Los Angeles impresses visitors with its talk of Hollywood glitz, famous faces, and must-see sights. However, many well-known attractions often leave tourists disappointed, facing long waits and second-guessing their travel decisions. Outside these busy areas, the true LA emerges – a lively mix of different neighborhoods, lesser-known cultural treasures, and genuine experiences cherished by locals.
Want to see LA like a real Angeleno? Let’s bypass the overblown attractions and discover where the city’s spirit thrives.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The famous stars along Hollywood Boulevard often disappoint visitors who find themselves dodging aggressive street performers and overpriced souvenir shops. The crowded sidewalks are usually littered with trash, and the surrounding area feels more chaotic than glamorous.
Consider heading to the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour instead, where you’ll get an authentic glimpse into Hollywood’s working history. The intimate guided tours reveal real sound stages and backlots where current shows are filmed, offering a genuine peek into the entertainment industry.
Santa Monica Pier
While iconic in photos, the pier suffers from massive crowds, overpriced carnival games, and mediocre food options. The surrounding beach area becomes uncomfortably packed, especially during peak tourist season, making it difficult to enjoy the ocean views.
Street performers and vendors can be overwhelmingly aggressive in their pursuit of tourists’ attention and money. Skip the chaos and head south to Manhattan Beach Pier instead, where you’ll find pristine beaches, excellent local restaurants, and a more relaxed, upscale beach town vibe.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Griffith Observatory
While the observatory offers stunning city views, parking has become a nightmare, with hours-long waits during peak times. The building is often so packed that viewing the exhibits or using the telescopes becomes nearly impossible.
Tourist buses clog the narrow roads, making the experience more stressful than stellar. Instead, head to the lesser-known Mount Wilson Observatory, where you’ll find superior telescopes, fascinating historical significance, and peaceful surroundings without overwhelming crowds.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
The famous boardwalk has sadly become more of a tourist circus than the eclectic artist haven it once was. Overpriced shops selling identical souvenirs line the walkway, while the authentic local artisans have largely disappeared.
The beach is often littered and uncomfortable, with aggressive vendors interrupting any chance of relaxation. Visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard instead, where Venice’s true creative spirit lives on through unique boutiques, innovative restaurants, and genuine local culture.
Universal CityWalk
This shopping complex attempts to showcase Hollywood’s allure but feels like a congested, overpriced food court. Most shops sell cheap trinkets that can be purchased anywhere in LA but at much higher rates.
Restaurants are also mostly overcrowded and serve bland and overpriced dishes. Instead, visit The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax, where local vendors serve authentic cuisine in a historical place full of real LA spirit.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Beverly Hills Sign
The well-known Beverly Hills sign and lily pond are now a busy place for selfies, with many individuals waiting for the same picture. The location does not provide much else apart from photo opportunities, and parking can be quite troublesome.
The experience often does not align with the glamorous image people picture from films and TV. Instead, visit the lovely Greystone Mansion and Gardens, which features beautiful buildings, serene gardens, and interesting Hollywood history without the crowds.
Sunset Strip
The legendary Sunset Strip has lost much of its edge, becoming a collection of overpriced restaurants and tourist-focused clubs. Traffic moves at a snail’s pace, making it difficult to enjoy a casual drive through the area.
The famous billboards remain, but the authentic rock ‘n’ roll spirit has largely faded. Head to the Arts District instead, where you’ll find LA’s current creative pulse through innovative galleries, unique bars, and authentic music venues.
Rodeo Drive
Unless you’re planning to spend thousands of dollars, the famous shopping street offers little more than window shopping among crowds of other tourists. The stores are often unwelcoming to casual visitors, and the overall experience feels more exclusionary than luxurious.
Parking in the area is both difficult and expensive. Try exploring Montana Avenue in Santa Monica instead, where local boutiques offer unique shopping with a friendlier vibe and more reasonable prices.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
The wax museum offers predictable photo opportunities with lifeless figures at premium prices. The exhibitions rarely change; the entire experience usually takes less than an hour.
However, the crowds can make it difficult to get decent photos without other visitors in the background. Visit the Grammy Museum instead, where you’ll find interactive music exhibits, genuine memorabilia, and engaging displays about music history.
Hollywood and Highland Center
This shopping complex tries to capture old Hollywood glamour but feels more like a tourist trap mall. The views of the Hollywood sign are mediocre at best, and the surrounding area can feel unsafe, especially at night.
The shops are mostly chain stores you can find anywhere else in America. Explore the Original Farmers Market and The Grove instead, where local charm meets modern shopping in a more authentic LA setting.
