15 Non-Touristy Things To Do In LA (From A Local’s Perspective!)

15 Non-Touristy Things To Do In LA (From A Local’s Perspective!)

Having lived in LA for over seven years, I’ve seen the best and the worst of the city. Sure, most of that time I was commuting across the city, working on the West Side, then enduring the miserable drive back east to Silver Lake.

During all those in-between hours and free weekends, I made it a point to explore. I’d detour off main roads, try small restaurants tucked into strip malls, wander neighborhoods I had no real reason to be in other than curiosity.

Over time, I’ve covered a lot of the nooks and crannies people don’t talk about on the typical “3 Days In LA” itinerary.

Depending on who you ask, LA is either where big dreams come true or a flashy, tourist-packed circus. But the truth is, the city is so massive that it’s actually very easy to avoid the Hollywood and Sunset Blvd loop entirely.

When friends and family visit, I genuinely never take them to the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, or even Griffith Park—not because I have anything against them (well actually, the Walk of Fame area is pretty gross haha), but because there’s just more interesting stuff to do than the same handful of attractions every travel site repeats.

If you’re tired of dodging selfie sticks, weaving through crappy souvenir shops, or navigating the Fairfax and Melrose hypebeast scene, I’m here to tell you… you have OTHER options.

LA’s magic is its neighborhoods, not its landmarks. I’m talking about its low-key wine bars in converted houses, oddball museums you stumble into by accident, mom-and-pop eateries that don’t care about aesthetics but absolutely nail the food.

The activities and experiences below are the kinds of places I take people when I want them to understand the version of LA that made me fall in love with living here, not just visiting.

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1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Nuart Theatre

If you want a truly old-school, only-in-LA night out, catch a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Nuart Theatre.

The Nuart has been running it every Saturday at midnight since 1986, complete with live performers acting it out in front of the screen. The first time I went, I was completely dumbfounded and overstimulated. There was so much happening at once that I didn’t know whether to watch the movie, the cast, or the audience yelling back at the screen.

It’s super fun and to this day, it’s one of the most unique experiences I take visitors to when I want to show them a different side of LA!

The only real challenge? Convincing yourself to stay awake long enough to make that midnight start time worth it.

2. Do one of the city’s immersive escape rooms

This is listed near the top because I actually came up with the idea for this guide after doing the Treasure Island escape room in San Pedro, CA. It was such a ******* magical experience!

Los Angeles has hands-down some of the best escape rooms in the country. No other city even comes close. LA is where movies are born, so you’d expect top-notch production to be at the crux of everything they produce.

It’s no different with escape rooms. The production value here feels more like immersive theater than puzzle-solving in a random strip mall.

Lab Rat and The Nest (both by Hatch Escapes) are standout experiences that nearly every escape room enthusiast in LA knows about. Both award-winning and genuinely unforgettable, even if you’ve done escape rooms elsewhere.

The Nest, created by Scout Expedition Co., blends immersive theater, video games, and escape rooms into one experience and was recognized with a Thea Award, putting it in the same league as Disney’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Universal’s Bourne Stuntacular.

If you’re an escape room nerd and willing to drive a bit, Treasure Island by Brain Games in San Pedro is 100% worth the drive!! It’s so funky and fun, especially if you’re into tiki, pirates, and hidden treasure.

And if you’re willing to road trip a bit further, The Ministry of Peculiarities in Azusa, CA is absolutely worth the trek for seasoned players.

3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

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If you’re stuck on where to take out-of-town friends who love movies and TV, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is an easy yet memorable way to spend a few hours. The studio lot in Burbank spans over 100 acres, and the tour actually takes you through real working soundstages and backlot streets that you’ve definitely seen on screen.

You’ll recognize full neighborhood facades that have doubled as everything from small-town America to New York City, you’ll get to step onto iconic sets like Central Perk from Friends, see original costumes and props up close, and walk through immersive exhibits tied to franchises like Harry Potter and the DC Universe.

I haven’t personally done it (it’s not the cheapest activity in town), but my best friend took her parents when they visited, and all three of them said it was 100% worth it.

They loved seeing how scenes are actually filmed, learning production tricks, and realizing how many shows were shot on the same stretch of backlot. If you want something that feels uniquely LA without just staring at landmarks from a distance, this is a solid, interactive way to spend half a day.

4. Ensenada’s Best Fish Tacos

Fish Taco Wednesday is where it’s at.

You kind of had to live in the South Bay to know about Ensenada’s Best Fish Tacos, which is part of why it still feels local despite expanding to now multiple locations across the South Bay.

When I lived in Gardena, it was just one spot, and it’s grown organically because it’s consistently good. If you can swing a midweek visit, there are deals to be had!

Taco Tuesday is solid for classic street tacos, but Fish Taco Wednesday is the real move and what they’re known for. Go hungry!

