While tourists crowd expensive observation decks and well-known overlooks, LA
insiders know that the city’s most spectacular views often come from hidden vantage
points requiring no admission fee. These secret spots – ranging from public parks
tucked into wealthy neighborhoods to little-known architectural features – offer
unprecedented panoramas of the Los Angeles basin without the crowds or costs.
Understanding how to access these locations legally and respectfully opens up a
world of photography opportunities and sunset-watching spots that even most locals
haven’t discovered.
The Kenneth Hahn Hidden Plateau
A rarely used trail at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area leads to an unmarked
plateau offering perfect downtown skyline views. Local photographers prefer this
spot during winter months when rain clears the air, revealing crisp views from
downtown to the ocean.
The surrounding sage scrub attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, adding natural elements to city shots.
Baldwin Hills Secret Steps
These public stairs in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood provide elevated views rivaling
nearby Culver City’s expensive rooftop venues. Morning fog often creates dramatic
scenes as skyscrapers emerge from low clouds, especially between November and
February.
Local runners use these steps for training, creating a community atmosphere away from tourist spots.
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The Ascot Hills Echo
Behind a small parking lot at Ascot Hills Park, a hidden trail leads to an unmarked
viewpoint of downtown’s eastern face. The spot’s elevation reveals both downtown
and the San Gabriel Mountains when conditions are clear.
Sunset creates stunning silhouettes of the city against, often dramatic, cloud formations.
The Hollywood Sign Alternative
A little-known public street in Beachwood Canyon offers perfect Hollywood Sign
views without hiking or parking restrictions. Local residents actually prefer tourists using this spot over the crowded Griffith Observatory slopes.
Morning light creates perfect conditions for photography, especially after winter rains clear the air.
The Korean Bell Bench
Beyond the famous Korean Bell of Friendship, a hidden bench area provides
panoramic views of the LA Harbor and South Bay. Ships entering the harbor create
perfect scale references for photos, especially during golden hour.
Local artists often sketch here during weekday mornings when the spot remains virtually empty.
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The Vista Hermosa Secret
A hidden corner of Vista Hermosa Natural Park offers intimate downtown views
framed by native plants. The park’s designed sight lines create perfect photo
opportunities without expensive equipment.
Early morning visitors often spot coyotes and rare birds with the city skyline as the backdrop.
The Barnsdall Art Park Edge
Beyond Barnsdall Art Park’s main lawn, a lesser-known pathway provides unique
views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House
creates perfect foreground interest for photos.
Evening visits often coincide with stunning sunsets reflecting off downtown buildings.
The Elysian Park Trail End
A secluded trail in Elysian Park leads to an unmarked viewpoint overlooking Dodger
Stadium and downtown. Local dog walkers know this spot offers perfect sunrise
views over the mountains.
The nearby Angels Point provides alternative angles without the usual tourist crowds.
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The Mount Washington Drive
A public street on Mount Washington offers elevated views rivaling expensive hillside
homes. The area’s architectural diversity adds interesting foreground elements to city
views.
The morning marine layer creates dramatic effects as it rolls through
downtown’s skyscrapers.
The Runyon Canyon Secret Path
Away from Runyon Canyon’s main trails, a hidden path provides unique downtown
views without the usual crowds. Local hikers prefer this route during weekday
mornings for its solitude and photography opportunities.
The path’s northern exposure creates perfect lighting conditions throughout the day.
The Ernest E. Debs Overlook
A forgotten corner of Ernest E. Debs Regional Park offers clear views of downtown
through native oak trees. The park’s elevation provides a perfect perspective on LA’s
geographic layout from mountains to sea.
Early evening brings coyotes and owls, adding wildlife elements to urban photos.
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The Radio Hill Gardens
This hidden garden above Chinatown provides intimate downtown views framed by
native plants. The site’s abandoned radio towers create unique architectural
elements for photos.
Weekday visitors often have the entire viewpoint to themselves, especially during morning hours.
The Occidental College View
A public path near Occidental College offers sweeping views of the Eagle Rock
neighborhood and downtown beyond. The campus architecture provides perfect
foreground interest for photos.
Afternoon light creates golden reflections on the downtown buildings, visible from this height.
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Alternative
Behind the popular Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, a hidden trail provides similar
views without the crowds. Local photographers prefer this spot for its natural framing
elements and quiet atmosphere.
Marine layer mornings create dramatic scenes as the city emerges from fog.
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The City Terrace Secret
A quiet street in City Terrace offers panoramic views of downtown’s eastern face and
beyond. The neighborhood’s historic architecture adds character to foreground
compositions.
Sunset creates perfect backlighting of downtown’s skyline from this vantage point.
The Angel’s Gate Corner
Beyond the busy Korean Bell area, a hidden corner of Angel’s Gate Park provides
sweeping harbor views. Container ships create interesting scale elements in photos,
especially during golden hour.
Local painters frequently set up easels here during quiet weekday mornings.
The Monterey Hills Edge
A public pathway in Monterey Hills offers clear views of downtown through native
vegetation. The elevation provides a perfect perspective on LA’s geographic layout
from mountains to basins.
Early morning fog creates dramatic reveals as the city emerges below.
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The Heritage Square Museum Path
A public trail near Heritage Square Museum provides unique northeast views of
downtown. Victorian-era buildings create perfect foreground interest for urban
photography.
Weekend mornings often feature historic reenactors, adding unique elements to city views.
The Glassell Park Peak
A hidden street in Glassell Park offers elevated views rivaling expensive hilltop
homes. The neighborhood’s diverse architecture adds interesting elements to skyline
photos.
Sunset creates perfect conditions for silhouette photography of downtown buildings.
The Elysian Valley Edge
A quiet spot along the LA River bike path provides unique low-angle views of
downtown. River wildlife adds natural elements to urban photography, especially
during morning hours.
Local cyclists know this spot offers perfect sunrise views over the city.
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Discover LA’s Secret Viewing Points
These hidden viewpoints reveal Los Angeles from perspectives that expensive
observation decks can’t match, proving that the best views often come free of
charge. While tourist crowds pay premium prices for standard vistas, these secret
spots offer authentic experiences of the city’s dramatic geography and urban
landscape.
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