What Are the Best Hidden Gems in Greater Los Angeles?

With its ginormous size, the US offers plenty of hidden gems scattered in different states. You can easily explore off-beaten nature parks, picture-perfect coastlines, and exotic coves. The country offers a variety of landscapes perfect for any adventurer.

Looking for an undisturbed getaway in California, specifically in the Greater Los Angeles area? Here are some adventure spots that are worth visiting.

8 Hidden Gems in Greater LA, California

1. El Matador State Beach

Photo by: @iamkendro

El Matador State Beach—Malibu’s best-kept secret—is a gorgeous beach for its beautiful sand, rock formations, and caves, and arches in the rocks. Beautiful sea stacks are on the beach and in the surf. It is popular among photographers who wish to capture stunning sunsets.

2. Pirate Tower in Orange County

Photo by: @bothetvguy

When it comes to exploring Laguna Beach, you can’t go on without thinking of pirates. At the base of a cliff in Laguna Beach, you will find a hidden gem—a 60-foot castle-inspired tower. The mysterious structure is a California classic. It is challenging to find but worth the journey to find a throwback to early California beach life.

Photo by: @_mcastaneda_

The structure is only accessible during low tide. It is privately owned. You can take pictures around it but it is not recommended to go inside and climb the tower.

3. Brookhurst Community Park in Anaheim

Photo by: @the_built.environment

A surreal, Gaudi-inspired play space near an Anaheim community center.

In addition to the standard swing sets and slides, the park features wavering stone walkways and other organic forms rising from the ground to inspire imagination and play.

4. Victoria Beach in Orange County

Photo by: @nerdyheartphotography

White-sand beach featuring mansions & an iconic castle-inspired tower built against the cliffs.

Victoria Beach is famous for the historic “Pirate Tower”—a perfect place to play scalawag.

5. International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach

Photo by: @surfing_smithsonian_hb

Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum was founded several decades ago by a woman who's never surfed.

Natalie Kotsch came from a place in Canada where there really wasn't any surfing. She recognized this incredible beach vibe and a welcoming spirit that made her feel happy in Huntington Beach.

“You don't have to surf to love watching the sport,” Kotsch said.

6. Kendall Alley in Pasadena

Photo by: @amyc5890

Kendall Alley is a famous cobblestone thoroughfare that snakes through Old Town Pasadena’s commercial blocks. It features hideaway bars, cafes, and even movie theater complexes. It looks much as it did in the 1930s and has been featured in films such as Pulp Fiction, Paper Moon, Live Free or Die Hard, and The Sting. 

7. Mount Wilson Observatory

Photo by: @mtwilsonobservatory

The Mount Wilson Observatory brings astronomy to an isolated mountaintop. It is an amazing place where so much astrophysics occurred and is still occurring. If you are an astronomy buff this is the place to go.

8. Calico Ghost Town

Photo by: @engue.s

Calico Ghost Town is a legit abandoned town located in San Bernardino County, California. It is a place for the adventurous! It features the Mystery Shack—a crooked house where water runs uphill, two museums, narrow-gauge train rides, and gold panning.

It is a great place to get a bite to eat and do a little shopping if you're traveling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Anything we missed? Share with us your personal hidden gems in Greater LA!

Looking for other hidden gems? Check our Massachusetts guide!

Featured image photo by: @naljaen_photos