabriel River is known by every LA local as a must-do activity for its spectacular views. It ends at the 120-foot-high bridge, which is also a popular bungee jumping spot.

People love playing games, especially those that create a shared experience. Since their introduction to the LA scene in 2014, escape rooms have become popular in LA for their immersive adventures and team bonding. Whether you head to one with friends, family, or colleagues, escape rooms are a guaranteed good time.

Once you enter the building, the small and dark entryway opens up into the brilliant atrium that is filled with natural sunlight. The building features numerous works of fiction, movies, and TV shows, and is only one of four LA buildings to be designated a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Bradbury Building is open daily and close to other downtown LA landmarks, so it's easy to check out along with other popular tourist attractions.

Explore the culinary and cultural wonders of Little Tokyo and Koreatown

While LA's Chinatown is very well-known as a tourist destination, far fewer people visit Little Tokyo and Koreatown. The former boasts excellent dining and shopping options as well as a Buddhist temple, a museum, and public artworks.

If you're in the mood for shopping, K-town has many malls with stores focused on skincare products, food, and home goods as well as some of the best K-Pop stores in LA.

If visiting or living in LA, tourists and residents alike can find fun activities in LA that are off the beaten track. You just need to know where to look! So next time you're looking to escape the crowds, use this guide to give you some ideas for your next LA adventure.