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5. Explore Silver Lake on foot

I lived in Silver Lake for about two years, and it’s one of the neighborhoods where I really felt like I understood LA beyond the surface. Known as a longtime hipster haven, it has that slightly offbeat, creative energy that shows up in everything from the street style to the storefronts.

When I wasn’t commuting back from the West Side, I’d spend afternoons just walking along Sunset Blvd and the surrounding side streets, popping into random shops or grabbing a snack somewhere new.

There’s a ton of personality packed into a small area, so expect everything from colorful murals splashed across building walls, indie boutiques, vintage stores, and yes, more than a few woo-woo crystal shops that feel very LA.

If you want to balance it out with something active, you can loop the Silver Lake Reservoir for a straightforward workout walk, or head over to Echo Park Lake for a more scenic path with skyline views and lotus blooms in the summer.

Food-wise, you’ve got everything from low-key ethnic eateries to trendier sit-down spots. You can do brunch at Sawyer, All Day Baby or Millie’s Cafe, grab beers and pizza at Mohawk Bend for happy hour, then wander into whatever spot catches your eye next.

At night, we’d head to The Echo and Echoplex for their themed events like Emo Nite or Echoflex (featuring all the best 2000s R&B and hip-hop throwbacks), and other monthly parties that draw a fun, unpretentious crowd.

6. Hang out at Atwater Village and Los Feliz

If it’s a Saturday, make time for the Atwater Village Farmers Market, one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend morning outdoors. The market itself is quaint, relaxed, and very neighborhood-focused. You won’t find massive crowds or influencers prancing around, just solid vendors and locals doing their weekly shopping.

Around the corner, Maru Coffee (technically in Los Feliz) is pure excellence; their signature Creamtop drink is so rich and balanced! Though fair warning, social media has made lines common.

Proof Bakery is a favorite in the area for good reason—grab pastries here if you want something that feels thoughtfully made, not mass-produced. Finish strong at Wanderlust Creamery, which specializes in Asian-inspired ice cream flavors that are dense, flavorful, and not overly sweet. The mango sticky rice ice cream is iconic for a reason and worth ordering even if you’re “just getting a scoop.”

7. Enjoy a Meal in Thai Town

All of our favorite dishes!

Dessert at Kanomwaan

If you want proof that LA’s best meals aren’t always in glossy dining rooms, spend an afternoon (or evening) in the Thai Town district. There are SO many solid, affordable restaurants packed into a few blocks that the hardest part is honestly deciding where to start.

Personally, I love grabbing jade noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop for a casual afternoon meal. This dish is a flavor bomb made with bright green egg noodles tossed with crispy pork, roasted duck, BBQ pork, crab meat, and herbs that make the whole bowl feel refreshing yet still comforting.

For dinner, Ruen Pair is my go-to. It’s open late, the menu is huge, and it’s the perfect place to go with lots of people (so you can go wild ordering family-style and letting the table fill up with all the noodle, curries, grilled meats, and spicy salads).

After dinner, walk a few steps within the same plaza for dessert: first to Bhan Kanom Thai for mango sticky rice or banana leaf–wrapped sweets, and then to Kanomwaan, a modern dessert café serving Thai-inspired gelato, shaved ice, and custard toast.

8. Catch Black Rabbit Rose’s magic show

If you’ve looked into the Magic Castle and immediately felt exhausted trying to figure out memberships, dress codes, and how to score an invite, this is your next best move.

Black Rabbit Rose is a magic-themed lounge just off Hollywood Blvd that gives you the immersive, old-school illusion vibe without the complicated hoops. You walk into an ornate, dimly lit space that feels like it hasn’t changed since the 1960s, then settle in for live magic shows featuring a rotating lineup of magicians and variety performers.

The shows run Thursday through Saturday, perfect for a weekend date night. The experience will feel super intimate—you’ll be close enough to the stage that you’ll genuinely wonder how they pulled off certain tricks!

There’s also tableside magic and nightly live music, so even between acts, something is happening. The cocktails included with the show are themed (yep, potions and dramatic presentations are involved), and they’re actually well-made!

Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially for weekends, because the space is small and sells out fast.

9. Do the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook hike

Looking for a quick booty burn and some time in the fresh outdoors? The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is short, brutal, and oh so worth the effort.

The stairs leading up to the top are no joke, but it’s short enough that most people can power through. At the top, you’re rewarded with a surprisingly good view of downtown LA and the surrounding basin.

This one’s popular with locals attempting to squeeze in exercise before work or at sunset, but it never feels like a tourist attraction. Go earlier in the day if you want fewer people and less heat.

What makes this hike even better is what’s nearby. You’re just minutes from Culver Junction and Downtown Culver City, where you can reward yourself immediately after. Grab pasta or seasonal small plates at Bianca, splurge on a steak dinner at Dear John’s, or keep it casual with something easy like fried chicken at Honey’s Kettle.

