This post is sponsored by FatJoe Publishing. As always, all opinions and ideas are entirely my own.
It is no secret that a trip to Los Angeles in California is a huge spot for tourists and visitors. It is a large hub for people to fly into and has famous sights that people want to see. Hello, Hollywood!! But there are plenty of things to see in LA that you probably don’t know about, let alone have plans to visit. So with that in mind, here are some of the best non-touristy things to do in LA.
Hiking
One of the best things about a trip to LA is that there is some great hiking available in the city. You heard me… IN THE CITY! Runyon Canyon is a typical place to visit, as it is just off Hollywood Boulevard, but because it is accessible, then it is one of the busiest spots. And as it isn’t the largest place to hike, it might not be the ‘back to nature’ experience that you were looking for. So instead, you could try out Griffith Park, which is a little east of the canyon. There are over fifty miles of trails in the park, and also some caves along the route, that have been used in films like the original Batman TV series, in case you need a convincing point for your boyfriend.
Water Activites
Los Angeles does have its built-up areas, but it also has places to hike as mentioned above, as well as enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking at the Los Angeles River. There are guided trips down the Los Angeles River, and as well as white-knuckle adventure trips. Some can be very educational as you learn about the water preservation efforts in the city. I know when most folks think of LA natural aspects do not come to mind but outdoor activities are often overlooked.
Museums
Whether you are a resident of the city or are just looking for something to do, a trip to one of the city’s museums is such Blair Waldorf move! You could start your trip to the Museum of Illusions for something really unique and quirky. There you can be part of an ‘upside-down house’. It is very similar to those popup Color and Happy Museums that have been popping up all over major cities. If that is not your style you could go to one of the many galleries and museums of art, like the Getty Center or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. There is a Natural History Museum, which is great for all ages, as well as the Griffith Observatory (a personal fave but can be very touristy), which has been featured in a few films over the years.
Catch an Improv Show
There are many celebrities and famous comedians that have started their careers in improv theaters over the years. Check out an up and coming act and catch them while they’re cheap. Naturally, a lot of them are in Los Angeles; there are plenty of improv theaters to choose from and they can show several shows a day. Tickets are usually pretty cheap too, so it can be a fun and inexpensive thing to see.
So, which of these nontouristy things will you be doing first? Do you have any other ideas for a Los Angeles getaway? Let’s chat in the comments below!