Pink Wall on Melrose
This Instagram-famous pink wall has become a crowded photo spot, with long lines just to take a picture in front of painted concrete. The surrounding area offers little else besides overpriced boutiques and cafes.
Security guards now manage the crowds, removing any spontaneity from the experience. Instead, visit the Arts District’s colorful murals, where you’ll find ever-changing street art in a more authentic and relaxed setting.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
La Brea Tar Pits Museum
While historically significant, the tar pits are smaller than most visitors expect and can be underwhelming. The museum feels outdated, and the surrounding park area is often crowded with school groups.
The tar smell can be overwhelming on hot days. Instead, check out the Natural History Museum, where you’ll find more extensive exhibits, beautiful gardens, and interactive displays in a modern setting.
TCL Chinese Theatre
Famous handprints and footprints are usually mobbed by tourists, making it difficult to see anything up close. Street performers and aggressive tour sellers can make the experience chaotic and uncomfortable.
The theater’s exterior is impressive, but the area has lost much of its historic charm. Instead, visit the restored Theatre at Ace Hotel downtown, where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and current performances in a genuine historic setting.
OUE Skyspace
The observation deck offers decent city views but at premium prices, and the famous glass slide feels gimmicky. The experience is brief, and crowds and reflective glass limit the photo opportunities.
The location can be inconvenient to reach, especially during downtown traffic. Head to the City Hall observation deck instead, where you’ll find free panoramic views of LA in a historic building without the tourist crowds.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Grove Mall
While beautifully designed, this outdoor mall offers mostly standard chain stores at higher prices. The famous dancing fountains lose their charm after a few minutes, and the trolley ride is more novelty than transportation.
Finding parking can be expensive and time-consuming. Instead, explore Larchmont Village, where local shops and cafes create a more authentic neighborhood shopping experience.
Hollywood Sign Hike
The popular trails to the Hollywood Sign are often overcrowded and offer limited views until you’re near the top. Parking has become a major issue, with local neighborhoods actively discouraging visitors.
The trails offer little shade, making the hike uncomfortable during LA’s frequent hot days. Try the Wisdom Tree hike instead, offering superior city views, less crowded trails, and a unique LA hiking experience.
Echo Park Lake Pedal Boats
The pedal boats have become victims of their Instagram fame, with long wait times and overcrowded waters. The lake itself can be less than pristine, especially during warmer months.
The surrounding area can feel chaotic, with food vendors and photo-seekers crowding the paths. Visit Lake Balboa instead, where you’ll find peaceful waters, beautiful gardens, and more space to enjoy outdoor activities.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Olvera Street
While historically significant, the marketplace has become more of a tourist-focused shopping area than an authentic cultural experience. Many shops sell similar mass-produced souvenirs rather than genuine Mexican crafts, and the restaurants often cater to tourist tastes rather than offering authentic cuisine.
Instead, explore Boyle Heights, where you’ll find genuine Mexican culture, authentic restaurants, and vibrant community life.
Beverly Center
This upscale mall offers the same luxury stores you can find in any major city, just with LA price tags. Despite recent renovations, the building’s design feels uninspiring, and parking can be expensive.
The food court options are limited and overpriced for what you get. Visit Platform in Culver City instead, where innovative shops and restaurants create a unique shopping and dining experience.
Runyon Canyon
The once-gorgeous hiking destination has become more of a scene than a space to enjoy nature, with overcrowded trails and limited parking. Hiking has become a photo shoot, too, because of social media influencers and their photographers.
The trails tend to be dusty and almost completely devoid of shade so that they can feel especially uncomfortable on warm days. Instead, keep exploring Griffith Park’s lesser-known paths, where diversity in hiking trails and true wilderness experience lies.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Beyond the Tourist Bubble
If you venture away from the overly hailed sites and visit eclectic neighborhoods, Los Angeles reveals itself. Each of these places also serves as a more authentic piece of LA life, where homegrown culture thrives in the shadow of tourist hordes.
These neighborhoods evoke the city’s true spirit in its art, food innovation, and outdoor fun. While familiar landmarks may provide good photographs, these genuine experiences create indelible reminders of what makes Los Angeles special.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Towns Built for One Purpose That Were Later Abandoned
- 15 Hidden Spots in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Most Visitors Miss
- 15 Most Scenic Walks Anywhere in The World
- 15 Canyons in the U.S. That Are Just as Stunning as the Grand Canyon
- 10 Under-the-Radar Mountain Towns That Are Both Affordable and Beautiful
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.