10. Cosm

Courtesy of LA Times

Cosm is best described as a smaller-scale version of the Las Vegas Sphere, but without the chaos or the crazy price points of the Strip. Some of their previous immersive viewing experiences have included The Matrix and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. They also have sports viewings!

The visuals wrap around you, which’ll make you feel more like stepping into the film than just watching it. Catching a movie here is a fun option if you want something visually impressive but still rather low-key.

Since programming rotates periodically, check the schedule in advance.

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11. Get AYCE KBBQ

If you’re in LA and skip all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, you’re doing it wrong.

Hae Jang Chon has consistently been one of my go-tos for solid quality at a reasonable price! You get good cuts of meat, fast service, and an amazing spread of banchan to pair with your meats.

That said, Koreatown is packed with delicious options if AYCE is not what you’re in the mood for. Take your pick from late-night tofu houses, fried chicken spots, trendy dessert cafés, karaoke bars, and speakeasy-style lounges all within a few blocks of each other.

After dinner, you can “walk off” some of the damage by wandering through H Mart for snacks, Korean skincare, or just to browse the aisles aimlessly.

Pro Tip: Traffic and parking around dinner time can be nightmareish in this area, so I usually recommend heading there by rideshare unless you want to circle for 20 minutes hunting for a spot.

12. Enjoy the botanical gardens at Huntington Library

Located in San Marino, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is home to a world-renowned art collection and one of the most impressive botanical garden complexes in Southern California.

You can easily spend half a day wandering through themed gardens—one minute you’re under bamboo in the Japanese Garden, the next you’re walking past towering cacti that look straight out of Arizona.

There are plenty of benches tucked into quiet corners, so you can actually sit and enjoy the setting instead of rushing from one thing to the next.

If you’re trying to time your visit right, spring (March–May) is hands-down the best season. The rose garden is in full bloom, the wisteria tunnels are dripping in purple flowers, and the weather is warm but not brutal.

Fall (October–November) is another sweet spot—fewer crowds, cooler temps, and golden light that makes the Chinese Garden especially peaceful in the late afternoon. Summer can still be beautiful, but expect heat, especially in the desert garden sections where there’s limited shade.

13. Go secondhand shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

Held at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, the Rose Bowl Flea Market takes over the stadium grounds on the last Sunday of every month with more than 2,500 vendors.

Before you get to imagining a quaint little pop-up market, lemme burst your bubble. It’s not. It’s MASSIVE.

You’ll find racks on racks on racks of broken-in Levi’s, old band tees, mid-century dressers, vintage jewelry cases you’ll need to dig through, and the occasional vintage designer piece hiding in plain sight.

If you’re serious about scoring the good stuff, get there early! The best vintage denim, 90s sportswear, sports jerseys, and well-priced furniture usually get scooped within the first couple of hours.

Bring some cash (some vendors still prefer it), wear sunscreen, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. The outer edges of the market often have better deals than the front rows near the entrance, where the highly curated (and higher-priced) vendors set up.

Catch a game or concert at the Rose Bowl!

Since we’re on the subject, if you love live events, check out the Rose Bowl’s events calendar. The Rose Bowl isn’t just for the annual Rose Bowl Game; it regularly hosts major concerts and international tours.

Artists like The Rolling Stones, BTS, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, U2, Green Day, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z have all played here, which tells you the scale we’re talking about!

14. Catch the sunset at Terranea Resort

Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is Terranea Resort and Spa, one of the best places to grab a cocktail and enjoy the sunset–even if you’re not a hotel guest! This property is epic, encompassing 102 acres of sprawling seaside grounds with unbeatable Pacific Ocean views.

There are also more than two miles of coastal trails on the property that you can explore, and around sunset is the ideal time to do all of this.

After your stroll, head to the on-site bar and lounge, The Lobby Bar & Terrace, for the perfect sunset with a cocktail in hand.

After the sun officially goes down, you can head on over to Mar’Sel, the property’s iconic restaurant, to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the waves crashing against the seaside cliffs. You may even catch a sight of the migrating whales!

Since Terranea faces south on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, you can actually see the sun rise and set from a single location, which is pretty awesome if you’re lucky enough to snag yourself a stay here.

15. Catch a movie at Melrose Rooftop Theater

If you’re looking for a unique date spot in Los Angeles, look no further than Melrose Rooftop Theater. This open-air theater (and total hidden gem) is located atop a parking garage in the Melrose/Fairfax district. On hot summer nights, it’s the perfect spot for an evening under the stars!

With a mix of new releases and classic films, there’s always something fun playing on any given week. The theater itself is small and intimate, with a cozy lounge area where you can grab a drink before the show.

And if you’re looking to make things extra special, you can pack a picnic basket ahead of time or enjoy a pre-theater dinner meal at E.P. & L.P.

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